With a growing number of betting sites, how do you pick the best one? There are a few key points to consider when finding a place to fit your needs and interests. This could be covering a variety of sports, a site that specializes in sports you follow, or sites that offer both these choices and add online casino betting at the top.
Are They Operating Legally?
First, make sure the site is licensed and regulated. Laws in Canada vary between provinces, but international groups like the Malta Gaming Authority oversee some of the most reputable sites. This helps protect your interests as a customer.
Here are popular licensing authorities that Canadian players generally look out for:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- The Curacao Government (CeG)
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC)
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission Ontario (AGCO)
- Loto-Québec
- British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)
The international licensing authorities are the most popular for the best sports betting odds and the most diverse selection of casino games – MGA, CeG, and KGC. With the other licensing authorities, the choice of games and sports betting markets could be more light than the international ones.
What Sports Can You Bet On?
A good betting site covers the sports you want to wager on. Hockey fans need solid NHL offerings, while soccer enthusiasts wish to have many soccer leagues. Some sites specialize, too – great for obscure sports.
Which Casino Games are Offered?
Some of us like to dabble in online gaming and sports betting. By far, the most popular casino games out there are online slots. Look out for new free slot games with demo mode as well as real money options available. With most decent casino lobbies offering slots from over 100 developers, you can expect at least 40 to 50 new slot games each month, especially on the sites accepting players from Canada operating the international licensing authority frameworks.
Do They Offer Good Promos and Bonuses?
Introductory promotions can be excellent but check the fine print first. Ongoing bonuses for current players are helpful, too, over the long haul. Various sports bonus offers throughout the week.
- Welcome Bonuses
- Free Bets
- Deposit Bonuses
- No Deposit Bonuses
- Reload Bonuses
- Risk-Free Bets
- Odds Boosts
- Cashback Offers
- Refer-a-Friend Bonuses
- Loyalty and VIP Rewards
Are Banking and Payouts Fast and Easy?
You want hassle-free payment options, not limited choices. Leading sites accept payment methods like Visa, Interac, Skrill, and Bitcoin. Also, if you want to bet using fiat currency, check if the betting site offers Canadian Dollars as a deposit option. Quick withdrawal times are critical for some players, too. It’s not the be-all and end-all for everyone, but if you want to get your hand on the money you cash out on quickly, look for sites that offer 0 to 24-hour cashout approvals.
Can You Get Help When Needed?
Even well-built sites have some issues eventually. Good ones have a live chat, phone support, Twitter, and other ways to get questions answered. Keeping chat records is handy, too. Social media helps you engage with the platform or brand’s community if that’s what you are looking for, and many sites also offer ‘how to’ game guides, promo blogs, and newsletters to keep you informed. Another point worth checking is how transparent the site’s terms and conditions are.
Do They Work Well on Your Phone?
A smooth mobile experience is enormous nowadays. The site should work nicely on your device and be snappy when loading sports betting markets and casino games. Some have apps, but optimizing the mobile site is more important.
Can You Bet Responsibly?
Most importantly, stay disciplined within your limits. Don’t chase losses. If it ever stops being fun, groups like Gambling Therapy offer free and confidential support. Plus, sites under the MGA framework must all offer you the chance to set loss limits and deposit limits and self-exclude from real money betting and iGaming under your user account profile.
The result should mean you pick a site that gives you ‘gambling entertainment.’
When picking a sports betting provider, check for those essential things, and you’ll find a good match! Safety, sports coverage, bonuses, banking, support, and responsible practices make for the best experience.
Plus, if you also enjoy online slots, video poker, bingo, lottery, or table games, some sites offer all or some of these gambling verticals under one roof. Promotions should be available for each gambling niche if you are a fan of bonuses and promos, and all this should be available from a single balance via your mobile and desktop devices.
