Best Canada Sports Betting Promo Codes: April 2025

Top 5 Canada Sportsbook Promos: April 2025

How Do I Claim Sportsbook Bonuses?

Claiming promotional offers on is usually a straightforward process. Sportsbooks in Canada (whether websites or Canada betting apps) will advertise their latest sign up bonus on their promotions page or home screen. 

To claim a promo code offer, follow these general steps:

1. Find a Promo: Browse a reputable betting site for their current welcome bonuses or special promos. Many sites highlight these deals prominently.
2. Register an Account: Click the sign-up button and fill in your details. During registration, you’ll often see a field for a promo code.
3. Enter the Code (If Provided): If you have a specific code, enter it in the promo code box when prompted. (Some offers apply automatically without a code – more on that later.)
4. Meet the Requirements: Most bonus bet credits require you to make a deposit or place a bet to qualify. For example, a site might offer “Bet $20, Get $20” in bonus bets once you wager $20.
5. Get Your Bonus: Once you’ve fulfilled the conditions, the bonus (like free bet credits or a bet match) will be credited to your account. Then it’s time to use it and enjoy!

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How Do I Enter Canada Sportsbook Promo Codes?

Entering a promo code for a Canadian sportsbook is typically done during the sign-up process or first deposit. When you create your account, most sportsbooks will prompt you to enter any promo or bonus code on the registration form​. This is the moment to type in that code you found (be sure it’s exact – they’re usually case-sensitive).

If you don’t see a promo code field at sign-up, don’t worry. Some sportsbooks use special links that automatically apply the offer, so no manual code entry is needed. In other cases, the code might be entered on the deposit page or in a “Promo Code” section of the app/website. Always double-check the sign-up and deposit screens so you don’t miss the opportunity to apply your code​.

When to enter the code: Usually, it’s before you finalize registration or deposit. For example, you might fill in your name and address, then see a box saying “Promo Code (optional)” – that’s where it goes. Enter the code before you make your first bet or deposit, as that’s often what triggers the bonus. If you complete sign-up without entering a code when one was required, you might miss out on the offer.

How to Use Canada Sportsbook Promo Codes?

Using a sportsbook promo code in Canada is all about timing and value. Here are some tips to get the most out of your bonus code offer:

• Activate When You’re Ready: Don’t rush to redeem a welcome bonus if you’re not ready to bet. Once you enter the code and create your account, a clock might start on fulfilling the bonus conditions. It’s often best to sign up when you know you’ll be placing a bet soon (for example, right before a big game you plan to wager on). That way, you can immediately meet the requirements and cash in on the promo.
• Maximize the Value (Responsibly): Many welcome bonuses are “one-time” deals for new customers. If a sportsbook offers, say, a 100% deposit match up to $500, you get the most value by depositing $500 (if you’re comfortable doing so). Of course, only bet what you can afford – but keep in mind these promos often scale with your deposit or first bet. To get the full reward, you might choose to deposit a bit more initially.
• Follow the Terms: A promo code can give great perks, but only if you use it correctly. Make sure you complete any required steps. For instance, if it’s a “Bet X, Get Y” deal, be sure your first wager is the right amount and on eligible markets. If it’s a deposit match, meet any minimum odds or wagering requirements when you start betting the bonus funds. Using the code is just the first step; using the bonus effectively is what actually puts extra value in your pocket.
• Plan Your First Bet: For offers like risk-free bets or bet credits, think strategically about your qualifying wager. It could be wise to use it on a straight-forward bet (maybe a moneyline bet on your favourite team) that you’d make anyway. If it wins, fantastic – you profit normally. If it loses (and it’s a risk-free promo), you’ll get the refund in credits. Either way, you’ve leveraged the promo to give yourself a second chance.

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Who Can Claim Canada Sportsbook Promo Codes?

Before you start dreaming of bonus bets, you need to make sure you’re actually eligible to claim these promotions. In Canada, eligibility comes down to a few key factors:

• Legal Age: You must be old enough to gamble in your province. In most of Canada, that means 19+, but in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the minimum age is 18​. (Always double-check your province’s rules, but if you’re 19 or over anywhere in Canada, you’re good to go; 18-year-olds have access in the aforementioned provinces.)
• Residency/Location: You typically need to be physically located in the province where the sportsbook operates to claim its promos​. If you’re in B.C. or Quebec, you’d use those provinces’ regulated platforms or any available online sportsbooks there. Geo-location checks are used to enforce this, so you can’t claim a Quebec offer while sitting in, say, Saskatchewan.
• New Customer vs. Existing: Promo codes are often aimed at new users only – one welcome bonus per person. Sportsbooks will verify your identity (usually via ID and personal details) so you can’t just make multiple accounts to snag extra bonuses. That said, if you’re already a customer, you won’t get another “sign-up” bonus, but you may qualify for other ongoing promos (loyalty rewards, reload bonuses, etc.).
• Account Verification: To claim any bonus (and to withdraw winnings), you’ll need to verify your account. This means providing accurate information during sign-up (name, address, etc.) and often confirming your identity with documents. It’s standard procedure under Canadian regulations to prevent fraud and ensure you’re of age.
• One per Household/Device: Many sportsbooks limit welcome offers to one per household or IP address. So if your roommate already claimed a bonus on a site, you should still be able to as well (since you are a different person), but if the site detects misuse (like one person trying to double-dip), they’ll void the bonuses. Just play it straight – one per person.
• Location-Specific Restrictions: As mentioned, only certain sportsbooks are available in certain provinces. Some provinces mainly have their lottery-run sportsbooks (like PlayNow in BC or Mise-o-jeu in Quebec). So the exact promo codes you can claim will depend on where you are. 

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Why Do Canada Sportsbooks Offer Promo Codes?

Why would a sportsbook just give away free bets or bonus cash? Are they just that nice? Well, not exactly – it’s business! Sportsbooks in Canada (and everywhere) use promo codes and bonuses as marketing tools to attract new customers and retain existing ones​. It’s a very competitive industry, especially after legalization opened up more options.

Imagine you have a dozen betting apps available – many bettors will sign up where they see the best deal. A juicy welcome bonus (like “$500 in free bets”) is a great way for a sportsbook to grab your attention. It’s similar to supermarkets offering discounts to get you in the door. The hope is that once you’ve signed up for the bonus, you’ll stick around and become a loyal customer.

Promos also keep current users engaged. Ever notice how some apps always have odds boosts or little challenges (“Bet $20 on NBA and get a $10 bonus”)? These are retention promos. Sportsbooks know that if they reward you for coming back, you’re more likely to place more wagers with them rather than wandering off to a competitor. It’s all about customer loyalty in the long run​.

Another reason: marketing buzz. When one book offers a cool promo, it gets talked about on social media, betting forums, and by word-of-mouth. This buzz can draw even more bettors in. It creates a bit of FOMO – nobody wants to miss a “too good to be true” deal (even though we all know there are always terms and conditions).

Finally, sportsbooks structure these bonuses knowing they’ll likely make money long-term. The bonus might give you an edge initially, but the house still expects to profit as you keep playing. Think of promos as a calculated investment by the sportsbook – they give you a perk now, hoping you’ll bet (and maybe lose) more later. For players, though, it can truly be a win-win scenario – you get extra betting funds, and the book gets your patronage.

Do I Need a Canada Sportsbook Promo Code?

Great question! The short answer: No, you don’t always need a promo code to get a bonus – but it can help unlock extra value. Many Canadian sportsbooks structure their promotions such that simply signing up or depositing will trigger the bonus automatically, without any code. In those cases, you literally can’t miss the bonus as long as you meet the requirements (for example, by registering through a special link or clicking “Opt In” on a promo). Some offers explicitly state “No promo code needed”​.

However, there are instances where a promo code is required to claim a specific deal. Think of the code as a key: without entering it, you might not unlock the bonus. Some sportsbooks have multiple concurrent offers and use codes to differentiate them. For example, a site might have a general welcome bonus that applies automatically, and a separate offer for a big event (like the Super Bowl) that requires a code at sign-up. If you didn’t enter the code for the event promo, you’d just receive the standard offer.

Another scenario: affiliate or partner codes. You might see a promo code on a site like ours or another affiliate site that isn’t advertised directly on the sportsbook’s homepage. Using that code could grant you an exclusive bonus or a slightly better deal than the default. In such cases, not using the code means you’d only get the standard public offer.

So, while promo codes aren’t mandatory in general – you can certainly bet and use a sportsbook without ever typing in a code – they’re a handy tool. If you’re signing up anyway, why not use a code and grab the extra goodies? It’s essentially free value. That said, always verify whether a code is needed for a given promotion. The offer’s terms will say “use code XYZ” if required. If you don’t see any code mentioned, it likely auto-applies.

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Are Canada Sportsbook Promos and Bonuses the Same?

In casual conversation, people often use terms like “promo,” “bonus,” “free bet,” and “offer” interchangeably – and for the most part, they all refer to the same idea: an incentive from the sportsbook. Generally, sportsbook promos and bonuses mean the same thing – both imply some extra value given to the player, usually as site credit, free bets, better odds, etc.

If we get nitpicky, one could draw a slight distinction: a promotion is the deal or campaign itself, while a bonus typically refers to the reward you get from that promotion​. For example, a sportsbook might advertise a promotion (promo) like “Deposit $100, get a 100% bonus.” The promotion is the offer, and the bonus is the $100 in extra credits you receive. In everyday usage though, you’ll hear “welcome bonus,” “sign-up promo,” and even “promo code bonus” all meaning the free money or bet you get.

On Canadian betting sites, you might see various wording:

• “Bonuses” – often a menu item listing things like deposit match, free bets, etc.
• “Promotions” or “Promos” – same area, listing current deals. Some sites favor one term over the other, but they usually encompass the same types of offers.
• “Offers” – another synonym, often used in the UK and sometimes in Canada, meaning the bonus deals available.

The important thing is not the terminology, but the terms and conditions of whatever is being offered. Whether they call it a promo or a bonus, pay attention to how it works. In Canada, you can assume that if someone says “sportsbook bonus,” they are referring to a promotional incentive, and vice versa.

To avoid confusion: read the promo’s description. If it says “Bonus will be credited as free bets,” then you know exactly what the bonus is. If it says “use promo code XYZ for an exclusive offer,” you know that’s a promotion requiring a code.

Are Canada Sportsbook Bonuses Worth it?

Are these bonuses really worth your time, or are they just hype? By and large, Canada sportsbook bonuses are worth it – especially if you plan on betting anyway. They can boost your bankroll or provide a safety net on your first wagers. For example, if you were going to deposit $100 to bet on hockey this week, claiming a 100% deposit bonus means you get an extra $100 in betting credits. That’s effectively doubling your bankroll, giving you more chances to win without more of your own money at risk.

Another scenario: a risk-free bet up to $500. If you take it and (unluckily) lose that first $500 bet, you get $500 in credits back. Without the promo, you’d simply be out the $500. With the promo, you get a do-over of sorts. That significantly reduces the risk of your initial bet – a nice cushion for a new bettor or anyone trying a new sportsbook.

Of course, it’s not all free money without strings. The conditions (rollovers, odds restrictions, time limits) can affect how valuable a bonus truly is. A $50 free bet that expires in 3 days on long-shot odds isn’t as “worth it” as a $50 free bet that you can use on any bet over the next month. But as long as you understand those terms, a bonus is almost always better to have than not. It’s extra value. Even if a bonus has a high playthrough requirement, it’s basically giving you more plays for your buck (just be careful to fulfill the requirement wisely).

One thing to consider: your betting style. If you’re a very casual bettor (say, you only want to place one $5 bet on the Super Bowl for fun), chasing a $1,000 bonus that requires a big deposit and lots of wagering might not be worth it for you. It might encourage you to deposit or bet more than you originally intended. In such cases, stick to smaller scale promos. On the other hand, if you’re going to bet regularly, not taking a bonus is like leaving money on the table.

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Important Terms to Know About Canada Betting Offers

Before you jump in and start firing off bets with your new promos, it’s crucial to understand the fine print. Yes, we know – terms and conditions aren’t the most exciting thing to read. But knowing these key terms will help you avoid any surprises and use your bonuses wisely. Let’s go through some of the most important ones you’ll encounter with Canadian sportsbook offers:

How Do Sportsbooks Pay Out Bet Credits?

When you receive “bet credits” or “free bets” as part of a promo, how they pay out can be a bit different from normal winnings. The main thing to remember: the stake of a free bet is usually not returned to you. Only the winnings (profit) from that bet credit are added to your cash balance​. This is industry standard and not specific to Canada.

For example, if you have a $20 free bet and you place it on a bet at odds +150 (which is 2.50 in decimal, meaning if you win you’d get $50 total – $30 profit + your $20 stake back normally). Since it’s a free bet, if it wins, you get the $30 profit, but not the $20 stake (because that stake was “on the house”). So you’ll see $30 added to your withdrawable balance, and the $20 free bet is used up.

If the free bet loses, you obviously get nothing (and you’ve lost nothing of your own). The free bet is gone.

Sportsbooks will typically show your free bets in a separate section or as an option on the bet slip. When you use it, the slip might even clarify “Using Free Bet – potential return $X (stake not included)”.

Now, how you get those bet credits: often instantly or very soon after you earn them. Risk-free bet refunds usually hit your account within 24 hours (once your losing bet is settled). Deposit match bonus funds might appear right after you deposit. “Bet and Get” free bets usually come as soon as the qualifying bet’s result is confirmed. Each promo’s terms will specify the timing. If it says “within 72 hours” that means you might wait a couple days, but many are much faster.

One more thing: bet credits can sometimes come as one lump sum or multiple tokens. A common scenario: you have a $50 free bet, but the book might credit it as five $10 free bets. This is usually if the terms said something like “awarded as free bets in $10 increments.” Just be aware of how it’s split – you may need to place multiple smaller bets rather than one big free bet.

How Long Does it Take For Bonus Funds To Arrive?

Patience is a virtue – but luckily, with sportsbook promos, you usually don’t need a ton of it. The timeline for bonus funds or free bets to hit your account can vary by promotion and operator, but here are some general guidelines in the Canadian context:

• Immediately or Instant: Many bonuses are credited right away. Deposit match? Often your bonus shows up as soon as your deposit is processed (especially if it’s one of those that go into a bonus balance directly). Place a qualifying bet for a “Bet & Get”? Frequently the free bet is credited the moment your qualifying bet is placed or settled as a win/loss. Some books are super fast – within seconds.
• Within 24 Hours: Risk-free bet refunds and some other conditional bonuses might take until the next day. For example, if you lost your first bet on a Sunday afternoon, the promo might stipulate that the free bet credits are awarded the following day. Most do it much sooner, but it can vary.
• 72 Hours (3 days): A few promotions might mention up to 72 hours for credits. This is on the slower side and not very common, but it exists. It’s often just to cover any technical delays. In practice, you’ll likely see it in 1 day, but they give themselves a cushion. For instance, “free bets will be credited within 72 hours of your qualifying bet settling.”
• After Event Conclusion: If a promo is tied to an event or series, the bonus might only come after it’s all over. Say a sportsbook had a promo, “Bet on the Grey Cup winner, get $10 for each game they win in the playoffs.” In that case, you might only get the total bonus after the Grey Cup, when it’s clear how many games they won.
• Scheduled Intervals: Some large bonuses (like a huge deposit match) could release funds in increments, e.g., “$50 of bonus released each week for four weeks.” In those cases, you’d get pieces of it on a set schedule (which they’ll outline).

Playthrough Requirements

Ah, the famous playthrough requirement, also known as a rollover or wagering requirement. This is a crucial term: it means the amount of betting you need to do before you can withdraw certain bonus-derived funds or winnings.

For instance, a common playthrough is 1x on free bet winnings – meaning if you win $50 from a free bet, you might need to wager that $50 at least once before cashing out. Many sportsbooks actually keep it simple (1x is effectively just making one bet with the winnings, which you’d likely do anyway). But deposit bonuses often have higher requirements, like 5x, 10x, or more.

A 5x playthrough on a $100 bonus means you must make $500 in bets before that $100 (and any winnings from it) is eligible for withdrawal. That doesn’t mean you need to lose $500 – it just means $500 worth of wagers. Winning bets count toward that total too. It’s cumulative bet amount.

Some key points about playthroughs:

• What Counts: Usually any real-money bet counts toward the requirement, but some books exclude very low odds bets or certain bet types from contributing (to prevent someone from just betting on a near-guarantee repeatedly). Check the terms – often it will say “must bet at odds of -200 or longer for it to count” or something along those lines.
• Combined or Separate: If the requirement applies to both deposit and bonus (common in deposit matches), it might say “5x deposit + bonus.” That means if you deposited $100 and got $100 bonus, you need to wager 5 $200 = $1000. If it’s just 5x bonus, it’d be 5 $100 = $500 in bets.
• Why They Exist: Playthroughs exist so people actually use the bonus for betting (as intended) and don’t just withdraw the free money immediately. It’s a way to make sure the sportsbook gets some action (handle) out of the deal, and hopefully profit, though a reasonable rollover still gives you a fair shot to profit too.
• Clearing Multiple Bonuses: If you somehow have overlapping bonuses, know that your bets might count towards clearing them one at a time, not simultaneously (depends on site). Generally, clear one bonus fully before activating another, to keep it simple.

For Canadian sportsbooks, playthroughs are usually clearly stated. Provincial lottery sites sometimes have simpler or no rollovers for their promos (or they build conditions in differently). The big commercial books follow the patterns above.

A good tip: Plan your bets to meet the rollover. If you have a large rollover, stick to bets you’d normally make, perhaps smaller units, and grind through it. Don’t take wild long shots just to roll it over, because if you bust your bankroll, the bonus is gone. The requirement doesn’t mean you should bet differently – it just means you have to bet a certain amount overall.

So, if you see “X20 wagering requirement” – know that means you need to bet the bonus amount 20 times over. If that seems like too much, maybe opt for a smaller bonus or different promo. Many welcome offers nowadays in Canada have reasonable playthroughs (like 1x to 5x)​​, but always double-check.

Time Limits

Bonuses aren’t forever – they usually come with an expiration date or time limit. This is super important: if you don’t use a bonus or meet the conditions in time, you can lose the bonus and any associated winnings. Here’s how time limits typically work:

• Bonus Bet Expiry: Bonus bets or bet credits often expire within a set number of days after being issued. Commonly, it’s 7 days, 14 days, or 30 days. Some generous promos might allow longer, but assume you have about a week or two unless told otherwise. For example, you might see: “Bonus bet will expire 7 days after issuance.” That means if you don’t use that bonus bet within a week, poof – it disappears. Most bonus credits must be used in about 14-21 days​.
• Playthrough Period: If you have a wagering requirement, you often need to complete it within a certain timeframe. E.g., “must meet playthrough within 30 days.” If you don’t, any remaining bonus or winnings from it might be forfeited. 30 days is common, some give 90 days, and some are shorter. Always check that. If it’s a huge bonus with a huge rollover, hopefully the time limit is reasonable (like 90 days). If a bonus gives you only a week to roll over 10x, that’s probably not worth the stress unless you’re a very high-volume bettor.
• Specific Event Bonuses: If a promo is tied to an event (say, “place bets during the World Cup and get a bonus”), obviously the time to use it is during that event. After the event, the promo’s utility might be gone (though any free bets from it might still have their own countdown).
• Promo Code Expiry: Sometimes a promo code itself can expire (e.g., valid this month only). That’s more about claiming it; once you have the bonus, then the above rules on usage apply.

In Canada, the regulated sportsbooks will always list the expiry in the terms. OLG’s Proline+ or others typically give around a week for free bets. The big international books in Ontario align with their global practices, which are similar.

So what should you do? Don’t procrastinate. Mark the expiry somewhere if you need to. If I get a free bet, I often plan when to use it right away – like “okay, I’ll use this on Saturday’s game.” If you have multiple, prioritize by expiry (use the ones expiring sooner first).

Also, be aware of time zones and exact cut-off times. “7 days” might mean exactly 168 hours. If you got a free bet at 1 PM on Monday, using it by next Monday 1 PM. Some might expire at end of day on the date. The sportsbook will usually remove the free bet from your account when expired, so don’t push it to the last minute.

Minimum Odds

You might notice that a lot of promos specify something like “qualifying bets must have minimum odds of -200 (1.5 decimal) or longer.” Minimum odds requirements mean you can’t just bet on heavy favourites or extremely safe outcomes to count toward a bonus or to use bonus funds. Sportsbooks include this to ensure you take at least a modest risk with the bonus (otherwise, people would just bet huge sums on near-certainties to clear a bonus with no sweat).

Common minimum odds requirements for bonuses range from -300 to -120 in American odds (which is about 1.33 to 1.83 in decimal). A frequent one is -200 (1.5). That means if you place a bet at odds shorter (more favored) than -200, it won’t count for the promotion. If you’re using a free bet, sometimes it means you can’t use the free bet on a super heavy favourite either.

For example: If a deposit match says 5x rollover with min odds -200, a bet at -250 won’t count toward that 5x wagering at al. Or if it does count, sometimes books count only the portion of odds that meet the criteria (complicated and not common; usually it’s pass/fail – meets the minimum or not).

Also, “minimum odds +100” is a thing in some promos – meaning you have to bet at even odds or underdog odds to qualify. This is less common but meant to encourage bolder bets.

For parlays, how do min odds work? It could be each leg must meet min odds (e.g., each selection -200 or longer), or the overall parlay odds must meet a threshold. Depends on terms; they’ll specify if so.

Why should you care? Because if you accidentally bet at -250 thinking it counts, you might not be progressing your bonus or eligible for that promo. Always double-check the odds. If unsure, err on the side of longer odds to be safe.

In Canada’s context, all the major books have these rules similarly to their US/European counterparts. For instance, if BetMGM US requires -200 for a promo, BetMGM Ontario likely does the same. The lottery-run sites like PlayNow might sometimes not have a min odds on certain simple promos, but most do for things like deposit matches.

Strategy tip: If a minimum odds is required, that often pushes you toward betting more underdogs or less certain outcomes. Don’t just randomly pick big odds to meet it; still do your research and try to find bets in that range that you feel have value. The requirement is there to protect the book, but you can still be smart about it and not just gamble wildly.

Also note: sometimes maximum odds (like no more than +10000) are stated, but that’s rarely an issue for normal bets.

Minimum & Maximum Wagers

Promotions often come with limits on the size of bets that qualify. Understanding the minimum and maximum wagers is key to not missing out or inadvertently going over a limit.

• Minimum Wager (or Deposit): Many promos will require a minimum stake to trigger the bonus. For example, “Bet at least $10 to get the free bet.” If you bet $5 in that scenario, you won’t get the bonus. Similarly, a deposit match might have a minimum deposit like $20 to qualify – deposit anything less and you get nothing. These minimums are usually clearly stated. They’re generally not very high – often $5, $10, or $20 depending on the promo. In Canada, $10 is a common minimum bet or deposit for promos. The key is to bet or deposit at least that much in one go (if you deposit $5 twice, that might not count as $10; it might need to be a single transaction of $10+). So make sure to meet the minimum in the required way (one bet, one deposit, etc.)​.
• Maximum Wager/Eligible Amount: This is more often relevant. For instance, a risk-free bet might be “up to $500.” If you bet $800 and lose, you’ll only get $500 back in credits because that’s the cap. Or a deposit bonus “100% up to $200” – you deposit $500, you’ll still only get $200 bonus max. Essentially, the book sets a ceiling on how much bonus you can earn or how much of your bet is covered by the promo​. It’s crucial to know these so you don’t “overspend” expecting more bonus. Betting above the max isn’t necessarily bad – you still might win your bet – but the portion above the cap isn’t insured or matched.
• Max win from free bets: Sometimes there’s a cap on how much you can win from a free bet (rare on sportsbook, more common in casino free spins, etc., but worth mentioning). Sportsbooks seldom cap your winnings on a sports free bet, but I have seen a few no-deposit freebies with like a $100 max win. If any such limit exists, it’ll be in terms. For standard welcome promos, usually your winnings are not artificially capped (besides natural bet limits).
• Single Bet Limits: If a promo involves a free bet token, it might force you to use it all at once (like one $50 free bet, not five $10 bets). In that sense, the “minimum” is also the maximum – you have to use the full token in one go. This isn’t about qualifying, but about using.

Keep in mind the betting limits of the sportsbook too – extremely high bets might just be outside the book’s normal allowed range. But promo-wise, they often tell you the sweet spot: e.g., “We’ll insure your bet up to $100.” So if you normally bet bigger, you might only get promo value on that first $100.

From a practical standpoint: If a promo says “max bonus $50”, there’s usually no point in staking way above that for the sake of the promo. Either split your bet or just accept that only part is covered by the deal. For example, a risk-free up to $50 – if you want to bet $100 on something, you could consider splitting into two $50 bets on the same outcome. Only one $50 is risk-free (unless terms limit to first bet only), but at least if you lose one, you’d get $50 back. However, many risk-free offers apply only to your very first wager, so splitting might nullify it (the first bet would be $50 risk-free, the second wouldn’t be covered at all).

Always read whether the promo is per bet, per customer, etc. Most welcome promos are per customer one-time deals. Others like parlay insurance might actually allow a refund up to $25 per day or something – and they could have a limit of one refund per day.

Maximum Wins and Withdrawals

Sportsbooks sometimes impose limits on how much you can win from a bonus or how much of the bonus you can withdraw. This isn’t super common for mainstream sportsbook promos (it’s more seen in casino bonuses), but it can appear, particularly in terms of “withdrawal limits” or general site rules.

• Maximum Winnings from a Bonus: As mentioned briefly, once in a while a promo might say, for example, “No-deposit bonus $20, max winnings $100.” This means even if you turned that $20 into $500 by a miracle parlay, you’d only be able to keep $100 of it. This cap is more likely on free chips or small freebies to prevent someone from getting a huge payout off completely free money. Most large deposit or risk-free bet promos do not cap your winnings (they already cap the bonus amount itself). But always scan the terms for “maximum win” just in case. If none is stated, you can assume your winnings are only capped by normal betting limits.
• Withdrawal Limits: Some sportsbooks have daily withdrawal limits or require large wins to be paid in installments. This is more of a general site thing and not specific to promos. For instance, a site might only allow $50k per withdrawal or per day. If you somehow won $500k, you’d be withdrawing over time. Again, this isn’t because of the promo, but it’s good to know if you plan to win big! Canadian provincial books likely have high enough limits for normal people (lotteries pay out millions, after all). Private books often have VIP policies for big winners. Check the banking terms if you’re curious.
• Bonus Withdrawal Restriction: One common rule: you cannot withdraw the bonus funds themselves without meeting rollover. In fact, usually bonus funds are not withdrawable at all – they become withdrawable only after converting to winnings through play. Also, if you try to withdraw your deposit before meeting a bonus requirement, you might forfeit the bonus. Example: You deposit $100, get $100 bonus with 5x playthrough. If you immediately withdraw your $100 deposit without betting, they’ll remove the $100 bonus because you didn’t fulfill the deal. So be aware: pulling money out too soon can cancel promos. Usually, once you meet the requirement, the bonus money “converts” to real money you can withdraw.
• Account Limits: A max withdrawal or win might also trigger extra verification steps (KYC checks), which is fine – just providing ID docs. This is standard for larger sums.

For most average sports bettors, maximum win limits won’t come into play. But it’s good to know they exist mostly for fringe cases. Sportsbook promo terms in Canada generally focus more on the things we’ve discussed (rollover, expiry, etc.) and less on saying “you can only win $X”. The one place you might see a clear mention is something like a no-deposit bonus or a refer-a-friend free bet, as noted.

Always read the terms for phrases like “maximum additional winnings”​ or “withdrawal limit.” They usually tuck these in if applicable.

One more subtlety: Some books separate your deposit and bonus balances. If you haven’t completed rollover, they might restrict withdrawing any funds (including your deposit) until you either finish or forfeit the bonus. Others let you withdraw but by doing so you automatically forfeit any remaining bonus. Check the terms about “cancelling a bonus” – sometimes you can opt out if you choose to withdraw early, but then you lose the bonus and any related winnings.

Types of Sportsbook Bonuses You Will Find

Sportsbooks in Canada offer a variety of promotions to entice players. It’s like a buffet of bonuses – each with its own flavor. Below, we introduce the most common types of promos you’ll encounter and what each one means. Use this as your cheat sheet to understand the lingo and benefits of each type. (We’ll go into more detail on each afterward!)

As you can see, each promo type serves a different purpose. Some give you a safety net (bet insurance), others pad your wallet (deposit/reload bonuses), and some just make betting more fun by increasing the stakes (boosted odds). 

Bet Insurance Bonus

Bet insurance is one of the most common welcome offers. “Risk-Free” sounds like there’s no catch – and for that first bet, it kind of means it. Here’s how it works: the sportsbook basically insures your first wager up to a certain amount. You place a bet (for example, $100 on a team’s moneyline to win). If that bet wins, congrats – you profit as usual and move on. If it loses, however, the book will refund you in site credit or free bets for the amount you lost (up to the promo’s limit). So your moneyline bet on the Toronto Blue Jays might strike out, but you’ll get a do-over of equal size.

Important nuances of risk-free bets: the refund isn’t cash, it’s bonus funds. That means you can’t directly withdraw it; you have to use the credits to bet again. Think of it as “store credit” at the sportsbook. If your refunded bet credits win on the second go, then you’ll get real money (profit) from that. If they lose, well, then you’ve lost the promo funds and the ride ends there.

Despite the term “risk-free,” remember you can still lose your money if you don’t use the refund wisely. It’s risk-free in the sense that your first bet is protected from loss – you essentially get a second chance. It’s a fantastic offer for new bettors: you can take a swing on a bet you like without fear, because a loss only means you’ll get to try again. However, don’t go crazy just because it’s insured. It’s best to treat that first bet as you normally would – choose a smart bet. Many people use the risk-free opportunity to maybe take a slightly bigger swing than usual, knowing they get a mulligan if it fails.

Also note: some sportsbooks advertise this as a “No Sweat First Bet Bonus” or “First Bet Insurance Bonus” – different wording, same concept.

Deposit Bonuses

Deposit bonuses are straight-up boosts to your bankroll. The idea: you put money in, and the sportsbook rewards you with extra funds. The most typical form is a deposit match, where the book matches a percentage of what you deposit. A 100% match is common for welcome offers – e.g., “100% match up to $300.” Deposit $300, get an extra $300 in bonus money; deposit $100, get $100; if you deposit over $300, you still get $300 max. Sometimes matches are 50% or other amounts, especially for reloads or special promos.

For example, say a site has a 100% match up to $200 and you deposit $150. You’ll receive an additional $150 in bonus funds. Now you have $300 total to bet with. You can use that on anything – maybe spread it across multiple bets, like some over/under bets on NBA games or a parlay. But here’s the catch: that bonus $150 usually comes with a playthrough requirement. You might need to wager the bonus (and sometimes the deposit as well) a certain number of times (e.g., 5x) before you can withdraw any winnings from it. This means deposit bonuses are more of a long-term engagement. They’re fantastic for giving you more ammo to play with, but you’ll need to place several bets to “clear” the bonus.

Some sportsbooks release deposit match bonuses in increments. For instance, DraftKings (in some markets) has done something like a $1,000 deposit bonus that releases $1 in bonus for every $5 wagered. This is basically a deposit match, but you don’t get it all upfront – it unlocks as you bet. Others give the full matched amount immediately, then expect you to roll it over.

In Canada, you’ll see deposit matches from both private and provincial sportsbooks. Ontario’s competitive market had multiple 100% match offers at launch. The lottery-run platforms (like BCLC’s PlayNow) also sometimes do deposit incentives (or they did around the introduction of singles betting). These bonuses are absolutely worth considering because they effectively double your betting power if you plan to wager that amount anyway.

One strategy with a deposit bonus: If you’re comfortable, deposit the max amount that gets matched to fully take advantage. If not, at least deposit enough to meet any minimum for the bonus. Also, try to use your bonus on bets with decent odds (not ultra-low risk bets) if there’s a minimum odds rule – so it counts toward clearing the requirement.

No-Deposit Promo

The no-deposit bonus is the unicorn of sportsbook offers – truly free money to bet with, no strings attached (aside from the usual terms). Not every sportsbook offers these, but when you find one, it’s a treat. Basically, when you sign up, the sportsbook will credit you with a small amount of bonus funds or a free bet without requiring you to deposit any of your own money​. It’s the ultimate “try before you buy.”

For example, a sportsbook might give new registrants a $20 free bet just for creating an account. You could immediately use that $20 on a bet (maybe try a point spread bet on tonight’s NHL game or any market you fancy). If you win that bet, the winnings are usually yours (often the $20 stake itself is not returned, since it was a free bet). If you lose, well, you lost nothing of your own – only the bonus.

No-deposit promos often come with some conditions: a common one is a playthrough on any winnings. So, if your $20 free bet wins and you get $18 profit, you might need to wager that $18 once or a few times before withdrawing. This is to prevent people from just cashing out free money without betting. Fair enough.

These bonuses are usually smaller in size (rarely more than $25-$30, often $5 or $10). They’re meant to allow you to explore the sportsbook and hopefully like it enough to stick around. For bettors, it’s a no-brainer to claim because it’s literally risk-free for you.

In Canada, no-deposit sportsbook bonuses are not super common, but they do pop up. Some sites might offer them during special events or as part of a welcome package. Also, if you pre-register for a sportsbook launching in a new province, they sometimes give a no-deposit freebie as a thank-you.

One thing: because you’re not required to deposit, you still have to go through ID verification (they need to ensure you’re real, of age, etc.). But you won’t need to enter any payment info to get the bonus.

To maximize a no-deposit bonus, treat it like cash you can afford to lose (because it’s not your cash!). Maybe take a shot at a slightly longer odds bet that you wouldn’t normally risk your own money on. If it hits, awesome – you’ve made real money from nothing. If it doesn’t, no harm done.

Reload Bonuses

Reload bonuses are essentially the little sibling of the deposit bonus – they work the same way but are offered after your initial sign-up. Sportsbooks use reloads to encourage additional deposits from existing customers. For instance, you might get an email: “Reload your account this weekend and get a 50% bonus up to $100!” That means if you deposit $100, they’ll give you $50 extra in bonus funds.

Reloads can be periodic (some sites do monthly reload offers) or tied to events (“NFL season reload special – 25% up to $200”). The mechanics: you usually need to opt in or enter a code, then make a qualifying deposit. The bonus funds show up and come with similar wagering requirements as other bonuses.

For Canadian bettors, reloads are great for when your account balance is running low and you were thinking of depositing more anyway. By timing your deposit with a reload promo, you get more bang for your buck. It’s the sportsbook saying “we appreciate your continued play, here’s a boost.”

One thing to watch: some reloads have lower match percentages (like 20% or 50%) compared to the big 100% welcome matches. But free money is free money. Also, they often have a cap, so the really high rollers might find the cap small relative to their play (e.g., 50% up to $1000, etc.).

Using reload bonuses wisely means factoring in the playthrough. If you just want to deposit and withdraw, a reload isn’t useful because of the wagering requirement – it’s for when you plan to bet through that money anyway. Also, keep an eye on any promo code in the reload announcement; missing that could mean you deposit and get nothing extra, which would be a bummer.

Referral Bonuses

Have a friend who’s interested in betting? Referral bonuses let you both benefit, and most sportsbooks have programs: you get a unique link or code to share. When your friend uses it to sign up and meets whatever criteria (often making a minimum deposit or bet), both of you get a bonus.

Typically, the bonus comes as free bet credits or bonus money – commonly around $25 to $100, depending on the sportsbook’s generosity. For example, a sportsbook might say, “Refer a friend and you each get $50 in free bets once they deposit $50.” That’s a pretty sweet deal for essentially sending a text or DM to a buddy saying “Hey, join me on this app.”

In Canada, referral bonuses are a nice way to spread the fun. Maybe you have a group of friends and only one of you has an account with a certain sportsbook – that person can refer the others and everyone gets a little something extra to play with. It’s like a group discount, except the product is sports betting entertainment.

To actually claim a referral bonus, make sure your friend signs up through your link or inputs your referral code during registration. If they just go straight to the site without it, you usually won’t get credit retroactively. So coordinate a bit: send them the link, explain they’ll get a bonus too, and perhaps even help them through any sign-up questions (you’re basically their “tech support” in return for free bets, ha!).

One cool thing: Many refer-a-friend programs allow you to refer multiple people. They might cap the number of referrals (like 5 or 10 max) or a total bonus limit, but if you have several friends wanting in, you can rack up multiple referral rewards.

Remember, as with other promos, your friend needs to be eligible (new customer, of age, in the right province, etc.). And the bonus you get will have similar rules (likely a small rollover or use within a certain time).

Boosted Odds

Odds boosts are one of the most straight-forward and fun promos out there. Instead of giving you extra credit, they simply make a bet’s potential payout higher than normal. Sportsbooks do this to highlight certain games or outcomes and attract bets on them. As a bettor, you’re getting better odds than you normally would – which means more profit if your bet wins.

For example, a sportsbook might boost the odds of the Montreal Canadiens winning from +150 to +180 for a special promotion. If you bet $100 at +150, you’d profit $150. But at +180, you’d profit $180. That’s an extra $30, thanks to the odds boost – without needing to risk more.

Boosts can be on anything: a team to win, a star player to score, a specific parlay, etc. Often they are tied to popular events (e.g., a boost on the Raptors and Maple Leafs both winning on the same night, or a parlay bets boost for NFL Sunday). Sportsbooks might boost a daily parlay or have a “boosted odds” section you can browse. They clearly display the original odds and the boosted odds so you know the deal.

One thing to note: odds boosts usually have a stake limit. The book isn’t going to let you drop $10,000 on a massively boosted line. They might cap it like “Max $50 bet at boosted odds.” This is to manage their risk. Still, a boost is a boost – you might as well take the enhanced odds for whatever amount is allowed if you were interested in that bet anyway.

In Canada, you’ll see odds boosts frequently on all the major betting sites. For instance, on a Saturday you might see an NHL boost: “Toronto to win and total over 5.5 goals boosted from +200 to +250.” If that aligns with your thinking, it’s a great opportunity to jump in with a better payout than normal.

Using boosted odds requires no special action except adding that specific boosted market to your bet slip and placing the bet. It’s just like a normal bet, but with happier numbers for you. Make sure you locate the boosts (some apps have them under “Promotions” or a dedicated “Boosts” tab).

Odds boosts are absolutely worth it on bets you like. However, don’t let them push you into betting something you wouldn’t otherwise. It’s easy to be lured by “great odds” on a long-shot you don’t actually think will win. Value is only value if the outcome has a reasonable chance. So treat boosts as a bonus on picks you already feel are solid. Then you’re getting a positive expected value move – which is the ultimate goal for a bettor.

What Sports Offer Betting Bonuses?

Short answer: almost all major sports have some kind of betting promos in Canada. Sportsbooks know that different fans like different sports, and they tailor promotions accordingly. Whether you’re into football, hockey, basketball, baseball, or even college sports, there’s likely a bonus or odds boost with your name on it.

Promos often ramp up around big events or playoffs. For example, during the NFL season or the Super Bowl, you’ll see a bunch of football-related offers. When the Stanley Cup playoffs are on, expect hockey promos. Sportsbooks also compete by offering ongoing perks for popular leagues throughout the regular season.

Canada’s betting market is heavily into hockey (no surprise), but also football (NFL), basketball (NBA and NCAA), and baseball (MLB), plus soccer, tennis, golf – you name it. Let’s break down some of the common promos by sport:

NFL Bonuses

The NFL is king for betting, and Canadian sportsbooks treat it as such. Even though Canada doesn’t have its own NFL team, Sundays (and Mondays, and Thursdays) are football time for many fans. Sportsbooks roll out a ton of NFL betting promos:

• Parlay Insurance: NFL and parlays go hand in hand. A popular promo is parlay insurance on NFL bets – for instance, “Place a 4-leg NFL parlay, get your stake back in free bets if exactly one leg loses.” So if you had a 5-team parlay (maybe picking winners across Sunday’s games) and only one team failed you, you’d get a refund credit​. This kind of promo is gold for NFL bettors who love making those multi-game tickets (parlay bets are fun because of the high payout, and insurance softens the blow of near-misses).
• Odds Boosts: Every week, books boost certain NFL lines. You might see an odds boost on a star player to score a touchdown, or a boost on two big favourites both winning. For example, a boost might take a Brady-led team to win by 7+ from -110 to +120, giving you plus money on a bet that was previously minus odds.
• Bet and Get: Some sites do “Bet $X on an NFL game, get $Y free.” For instance, bet $25 on a Sunday game, get a $5 free bet for Monday Night Football. This encourages you to engage multiple days.
• Contest Entries: Around playoffs or Super Bowl, you might get entry into a pick’em contest or squares contest if you wager a certain amount on NFL.
• Super Bowl Specials: The Super Bowl is promo-palooza. Expect everything from enhanced prop bets, special sign-up bonuses (like bet $5, get $100 type deals), to cross-sport promos (tie-ins with NHL or NBA if they’re playing the same weekend).

NBA Bonuses

Basketball fans, rejoice – NBA betting promos are also widely available. The NBA season is long (October through June, if you include playoffs), so sportsbooks have to keep it interesting throughout. Here’s what you might find for NBA betting offers:

• Profit Boosts: A common one is a nightly profit boost on NBA bets. For example, “Get a 25% profit boost on any NBA bet today.” You opt in, and then apply the boost token on your bet slip for the game of your choice. If you win, your profit is increased by 25%. Nice and simple.
• Early Payouts: Some books have an NBA early payout promo – if your team leads by a certain margin, they’ll pay your bet as a win even if the team ultimately loses. For instance, if Toronto goes up by 20 points at any time, your moneyline bet could be paid out immediately. This was actually a real promo by at least one major book​ and it’s awesome because NBA leads can swing dramatically. If you got paid and then the team choked the lead, you still keep the winnings.
• NBA Parlay Insurance/SGP Insurance: Similar to NFL, but often specifically for NBA. Make a 4+ leg same-game parlay (SGP) on an NBA game and get a refund if one leg fails. The NBA’s many stat categories (points, rebounds, etc.) make for popular SGPs, and insurance helps encourage those bets.
• Bet X, Get Y: Example: “Bet $50 on NBA this week, get a $10 free bet.” These threshold offers are to boost volume. If you’re going to bet anyway, you might as well hit the target to get the bonus.
• Special Event Promos: Opening week, Christmas Day games, All-Star Weekend, and of course playoffs – all these marquee times usually come with some promos. Could be bracket challenges for playoffs, or all users get a free bet if the NBA Finals go to Game 7, stuff like that.

MLB Bonuses

Baseball may be a slower game, but it sees some solid promo action, especially given the sheer number of games in an MLB season. In Canada, plenty of folks follow MLB (go Blue Jays!), and sportsbooks dish out MLB betting promos accordingly:

• Home Run Bonuses: One common promo is “Bet on a team to win, get $5 in free bets for each home run they hit” (numbers can vary). So you might bet $50 on the Blue Jays moneyline, and even if they lose, if they smacked 3 homers in the game, you get $15 in free bets as a consolation. If they win, you get your winnings plus the homer freebies. This makes those long balls extra sweet.
• Early Win Payouts: Similar to other sports, an MLB version might be “if your team leads by 5 runs at any point, we pay your moneyline bet early” (even if they blow the lead later). Baseball can have big swings, so this promo has happened with some books.
• Parlay Insurance / Parlay Boosts: Betting baseball parlays (say, a few teams to win on the same day) might come with insurance like other sports. Also, some books offer incremental boosts – like +5% to your parlay payout for each additional leg, up to a certain max boost%.
• Odds boosts on hits/strikeouts: You’ll often see daily boosts such as a star player to get 2+ hits at boosted odds, or a starting pitcher’s strikeouts line boosted. It’s a way to highlight player props.
• “No Run First Inning” (NRFI) promos: A fun niche baseball bet is whether a run will be scored in the first inning. Sportsbooks sometimes have promos around these, like boosted odds or insurance on NRFI bets for certain games, because it’s a popular quick bet among fans.

NHL Bonuses

Now for Canada’s beloved sport – hockey! Sportsbooks know Canadians love the NHL, so they roll out the red carpet of promos for hockey season. You’ll likely find as many, if not more, NHL betting promos in Canada as you do NFL ones. Here’s what to look for:

• Early Payout / Lead Protection: Similar to other sports’ early payout deals, some books have hockey-specific versions. For example, “If your team goes up by 3 goals, we’ll pay your bet out early”​. Hockey leads can disappear with a hot goalie change or momentum swing, so this is a great perk. If your team jumps out 3-0 in the first period, you could cash as a winner even if they end up tying and losing in OT.
• Overtime/Shootout Insurance: A heartbreaker in hockey betting is losing in OT or a shootout after a hard-fought regulation. Some promos refund your moneyline bet if your team loses in OT. Or they might offer insurance on shootouts specifically. This kind of promo appeals to the fairness instinct – “aww, it was essentially a tie, so here’s your money back as a free bet.”
• Goal Scorer Promotions: Books might boost odds on certain players to score a goal, or do “Bet on a player to score, and if they do you get a bonus” type things. For example, “Bet $20 on Auston Matthews to score a goal – if he scores, you get a $10 bonus on top of your winnings.” This draws attention to star players and props.
• Parlay and SGP Offers: NHL parlays could have insurance as discussed. Also, Same-Game Parlay promos are now common in hockey. Maybe “Place a $10 SGP on any NHL game and get a $5 free bet” to encourage that kind of betting.
• Hometown Hooks: Some Ontario sportsbooks did promos specifically for Leafs or Senators games (or Jets, Flames, etc., depending on region). For instance, “Happy Hour boost on the Leafs game tonight” where for a short window the odds are boosted on a certain outcome, just to get local fans betting.
• Stanley Cup Futures Insurance: At season start or playoffs, a book might say, “Bet on a team to win the Stanley Cup, and get a refund if they get knocked out in Game 7 of a series,” or “get free bets for each series they win.” These longer-term promos keep you engaged through the playoffs.

Get the Best Sportsbook Welcome Offers in Canada

Whether you are a new bettor or a seasoned player, there is a promo designed for you. Research each offer carefully, and choose a sportsbook that meets your preferences for sports markets, payment options, and customer service. 

More:

• Best Alberta Sportsbooks
• Best British Columbia Sportsbooks
• Best Quebec Sportsbooks

Author

Brandon Justice

iGaming Analyst

@BrandonJustice_

Brandon Justice

Brandon Justice has nearly a decade of experience covering sports, primarily working in college football, college basketball, NFL and MLB. Brandon provides a detailed analysis of the latest iGaming & sports betting trends with a wealth of experience, including writing for The Action Network & Rivals.com.