Legal Saskatchewan Sports Betting Guide
Single-game sports betting was introduced in Saskatchewan and across Canada in August 2021. While the only legal sports betting option in the province is currently the provincial lottery (WCLC), there is hope that Saskatchewan will follow Ontario's lead and offer sports bettors the ability to bet on sports on popular sportsbook operators that have been gaining momentum in the U.S.
Saskatchewan already boasts land-based casinos and some excellent lottery-run online gambling sites. The stage is set for Canada’s Breadbasket to regulate the best online sportsbook sites in town when they launch in 2022.
Gambling in Saskatchewan
As with many Canadian provinces, Saskatchewan has a long history of state-run gambling activities and First Nations casinos.
You can join in pooled online betting through Western Canada Lottery Corporation sites, with some tickets carrying a maximum. stakes of C$100.
In addition, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority regulates VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals), which can be found at taverns across the province. The SLGA is also responsible for overseeing slot machines and other games at First Nations casinos.
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) operates seven casinos in the province, in addition to Casino Regina and Moose Jaw Casino, which are regulated by SaskGaming.
SIGA properties offer a blend of video slots, live, and electronic casino games, including roulette and blackjack. Promotions and entertainment are available across First Nations casinos in the province. Profits are split, with the First Nations Trust receiving 50 percent.
Sports betting is not currently offered at SIGA casinos. However, the new federal law could open the way for retail sports betting activities to launch on casino land.
Even gamblers living near the Montana and North Dakota US borders have been disappointed with the limited selection of cross-border betting options. Those two US states have yet to legalize online sports betting, either, despite Montana offering limited sportsbooks at approved casinos, bars, and hotels.
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Sports Betting in Saskatchewan
Canada legalized single-game sports betting on August 27, 2021, making it accessible to Saskatchewan sports bettors through the lottery. However, the real question on everyone's minds is when sports betting operators like FanDuel or DraftKings will be accessible.
For now, Saskatchewan gamblers will have to wait. While federal law has given individual provinces the authority to regulate online betting, Saskatchewan doesn't have a plan in place to offer online sports betting operators or sites beyond their provincially regulated offering.
The privately owned Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SGC) has signed a deal with SIGA to provide online sports betting games and casino games. The agreement is the first of its kind in Canada.
For now, sports bettors can enjoy a little gambling on their favourite games through the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). The WCLC operates lotteries and parlay sports betting across many provinces, including Saskatchewan.
Despite a lack of licensed betting sites, the WCLC does offer Sport Select lottery games. With Sport Select, you can mix over/under betting , point spread betting, and Pro-Line picks from football, hockey, soccer, baseball, or basketball. Maximum wagers are C$100, and all your picks must be correct to win.
Sport Select also hosts pool contests, which cost C$5 to enter. Compete on betting lines against other players from Saskatchewan and provinces in the West. You’ll win if you pick the most correct selections in the pool.
What Will Online Sports Betting in Saskatchewan Look Like?
Before you start hitting the point spread markets and joining independent betting sites, you’ll have to wait a while before making legal sports wagers in Saskatchewan.
However, once Saskatchewan begins offering online sports betting through independent operators, you will have access to the same level of markets and offers as gamblers in Ontario.
Major operators, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, are eager to launch their betting lines in the newly regulated Canadian space, but are being held back in most provinces, as many lotteries would like to maintain their sports betting monopoly.
If Saskatchewan sports betting follows the same model as Ontario, you would be able to place single-game bets on thousands of markets covering the NFL, NBA, and MLB. You may also get access to futures betting options on the winner of the next Stanley Cup or the Super Bowl.
Sports Markets: The best betting sites for professional sports will offer a vast array of betting options across various markets and games. You’ll be able to take advantage of the best NFL betting sites, NBA betting sites, and NHL betting sites. You’ll also be able to back your favourite CFL teams without needing to make parlay bets.
Of course, if parlays and systems are your thing, you’ll be delighted with the range of online gambling on offer. Pick multiple selections, then combine them into various betting systems and parlays. You may even be able to claim money back if one of your parlay legs goes bad.
- Football
- Hockey
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- MMA/Boxing
- Motor Racing
- Olympics
- Winter Sports
- College Sports
- Tennis
- Golf
Top Saskatchewan Sports Betting Options
Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a wager on the outcome of a single game. It’s one of the easiest betting markets to put wagers on.
For instance, you might want to back the favourite in the big CFL game between the Roughriders and the Elks. You’ll be presented with two prices: one on Saskatchewan to win (possibly as favourites) and the other on Edmonton as the underdog.
Odds will be presented in the American format. For example, Saskatchewan may be -120 to beat Edmonton, with Edmonton at +120. That means you must place C$120 on the Roughriders to win C$100. A winning C$100 bet on Edmonton would earn you C$120.
Point Spread Betting: Saskatchewan residents will also be able to bet on the point spread on hockey games, baseball, and the big weekly basketball games.
A spread bet involves a handicap where the favourite is given a point “deduction” before the game starts. The underdog receives the same points value as a head-start. The win odds are recalculated accordingly.
For example, imagine the Roughriders are playing the Elks in the CFL. As favourites, the sportsbook gives the Roughriders a theoretical 6-point handicap prior to the game. Edmonton receives the same number of points to start with.
The odds have now changed. The Roughriders are a better -100 to win, while Edmonton is a better shot at +100. If you still think the Roughriders will storm the game, you can enjoy a better price despite the team having a point handicap.
Over/Under Betting: SK online gambling sites will run markets on the total points scored in a single game. It’s a great bet to make if you don’t care which side actually wins.
A total points market is usually displayed as an Over/Under wager. The sportsbook will set the mark, and you bet whether you think the total points will be over or under the amount set.
Prop Betting: Props will be offered at all regulated online sportsbooks. These are markets on events that happen in the game but don’t affect the overall result. For instance, you may be able to be on the total number of passing yards for a star player or the first team to reach a points milestone.
Live Betting: In-play sports betting lets you place wagers on NFL or NHL as the game goes on! Make bets on the next scorer or the changing puck line as the sportsbook alters the odds in real time. You can also cash out your bet early and take a swift profit.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Saskatchewan?
For years, sports betting laws in Canada were covered on a province-by-province basis. Typically, pooled betting was permitted when multiple selections had to be made, rather than picking individual games.
In 1985, a significant step forward was taken for Canadian gambling law with the amendment of the Criminal Code. For the first time, provinces were allowed to offer activities such as lotteries and slot machines.
Illegal sports betting was classed as a “serious offence” in 2010 as part of a toughening of the Criminal Code. This included a complete ban on licensing for online sportsbooks and other betting sites.
Under the new CA law, it’s now 100 percent legal to visit an online betting site in Saskatchewan and place wagers. Bill C-218 – the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act – was approved in June 2021 and paves the way for legalized single-game wagering.
Online Sportsbooks to Look for in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan isn’t the only Canadian province to launch legalised sports betting. But residents will have to wait before placing their bets. Which online providers will we expect to see in Saskatchewan?
DraftKings
DraftKings is one of North America’s biggest and best-loved online sportsbooks. As well as Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and online casino games, DraftKings offers a competitive range of pre-game and in-play betting on a host of US and Canadian sports.
theScore Bet
theScore is one of the top Canadian sports betting sites, offering a uniquely homegrown experience. It has an HQ in Toronto and offers legalized online sportsbooks in several US states. With a ready-made presence in Canada, theScore is poised to launch in Canadian provinces, including Saskatchewan.
FanDuel
FanDuel has had one eye on Canada since the introduction of the new gambling laws. The DFS and sportsbook leader already supplies online gambling and casinos in the US. FanDuel will be perfectly placed when Saskatchewan goes live in 2022.
PointsBet
The Australian betting pioneers utilise a spread betting model alongside fixed odds wagering. PointsBet has also secured a partnership with Curling Canada and will likely be looking at the newly regulated Saskatchewan sportsbook market.
BetMGM
One of North America’s largest online sportsbooks, BetMGM recently signed a brand ambassador deal with Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. That’s the kind of partnership that will surely help to attract sports bettors in The Wheat Province.
Saskatchewan Sports Teams
Saskatchewan has a long history of recreational sports, encompassing pastimes such as baseball, basketball, and the most popular game – curling. Curling rinks can be found in most towns across the province.
There is also a large CFL (Canadian Football League) following in SK. The Saskatchewan Roughriders compete in the West Division of the 9-team CFL.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders form part of the West Division in the Canadian Football League, the highest professional football league in the country.
Based in Regina, the Roughriders began play in 1910 and have recorded numerous semi-final wins over the years. They won the West Final in 2007 and 2009, losing the Grey Cup the same year to Montreal. The Roughriders followed that up with a convincing West Final triumph in 2010. Again, they lost the Grey Cup to Montreal.
Despite some recent finals wins, the past few years have been barren for the Roughriders. They were roundly beaten by Winnipeg in the 2019 Division Finals before the 2020 CFL season was delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Saskatchewan Rush
The Saskatchewan Rush take part in the National Lacrosse League, which features some of the most prominent teams across the USA and Canada. In addition to the NLL, Saskatchewan competes in the annual Alterna Cup alongside the four other Canadian clubs – Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Halifax.
So far, there has been no indication that lacrosse will be one of the available markets at the first regulated betting sites in Saskatchewan. However, given the sheer breadth of markets available, there may still be room for the huge fan bases across Canada.
Horse Racing in Saskatchewan
Pari-mutuel horse racing betting sites have been present in Saskatchewan for a few years. Gambling is supervised by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA). Under gambling laws, it’s possible to bet at the track or enjoy Off Track Betting (OTB) at bars and hotels across the province.
The Horse Racing Branch of SIGA regulates all racing in the province. There’s a shortage of tracks, and it looked like horse racing in Saskatchewan was dead at one point. However, in 2021, a new agreement was signed between the Moosomin First Nation and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to launch a new initiative.
Casino Betting in Saskatchewan
There are nine brick-and-mortar casinos in Saskatchewan. Seven are First Nations casinos operated by the SIGA. Two are commercial casinos run by SaskGaming.
All casinos are open to residents and visitors aged 19 or over. Casinos offer a range of gaming, including slot machines, video poker, and table games. Gamblers can also join players’ clubs to earn points and claim benefits and perks.
Commercial Casinos in SK
- Casino Regina
(Address - 1880 Saskatchewan Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 0B2)
One of Saskatchewan’s premier land-based casinos offers video slots, video poker, and big progressive jackpots such as PowerBucks. There are also 22 table games, including roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. You can also apply for a Players Club car,d which lets you accrue points and earn special comps.
- Moose Jaw Casino
(Address - 21 Fairford Street East, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 0C8)
Moose Jaw is a short 45-minute drive due east from Regina, but the games and promotions aren’t a million miles away. The table game offering is similar to that of Casino Regina, but focuses more on American Roulette (Single-Zero), blackjack, and Chase the Flush.
First Nations Casinos in Saskatchewan
There are seven recognised First Nations casinos spread across Saskatchewan. All casinos are regulated by the Indian Gaming Authority, SIGA. The casino floors are dominated by slot machines and electronic gaming terminals, which are prevalent throughout The Circuit. You can also join a Players Club and earn free slots play as a new visitor.
List of SIGA Casinos
- Bear Claw Casino
- Gold Eagle Casino
- Northern Lights Casino
- Painted Hand Casino
- Dakota Dunes Casino
- Gold Horse Casino
- Living Sky Casino
FAQ
Is sports betting in Saskatchewan legal?
Yes, sports betting has been legal in Saskatchewan since 1985, but bettors could only place parlay wagers. As of August 27, 2021, single-game sports betting is legal in Saskatchewan, and bettors can look forward to great betting advancements in the province.
What is the minimum legal age to gamble in Saskatchewan?
You must be 19 or over to place legal sports bets at regulated sportsbooks. You’ll be able to bet on single games and parlays covering all major sports in North America.
How many casinos are in Saskatchewan?
There are nine casinos in Saskatchewan, including seven casinos operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.
Is single game sports betting legal in Saskatchewan?
Yes. The new federal law C-218 makes it legal to bet on single games.
Where can I bet on sports in Saskatchewan?
Under current gambling laws, Saskatchewan residents will be able to bet on sports through online sportsbooks, on mobile, or at land-based casinos.
