What are the best sports for betting in Canada?

Here are the four most popular sports for betting in Canada

THERE ARE MANY interesting sports in Canada, and people not only watch them for fun but also place wagers on them. This gives them a great chance to experience the excitement of what is happening on the pitch. Some newcomers may wonder which sports are the best to bet on, given that there are so many options available today. To find the answer, read this article till the end.

1. Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is considered a cultural icon and the national sport of Canada. It is not only a passion but also an inevitable part of people’s daily lives. According to Hockey Canada, there are up to 607 thousand people who participate in both amateur and professional ice hockey tournaments across the country.

The NHL (National Hockey League) is the biggest ice hockey league in the world, attracting attention not only from Canadians but also from people in many other countries. Canada has seven teams competing in the league, including famous names such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks. The Stanley Cup is the prestigious title that every team dreams of winning. Each year, millions of fans keep their eyes on this intense competition, and so do bettors.

2. Soccer

Soccer is developing rapidly in Canada, although it doesn’t have the long history that it does in many other countries. The sport is governed by the Canadian Soccer Association and is a member of CONCACAF. Although the national team hasn’t achieved many outstanding results on the global stage, it is receiving increasing attention from local fans.

Major tournaments like the Canadian Championship and Major League Soccer, where clubs such as Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and CF Montréal play, have a huge fan base. With Canada being one of the three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the popularity of soccer in the country is growing quickly.

Apart from professional competitions, youth soccer is also worth following in Canada, with leagues such as the Canadian Youth Soccer League and the Toronto Youth Soccer League producing promising talents. For bettors, it’s recommended to follow these competitions from the beginning to spot potential players. Once they advance to bigger stages, you’ll have more data to analyze because you’ve already been following their development since day one.

3. Basketball

After the Toronto Raptors’ success, basketball has taken off in Canada. Although the sport originated in the United States, Canada has played an important role in its history, as Canadian educator James Naismith invented basketball in 1891. Today, basketball is one of the country’s most popular sports.

Canada is currently home to one NBA team, the Toronto Raptors. Although the Vancouver Grizzlies were once based in Canada, the franchise relocated to Memphis in 2001. Since then, the Raptors have continued to grow in popularity and have become the face of Canadian basketball. Their greatest achievement came in 2019 when they won their first NBA Championship, marking a historic milestone for basketball in Canada.

The Raptors have built their reputation not only through their championship victory but also thanks to outstanding players such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Pascal Siakam. Their games regularly attract millions of viewers worldwide, and every season they remain one of the NBA’s most talked-about teams.

Canadian basketball has also gained international recognition through the success of its national team. Canada has consistently climbed the FIBA World Rankings and produced several elite NBA players, including Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With young talent continuing to emerge, the future of Canadian basketball looks very bright.

When exploring different sports, you will notice that betting markets and available options can vary between operators. That is why many experienced and new bettors compare sportsbooks in Canada to consider this 2026 before choosing a platform.

4. Tennis

Tennis is another favorite and popular sport in Canada. Great players such as Milos Raonic, Bianca Andreescu, and Denis Shapovalov have represented Canada in many international tournaments and brought home numerous titles. Bianca Andreescu is a good example, as she became the first Canadian to win the US Open in 2019.

Canada is also a familiar host for many major tournaments, including the Rogers Cup and the National Bank Open. The Rogers Cup, held alternately in Toronto and Montreal, is one of the biggest events on the ATP and WTA tours, attracting many of the world’s leading tennis players. Meanwhile, the National Bank Open, held in Toronto and Montreal, is another prestigious tournament that regularly features top tennis stars.

Above are the four most popular sports for betting in Canada. Each has its own appeal, and to bet successfully, you should take the time to understand how the sport works, research players’ current form, and consider other factors such as the weather and their opponents. In the end, it is your choice to pick the one that suits you best.