Last Updated May 4, 2022, 02:25 PM ET
Single-game sports betting is now available in Saskatchewan.
Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) released a new-look Sport Select platform on Nov. 1, 2021, allowing SK residents to wager on the result of a single sporting event. Online betting is also on the horizon as the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) will launch a new sports betting website and app in the summer of 2022.
According to Statistics Canada, residents of the prairie province spend more on gambling per household than any other province. With the Canadian Gaming Association pegging yearly revenues at an estimated $30 million, SK could be a desirable market for the industry's top online operators.
Offline sports betting and other forms of gambling are regulated by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). The authority offers sports betting games through the Sport Select brand at licensed WCLC outlets. The province also hosts casinos with various games of chance, including slots, blackjack, and more.
As for online gambling, Saskatchewan doesn’t provide any local services. According to the 1992 Gaming Control Act, betting sites cannot operate in Canada without being licensed. The good news is that the regulations don’t prohibit offshore sites from accepting Canadian players. In other words, online sports betting is completely legal in Saskatchewan as long as the sportsbook is based offshore. Reputable licensing jurisdictions include Malta, Gibraltar, and the UK.
Unfortunately, Saskatchewan bettors shouldn't expect to see the likes of FanDuel Ontario, DraftKings, or BetRivers Ontario available in the province. These sports betting sites only operate where licensed by a local lottery or gaming commission.
While gambling is a popular activity in Saskatchewan, Canada’s “breadbasket” lacks some key ingredients when it comes to sports betting.
The aforementioned WCLC offers Sport Select lottery games that can be played at retail outlets like convenience stores and gas stations. These sports betting games can satisfy the needs of novice bettors, but they are restrictive. With poor odds, low payouts, and the absence of an online option, these options miss the mark for many.
As a result, most sports betting patrons in Saskatchewan take their action to the online sportsbooks. The offering here is much more impressive, with all the top online sportsbooks serving up better odds and fewer restrictions. You can quickly scroll up to browse the best sportsbooks in the region, view the reviews, and make an informed decision. You can register with one of the top Canadian sportsbooks, where you'll gain access to more favourable odds and player-friendly features.
Curling was named Saskatchewan's official sport in 2001, but watermelon-wearing “Rider Nation” shows up in force for any CFL tilt featuring their beloved Roughriders. The most rabid fan base in the league has seen their team claim four Grey Cup championships.
Not even the enthusiasm of a professional football team can eclipse hockey’s popularity. More than 500 NHL players — including Gordie Howe — were born in Saskatchewan.
The Horse Racing Branch of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority is the main body responsible for regulating operations within the province. Marquis Downs, a 5-furlong race track and wagering facility located in Saskatoon, is the lone track still in operation. Prior to COVID-19, the track played host to thoroughbred racing events from late May through the first weekend in September.
Registering with a reputable online sportsbook can help to satisfy any horse racing needs. These online betting sites make horse racing more accessible and also more profitable. The leading sportsbooks generally offer better odds, and they cover racetracks from different countries.
The government promotes responsible gambling and offers resources through its Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Hotline.
Visit GameSenseWith more than 25 years of excellence within the sports betting industry, Covers continues to provide Canadians with independent sportsbook reviews.
Whether you are looking for the best NFL sportsbook or the best site for live NHL betting, Covers has vetted the best places to bet online in Saskatchewan. Canada is a big place, but we’ve gone local and assembled a list of the best online sports betting sites near you.
The following online sportsbooks should be avoided due to their questionable tactics and failure to provide adequate services.
Players must be 19 years of age or older to bet. This applies for casino games, horse racing, lotteries, and other gambling activities.
No, residents don’t have to pay taxes on the winnings obtained from online sports betting.
Yes, mobile sports betting is widely available within the province thanks to the top sportsbooks. Users can connect from their mobile devices and place bets securely at any time.
No, there aren’t any retail sportsbooks in Saskatchewan. The good news is that online sportsbooks are just a few clicks away.
Michael Duchesne is a senior commercial content editor at Covers, who has been researching and reviewing products for more than a decade. The former travel publisher is all in on sports betting. When he's not supporting Covers' broad array of betting experts in making smarter sports bettors, you can find him by the BBQ, perfecting his cross-hatch marks.
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