One of the best parts of signing up at a new Canadian sportsbook is the welcome bonus. Whether it is a free bet token, a deposit match, or a risk-free first wager, bonus offers give you extra value on your first deposits. Understanding how these promotions work is the key to maximising your return.
In Ontario's regulated market, all bonus offers must comply with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) advertising standards. This means the terms and conditions must be transparent, wagering requirements must be clearly stated, and operators cannot make misleading claims about bonus value.
We have analysed the welcome bonuses at every major Canadian sportsbook, comparing the total bonus amount, wagering requirements, expiry periods, and real-world usability. Below are the 6 best sportsbooks for betting with a bonus in 2026.
Best Sportsbook Bonuses in Canada —
Types of Betting Bonuses in Canada
Canadian sportsbooks offer several distinct types of welcome bonuses. Each works differently and has its own advantages and limitations. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right offer for your betting style.
Free Bet Bonuses
The most common sportsbook bonus in Canada. After you place a qualifying bet (usually your first wager), the sportsbook credits your account with a free bet token. If your free bet wins, you keep the profit only — the stake is not returned. For example, a C$500 free bet at +100 odds returns C$500 in profit.
Free bets are popular because the terms are straightforward. There are typically no wagering requirements on the profit. The main limitations are the expiry period (usually 7 to 30 days) and minimum odds requirements. Most operators require free bets to be placed at odds of −200 or longer.
Deposit Match Bonuses
The operator matches your first deposit up to a specified amount. A 100% match up to C$1,000 means depositing C$500 gives you an extra C$500 in bonus funds. Deposit matches come with wagering requirements — you must bet a multiple of the bonus amount before you can withdraw.
Wagering requirements for deposit match bonuses at Canadian sportsbooks range from 5x to 10x the bonus amount. A 5x requirement on a C$500 bonus means placing C$2,500 in qualifying bets. Only bets at minimum odds (typically −200 or longer) count toward the requirement.
Risk-Free First Bet
Some operators refund your first bet as a free bet token if it loses. A “risk-free bet up to C$500” means you place your first bet, and if it loses, you receive a C$500 free bet. If your first bet wins, you keep the winnings and the bonus is not triggered. This structure is functionally similar to a free bet but is only activated on a loss.
Odds Boost Tokens
Rather than cash bonuses, some sportsbooks offer odds boost tokens that increase the payout on specific bets. A 25% odds boost on a +200 bet would increase the effective odds to +250. These tokens are usually limited to one bet and specific market types.
Welcome Bonus Comparison
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Type | Wagering Req | Min Odds | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 888sport | C$500 Free Bet | Free bet | None (profit only) | −200 | 30 days |
| LeoVegas Sport | C$500 Free Bet | Free bet | None (profit only) | −200 | 14 days |
| TonyBet Sport | C$350 Free Bet | Free bet | None (profit only) | −250 | 14 days |
| Caesars | Up to C$1,000 | Deposit match | 5x bonus | −200 | 30 days |
| TooNieBet Sport | C$200 Free Bet | Free bet | None (profit only) | −200 | 7 days |
| NorthStar Bets | C$200 Free Bet | Free bet | None (profit only) | −200 | 14 days |
How to Maximise Your Betting Bonus
Getting the most value from a sportsbook bonus requires a strategic approach. Here are 5 tips that will help you extract maximum value from any welcome offer.
Use Free Bets on Underdogs
Since free bets return profit only (not the stake), they are mathematically more valuable when placed on longer odds. A C$100 free bet at −150 returns just C$66.67 in profit. The same free bet at +200 returns C$200 in profit. Using free bets on underdogs between +150 and +300 maximises expected value.
Meet Wagering Requirements on Low-Margin Bets
If you have a deposit match bonus with wagering requirements, place your qualifying bets on markets with the lowest sportsbook margin. NHL and NFL moneylines typically have lower margins than exotic parlays or props. Betting on both sides of a low-margin market can help you grind through requirements efficiently.
Track Your Bonus Progress
Most sportsbook apps show your wagering requirement progress in the account or bonus section. Check this regularly to ensure you are on track to meet the requirement before the bonus expires. Set a calendar reminder for 3 days before expiry so you have time to place final qualifying bets.
Read the Full Terms and Conditions
Always read the bonus T&Cs before claiming. Key things to check include minimum deposit, minimum odds for qualifying bets, excluded bet types, time limits, and whether the bonus can be used on live bets. Some bonuses exclude specific markets or bet types that you might have planned to use.
Do Not Chase Losses With Bonus Funds
A bonus should not change your betting strategy. Place the same bets you would normally place and treat the bonus as extra value on top. Chasing losses or making reckless bets to meet wagering requirements quickly is the fastest way to lose both your bonus and your deposit.
Ongoing Promotions and Loyalty Programmes
Welcome bonuses are just the beginning. Most Canadian sportsbooks offer ongoing promotions to existing customers. These can include weekly free bets, odds boosts on featured matches, parlay insurance (get your stake back if one leg of a parlay loses), and loyalty programmes that reward consistent betting with cashback or VIP perks.
Caesars Rewards stands out for its loyalty programme, which is tied to the broader Caesars entertainment ecosystem. Points earned through sports betting can be redeemed for hotel stays, dining, and entertainment at Caesars properties. 888sport and LeoVegas Sport also offer strong ongoing promotions including daily odds boosts and enhanced parlay payouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
A free bet is a bonus token that lets you place a bet without risking your own money. If the free bet wins, you keep the profit only (the free bet stake is not returned). For example, a C$100 free bet at +200 odds returns C$200 in profit. Free bets typically expire within 7 to 30 days.
Wagering requirements specify how much you must bet before bonus funds become withdrawable. A 5x wagering requirement on a C$200 bonus means you need to place C$1,000 in qualifying bets. Only bets at minimum odds (usually -200 or longer) count. Free bet bonuses often have no wagering requirements on the profit.
888sport's C$500 Free Bet offers the best combination of value and simplicity, with no wagering requirements on profit and a generous 30-day expiry. For the highest total bonus amount, Caesars offers up to C$1,000 as a deposit match with a 5x wagering requirement.
Yes. Each sportsbook's welcome bonus is available once per new customer. You can sign up at multiple operators and claim each welcome offer. This is a common and legitimate strategy that maximises your total bonus value. Most experienced bettors maintain accounts at 2 to 4 sportsbooks.
Yes. Free bet expiry periods range from 7 to 30 days depending on the sportsbook. 888sport offers the longest expiry at 30 days, while TooNieBet Sport has the shortest at 7 days. Always use your free bets before they expire, as unused tokens are forfeited.
It depends on the sportsbook. Most free bet bonuses can be used on both pre-match and live bets, but some deposit match bonuses restrict live betting. Always check the bonus terms and conditions for any market or bet type exclusions before placing your qualifying bet.
Most Canadian sportsbooks require bonus bets to be placed at minimum odds of -200 or longer. This means you cannot use a free bet on a heavy favourite at -500. TonyBet Sport has a slightly stricter minimum at -250. Check the specific terms for each operator's bonus before placing your qualifying bet.
No-deposit bonuses are rare in the Canadian sports betting market. Most welcome offers require either a qualifying deposit or a qualifying first bet. Occasionally, operators run promotional free bet giveaways through social media or partnerships, but these are not standard welcome bonuses.
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Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money. Set a budget before you bet and never wager more than you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit connexontario.ca. You can also reach the Responsible Gambling Council at responsiblegambling.org. All licensed sportsbooks offer self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and session time reminders. You must be 19+ to gamble in Ontario. Please play responsibly.