Esports betting in Canada may be relatively new, but esports, in general, has gained a large following over the past couple of years. According to reports, it is expected to be a $1.5 billion industry by the year 2020. This industry focuses on competitive online video gaming and encompasses a variety of genres and gaming. These are commonly divided into the first-person shooter, multiplayer online battle arena as well as fighting and real-time strategy.
What follows will give you a foundation in understanding this fresh and exciting new form of entertainment and how it is gaining popularity due to the legal environment in the country.
Best esports betting sites in Canada 2021
Bookmaker- Bonus Offer
- Wagering
- INFO
- Rating
- Play
bonus
x5 ON 1.75 + BETS
wager requirements
- Esports & Sports
- In-game betting on esports
- Smooth and fast payments
FACTS - Betway
| Launched | 2006 |
|---|---|
| License |  |
| Esports lobby | |
BONUS OFFER
| Sportsbook | Risk-free bet up to €30 |
|---|
bonus
wager requirements
- Esports & Sports
- Secure payment methods
- Excellent sportsbook
facts - mr.green
| Launched | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Licensed | |
| Esports lobby | |
bonus offer
| Sportsbook | 100% up to €50 |
|---|
wager requirements
- Esports & Sports
- Huge esports selection
- Trusted bookmaker
facts - bet365
| Launched | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Licensed | |
| Esports lobby | |
bonus offer
| Sportsbook | Up to €100 in bet credits |
|---|
bonus
x4 ON 1.80 + BETS
wager requirements
- Esports & Sports
- Wide variety of esports titles
- Plenty of secure payment options
facts - bethard
| Launched | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Licensed | |
| Esports lobby | |
Bonus offer
| Sportsbook | 100% up to €100 |
|---|
bonus
x1 ON 1.50 + BETS
wager requirements
- Esports & Sports
- Live betting on esports
- Great customer service
facts - 888sport
| Launched | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Licensed | |
| Esports lobby | |
bonus offer
| Sportsbook | Up to €30 in free bets |
|---|
Although the industry is still growing overall, there are a handful of esports betting sites in Canada that are very popular because they have managed to build a positive and trustworthy reputation. Included among these are Betway esports, Mr Green, and Bethard, all of which offer great bonuses and many other wagering opportunities. These are all major competitors in the gaming industry and they have all been known to offer lucrative bonuses and competitive payouts in the area of 90% and above. However, when choosing a site, be sure to fully understand the requirements of each.
Bonus offers for Canadian esports bettors
Betway is well-established in this industry and was founded in 2006. It is a proven forerunner in the market and is steadily growing alongside this emerging new culture of esports betting. It is well-known for its reliability and dependable user interface and you can count on reasonable payout times. At first glance, this site offers a vast selection of games including DOTA 2, Call of Duty, and CounterStrike. Their bonus offers include a 100% deposit match and a 100% free bet based on the deposited amount currently offering a free 5 free bet.
Likewise, Mr Green has become a solid player in this industry and is one of the most dependable betting sites available. They have earned a lot of respect due to their commitment to customers – they use unique algorithms to keep track of their customers’ accounts so that they are always aware of their habits and practices. The first-time depositor can expect a 100% welcome bonus and many other interesting opportunities to assist them in controlling their time management and spending habits. This company prides itself on helping its customers to be responsible gamers.
Bethard, having arrived on the scene in 2014, is a relatively new company, but it has quickly become one to watch and focus on. Due to its young age, it is forced to be competitive with its bonuses and promotions, and that very competition keeps it on its toes, as it stands tall next to its more experienced opponents. Bethard prides itself on its wide array of games, many of which are very impressive due to the multiple options and odds available when placing a bet. Similarly, they offer a 100% welcome bonus.
Is esports wagering legal in Canada?
Although you cannot cite anything stated here as legal advice, and no responsibility is claimed as such, the content provided is up to date and accurate at the time of writing. Be thorough before you play, by researching your local laws and any consequences that may arise from an inadequate understanding of those laws and how they pertain to you. As with many industries, the odds of unclear legalities are high when conducting business online. It opens these companies and their consumers up to new frontiers in the world of law and many grey areas still exist.
Interpretation is key in this subject matter because there is nothing in Canadian law that states that it is illegal to partake in online wagers and betting. It is section VII of the Canadian Criminal code that subtly touches upon this hot topic. At first glance, the law seems clear under the logical interpretation that there is to be no bookkeeping or gambling within the borders and provinces under the jurisdiction of this code. Included in this prohibition are items that record bets as well (books). The ordinance goes as far as even prohibiting any reading material or flyers pertaining to betting.
While holding a place to bet and keeping books may be a clear violation, alternative interpretations of the law would seemingly not prevent someone from placing a bet through a bookmaker that is not residing within Canadian borders. Lawmakers may eventually change the interpretation of this law by making it clearer regarding gamers. However, as of now, it would seem that those who desire to bet on games through bookmakers, who are not inside this statutes’ jurisdiction, are, for the time being, within their rights to continue accessing this form of entertainment and placing wagers.
Canadian payment methods
Bethard offers multiple ways in which to deposit funds for wagering and likewise to withdraw your winnings. VISA, MasterCard, Paysafecard, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, and Zimpler are among the simplest. Bethard also offers direct Bank Transfers, which remain the most dependable method, although there may be fees from the bank’s side of this method. Once your account is verified, there are fewer restrictions on your account and you can be assured the process will go smoother. It is important to note that there is a restriction on your first deposit in that it must be made with VISA/Mastercard.
Mr Green also offers e-Wallet options but is limited to Neteller, MoneyBookers, and Click and Buy. Click and Buy can be set up and registered through the site and will accept VISA and Mastercard, as well through a company called E-Wallet, which is also registered through this site. While direct bank transfers are also available, withdrawals can take up to 2-3 days to show up into your bank account making the e-Wallets a faster more convenient option. VISA/Mastercard is also a viable option although each of these is routed through the payment processing for the site as well and likewise takes 2-3 days.
Betway, being among the industry leaders, boasts many convenient methods in which to deposit your funds for gaming and withdraw your winnings in an appropriate amount of time. Secure and risk-free due to the fact that none of your personal data and bank account details is at risk, as Betway excels at utilising the most up to date firewalls and anti-fraud techniques. They accept e-Wallets such as Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal. The most dependable yet longest would be Direct Bank Transfers. Betway doesn’t charge anything for funds deposited and also accepts Entropay cards, which add to the already large number of options.
Which esports are available to bet on for Canadians?
League of Legends is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena, which is offered by nearly all of the online e-sports betting companies and was created by Riot Games. Announced in October 2008 and released just one year later, League of Legends holds the title for the most popular in this industry to place a wager on and shows no signs of slowing for second place. In League of Legends, you control an avatar with particular powers and battle against a team of other players or against the computer. The goal is usually to destroy the opposing team’s base or “Nexus”.
Dota 2 is a similar game to LoL in that it is a multiplayer battle arena type game. The game was created by Valve Corporation, the company that is owned by steam. The game was released in 2013 is now boasting more than 12 million active players. It is well known for its huge prize money in tournaments and a very high level of complexity. The sheer complexity of this game lends to those who would wager many opportunities for high stakes bets and various methods in which one could place a bet making it one of the more interesting options in the industry.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is another top choice when placing a bet. This game was released in 2012 where more than 25 million copies were sold. It is highly competitive and fun to watch as any classic in this genre should be. Providing many opportunities for entertainment, including classic maps, familiar weapons, and fast-paced gameplay Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is an object-based shooter with two teams. One team tries to destroy the enemy base while the other attempts to sabotage their efforts The maps are not big, which makes the gameplay that much more intense and exciting for betting.
How big is esports in Canada?
While online gambling is not a new concept, the idea of betting on esports is a fresh new take on the world of wagering and isn’t going away in the coming years, or anytime soon. During its infancy, queries could be made as to its legitimacy or future; but the blossoming, highly competitive new market is gaining incredible ground. So much ground that spectators that gather to watch as players battle it out for the gold can more than fill a stadium. Last year, e-sports brought in an estimated $493 million in revenue—a growth of 51.7% from 2015, removing any doubt of its glory.
Whether you are a novice gambler who is curious about online betting in Canada or a maestro seasoned in the nuances of the wide wager, you cannot argue that esports has a firm grip on Canada and is growing as a viable option for entertainment and betting. The rising popularity of this new genre is becoming very difficult to ignore and may be a mistake to pass up when it comes to opportunities for online gambling. The unique and many various ways in which a wager can be placed make e-sports a worthy consideration.