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Sports betting in Canada is a more complex affair than it appears at first glance. While recent changes in legislation have opened up the market, there are several factors that punters need to consider before placing their bets.
Here are four reasons why sports betting in Canada is more difficult than people may seem.
Legal Considerations
The first thing that bettors need to ascertain is whether the betting site they wish to use is legal in Canada. The country has several gambling authorities, each with its own set of rules.
Therefore, before using an online bookmaker, punters need to ensure that the operator is authorized to offer services in Canada and adheres to the rules set by the relevant commission.
Moreover, the regulations can vary between provinces. For instance, in Ontario, bettors must be 19 or older to use a betting platform, whereas, in other provinces like British Columbia, the legal gambling age is typically 18.
We have casinos based on these provinces that you should check out:
Payment Restrictions
Payment restrictions can pose another hurdle for sports bettors in Canada. Some payment providers may block transactions to certain betting sites.
Although this issue has become less prevalent since the regulation of gambling laws, it can still occur. In such cases, bettors may need to find alternative methods of depositing funds.
Such methods that bypass regulations (or let’s just say a decentralized approach) include Bitcoin payments.
Limited Sports Options
The range of sports available for betting can also be a limiting factor. While Canadians have a keen interest in sports such as the NHL, basketball, tennis, and cricket, not all betting sites cater to these preferences.
Although soccer has gained popularity in Canada since the 2022 World Cup, it’s still not as widely followed as other sports. However, most European iGaming operators offer extensive options for soccer betting.
Betting Details
Lastly, the intricacies of placing a bet can make sports betting more complicated for Canadians.
Choosing from the many markets, deciding how much money to wager, and considering other factors can be challenging, even for experienced users. This complexity underscores the inherent risk in gambling and the potential for significant losses.
