Esports Betting Guide 2023 – Best Esports Betting Sites Canada
Esports have grown immensely in recent years and the total market value exceeded $1 billion in 2021. What’s more impressive is the number of viewers, as there were more than 234 million esports enthusiasts in 2021, and this number is expected to grow to 285 million by 2024. It is no wonder then why esports betting is so popular online.
- All
50% Match Deposit Bonus
50% Match Deposit Bonus
- Huge Range of Sports Markets
- $1,000 Welcome Bonus
- Live In-Game Betting
100% Deposit Match up to $600 + 50 free spins
100% Deposit Match up to $600 + 50 free spins
- HD-Quality Live Streaming Services
- Huge Bitcoin Bonuses
- Wide Range of Esports
15% Cash Back First 7 Days
15% Cash Back First 7 Days
- Curaçao Gaming Control Board license
- VIP / High Roller Bonuses
- 35+ Sports to Bet On
Welcome Sports Bonus 100% up to C$150
Welcome Sports Bonus 100% up to C$150
- Accepts Canadian players
- Great reload bonuses
- Free bets available
350% Sports Welcome Package – First Deposit: 125% up to 1250€
350% Sports Welcome Package – First Deposit: 125% up to 1250€
- Crypto friendly
- Large welcome package
- Accepts Canadian players
150% Sports Welcome Offer Up To C$300
150% Sports Welcome Offer Up To C$300
- Above average competitive odds
- Great coverage of sports including cyber sports
- Midweek reload bonuses up to 25% on deposit
Sports Welcome Bonus 100% up to 500€
Sports Welcome Bonus 100% up to 500€
- 30+ markets
- Cash out feature
- Accepts Canadian players
100% Deposit Match up to $150
100% Deposit Match up to $150
- Growing Brand Worldwide
- Huge Range of Betting Promotions
- Fast and Secure Payments
150% Welcome Bonus Worth $150CAD
150% Welcome Bonus Worth $150CAD
- Collect soccer cards and trade for real money
- Weekly Bitcoin tournaments
- Virtual sports available
100% Sports Welcome Offer Worth $100CAD
100% Sports Welcome Offer Worth $100CAD
- $100 welcome bonus
- Accepts all Canadian players
- Easy deposit & withdrawal methods
100% up to €75 + €10 free-bet
100% up to €75 + €10 free-bet
- Great promotions
- Good eSports focus
- Accepts Canadian players
100% up to €150 in Free Bets
100% up to €150 in Free Bets
- In-Play betting feature
- eSports focus
- Great sports promotions
This page will be your complete guide to esports gambling in Canada. We will unveil the top online sportsbooks currently offering betting markets for the most popular esports titles and also guide you through the sea of games, tournaments, teams, and players.
List of the Best Esports Betting Sites 2023
- Lucky Block – Best overall esports betting site in Canada
- Powbet – Leading crypto sportsbook for esports enthusiasts
- 1Bet – Best esports betting site for rebates and parlays
- WeltBet – Top esports betting site for newcomers
- Club Riches – Fun esports betting site with competitive odds
- 31Bet – Trusted esports operator offering reliable payouts
- 1Good.Bet – Simple esports betting site for CS:GO and LoL Fans
- Rabona – User-friendly esports betting site with large bonuses
- Cobrabet – Esports betting state with high limits
- BetiBet – Best new esports betting site to launch
Reviews of the Best Esports Sportsbooks
We have covered the top 10 sportsbooks in more detail below, allowing you to find the best fit for your needs. Each site is unique, so they offer different strengths and weaknesses. It can also be a good idea to sign up with several of them, claim all the welcome bonuses and compare their esports betting odds before placing each bet. That will ensure you earn the maximum value.
1. Bodog – Best overall esports betting site in Canada
Our experts ultimately rated Bodog as Canada’s best esports betting site. It takes bets on League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, Call of Duty, Wild Rift, Valorant and various other games. The site covers a wide array of esports tournaments, from major LAN events to smaller online tournaments, and it provides an impressive choice of bet types. If you cannot find a bet you want to place, use the #NameYourPlay option to ask for a price on it.
Bodog is great for live esports betting. You can watch the action in high-definition via the live streaming service, while checking out continually updated live betting lines. It also offers quick, secure payouts, bonuses with relatively low rollover requirements, 24/7 customer service and competitive esports betting odds, so we have crowned it the best esports betting site in Canada.
Pros:
- Superb live esports betting service with live streaming
- Appealing odds on lots of esports betting markets
- Provides quick, secure payouts through multiple methods
- User-friendly platform with 24/7 support
Cons:
- Smaller welcome bonus than some rivals
- Better for MOBA and FPS games than sport-themed games
2. Stake – Leading crypto sportsbook for esports enthusiasts
This exciting esports betting site burst onto the scene during the Bitcoin bull run in 2017. It is primarily designed for crypto users, but there are fiat-based options too. Stake.com has emerged as the leading grey market crypto sportsbook in Canada, operating in every province and territory. It has also relaunched as a locally-regulated operator in Ontario under a new domain, Stake.ca.
You will notice that Stake offers a far more stylish and modern interface than the other sportsbooks featured on this list. It takes pre-match and in-play bets on a variety of esports, including LoL, Dota 2, CS:GO and Valorant, and it is a great option for sports-based games like FIFA and NBA 2K too. Stake does not have an esports section, so you will need to locate individual games within the main sports menu. A useful tool shows you the bets that fellow esports enthusiasts have placed, divided into regular bettors and high rollers.
Pros:
- Very stylish esports betting site with a great user experience
- Pre-match and in-play bets on a variety of esports
- Shows you the bets placed by other users for inspiration
- Generous bonuses and promotions
Cons:
- Does not group esports together in a dedicated section
- Not ideal for players that do not use crypto
3. BetOnline – Best esports betting site for rebates and parlays
BetOnline offers a similar esports betting service to Bodog. It has a specific esports section, which you can access via the main menu. Betting is available on a long list of titles, including League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO, Call of Duty, Valorant, King of Glory, StarCraft II, Warcraft 3, Overwatch, NBA Battle and NBA Blitz. You can watch the action live through a Twitch plugin. The odds are competitive, the lines are released early and there are lots of markets available.
This is a great option for esports bonuses. There is a large welcome bonus and reload bonus available, and you can then benefit from two recurring promos. The Parlay Power Up offer earns you a profit boost of up to 60% on winning esports parlays, while the rebate earns you a 20% refund on any losses each week, giving you a second chance to win. BetOnline also offers very high betting limits and quick payouts.
Pros:
- Offers a fantastic weekly esports rebate
- Boosts winnings on successful parlays
- Covers lots of esports in depth
- Live streaming service is reliable and sharp
Cons:
- Credit card deposit fees will be charged
- Sign-up bonus has a large playthrough requirement
4. XBet – Top esports betting site for newcomers
We recommend XBet for any beginners to the exciting world of esports betting. It has a far simpler layout than the three sites mentioned above, and there are fewer markets to choose from. XBet also covers a smaller array of esports and tournaments. The focus is on convenience, simplicity and speed.
If you are looking for a safe, reliable site to bet on the biggest esports events quickly and easily, with competitive lines, XBet is a great shout. It includes relatively low rollover requirements on bonus credits, and the customer service is strong.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly site for esports betting
- Great customer service
- Competitive lines on the biggest esports tournaments
- Relatively low rollover requirements
Cons:
- Covers fewer esports events than rivals
- Slower to release esports betting lines than competitors
5. MyBookie – Fun esports betting site with competitive odds
MyBookie is a household name among experienced Canadian bettors. It is one of the most prominent offshore sportsbooks, along with Bodog and BetOnline, with a reputation for offering large bonuses, a fun loyalty program and betting options on offbeat events. There is an esports section within the main sportsbook menu, and it predominantly focuses on LoL and CS:GO.
You will sometimes find market leading lines at MyBookie, so we recommend signing up with this site and a couple of others. That means you can then shop for lines and get the best odds on each esports wager you place. MyBookie is a sister site to XBet. They are identical in almost every department, but MyBookie has larger bonuses. On the flipside, the rollover requirements are lower at XBet.
Pros:
- Competitive lines on LoL and CS:GO
- Fun esports betting site with great loyalty program
- User-friendly platform for beginners
- Provides some interesting esports props
Cons:
- Higher rollover requirements than XBet
- Narrower esports coverage than many rivals
6. Everygame – Trusted esports operator offering reliable payouts
Everygame offers a basic esports betting service for anyone that wants to wager on LoL, CS:GO and Dota 2 as quickly as possible. It only covers big tournaments, and it does not offer betting on smaller games. You will not find much in the way of prop bets either, as it mainly sticks to moneylines.
The odds are broadly in line with those found at the likes of MyBookie, BetOnline and Bodog. However, it does not offer the value-added features, such as live streaming. Everygame offers strong coverage of worldwide sports leagues and some interesting parlay bonuses. If you like betting on lots of traditional sporting events and the biggest esports tournaments, it is a solid option.
Pros:
- Makes it easy to bet on big esports tournaments
- Old-school site that holds a trustworthy reputation
- Interesting parlay promotions
- Pays out customers quickly
Cons:
- Limited esports coverage
- Does not offer live streaming
7. BetNow – Simple esports betting site for CS:GO and LoL Fans
BetNow is another esports betting site focused on simplicity. In fact, its strapline on the homepage reads: “We keep it simple.” That ethos filters down to the quick sign-up process, the user-friendly online cashier, the accessible interface and the seamless payout process.
Once again, this is not the best site for anyone seeking exotic props on obscure tournaments. It covers major CS:GO and LoL events, and the occasional Dota 2 event. However, it offers appealing odds on the events it covers, and it is very quick and easy-to-use, while there are some great bonuses and contests too.
Pros:
- Very simple esports betting site
- Quick, efficient sign-up process
- Sharper lines than many rivals on big esports events
- Generous sign-up offer for esports bettors
Cons:
- Does not cover as many esports events as competitors
- Lacks a live streaming service
8. BUSR – User-friendly esports betting site with large bonuses
BUSR occasionally takes bets on League of Legends and Counter-Strike. You will need to wait until a major event is taking place, as it does not cover the smaller tournaments found at the likes of BetOnline and Stake. Just head to the esports section on the main menu to see if any options are available.
This sportsbook is similar to BetNow, as it has a basic design and it makes the online betting process simple. Some of the odds are not quite as sharp, but it does offer some large bonuses. It is nice to have a choice of sign-up offers. BUSR is safe, trusted and dependable too, so we decided to add it in at No. 8 in our list of Canada’s top 10 esports betting sites.
Pros:
- User-friendly option for betting on big esports tournaments
- Choice of different welcome bonuses
- Effective mobile betting site for esports fans
- Trusted esports betting operator that pays out on time
Cons:
- Does not cover many esports events
- Basic software compared to leading rivals
9. SportsBetting.ag – Esports betting state with high limits
SportsBetting.ag is a superb esports site that covers a wide array of games, tournaments and matchups. It is a sister site to BetOnline, and they offer the same esports markets, odds, bonuses, contests, features, deposit options, payout speeds and customer service. That makes SportsBetting.ag an elite esports betting site.
However, they look very different. BetOnline has been updated, so it can now compete with the likes of Stake, Bodog and PowBet in terms of user-friendliness and aesthetics. SportsBetting.ag still uses the old technology that BetOnline previously ran on, and it now appears dated by comparison, so we decided to place it lower on our list.
Pros:
- Takes bets on a large array of esports events
- Early lines and competitive esports odds
- Quick payouts via crypto and other methods
- Large bonuses, promotions and rebates
Cons:
- Not as user-friendly or attractive as BetOnline
- High rollover requirements on its sign-up bonus
10. PowBet – Best new esports betting site
PowBet is the most exciting new esports site to hit the market in recent years. It launched in 2021, offering a very modern, slick interface, eye-catching promos and a unique rewards program called Power Squad. PowBet has an elite sportsbook, racebook and online casino, and it also provides excellent esports coverage.
Games offered include Dota 2, League of Legends, CS:GO, Valorant, Arena of Valor, Overwatch, StarCraft II, Wild Rift and various sports-themed games. There are loads of pre-match and in-play bets available, with live streaming on lots of matchups. In many ways, it is vastly superior to the likes of Everygame and BUSR, but it is still new, and we would like to see PowBet extend its record of delivering prompt payouts a little longer before moving it up the list.
Pros:
- Excellent new esports betting site with a stylish layout
- Provides a huge volume of esports betting options
- Live streaming service and lots of in-game lines
- Appealing Power Squad loyalty program
Cons:
- Still a newcomer to the esports betting scene
- Some rivals have a larger sign-up offer
FAQs About Esports Betting
What is esports betting?
Is betting on esports legal?
What are the best betting sites for esports?
How can I claim a bonus for esports betting?
How are esports betting odds calculated?
Comparing the Best Esports Betting Sites
All of our top 10 betting sites for esports are worth checking out due to their markets, odds, bonuses and valuable features. The following table highlights some of the most important aspects for new customers.
Sportsbook Welcome Bonus Parlays Live Betting Live Esports Streaming Bodog 100% up to $400 ✅ ✅ ✅ Stake.com 200% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ✅ BetOnline 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ✅ XBet 50% up to $500 ✅ ✅ ✅ MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ✅ Everygame 100% up to $250 ✅ ✅ ❌ BetNow 150% up to $300 ✅ ✅ ❌ BUSR 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ❌ SportsBetting.ag 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ✅ PowBet 100% up to $100 ✅ ✅ ✅ Is Esports Betting Legal in Canada?
Esports betting is legal on a nationwide basis. The minimum legal age for esports betting is either 18 or 19, depending on which province or territory you are located in. Up until 2021, locally-regulated sites run by lottery corporations – such as PlayNow in British Columbia, Mise-o-jeu+ in Quebec and PROLINE+ in Ontario – were only permitted to accept parlays with a minimum of three legs, so most bettors used offshore sportsbooks instead.
The federal government changed the Criminal Code in 2021 to permit single game sports betting. That allows those local sites to accept wagers on individual esports matchups. Some of them have started to do so, but several still lack esports sections.
Most players still use offshore esports betting sites. It is legal to place bets at them, and they offer a vastly better all-round service than locally-regulated betting sites. We have explained the key benefits in the “Advantages of Offshore Esports Betting Sites” section below.
Are Offshore Esports Betting Sites Legal in Canada?
Yes, it is legal for Canadian adults to use offshore esports betting sites. There are no federal laws that would stop you from signing up with a site like Bodog, BetOnline or XBet, making a deposit, placing esports bets and getting paid out. No provinces or territories have passed laws to prevent residents from doing so either.
Back in 2016, Quebec’s government passed a bill seeking to place an IP block on overseas gambling sites. It would have effectively prevented residents from using them. However, Quebec’s Superior Court overruled the decision, declaring it to be unconstitutional. That represented a victory for bettors in the province, as they could continue betting on esports, traditional sports, casino games, horse races or poker tournaments at offshore sites.
No other provinces have tried to pass a similar bill since then. As such, there is nothing to stop you using offshore sites. However, they are not regulated by Canadian authorities, which led them to be collectively referred to as the grey market. For that reason, it is important to stick with safe, trusted sites that have been vetted by our experts. These recommended esports betting sites are licensed in their home countries, and they can be trusted.
Advantages of Offshore Esports Betting Sites
Competitive gaming fans will receive plenty of advantages by using an offshore esports betting site:
- They are available nationwide, so anyone in Canada can bet on esports. Many locally regulated, lottery-run betting sites do not have esports sections, so your only option is to find a trustworthy offshore operator.
- Offshore sportsbooks provide more esports betting options than locally-regulated operators. The best sites featured on this page cover a huge volume of tournaments, spanning a wide range of games, and they offer plenty of prop bets, in-play bets and alternate lines.
- The odds are generally better at offshore sites. They are in competition with one another, so the best operators work hard to offer enticing lines. Local sites behave more like monopolies, and they often provide unappealing odds.
- The bonuses are normally larger when you visit an offshore esports betting site. This goes back to the competition they face and the need to offer compelling reasons for players to sign up. It is also cheaper to run a sportsbook in Costa Rica or Curaçao than Canada, due to staff costs, energy costs and tax rates, so the top esports betting sites pass cost savings to their players through better bonuses and odds.
- You can make crypto deposits and withdrawals at offshore esports betting sites. That is a major advantage for certain bettors that hold crypto. It also means you can receive same day payouts, rather than waiting for several days for a local site to process a bank transfer.
Our Criteria for Choosing a Top Esports Betting Site
In order to bring you the best online betting site for all your esports needs, we review countless contenders. Our team of experts reviews each sportsbook in detail across a proven series of metrics. We then allocate a numerical value for each section in order to make it easier to compare at the end. Criteria for esports betting site reviews include:
Choice of Esports Games
Wide coverage of a variety of esports games is a great indicator of a superior sportsbook. Bodog stands out here by going the extra mile and covering esports games that many other sites don’t feature. It takes bets on the big tournaments, along with lots of smaller satellite events and regional tournaments, so you are never short of action.
Range of Esports Bets
The offering of betting markets is important for experienced esports gamblers. In addition to the standard bets for the winner of the match, we also want to see plenty of totals and prop bets. This is another section where Bodog stands out as the best esports betting site with its many markets and alternative lines.
Bonus & Promotions
One of the advantages of online gambling on esports is access to bonuses and promotions. These can help users boost their bankrolls and thus afford to make more and bigger bets. BetOnline is a great example of an esports gambling site with bonuses and promotions. It has a $1,000 welcome bonus, a free live bet, parlay boosts and a generous rebate.
Safety & Security
The safety and security of our readers is always the top priority, and that is why we carefully review each betting site, check its security credentials, and verify the banking system. We also look for trusted companies with excellent reputations. Our top 10 esports betting sites can all be relied upon to protect your details, keep you safe and pay out if you win.
Payment Methods
A solid range of payment methods makes it easy to deposit and withdraw funds. Some of the most popular banking methods in Canada include Interac, MuchBetter, Visa, MasterCard, PaySafeCard, Bitcoin and ecoPayz. A mix of credit cards, debit cards, eWallets, and prepaid cards can help keep all customers happy.
Customer Support
Although often times overlooked by new visitors, the customer support service is an essential part of each esports betting site review. It shows how well the operator takes care of its users and how fast it can solve problems. Online customer support should be available by live chat and email at any time, day or night.
How to Sign Up and Bet on Esports
After choosing the perfect esports betting site for your needs, you can sign up quickly, claim your welcome bonus and start betting. The entire process takes about two minutes and we will cover the steps below, using Bodog as an example.
1. Visit the Best Esports Betting Site
Click here to visit Bodog, the best esports betting site in Canada, and then click on the “Join” button to open the sportsbook’s sign-up form.
2. Fill in the Form
Provide your name, number, date of birth, email address and postal code. Agree to the terms and certify that you are old enough to bet on esports. The minimum age is 18 or 19, depending on which province or territory you are in. An SMS code will be sent to your mobile device, and you can just type in the code to validate your account.
3. Make Your First Deposit
You’ll be directed to the deposit section. There are lots of options listed, so you can choose one and make a quick and convenient payment. The funds will arrive swiftly, and Bodog will then release your sign-up bonus credits.
4. Select an Esports Betting Market
Select “Esports” from the Sports A-Z option on the main sportsbook menu, choose a game and browse a range of matchups and futures markets. Click on one, browse the esports betting markets and find one you like. Click on that selection to add it to your betslip.
5. Place Your First Wager
Type your chosen bet amount into the “RISK” box and it will display your possible winnings if your prediction is correct. Click to confirm, and you will be paid out after the matchup is over if you win.
How Esports Betting Works
Esports betting works much like any other form of sports betting. The bookmaker sets the odds for an outcome and users can bet on which side they think will be correct. Esports betting odds at Canadian sites are usually displayed in decimal format, but you can switch to fractional or American if preferred.
Let’s take an example with a straightforward bet on the outcome of a League of Legends match between Cloud9 and T1. Cloud9 have 5.00 odds to win, while T1 are at 1.14.
This means that T1 are the clear favorites and a $100 bet on Cloud9 would result in a profit of $400, plus the initial $100 back. We are taking a big risk for backing the underdog.
If we place a $100 bet on T1 and they win, we will win $14 for a total payout of $114. This is a small profit because the team is very likely to win the match based on previous performances.
Single-Game Esports Betting Explained
For many years, locally regulated Canadian sportsbook sites could only accept parlay bets with three or more selections. However, this changed in 2021, when Bill C-218 was passed into law. It went on to become the Safe & Regulated Sports Betting Act, amending the Criminal Code and setting the stage for single-game sports betting to be rolled out across Canada.
This bill allows Canadian provinces and territories to offer single-game esports bets via their lottery-controlled sites, such as PROLINE+, Mise-o-jeu+ and PlayNow. However, most esports fans prefer to stick with the offshore sportsbooks they have been using for several years. Offshore sites have always offered single game esports bets, as they were never affected by the Canadian Criminal Code.
Offshore sportsbooks provide better odds in general than locally regulated operators. They also cover more esports tournaments and provide a larger choice of betting options, so they are the best option for anyone that wants to place single game esports bets or parlays.
Most Popular Esports Games to Bet On
The best esports betting sites cover all of the popular games and often are not limited to the main tournaments of the year. However, there is definitely a strong correlation to the number of viewers an event gets and the number of esports bettors for that event. So, the most popular esports games, are also the most popular for betting.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- Game name: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Genre: First-Person Shooter (FPS)
- Developer: Valve
- Notable tournaments: Major Championships
- Notable players: Nicolai “Device” Reedtz, Oleksandr “S1mple” Kostyliev, Cristopher “Get_Right” Alesund, Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson, Marcelo “coldzera” David
The Counter-Strike series began way back in 1999 and it is the most famous shooter video game in the world. In 2012, Valve released Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a major remake of the game that expanded on the action gameplay. Generally played between two teams of five, the first-person shooter is highly competitive, making it ideal for esports betting.
League of Legends (LOL)
- Game name: League of Legends
- Genre: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
- Developer: Riot Games
- Notable tournaments: World Championship, The Mid Season Invitational, League of Legends European Championship
- Notable players: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther, Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, Luka “Perkz” Perkovic
League of Legends was released by Riot Games in 2010. It is a multiplayer online battle arena game where the goal is to destroy the enemy’s base. There are two teams of five players facing off against each other. LOL esports tournaments take place throughout the year, awarding millions of dollars in prizes.
Dota 2
- Game name: Dota 2
- Genre: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
- Developer: Valve
- Notable tournaments: The International, Majors
- Notable players: Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, Amer “Miracle-“ Barkawi, Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi
Similar to LOL, Dota 2 is a MOBA esports game where two teams compete for the win. The game is well-known in the esports scene for having record-breaking prizes every year. The main event is called The International and usually awards more than $30 million in prizes for the top teams in the world. It also has a large betting following.
StarCraft II
- Game name: StarCraft II
- Genre: Real Time Strategy (RTS)
- Developer: Blizzard
- Notable tournaments: Intel Extreme Masters, ESL Pro Tour, Global StarCraft II League
- Notable players: Joona “Serral” Sotala, Riccardo “Reynor” Romiti, Lee “INnoVation” Shin-Hyung, Lee “Life” Seung-Hyun, Byun “ByuN” Hyun-Woo
As one of the most popular real time strategy (RTS) games in the world, StarCraft II continues to host frequent tournaments every year. It was first played as an esports event in 2010 and has awarded more than $30 million in prizes. Fans of the strategy game often back their favorites on the best betting apps.
Fortnite
- Game name: Fortnite
- Genre: Battle Royale Shooter
- Developer: Epic Games
- Notable tournaments: Fortnite World Cup, Fortnite Skirmish Series, Mid-Season Invitational
- Notable players: Diego “Arkhram” Palma, Brodie “Rehx” Franks, Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, Henrik “Hen” Mclean, Tai “Tayson” Sarcic
Fortnite is relatively new to the esports scene, having its first official tournament in 2018. However, the massive popularity of the online video game has helped it quickly rise in esports as well. It already has more than 500 tournaments, with total prizes exceeding $90 million. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get the best coverage for online betting.
Other Popular Esports
You will also find other esports betting games at the best sites in Canada. These usually include the following:
- Overwatch
- Valorant
- PUBG
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Rocket League
Popular Types of Esports Betting Markets
The best esports betting sites offer multiple types of markets for big matches. You can learn more about them below to get ready for the next major esports tournament.
Moneyline Bets
The moneyline format is mostly used for sports betting in the USA. However, you can also find esports moneyline options on Canadian sites. This bet type shows the odds as a + or – value. For the below example between Natus Vincere and Heroic at CS:GO ESL Pro League, you would win $200 if you bet $100 on Heroic.
Team Moneyline Odds Natus Vincere -277 Heroic +200 Spread Betting
As many esports matches are in the best-of-three format, spread betting often refers to the number of maps won. The bookmaker gives the favorite a map handicap in order to make the odds more even for both sides. If we keep the same example and switch to decimal esports odds, we see that Natus Vincere need to win by at least two maps.
Team Spread Odds Natus Vincere -1.5 2.20 Heroic +1.5 1.61 Totals
Total esports betting markets are very popular at online sportsbooks. These can cover the number of maps played to determine the winner, the number of kills in a match, or the number of objectives, like towers destroyed in a LOL game. The example below from a LOL World Championship match shows two total markets and their odds.
Total Bet Over Under Total Kills 24.5 1.80 1.90 Total Towers 12.5 2.25 1.57 Prop Bets
Proposition bets can cover a wide range of markets, depending on the esports game. For example, bookmakers can have lines for the player with the most headshot kills in a CS:GO match, the first team to slay the Baron in LOL, or the first team to score in Valorant. The bigger the match, the more prop bets it generally has.
Map 1 Prop Bet Yes No Aegis Steal 8.00 1.062 Futures
Future esports betting markets are predictions that will not conclude after one or a few matches. The most popular future is the outright winner of a tournament before it begins. For example, you can bet on the winner of the Dota 2 The International 11 after the participating teams are announced.
Team to Win TI11 Odds PSG.LGD 3.25 Team Spirit 6.0 OG 7.50 Royal Never Give Up 11.00 Team Aster 13.00 Entity 15.00 Tundra Esports 19.00 Evil Geniuses 21.00 Parlays
A parlay is a combination of two or more bets into one. The selections don’t have to be from the same esports match and you can mix and match as you see fit. In order for the parlay to be successful, all of your selections most be correct. While you are taking a bigger risk with parlays, the potential payout is also multiplied between the selections.
Bet Odds Fnatic to win vs Team Liquid (CS:GO ESL) 2.25 OG to Win TI11 (Dota 2 The International 2022) 7.50 100 Thieves to win vs CTBC Flying Oyster (LOL World Championship 2022) 1.42 Total 23.96 Live Esports Betting
As the name suggests, live esports betting is gambling on a match while it is still taking place. Top Canadian esports betting sites provide live markets for all of the big tournaments and often include a live streaming window through Twitch. The odds change as the action progresses and bettors can get their selections in at any time.
Our Top 5 Tips for Betting on Esports
In order to help you make the most of the experience, our experts have prepared some esports betting tips. Keep the following in mind when placing your bets online:
1. Learn the Game
Arguably the most important tip for a successful esports betting session is to really know the game. Most esports titles receive frequent updates that can change the gameplay. We strongly advise that you learn the game and maybe even play it yourself to see how everything works.
2. Research the Teams and Players
Similar to other sports, like NFL betting, the esports scene changes every year. New players come in, experienced players change teams, and the power dynamic shifts very often. It is usually not enough to the have the best players on a team to be successful. Stay up to date with the latest player and team performances for the best bets.
3. Choose the Right Esports Betting Site
With quite a few platforms available in Canada right now, picking the right betting site for esports can have a big effect on the overall outcome. Look for the bookmaker with the best odds and additional bonuses for better results. All of our featured esports betting sites keep the margins low and often add extra promotional deals.
4. Look for Expert Esports Betting Picks
As esports gambling is becoming more and more popular, it is easier than ever to find picks and predictions from experts who actually know what they are talking about. While you don’t always have to follow their recommendations blindly, these expert picks can help you gain more information and details before you make your selections.
5. Responsibly Gamble on Esports
At the end of the day, esports betting should be fun and exciting. We recommend setting aside a budge for an esports tournament that you plan on watching. Based on this budget, calculate the size of each bet and keep everything affordable. Don’t chase your losses and always gamble responsibly.
Bonuses for Esports Betting Online
When betting on esports on the best sites in Canada, you can benefit from various bonuses. These are designed to reward newcomers and active bettors alike, offering free funds and other perks. You can learn more about the different types of esports betting bonuses in this guide to see how to make the most of each offer.
Match Deposit Sign Up Bonuses
The match bonus is the most common offer available at esports betting sites. It helps new customers get settled in by providing extra funds. For example, Bodog has a 100% match deposit bonus up to $400 for new players from Canada. If you deposit $400, you’ll get $400 in bonus funds, leaving you with $800 in total. Bonus funds will have rollover requirements.
No Deposit Bonus
No deposit bonuses for esports betting provide you with site credit, but there is no need to deposit any of your own money to unlock it. You will be awarded the free bet credits after signing up, and you then need to roll them over a certain number of times before the esports betting site will allow you to cash out your winnings. This gives you a chance to test out the site and decide if you want to remain a long-term customer.
Free Bets
As the name suggests, esports free bets allow you to place a wager with house money. You may be paid out in cash if you win. If that is the case, you can withdraw it straight away. Other esports betting sites pay you out in site credit, and you must then satisfy a rollover requirement before withdrawing.
Bitcoin & Crypto Bonuses
These offers are exclusively available for deposits made by Bitcoin, or other accepted cryptocurrencies. Sportsbooks like receiving crypto, as it is cheaper and quicker. Some provide larger bonuses as an incentive to use it. For example, the standard sign-up bonus at BetOnline is a 50% up to $1,000 offer, but it will give you 100% up to $1,000 if you use crypto for your initial deposit.
Reload or Top-Up Bonuses
A reload bonus, also known as a top-up deal or a re-up bonus, is an offer available for existing users that have already redeemed the welcome bonus. Reload bonuses are usually smaller than match deposit sign-up bonuses, but they can be rewarding. To see if the esports betting site has reload bonuses, check the promotions page. MyBookie, XBet, BetOnline and BetNow are among the best operators for reload bonuses.
Risk-Free Bets
Risk-free bets allow you t0 place an esports wager and get your money back if you lose. The refund is normally paid in bonus credits, and you will need to then roll them over a certain number of times before the funds become eligible for withdrawal. Risk-free bets can be offered as a welcome bonus or a promo for existing esports bettors.
Boosted Esports Odds
An online betting promotion often seen online consists of boosted odds for selected markets. These are normally marked accordingly when browsing the betting options to indicate that you stand to win more than normal. BetOnline is our top pick for bet boosts.
Esports Parlay Boost
A parlay boost is a general promotion that increases the payout of your bet by a set percentage. The more selections you have in the parlay, the bigger the boost. BetOnline is a great example, as it offers a profit boost of up to 60% on winning esports parlays.
The Best Payment Methods for Esports Betting
Before you can place your esports bets online, you will first have to add money on the site. Depending on the selected platform, you will have a choice of payment methods and we will cover the most popular ones below.
Traditional Payment Methods
Debit and credit cards remain the most popular payment methods online because of their wide availability. Most Canadian players already have at least one card in their wallets and making deposits with this method is very simple. You just have to enter your card details, select the amount you wish to add, and you are set.
As for withdrawals, licensed operators allow for payouts directly to your card, once your details have been verified. As a result, traditional payment methods remain solid, even if withdrawal transfers can take up to seven business days due to bank processing.
eWallet Betting Options
More and more users are now opting for eWallets for their online transactions. Popular picks include PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and EcoPayz in this category. We also have to mention the MuchBetter app for its popularity and availability in Canada. All of these options allow for instant deposits and are fairly easy to use.
The drawback is that you have to set up an eWallet account and fund it by bank transfer or card payment. You can then use your eWallet balance for deposits on the esports betting site. Withdrawals via this banking method are generally very fast, completed in just a few minutes after approval.
Crypto Betting Options
Cryptocurrency online transfers are now easier than ever. They allow you to make quick, highly secure and efficient payments to offshore sportsbooks, as they are designed to cross international borders with ease. Options include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, Tether and USDC.
Litecoin is a great option, as it is quick and the network fees are often a lot lower than those charged on the Bitcoin or Ethereum blockchains. Other altcoins such as ADA and DOT can be useful too, for the same reasons. Some crypto sportsbooks – including BetOnline – will provide you with better bonuses if you use crypto for your deposits rather than a fiat-based option.
2022 Esports Schedule
It is definitely a packed year for esports betting as 2022 has something for everyone. These are the biggest esports tournaments taking place throughout 2022:
Date Tournament Game(s) Venue Jan 14 – Apr 10 European League of Legends Spring League of Legends Online Feb 8 – Feb 20 Six Invitational Rainbow Six Siege Stockholmsmässan, Sweden Feb 17 – Feb 27 IEM Katowice Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Spodek Arena, Poland Mar 9 – Apr 10 ESL Pro League Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Studio Environment, Germany May 9 – May 22 PGL Major Antwerp Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Antwerps Sportpaleis, Belgium May 12 – May 22 ESL One Stockholm Major Dota 2 Hovet Arena, Sweden May 14 – May 21 Free Fire World Series Sentosa Free Fire Resort World Sentosa, Singapore Jun 16 – Jun 19 PUBG Nations Cup PUBG True Icon Hall, Bangkok Jun 16 – Jul 10 Arena of Valor International Championship Arena of Valor Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Jul 7 – Jul 10 Apex Legends Global Series: Championship Apex Legends PNC Arena, USA Jul 20 – Jul 24 Riyadh Masters Dota 2 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Aug 4 – Aug 14 RLCS World Championship Rocket League Fort Worth, USA Aug 4 – Aug 14 PGL Arlington Major Dota 2 Arlington, USA Aug 31 – Sep 18 Valorant Champions Valorant Volkswagen Arena, Turkey Sep 23 – Oct 8 Hangzhou Asian Games PUBG, Dota 2, Arena of Valor, League of Legends Hangzhou Olympic Center, China Sep 29 – Nov 5 LOL World Championship League of Legends Chase Center, USA Oct 15 – Oct 30 The International Dota 2 Suntec Singapore, Singapore Oct 20 – Oct 23 Halo World Championship Halo Seattle Convention Center, USA Oct 31 – Nov 13 Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Riocentro, Brazil Nov 1 – Nov 20 PUBG Global Championship PUBG Dubai Exhibition Centre, United Arab Emirates Dec 16 – Dec 18 Hearthstone World Championship Hearthstone Online Top Canadian Esports Players
There are quiet a few professional esports players from Canada who have earned millions of dollars from various tournaments. We present the most successful ones, based on overall earnings right here:
Arteezy – Dota 2
- Player name: Artour Babaev
- Nickname: Arteezy
- Game(s): Dota 2
- Team: Evil Geniuses
- Earnings: $2,491,595
Artour “Arteezy” Babaev is currently at the top of the charts for Canadian esports players, having won almost $2.5 million from Dota 2 tournaments. Born July 1, 1996, the Canadian started his professional career in 2013. He has been mostly switching between Team Secret and Evil Geniuses and continues to play on the latter team.
Aui_2000 – Dota 2
- Player name: Kurtis Ling
- Nickname: Aui_2000
- Game(s): Dota 2
- Team: Tundra Esports (Coach)
- Earnings: $2,008,582
Aui_2000 is one of the biggest names among Dota 2 players and broadcasters. Born in Vancouver, the professional esports player has won more than $2 million from Dota 2 events. Since starting in 2012, he has been on more than 20 teams, either as a player or as a coach. He continues to coach Tundra Esports in pro tournaments.
Zayt – Fortnite
- Player name: Williams Aubin
- Nickname: Zayt
- Game(s): Fortnite, Aim Gods, Valorant
- Team: Independent
- Earnings: $1,331,631
Out of the best esports players in Canada, Williams “Zayt” Aubin stands out as having the most winnings from different games. While 90% of its $1.3 million earnings came from Fortnite, he also saw success with Aim Gods, winning $125,000 by finishing first in a tournament.
Twistzz – CS:GO
- Player name: Russel Van Dulken
- Nickname: Twistzz
- Game(s): Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Team: Tundra Esports (Coach)
- Earnings: $1,210,706
Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken is a professional CS:GO player that has won more than $1.2 million. He is currently playing for FaZe Clan and is generally regarded as one of the best players in the game. He won the 2022 PGL Major in Antwerp with his team, as well as other major titles in the past.
NAF – CS:GO
- Player name: Keith Markovic
- Nickname: NAF
- Game(s): Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Team:
- Earnings: $1,105,648
Keith “NAF” Markovic is a Canadian professional player with multiple trophies. He had an amazing year in 2019, winning a total of seven major tournaments for CS:GO with Team Liquid. While he didn’t win anything big in recent years, he continues to be regarded as one of the top players.
Canadian Esports Teams of Bet On
Although the Canadian Government hasn’t recognized esports as an official sport, there are multiple esports organizations based in Canada. The country also hosts several major leagues and tournaments. While it doesn’t have top tier esports teams, these are the biggest Canadian organizations in the field:
Luminosity Gaming
This professional esports organization is based in Toronto, Ontario. It has teams competing in some of the most popular esports games, including Fortnite, Overwatch, Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six. It also used to have a team for CS:GO from Brazil, but dropped it in 2019.
Vancouver Titans
Vancouver Titans is one of the well-known Canadian teams in Overwatch. It was founded in 2018 and it reached the grand finals in the 2019 season, losing 0-4 to Shock. Since then, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. As for the current roster, it is a mix of players from the US, Vietnam, Finland, Romania, and South Korea.
Toronto Defiant
Toronto Defiant is a professional esports Overwatch team based in Toronto. The team competes in the Overwatch League and the entire roster is made out of South Korean players. Unfortunately, the Toronto Defiant team did not qualify for the season playoffs since it was founded in 2018.
Esports Betting Terms
When it comes to esports betting, there are some terms in the lingo that aren’t generally found in other sports. You can learn more about them by going through this short esports gambling glossary.
- AoE – Short for “area of effect” and refers to a type of attack that affects a set area zone.
- Aggro – Used to describe a team or player that has an aggressive playstyle or strategy.
- BO3 – Stands for “best of three” and indicates that the winner is the one that wins two maps.
- Building – A structure belonging to one of the teams, found in MOBA and RTS esports games.
- Buff – A boost that increases the power of a character or a group of characters.
- Carry – The player on the team that is often protected and allowed to earn more gold.
- Cooldown – The time it takes for an ability or attack to become useable again.
- Farming – The act of killing enemy minions in order to obtain gold for buying items in the game.
- First Blood – The first kill in a game, often available as a prop market at esports betting sites.
- Gank – The action in which one or several players perform a surprise attack on the enemy.
- KDA – Stands for kills, deaths, and assists.
- Map – One game between two teams or two players in an esports match.
- NPC – Stands for “non-playable character” and it represents creatures that are controlled by artificial intelligence.
- Tank – A character that is designed to be hard to kill by the enemy team.
- Throw – When a team or player is ahead in a game, but ends up losing due to mistakes.
- Ultimate – The special ability of a character that is often their most powerful skill.
Betting Esports Near Me
Retail esports betting is available throughout Canada. It is now legal to place single-game bets on esports and traditional sports in any Canadian jurisdiction. However, it can be difficult to access a retail esports betting outlet in certain parts of the country.
It is a lot quicker and more convenient to use an offshore esports betting site. They allow you to bet on loads of different esports in seconds. Just grab your mobile or sit down at your computer and you will have hundreds of exciting esports betting options at your fingertips.
The Best Esports betting Site in Canada
Bodog is the best esports betting site in Canada right now. It provides outstanding coverage of all the major games, and you can bet on lots of smaller esports too. This sportsbook also goes beyond the competition when it comes to betting markets, allowing users to choose from a large range of props. Furthermore, the live esports betting schedule is always packed and comes with a reliable live streaming streaming.
This is safe, secure esports betting, with a cashier that accepts CAD payments through a range of convenient methods. It has a few generous bonuses to reward esports bettors and withdrawals are processed within rapidly. Overall, Bodog is a great fit for all esports bettors. It is available in every province and territory apart from Quebec. If you are in Quebec, we recommend Stake.com or BetOnline, as they are both superb esports betting sites.
With more than a decade of online betting experience, Vlad is one of our leading experts in charge of bringing you the best sportsbooks, betting odds, bonuses, and exclusive deals.
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