Micro-Betting: The Growing Sports Gambling Trend in Canada

Micro-betting is a new form of sports gambling rapidly gaining popularity in Canada. Unlike traditional wagers on the final outcome of a match, here the player makes a prediction about a specific moment – for example, who will make the next out or what the result of the next attack will be. According to a Deloitte study, about 32.8% of Canadians expressed interest in micro-betting. Experienced players are particularly active in this area: 58.8% of them prefer placing small wagers, indicating growing enthusiasm for this format among gambling fans. Interestingly, this study was conducted before sports betting was legalized in Canada. Unfortunately, more recent statistics are not publicly available. It can be assumed that some active bettors are already engaging in micro-betting, and this number continues to grow as the market develops.

What does micro-betting mean?

Micro-betting refers to predictions on individual game events that happen during a match. For example, who will make the next shot in basketball, whether the next point in tennis will be won with an ace, or how many yards a team will gain in a specific drive in American football.

Unlike traditional wagers, where predictions are made before the event (e.g., who will win or the final score), micro bets focus on short, rapidly changing in-game moments. They don’t require guessing the overall result but rather reacting instantly to the action.

This is somewhat similar to live betting – both are placed during the game. But live wagers usually focus on broader outcomes, such as who will win, total goals, or handicaps, all in real-time. Micro bets are essentially a “within-live” format. They cover shorter time frames, are more dynamic, and often tied to specific actions rather than the final result.

Thus, the main difference lies in speed and detail. Micro-betting typically demands instant decision-making, making it feel more closely tied to gameplay. This attracts those looking for a more interactive and immersive experience.

Which sports are best suited for micro-betting?

Placing micro wagers is especially exciting in fast-paced sports, where the action changes rapidly:

• Ice Hockey (NHL) – This is the most popular sport in Canada in terms of betting, which we covered in our previous article. It offers numerous in-game events. For example, during a playoff match between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, you can bet on who will score next or who will get the next penalty.
• Football (NFL, CFL) – Thanks to pauses between plays and diverse game situations, players can bet on the next play – will it be a pass or a run, will the next attempt result in a first down, or whether a drive will end in a touchdown, punt, or turnover.
• Basketball (NBA, NCAA) – Basketball has a higher tempo, leaving less time for micro wagers. However, the range of options is wide. For instance, will the next shot be a two-pointer or a three-pointer, who will take the next free throw, who will commit the next foul? Imagine watching the Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls. With less than a minute left and the Bulls trailing, the chance of a three-pointer increases – and you can bet on that.

And this is just a small portion of where micro bets can be placed. The market is constantly expanding, and small wagers are now available in other popular sports too. In baseball, for example, you can predict the result of a specific at-bat – will it end in a strikeout, a hit, or an out? In Toronto Blue Jays games, bets on pitchers’ actions are particularly popular – such as how many strikeouts in an inning or the type of pitch chosen.

Cricket, table tennis, and esports are also gradually adopting micro-betting. In cricket, you might predict the outcome of the next ball. In esports – who will get the first kill or obtain a key item.

How is micro-betting impacting the industry?

Due to the frequency of events, players place more wagers during a single match. This increases the average transaction size and overall turnover for bookmakers. Even with smaller amounts, each action brings additional traffic and revenue.

Moreover, micro bets require rapid data processing, instant outcome calculation, and stable interfaces. This pushes sportsbooks toward tech-driven solutions: machine learning, predictive analytics, and automated algorithms. Companies are investing in platform development to offer markets literally in the “here and now.”

A good example is the partnership between Bet99 and Simplebet. Bet99 is one of Canada’s prominent bookmakers. Partnering with tech provider Simplebet opens up the micro-betting market for them. The new feature is already available in Ontario and aims to transform the way people bet during broadcasts.

Previously, Bet99 launched a free-to-play game in collaboration with the NHL, targeting hockey fans. Now, they’re teaming up with Simplebet to take the next step. According to company representatives, the goal isn’t just to expand but to make betting as interactive and seamless as possible. This approach gives fans more reasons to follow matches and stay engaged right up until the final whistle.

Why is micro-betting popular among Canadians?

The answer is simple: this activity makes watching matches more exciting. Instead of placing a single large wager on the final result, players get the opportunity to react in real time. This creates constant tension and engagement – a bet can pay off in just a minute. The format also appeals to those who don’t want to wait until the end of a match. For example, in tennis, you can bet on the next rally – and find out the result in seconds.

Many micro bets don’t require deep knowledge of the teams or strategies. It’s easy to see who’s serving or which team is dominating – and you can act on that quickly. This makes it especially convenient for beginners.

Micro-betting is also well-suited to experienced players looking to try something new. Unconventional types of wagers are generally popular in Canada, as we’ve discussed before.

How safe is micro-betting?

Despite growing interest from players and bookmakers, micro-betting raises concerns among responsible gambling experts. The main risk lies in the frequency and speed of decision-making. These wagers are placed every few seconds, which can provoke impulsive behaviour and heightened involvement. Frequent micro-bets with quick outcomes can create habits similar to those found in lotteries or slot machines. This format is especially risky for people with a high predisposition toward gambling.

Research shows that among those who engage in micro-betting, 78% meet the criteria for problem gambling. For comparison, only 29% of players not using this format fall into that category. It’s clear that the fast pace of micro-betting makes it hard for players to assess situations calmly. Decisions are made emotionally, often without analysis. This can lead to a series of rash wagers and financial losses.

Overall, micro-betting can be a great way to diversify your gambling experience – as long as you’re not prone to developing an addiction. However, if you notice clear signs of problem gambling, it may be better to use self-control tools or consider stepping away from this activity altogether.

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