Northwest Territories Sports Betting: Top NWT Betting Sites 2024

Although Sport Select is the only locally-licensed bookmaker in Northwest Territories, punters can join several offshore brands. Popular bookmakers include Betway, Sports Interaction, 888sport, Bet365, etc.

We rank NWT bookmakers by reviewing critical aspects encapsulating the online betting experience. Here are the key factors we take into consideration:

• Security and Trust: We only rank secure licensed sites protected from all cybersecurity threats.
• Deposits/Payouts: The best bookmakers offer instant deposits, fast payout methods, and zero fees.
• Sports Coverage: We prioritize bookmakers with comprehensive sports coverage and thousands of weekly betting markets. 
• Bonuses and Promotions: We scrutinize each bonus for worthwhile promotions with reasonable terms and conditions.
• Customer Support: Leading bookmakers offer multiple support channels, including live chat and email.

The Northwest Territories sports betting scene comprises a locally-regulated Sport Select platform and legitimate offshore brands that operate in a grey market. Punters above 19 years can sign up for an account and place real money bets online via Sport Select. However, bets must be verified at a local retail betting shop. 

Sport Select also offers single-game bets but has no more than four sports. The best betting options come in the form of offshore sportsbooks like Sports Interaction, Bet365, Betway, etc. However, you won’t find the likes of BetRivers, BetMGM, or FanDuel. These bookmakers are only available in Ontario and the US. While Sport Select has existed for a while, single-game betting only existed since November 1, 2021, when WCLC allowed such bets within the Western provinces.

Yes. Sports betting is legal in Northwest Territories, meaning eligible punters can place real money wagers on their preferred sports markets. The province offers betting options through Sport Select, a locally-regulated platform. While Sport Select allows punters to place bets online, the bets must be verified at a local retail shop. Punters can also place bets using the Pro-Line product, but options are highly restricted. The best way to bet in NWT is through offshore brands that welcome Canadian players. 

Offshore sportsbooks are less restrictive and offer comprehensive coverage and lucrative bonuses. NWT sports betting is regulated by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), which oversees gambling in western provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nunavut. WCLC works with the Government of the NWT Municipal and Community Affairs to regulate local charity casinos, raffles, video lottery retailers, and sports betting shops. Local betting is highly regulated and restricted, but punters can enjoy more freedom using offshore sportsbooks licensed in Ontario, Malta, Kahnawake, the UK, etc.

What Sports Betting Options Are Legal?

Betting in Northwest Territories offers the same options available to punters in Ontario and other Canadian provinces. All you need is a trustworthy sportsbook with comprehensive coverage and legitimate betting products.

You can bet on popular sports like hockey, basketball, football, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf, eSports, and more. The bookmakers also offer traditional and contemporary markets, as well as parlays and single-game sports betting.

Until November 2021, parlays were the only option in Sport Select and other Canadian sportsbooks. However, the Canadian Criminal Code amendment lifted the ban on single-game events in August 2021, and WCLC updated its products to accommodate such bets in November.

Why Legalize Single-Game Sports Betting?

Single-game betting was introduced in 2021 to help Canada capture the billions the country was losing to offshore sportsbooks. Punters in Canada could not place single-game bets using local sportsbooks, so they fled to websites licensed in other countries.

Canadian legislators pushed to introduce single-game bets to attract players who wanted to place such wagers on locally-regulated sites. Since single-event bets are popular, jurisdictions offering them get billions in gambling revenue, which Canada was missing out on until August 2021.

Which Are Steps Taken To Legalize It?

The push for legal single-game bets in Canada began in 2012 when Bill C-290. After passing through the House of Commons, the Senate shut down the bill in 2015. Another bill was introduced in 2016 but saw the same fate after Senate failed to come to an agreement in 2016. Fortunately, a third bill (C-218) would get a different outcome that changed the sports betting scene in Canada and the Northwest Territories. 

In 2020, Conservative MP Kevin Waugh introduced Bill C-218. The bill received support from various groups and would even be sponsored by Conservative Senator David Wells. It would later pass the House of Commons and Senate before receiving royal assent from the Chief Justice. In 2021, the ban on single-game bets was lifted, allowing Canadian provinces to introduce the option in their sportsbooks. Here are all the steps that led to single-game bets in Northwest Territories:

• November 2021: WCLC introduces single-game bets in NWT and other western provinces.
• August 2021: Canada lifts ban on single-game bets in the country.
• June 2021: Senate passes Bill C-218, which later received royal assent from the Chief Justice.
• April 2021: Bill C-218 passes through the House of Commons.
• February 2020: Bill C-218 is introduced by MP Kevin Waugh.

What Do Single-Game Bets Include and What’s In The Future?

Single-game bets are precisely what the name suggests. Unlike parlays, punters can bet on a single event or outcome. An example is backing the Toronto Raptors to win an NBA match or the Blue Jays to cover the point spread.

In the past, punters could only place parlay bets, which involved two or more outcomes on the slip. Single-event bets offer less risk because punters only have to worry about making one correct prediction.

The future of sports betting in the Northwest Territories remains unpredictable as the province has some of the strictest regulations. We don’t see NWT opening its doors to third-party operators soon, but punters can still enjoy offshore betting sites without restrictions.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Northwest Territories?

To place sports bets in the Northwest Territories, you must be at least 19 years and not self-excluded from Sport Select or other legitimate bookmakers in Canada. There are various other restrictions imposed on bettors in NWT. Here’s an overview of all the restrictions you should know about betting in the NWT:

• Age Limits: All forms of legal betting within the Northwest Territories are restricted to punters above 19 years. The limits keep minors away and ensure only identifiable adults can participate in legal betting.
• Location Restrictions: NWT sports betting through the Sport Select platform is available only to punters in western provinces. You must be physically present in NWT. However, offshore brands are free to access from anywhere in Canada and overseas.
• Self-Exclusion: Punters betting via Sport Select or other Canadian platforms like Sports Interaction and Bodog can access the national self-exclusion framework. Offshore brands also offer a chance to self-exclude. You can opt-in to take a break from sports betting.
• Tax Laws: Winnings from sports betting and casino gambling are not taxable in the Northwestern Territories. You can keep 100% of the funds you win from NWT sports betting websites, which is the case throughout Canada.
• Retail Betting: Northwest Territories don’t have any land-based casinos, but punters can find retail outlets that offer sports betting. In fact, bets placed via Sport Select must be confirmed at a retail shop before settling. The restriction also helps with verifying bettor identity.
• Mobile Betting: Players within the Northwest Territories can freely bet using mobile devices. All leading bookmakers are fully optimized for Android and iOS smartphones, tablets, and iPads, so you can bet on the go. Mobile betting is legal in NWT.

Offshore Sportsbooks in Northwest Territories?

Sports betting within the Northwest territories is regulated by WCLC, which oversees gambling activity in the Sport Select platform. Players can also bet using legitimate sportsbooks like Betway, Bet365, Sports Interaction, Bodog, and more.

These NWT betting sites have licenses from Ontario, Malta, Kahnawake, the UK, and other legitimate jurisdictions. No site is licensed within NWT since the province has no framework for accepting third-party operators. Only Ontario has made that possible and started licensing operators in April 2022. Punters are free to join any offshore betting site that accepts Canadians.

Betting in Northwest Territories isn’t much different from other Canadian provinces. You’ll need to sign up for an account, deposit, and find a market to bet on.

You can also download sports betting apps, claim bonuses and explore betting features like live streaming, live betting, bet builders, etc. Below is everything you need to start betting in NWT:

1. Select A Sportsbook - To place legal sports bets in Northwest Territories, you must find trustworthy NWT betting sites. Use our guide above for how we rank bookmakers to help you identify leading trustworthy sportsbooks.
   
   Stick to licensed sportsbooks with sophisticated security measures. You should also consider privacy, payment options, bonuses, and betting features. Top bookmakers include Sports Interaction, Bodog, Betway, and Bet365, but you can find many more.
2. Register An Account - Once you find a desirable sportsbook, you can register an account. Most sportsbooks offer a simple sign-up process involving basic information. Simply find the SIGN-UP button to launch the registration form.
   
   You may have it as REGISTER, JOIN, or CREATE ACCOUNT. Enter your details in the sign-up form and submit the registration. Use accurate details, as you’ll need to verify them before cashing out your first winning.
3. Deposit Funds - NWT betting sites support various banking options, including credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies. Popular payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Interac, ecoPayz, Neosurf, iDebit, InstaDebit, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, etc.
   
   To deposit, navigate to the banking section, click “Deposit," and follow the prompts. Most bookmakers accept deposits from $10, but others require as little as $1 or as much as $30.
4. Claim A Bonus - Some bookmakers include bonuses after your first deposit. Others allow you to opt in when signing up. You can check the bonus terms & conditions when signing up.
   
   Consider the minimum deposit required and check if the bookmaker has a special bonus code. You can skip the bonus if you don’t want it, but we recommend them as they offer a chance to bet for free.
5. Explore Betting Markets - Now that your newly registered account is funded, you can explore your favourite sports betting markets. NWT sports betting sites offer all the popular sports, so you can bet on football, baseball, hockey, tennis, soccer, basketball, golf, boxing, UFC, etc.
   
   The bookmakers feature markets from all popular professional leagues in Canada, the US, the UK, and worldwide. You can explore the different sports and markets and make your selections.
6. Bet, Win, and Cash Out - Betting is as easy as clicking on the market or odds next to your selection. You can place single-game bets or build parlays with multiple selections. Sport Select limits parlays to six selections, but you can have more on offshore sportsbooks.
   
   Bookmakers also provide various features, including live streaming, in-play betting, early cashout, and more. Next, wait for your bet to settle and cash out your winnings.

NWT betting sites offer extensive sports coverage, so you’ll find all popular professional disciplines. Whether you fancy the NHL, NFL, CFL, MLB, or MLS, there are plenty of options to explore. Here are some of the popular sports to bet on in the Northwest Territories:

Football: Fans in the Northwest Territories can explore a wide range of NFL betting opportunities throughout the regular season and post-season. Bookmakers also offer CFL betting options for fans of the Canadian league. You’ll encounter various football markets, including futures like who’ll win the Super Bowl.

Basketball: If you fancy betting on basketball, NWT bookmakers have everything you need. You’ll find NBA betting markets and odds from the regular season, post-season playoffs and the NBA Championship. Sportsbooks also offer basketball events worldwide, so you can bet on the Euro League and other pro basketball tournaments.

Hockey: Ice hockey is among Canada's most popular sports, and NWT sports betting sites offer many betting opportunities. You can explore NHL betting markets throughout the season, leading to the playoffs and Stanley Cup. There are hundreds of markets to bet on every week, and you can find hockey events from other regions.

Baseball: Events like the World Series draw millions of fans worldwide, and NWT punters have a chance to bet on all events leading to it. MLB betting opportunities exist throughout the year, so you can explore regular season matches, playoffs and the World Series. You can also wager on baseball events from other regions.

Soccer: The North American soccer scene keeps getting better, with lots of interesting activities. You can find MLS betting options throughout the season and explore the post-season showdown. Northwest Territories sportsbooks also feature soccer events from the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia, and other regions.

Other Sports: There are many other sports to bet on in Northwest Territories. You can explore ATP/WTA betting, UFC betting, Formula 1, golf, darts, handball, cricket, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and Motorsports. Horse racing and greyhound racing are also popular options in NWT sportsbooks. Other options include lacrosse, boxing, surfing, skiing, darts, beach volleyball, etc. You can bet on sports worldwide, including World Cups and the Olympics.

Northwest Territories sports betting features traditional and contemporary markets available to punters throughout Canada. You can back the outright winner of any event, explore score variations, or try unique props and exotics. Here are the most popular markets available in Northwest Territories betting sites:

Moneyline

The moneyline or outright winner bet refers to the wager on who wins an event. A simple example is betting on the Edmonton Oilers to win their NHL match against Las Vegas Golden Knights. Here’s how bookmakers format a moneyline bet:

• Oilers: -135
• Golden Knights: +115

In this example, the Oilers are the favourite to win the match, while the Golden Knights are the underdogs. The positive (+) sign denotes the underdog, while the negative (-) denotes the favourite. If you back the Oilers, you stand to win $100 from a $135 bet. Conversely, you can bet on Golden Knights and stand to win $115 from $100.

The Spread

The spread or points spread refers to the wager on the point/score variation. It’s sometimes called the puck line in hockey or the run line in baseball. You can bet on the Oilers to score 1.5 goals/pucks more than Golden Knights, which is known as covering the spread. You can also bet against the spread (ATS), which means Golden Knights must not lose by more than 1.5 goals/pucks. Here’s an example:

• Oilers: -1.5 (+135)
• Golden Knights: +1.5 (-160)

In this example, the Oilers must win by at least 2 pucks, like in a 3-1 or 2-0 score. You’ll win $135 from a $100 bet. If you back Golden Knights, they must win, draw, or lose by not more than 1 puck/goal, like in a 2-1 or 1-0 score. You’ll win $100 from a $160 bet.

Total Bet

The total or over/under bet refers to the wager on whether an outcome will be over or under a set threshold. You can back an NHL match to end with over or under 6.5 pucks. Here’s an example:

• Over 6.5: -135
• Under 6.5: +110

In this example, the threshold is 6.5 goals/pucks. If the game ends in seven or more goals, like in a 5-2 or 4-3 score, you win the over bet, which pays $100 for a $135 bet. On the other hand, if the game ends in six or fewer goals, like in a 4-2 or 1-0 score, you win the under bet. This will pay $110 for a $100 bet.

Props & Futures

Prop bets refer to wagers placed on minor outcomes in a match, such as who will score the first goal or if a soccer match will involve a penalty kick. Future bets involve wagers on a future/upcoming outcome. That means any pre-match selection can be considered a future. However, bookmakers reserve the term for obvious futures, like who will make it to the playoffs or win the Stanley Cup. Props and futures are nice additions to the traditional moneyline, spread and over/under bets. You can also find exotic props. The bets take on the standard format, so +700 on the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup means you’ll win $700 from a $100 bet 

Other Bets

Punters in Northwest Territories offer many other betting opportunities apart from conventional sports. You can explore bets on eSports, politics, virtual sports, and more. Here’s more on the additional betting opportunities available at leading bookmakers:

• Esports: Fans of eSports can bet on various games, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota2, and many more.
• Virtual Sports: NWT bookmakers offer virtual sports betting, so you can find RNG-based football, hockey, soccer, tennis, basketball, etc.
• Politics: Some sportsbook feature opportunities to bet on political outcomes, like who will win an election or if a bill will pass through Senate.
• Poker Series: In addition to casino poker, punters can bet on Poker Series outcomes, like who will win the event or make it to the next round.

Northwest Territories offer plenty of action with split allegiances between enthusiastic fans. The province has British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan as neighbours, which results in some exciting rivalries.

Hockey remains the major sport in the region, with fans in full support of the Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers also enjoy significant support. Local hockey teams Halifax Mooseheads and Cape Breton Eagles help to spice things up and draw large crowds.

However, there are no professional teams from NWT participating in top-tier franchise leagues like the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, or MLS. Here are other popular sports and teams in Northwest Territories:

BC Lions: Fans of the CFL support BC Lions. Football fans also support the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, which are part of the NFL.

Toronto Raptors: As the only basketball team from Canada in the NBA, the Raptors enjoy support from all over the country.

Toronto Blue Jays: Major League Baseball fans in Northwest Territories support the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. 

Sports betting is one of many gambling verticals available at NWT bookmakers. You can find casino games like slots, blackjacks, roulettes, baccarat, and craps. Poker, bingo, and lotteries are also available. Here’s an overview of the top gambling options:

Casino - Nearly all Canadian betting sites feature a casino section with thousands of real money games. Slots are the most popular offers, but you can explore table options like blackjacks, roulettes, baccarat, craps, keno, and more. Other casino games include scratchcards, dice, etc. Casino games rely on random number generators (RNGs) developed by leading providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, Quickspin, etc.

Poker Betting - Poker games are usually listed under casino table games but offer a unique vertical isolated in some sites. You can find video poker as well as live poker titles. Video poker works more like slots and table games, using random number generators and intuitive video displays. Popular games include Deuces Wild, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, Joker Poker, and more.

Live Dealer Shows - Live dealer betting has become a staple in modern casinos as it offers more immersive gameplay than traditional slots and video games. They feature intuitively designed interfaces that allow punters to access real-life studios with friendly croupiers and multiple camera angles. You can bet on live table games or unique shows like Monopoly, Dreamcatcher, Dragon Tiger, Deal or No Deal, etc.

Northwest Territories offer various frameworks to help punters bet responsibly. Players can use existing WCLC resources to self-exclude, set gambling limits, or get support. Below is everything you should know about playing responsibly in NWT sportsbooks:

• Choose Legitimate Bookmakers - Stick to legitimate sports betting sites with a valid gambling license. Consider bookmakers licensed in Ontario, Malta, Kahnawake, and the UK. Use our criteria to identify leading brands.
• Set Betting Limits - You can set various betting limits, including how much you can deposit, bet, and lose. You can also take cool-off periods. Make sure you separate your betting funds from other finances.
• Sign Up For Self-Exclusion - Self-exclusion is a voluntary action that allows you to take a break from gambling for six months, a year, three years, or more. During this time, you won’t be able to access gambling products on Canadian websites.
• Ask For Gambling Help - There are various gambling resources available for punters in NWT. You can reach out to private organizations to get gambling support anytime. You’ll find toll-free numbers, educational information, and self-exclusion assistance.

Sportsbook to Avoid

In addition to using responsible gambling frameworks, punters should be aware of legit and illegitimate websites. Here are the characteristics to watch out for and sportsbooks to avoid:

• No License: Do not sign up for an account with any sportsbook that doesn’t have a license. 
• Breach History: If the sportsbook has been breached before, it’s best to avoid it.
• Spam Promos: Avoid websites that feature spammy messages and promotions.
• Glitching Sites: It’s best to stay away from sites that crash, glitch, or take too long to load.
• Customer Complaints: Avoid sports betting sites with rampant customer complaints.

Our guide mainly tackled Northwest Territories sports betting, but punters can place bets throughout Canada. You can check out our reviews for other Canadian provinces and betting options in each jurisdiction.

Sports betting in Canada is left to individual provinces. Regions like Ontario have a legal framework with licensed third-party brands like Sports Interaction, Betway, Bodog, Bet365, BetRivers, BetMGM, etc.

Other jurisdictions only feature locally-regulated sportsbooks like Sport Select, Pro-Line, etc. Punters can place bets on Canadian betting sites licensed offshore. Some bookmakers like BetMGM and FanDuel only operate where they’re licensed, so you won’t find them anywhere else in Canada except in Ontario. Here are links to help you with sports betting in all Canadian provinces:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nunavut
• Yukon
• Nova Scotia

You'll encounter licensed and unlicensed operators when looking for Northwest Territories sports betting websites. We only rate and recommend licensed sportsbooks because they’re verifiable, secure, and abide by strict gambling standards. However, a site may be licensed in one place and unlicensed in another. Bookmakers like Sports Interaction, Betway, etc., are licensed in Ontario, the UK, Malta, and other places but lack licenses from all non-Ontario provinces. They’re still licensed sportsbooks with legitimate betting products.

Unlicensed websites specifically refer to bookmakers operating without a verifiable gambling license. Joining unlicensed websites exposes you to many risks and unwanted experiences, including spammy promotions, glitches, malware, and poor customer service. The bookmaker may also withhold your payments, and there’s no way to hold them accountable since they don’t report to any regulator. Below is an overview of the key differences between licensed and unlicensed sports betting websites in the Northwest Territories:

About Sport Select

Government-regulated sportsbooks are available across all Canadian provinces. In Northwest Territories, Sport Select is the local betting platform regulated by the WCLC. Punters can explore a wide range of sports bets, but Sport Select has many restrictions.

All bets must be verified at a local retail outlet and no bonuses are available. However, you can find major sports and tournaments like the NFL, NBA, MLS, Hockey, Baseball, Golf, and more. Sport Select is the platform available in all Western Provinces, including Yukon and Nunavut.