There are a number of different sports that bettors in Canada can look to place a wager on, however there are many that can be considered to be a lot more popular than certain other sports. For instance, it would not be a surprise to learn that ice hockey is one of the most popular sports to bet on, as the sport is synonymous with the country.
If you are looking to bet on sports in Canada, we recommend checking out this list of Canadian sportsbooks on BettingGuide.com to easily compare safe, legal and trusted bookies. You will also find a wide range of betting guides, tips and strategy covering all of the popular sports and leagues in Canada including the NHL, MLB, NBA and more.
Now, let's take a look some of the most popular sports that Canadians bet on and why they are so popular:
Ice Hockey
As mentioned, the sport of ice hockey can be closely associated with Canada and it has also been known as Canada’s game in some circles. The NHL (National Hockey League) consists of seven teams that are based in Canada, which has only helped to further its appeal in the country.
A NHL season goes on for 10 months of a year every year, therefore providing a huge number of opportunities for punters to get involved, therefore making it a hugely popular betting sport for many in the country.
Basketball
Although Basketball might be considered to be more favourable south of the border, Canadians have certainly found it a popular sport to bet on. Of course, there is the franchise, the Toronto Raptors, to hail from the country in the National Basketball Association (NBA), who have also been able to be successful in the sport recently, having won the NBA Championships in 2019 for the very first time.
It should also be remembered that the sport was initially invented by a Canadian called James Naismith, whilst some of the hottest prospects in the game are Canadian. This has further boosted the appeal of the sport amongst bettors, especially as there are hundreds of games played each season.
Baseball
Again, another sport perhaps synonymous with America, Baseball becomes highly popular for Canadian bettors in the summer. Once the NHL, NFL and NBA seasons have come to an end, the MLB takes centre stage, with many cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays and hoping they get back to their successful period in the early 1990s. The 2015 and 2016 seasons help rejuvenate the sport for Canadian bettors, as well.
American Football
The NFL is another popular sport for bettors in Canada, as it is considered to be one of the most popular sports in the country. In addition to the CFL, many will look to bet on the action throughout the winter months when the sport is scheduled to take place.
UFC
The UFC has become highly popular for punters in Canada and it should not be a surprise as one of the UFC’s biggest crowds was at an event held in Toronto - having once held the record. With stars to have come from the country, UFC has become popular with Canadians and will likely continue to attract new bettors with each main event bout that happens.
Soccer
Although soccer might not be something strongly considered with Canadians, there are still a number of fans of the sport located in the country. Whether it be following the English Premier League or the Major League Soccer (MLS) competitions, there are still a large number of bettors to have been attracted to wagering on the action.
With the likes of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David being considered sensations within the sport, it would not be a surprise if the sport were to increase in popularity amongst bettors in the future, especially if the Canada Men’s National Team can benefit from the quality coming through at a major tournament.
