Online Betting in the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a rugged yet stunning region in northern Canada. Home to approximately 45,000 people, the majority of the population is concentrated in the territorial capital, Yellowknife. The rest are scattered across smaller communities, many located in remote parts of the region.

The local population is a unique blend of cultures. It includes both Indigenous peoples (Dene, Inuvialuit) and settlers from other parts of Canada and the world. The primary industries include mining, especially diamonds. One of the world’s largest diamond mines is located here.

Top 5 bookmakers for Northwest Territories

Life here can be a challenge, especially in the winter months. Extreme cold and polar nights become an integral part of daily life. In such conditions, sports play a significant role. They bring people together, promote physical activity, and foster a sense of community. One popular form of recreation is sports betting. If you live in or are visiting the NWT and are interested in learning more about the local gambling scene, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information on this topic.

Sports betting rules and regulations in the Northwest Territories

Gambling in the Northwest Territories, as in all of Canada, has a long and complex history. Before the Criminal Code was enacted in 1892, it was largely unregulated. Gambling was popular in various forms: card games, pari-mutuels, and more. However, the lack of oversight often led to abuses and increased criminal activity.

With the introduction of the Criminal Code, many forms of gambling were prohibited. Sports betting also came under restrictions. However, certain types were regulated by separate laws. For example, horse racing bets, fairground lotteries, etc. It wasn’t until 1969 that changes were made that allowed provinces and territories to organize and control lotteries. This was the first step towards the legalization of gambling.

So, since 1974, the non-profit organization Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) has been responsible for regulating gaming events and lotteries. In 1985, another significant shift occurred: provinces were granted the authority to regulate gambling within their jurisdiction. From that point on, gambling enthusiasts could place parlay bets on sporting events. Single-outcome wagers were prohibited. This restriction lasted until 2021.

With the advent of the internet, Canadians were able to place their bets online. During this time, well-known sportsbooks such as 1xBet, Bet365 and others gained global recognition, allowing users worldwide, including Canadians, to wager on their favourite sports.

Bill C-218: a new era for sports betting

The year 2021 marked a significant turning point for sports betting in Canada with the passing of Bill C-218. The legislation legalized single-event sports bets. This breakthrough has revolutionized the industry, providing residents of the Northwest Territories and other regions with access to a wider range of legal wagering options.

Bill C-218 empowers provinces and territories to determine the specific regulations governing sports betting within their jurisdictions. In the Northwest Territories, regulatory bodies are diligently working to establish new rules and platforms. The primary focus is on ensuring fairness, safety, and protecting bettors’ interests.

How it works in the Northwest Territories

In the NWT, sports betting is still regulated by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. The only legal bookmaker is Sport Select, which offers wagers on basketball, football, boxing, hockey, soccer, and that’s it! So, if you’re into esports or tennis, you’ll have to use an international platform. While they don’t have Canadian licenses, they are recognized in other jurisdictions. In any case, betting on offshore sites is not prohibited.

Sport Select offers the following bet types:

• Pro-Line. Similar to traditional parlays, players select the outcomes of multiple games (minimum of two, maximum of eight). Payouts depend on the odds of the chosen outcomes.
• Over/Under. Players bet on the total score of a match. Over bets mean the total score will be higher than a specified number, while under bets mean it will be lower.
• Point Spread. This type of bet involves a handicap (spread). The bookmaker adds or subtracts points from a team’s score. Players bet on which team will win considering this spread.
• Players bet on the outcomes of all games in a specific pool of events. The player with the most correct predictions wins the pool.
• These are bets on long-term events, like the outcome of a tournament or a team’s season performance. Odds are set in advance.

Compared to international bookmakers, the betting options on Sport Select are quite limited. Additionally, while wagers can be placed online, they must be confirmed in person at a Lotto Spot retailer. A valid passport is required to verify your age. Winnings can be claimed at the retailer or by mail after completing a special form.

Sports betting with international bookmakers

Now you understand why many NWT residents prefer to use offshore sportsbooks, which offer a wide variety of sports and events. You can bet not only on soccer or basketball but also on more exotic sports and lesser-known leagues. This allows locals to wager on events that are not always available on national platforms.

Higher odds are one of the main advantages that motivate individuals to use international bookmakers. Combined with the above factors, this makes such platforms attractive to local residents who want to get the most out of their bets.

Many offshore bookmakers offer more convenient and diverse methods for depositing and withdrawing funds. For residents of the Northwest Territories, this can be especially relevant. Sometimes you want to stay home with a hot cup of tea, rather than going out to collect your winnings at a retail outlet. International platforms allow you to fund your account from the comfort of your home using a bank card, e-wallet, or cryptocurrency. Plus, you can do this from anywhere in NWT at any time.

Where is the safest place to bet on sports in the NWT?

Residents of the Northwest Territories can legally and securely place sports bets through Sport Select. This platform is strictly regulated by Canadian law, protecting players in case of disputes. Additionally, Sport Select offers responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits and the ability to temporarily block an account.

In this regard, bookmakers with international licenses are a much riskier alternative. For example, if there are problems with withdrawals, users of offshore sports betting sites cannot count on the help of Canadian regulatory authorities.

Moreover, one can come across fraudulent sites that operate without a license at all. These platforms may appear legitimate, offering enticing deals to attract customers. Scammers often employ a bait-and-switch tactic, allowing easy registration without verifying your identity. However, once you start winning, they may delay or deny payouts and introduce hidden fees. These unlicensed sites do not ensure the security of players’ data, increasing the risks of financial loss.

To ensure a fair and secure betting experience, it’s advisable to choose licensed service providers. We’ve already discussed Sport Select in detail.

Here are some other reputable bookmakers that prioritize user protection:

• Bet365
• Unibet
• 22Bet
• 20Bet
• Ivibet
• 1xBet
• Rabona

You can find comprehensive reviews of these sportsbooks on our website.

A few words about how to place a bet on an international platform. Registering with an online bookmaker is simple. You’ll typically need just a phone number or email address. To verify your account, you may need to provide a copy of your passport. You can then select your preferred currency for betting.

Typically, bookmaker websites have simple navigation. All current events and markets are located in the centre of the homepage. The list of available sports is usually on the left. Before using the services of bookmakers, we recommend that you read the rules and instructions for financial transactions. Each online service provider offers different methods of depositing and withdrawing funds.

Frequently asked questions

We’ve tried to provide a comprehensive overview of betting in the NWT. If you have any questions, our FAQ section might be helpful.

How old do I have to be to place wagers in the Northwest Territories?

The minimum legal age for sports betting in the NWT is 19.

Where is the best place to bet: on a government platform or with an international bookmaker?

It depends on your preferences. Sport Select offers full legality, security, and player protection but has a limited selection of events and odds. International bookmakers, on the other hand, offer a wider range of sports, higher odds, and additional features, but may not be subject to Canadian laws, increasing risks in case of disputes.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

In Canada, sports betting winnings are not subject to tax for amateur players, as gambling is considered a personal activity. However, if you bet professionally, it could be considered a business. In this case, you may have tax obligations.

Is it legal to bet on offshore bookmaker websites?

Yes, you can bet on “grey” betting platforms. However, make sure they are licensed, adhere to responsible gaming guidelines, and have a good reputation.

Which sports can I place wagers on?

It depends on which platform you register with. Sport Select only offers basketball, football, boxing, hockey, and soccer. International bookmakers cover a wide range of sports: horse racing, darts, table tennis, e-sports, as well as betting on political, social, and cultural events.

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