Sports Betting in Yukon

Yukon, one of Canada’s three territories, is situated in the northwestern part of the country. It is renowned for its wilderness, harsh climate, and rich history. The territory’s primary city and administrative centre is Whitehorse, home to most of its population. With a total population of around 40,000, Yukon’s residents are primarily English-speaking Canadians and Indigenous peoples.

Top 5 bookmakers for Yukon

The region’s economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources and a thriving tourism sector. Yukon attracts thousands of visitors each year seeking to experience the famous Klondike Trail, national parks, and the Northern Lights. The territory’s cultural life is deeply rooted in its Gold Rush history and Indigenous traditions. Additionally, Yukon boasts the Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall, the only casino in northern Canada and a unique establishment styled after the Gold Rush era. Here, both locals and visitors to Dawson City can try their luck at poker, blackjack, slots, roulette, and more.

Given this cultural context, it’s no surprise that Yukon residents are generally accepting of gambling. Sports betting, in particular, is quite popular. Despite the limited options, many residents find ways to place wagers on their favourite NHL and CFL teams. Curious to learn more about how they do it? Keep reading!

Betting legislation in Yukon

The first steps towards the legalization of gambling in Yukon were taken in 1969. Provinces and territories were granted the authority to regulate lotteries independently. Horse racing betting was also permitted. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), a non-profit organization, played a significant role in the process. Since 1974, it has been the sole licensed betting operator in this region. At the time, the WCLC produced a weekly televised drawing for the Western Express lottery, Winsday, which aired regionally on CTV. Sports betting, however, remained illegal.

Amendments to the Criminal Code in 1985 empowered local authorities to regulate gambling within their jurisdictions. From that point on, betting moved out of the gray area and allowed individuals to wager on various sporting events. However, there were restrictions – bets could only be placed in the form of parlays.

How did this work? A gambler would place a parlay bet on three events:

• Hockey (NHL): Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. Prediction: Montreal Canadiens to win.
• Baseball (MLB): Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees. Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays to win.
• Canadian Football (CFL): Edmonton Eskimos vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Prediction: Edmonton Eskimos to win.

For the bet to be successful, the gambler had to correctly guess the outcome of all three events. If even one prediction was incorrect, they lost their money. Until 202, this format was the only legal option for those wishing to try their hand at sports betting.

With the spread of the internet and the development of online gambling, Yukon residents increasingly began placing wagers on international platforms. The outflow of money from Canada prompted the government to pass Bill C-218, which fully legalized single-event sports betting.

Current status of betting in Yukon

As of 2021, sports betting has been legalized in Canada. This means that individuals aged 19 and over can legally place bets. Winnings are not subject to taxation as they are considered random income. However, to operate a betting business here, a license from the government of Yukon is required. This is where a challenge arises: the local regulator has been slow to grant licenses to international bookmakers. The only licensed organization in the territory is the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. However, bettors often turn to offshore sportsbooks. There are no criminal or administrative penalties for placing bets with an unlicensed bookmaker. Winnings from such wagers are also legal and tax-free.

So, if you’re a Yukon resident looking to place a bet on a sporting event, you have two main options:

• Licensed Platform: Sport Select. Regulated by the government and holds a license to operate in Yukon.
• International Bookmakers: Bet365, Unibet, 22Bet, 20Bet, Ivibet, 1xBet, Rabona, and others. While they lack a local license, they hold licenses from other jurisdictions like Curaçao, the United Kingdom, and Malta, allowing them to offer their services to Canadian players online.

Features of betting with Sport Select

Sport Select is a betting platform operated by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). This organization regulates gambling in several western Canadian provinces, including Yukon. Although sports betting is legal in Yukon, there are significant restrictions that make the process quite inconvenient for local players.

In Yukon, bets can only be placed at WCLC retail outlets. This means that bettors must physically visit specialized venues to make a wager. In Yukon’s harsh arctic climate, with temperatures often plummeting below -30 °C, this can be a real challenge. Not only do bettors have to brave the cold, but the nearest outlet might also be quite a distance away. These factors make betting through Sport Select less appealing.

Another major limitation is the lack of online betting options. Unlike many other countries, or even other Canadian provinces, where bettors can easily place wagers through mobile apps or websites, Yukon residents are restricted to physical locations, further complicating the process.

Sports and betting options on Select Sport

Select Sport offers a limited selection of sports and bet types. Primarily, it provides access to popular events like NHL hockey, MLB baseball, football (including world championships and major leagues), boxing, and a few others. However, the event selection is restricted, and players cannot place wagers on a wide range of international sports leagues.

As for bet types, Yukon residents are primarily limited to parlay bets. Furthermore, Select Sport’s odds aren’t highly competitive. They often fall below those offered on international platforms, making betting less profitable for players. Combined with the limited selection of events and bet types, many Yukoners are driven to seek alternatives. This leads us to the second option for placing wagers.

Sports betting with international bookmakers

Residents of Yukon, despite the limitations imposed by the local operator Select Sport, have the opportunity to bet on sports through offshore sportsbooks. Platforms such as Bet365, Unibet, 22Bet, 20Bet, Ivibet, 1xBet, and Rabona offer players a wider range of options and significantly simplify the betting process.

It’s worth reiterating: betting on international bookmaker websites is entirely legal for Yukoners. Although these operators do not have licenses to operate in the region, this does not violate local laws. Canadian authorities do not prosecute players for using such platforms. The only caveat is that, in the event of a dispute with a sportsbook, local authorities cannot protect the player’s rights, as the activities of these companies are regulated in other jurisdictions, such as Curaçao, the United Kingdom, or Malta.

What international bookmakers offer:

• A wide range of sports. The variety is truly impressive, from the ever-popular hockey and football to less common sports such as darts, e-sports, and virtual sports. Players can also bet on sporting events from various leagues and tournaments worldwide, including European, Asian, and South American championships. Live streaming is available for some games.
• Diverse bet types. Unlike the limited parlay bets offered by Select Sport, international platforms provide numerous options: single-event bets, systems, over/under bets, handicaps, and even bets on player or team statistics. This gives players more flexibility and strategic options.
• Higher odds. This enables players to earn larger profits with successful predictions. Players can also utilize the cash-out feature, allowing them to claim a portion of their bet before the event concludes.
• Convenient deposits and withdrawals. International platforms support a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank cards, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), cryptocurrencies, and even local payment systems like Interac. This makes managing funds quick and easy. Withdrawals are processed promptly, and many bookmakers do not charge transaction fees.
• Convenience and accessibility. Bets can be placed online anytime and from any device. Sportsbooks provide user-friendly mobile apps and websites. This is particularly important for Yukon residents who do not want to or cannot visit Select Sport retail outlets.

While international bookmakers offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to be aware of the risks. Players should choose licensed and reputable platforms and carefully read the terms of use.

What platforms are best for betting?

We recommend checking out these reputable bookmakers:

• A market leader with a wide range of sports events and an excellent user interface. Suitable for both experienced bettors and newcomers.
• Known for its competitive odds and diverse betting market. A great choice for those who enjoy betting on various sports.
• A platform with a vast array of sports and non-sports events. Plus, it supports numerous deposit and withdrawal methods.
• A bookmaker with a simple interface and fast payouts. Ideal for those who value convenience and reliability.
• A newcomer to the industry offering a fresh perspective on betting. Appeals to those who enjoy innovative features.
• Renowned for its extensive line and high odds. Provides extensive opportunities for esports betting.
• Stands out with a creative yet simple website design. Perfect for those seeking something new in the betting world.

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

In Yukon, where local betting options may be limited, international platforms offer a fantastic alternative. They provide a wide range of events, user-friendly tools, and favourable terms.

To ensure a comfortable and safe betting experience, it’s essential to choose a bookmaker carefully. Consider your preferences, analyze the offered options, and remember to practice responsible gambling. Remember, sports betting can lead to gambling addiction.

Frequently asked questions about betting in Yukon

Can I bet on sports in Yukon?

Yes, sports betting is legal. However, the local platform, Select Sport, offers limited options. Yukon residents often turn to international bookmakers to access wider opportunities.

Are there risks associated with using international platforms?

The main risk is the lack of a local license. In case of disputes with a bookmaker, local authorities may not be able to protect the player. However, most large offshore sportsbooks are licensed in reputable jurisdictions.

What sports are popular for betting in Yukon?

The most popular bets are on hockey (especially the NHL), dog sled racing, as well as football, basketball, and baseball. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in esports.

How do I choose the right bookmaker?

When selecting a sportsbook, consider factors like licensing, reputation, betting options, odds, user interface, and available deposit and withdrawal methods.

How can I avoid problems when playing on international platforms?

To minimize risks, select licensed platforms with good reviews. Also, gamble responsibly: set betting limits and don’t risk money you can’t afford to lose.

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