Saskatchewan Sports Betting in 2023
Here's the deal: On Nov. 3, 2022, PlayNow.com joined the roster of legal Saskatchewan sports betting sites — and just in time for the CFL's Grey Cup. The much-anticipated expansion of online betting unlocks more legal options for bettors in the province.
Canada's best sportsbooks in 2023
#1 Top-rated sportsbook
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5
Payout Speed:Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.5/5
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.8/5
- Deposits via Interac
- 24/7 live chat support
- NFL live streaming
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.5/5
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.2/5
- Loads of markets
- 24/7 live chat support
- Strong live betting
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.0/5
- Fast withdrawal approval
- Over 2,000 events
- Covers popular sports
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.0/5
- Lots of player props
- Accepts Interac and Crypto
- Bilingual English-French site
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.0/5
- Very experienced and trusted bookmaker
- Great betting odds across the board
- Complete range of sports and markets
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.6/5
- Modern betting platform
- Convenient banking
- Dedicated loyalty program
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.3/5
- Awesome interface
- Renowned and trusted operator
- Slick 888sport mobile app
Deposits & withdrawals
- Population: 1.18 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 19
- Online sports betting: Yes
- Retail sportsbooks: No
- Sports betting revenue: $30 million
How we rate Saskatchewan's sportsbooks
The legal situation in Saskatchewan
Provincially regulated SK online sports betting arrived on Nov. 3, 2022. With the addition of the BCLC's PlayNow.com platform, Saskatchewan now joins other Canadian jurisdictions in offering locally-run online sports betting.
Reputable offshore sportsbooks also operate legally in Saskatchewan via Malta, Gibraltar, and UK licenses. Unfortunately, Saskatchewan bettors shouldn't expect to see the likes of FanDuel Ontario, DraftKings, or BetRivers Ontario available in the province anytime soon. These sports betting sites only operate when licensed by a local lottery or gaming commission. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) will oversee just one online gaming website (PlayNow.com) in Saskatchewan.
Offline Saskatchewan 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.
Bridging the legal delta: sports betting in Saskatchewan
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.
Latest Saskatchewan betting news
Sports teams in Saskatchewan
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.
Horse racing 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.
Responsible gaming in Saskatchewan
The government promotes responsible gambling and offers resources through its Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Hotline.
Visit GameSenseProvincial betting guides
With 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.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Saskatchewan
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
The following online sportsbooks should be avoided due to their questionable tactics and failure to provide adequate services.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Saskatchewan sports betting FAQs
Players must be 19 years of age or older to bet on sports in Saskatchewan. This also 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. 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.
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Mike has been researching and reviewing products for more than a decade. The former travel and entertainment publisher is all in on sports betting. When he's not sweating picks or supporting Covers' betting experts in making smarter sports bettors, you can find him by the BBQ, perfecting his cross-hatch marks.
