NorthStar Bets Review — Ontario Sportsbook & Bonus

Written by
Kara Hendricks · Sports Betting Editor

8.4/10

NorthStar Bets Review

C$200 Free Bet

• AGCO (Ontario)
• Markets: 20+ sports
• Min Deposit: C$20
• Live Betting: Yes

Visit NorthStar Bets

NorthStar Bets is an Ontario-exclusive sportsbook launched in 2022, designed specifically for the local market. While it doesn't have the international reach of competitors, its local focus means a platform tailored to what Ontario bettors actually want — including strong NHL coverage and a quick, easy signup process.

Sports Markets & Betting Options

NorthStar Bets covers 20+ sports with a clear focus on the North American leagues that Ontario bettors follow most closely. NHL, CFL, NFL, and NBA form the core of the platform, with MLB, soccer, tennis, MMA, and additional sports filling out the roster. The market count is smaller than global brands like 888sport (35+) or LeoVegas (30+), but what NorthStar covers, it covers well — especially Canadian sports.

For hockey betting, NorthStar Bets offers moneylines, puck lines, totals, period betting, and selected player props. Futures markets for the Stanley Cup and conference winners are available during the NHL season. CFL coverage is a genuine strength — being built specifically for Ontario means NorthStar gives CFL the attention it deserves, with more market options than you will find at most international-origin sportsbooks. NFL and NBA markets include spreads, moneylines, totals, and props for major games.

Odds are displayed in American format by default, with decimal and fractional options in your settings. Competitiveness varies — for major markets like NHL moneylines and NFL spreads, NorthStar generally tracks the industry average. On less popular markets or niche sports, the platform may not always match the pricing offered by higher-volume operators. The types of bets available cover all the fundamentals, and the platform's local focus means Canadian sporting events are prioritized in the navigation and promotions. For bettors learning to evaluate different sportsbooks, our guide on reading odds helps you compare value across platforms.

Live Betting & Cash Out

Live betting at NorthStar Bets is available for major events across NHL, NFL, NBA, CFL, soccer, and tennis. The interface is clean and straightforward — live events are organized by sport with real-time scores and basic match information displayed alongside the odds. The design favours simplicity, which makes it easy for less experienced bettors to follow along and place in-play wagers without confusion.

Live streaming is not currently offered, so you will need a separate source to watch events while betting in-play. Live stats are provided for featured events, including scores, period/quarter breakdowns, and key game situations. For NHL games, this is enough to track period scores and overtime situations, though the stat integration is less detailed than what you would find at larger platforms with dedicated data feeds.

Cash out is supported for selected markets, giving you the option to settle bets before events conclude. Full cash out is available on qualifying single and multi-bets, with the cash out value displayed and updated dynamically in your active bets section. Partial cash out is not yet available — a limitation compared to platforms like 888sport that offer full, partial, and auto cash out. For a newer brand, the core cash out functionality works reliably and is easy to access.

Bonuses & Promotions

New players at NorthStar Bets receive a C$200 free bet as a welcome offer. The amount is modest compared to the C$1,500 available at Caesars or the C$500 at 888sport, but it provides a solid starting bonus for bettors who want to test the platform with extra funds before committing their own money.

The qualifying bet must meet minimum odds requirements and be placed within the specified timeframe after registration. Free bets are credited once the qualifying wager settles and must be used within the set deadline. Only the profit from free bets is paid out as cash — the stake is not returned. The terms are straightforward and in line with standard Ontario sportsbook practices. Check the current promotions page for exact details, as the bonus structure may change between promotional periods.

Ongoing promotions are more limited than what you will find at larger brands, which is expected for a newer, Ontario-exclusive operator. NorthStar Bets runs occasional odds boosts on popular NHL and NFL games, and event-specific promotions appear around major sporting events like the NHL playoffs, Super Bowl, and CFL Grey Cup. There is no formal loyalty or VIP program at this stage. The promotional calendar is growing as the platform matures, and bettors who value bankroll management will appreciate that the promotions tend to be straightforward with clear, easy-to-understand terms rather than complex multi-layered offers.

Registration & Getting Started

NorthStar Bets is designed for quick onboarding. Registration takes roughly 5 minutes — you enter your personal details (name, date of birth, email, Ontario residential address), set your login credentials, and submit your identity verification documents. A government-issued photo ID is required, and Ontario residency is confirmed as part of the AGCO-mandated process. Many accounts are verified within hours, and some receive near-instant approval.

After verification, deposit a minimum of C$20 and start betting. The bet slip is clean and functional, displaying your selections, potential payout, and any available free bets. The homepage prominently features NHL and CFL markets, so finding the sports you care about takes seconds rather than scrolling through a massive catalogue. This streamlined approach is one of the advantages of a locally-focused platform — the experience feels curated for Ontario bettors rather than being a one-size-fits-all global product.

Payment Methods

Interac is the primary payment method at NorthStar Bets, with instant deposits and withdrawals that typically process within 24-48 hours. Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposits, with card withdrawals taking 3-5 business days. The payment lineup is simple and focused — NorthStar covers the three methods that the vast majority of Ontario bettors actually use.

Minimum deposits are C$20 across all methods. NorthStar Bets does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees on its side. Withdrawal minimums are standard, and processing times are competitive with the market average. Daily and monthly withdrawal limits are adequate for recreational bettors.

Verification must be completed before your first cashout — uploading your documents during registration avoids delays later. Once verified, subsequent withdrawals process without additional review. The payment selection is narrower than competitors that offer e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), PayPal, or cryptocurrency. If you rely primarily on Interac — as most Ontario bettors do — this is unlikely to be a problem. If you need more payment flexibility, platforms like TonyBet (crypto) or 888sport (PayPal, Apple Pay) offer broader options.

Mobile Experience

NorthStar Bets offers dedicated apps for both iOS and Android — a notable commitment for a newer, Ontario-exclusive brand. The apps are available from the App Store and Google Play, and the download takes under a minute. All core features are included: full sports betting, live betting, cash out, account management, and deposits/withdrawals. The design is clean and the app performs smoothly on most devices.

Push notifications keep you informed about bet results, odds changes, and new promotions. The bet slip is touch-optimized and works well on smaller screens. The app prioritizes NHL and CFL markets on the home screen, reflecting the platform's Canadian focus. While the app does not match the award-winning polish of LeoVegas Sport's mobile experience, it is a solid, functional product that provides a better experience than the mobile browser approach used by brands like TooNieBet. For a platform that launched in 2022, having dedicated mobile apps already is a positive signal about the brand's investment in its product.

Customer Support

NorthStar Bets offers live chat and email support. Live chat is available during extended hours, with connection times typically under 5 minutes. Support agents handle standard sportsbook queries including deposits, withdrawals, bet settlement, and bonus terms. Email responses arrive within 24-48 hours for non-urgent matters.

Phone support is not available, which is a limitation for bettors who prefer speaking with someone directly. The help centre covers basic topics including account management, payments, and betting rules, though it is not as comprehensive as what you will find at established operators like 888sport or Caesars. During peak hours around major NHL or NFL events, live chat wait times may extend. For a newer brand, the support quality is satisfactory for routine inquiries, and the team is generally responsive to feedback.

Security & Licensing

NorthStar Bets operates exclusively under an AGCO licence for Ontario, fully regulated through iGaming Ontario. This means the platform meets all provincial standards for player fund protection, fair market practices, responsible gambling compliance, and dispute resolution. Unlike international brands that hold multiple licences across jurisdictions, NorthStar's singular AGCO focus means it is built entirely around Ontario's regulatory requirements — there is no ambiguity about which rules apply.

Responsible gambling tools are built into the platform. You can set deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), session time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion ranging from short-term to permanent. Betting history is available in your account for reviewing all wagers and spending. Reality check reminders can be configured at your preferred intervals. NorthStar provides direct links to ConnexOntario and other support organizations. For a detailed explanation of how Ontario's regulated market protects bettors, our hockey betting guide covers licensing, player safety, and the role of the AGCO.

NorthStar Bets Screenshots

Frequently Asked Questions