Manitoba Sports Betting April 2024

How to find the best Manitoba sportsbooks

Single-game sports betting became legal in all of Canada, including the province of Manitoba, as soon as Bill C-218 (the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act) was passed on June 22, 2021.

The PlayNow Sportsbook is the only online sportsbook in Manitoba currently provincially approved by the regulating body, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL). However, that could change if the province ever opens the market to third-party vendors, as Ontario did in 2022. That shift would allow some of the best sportsbooks, like FanDuel and DraftKings, to apply for licensing in Manitoba.

Is sports betting legal in Manitoba?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Manitoba. Online sports betting was initially launched in Manitoba in 2013 on the PlayNow platform. At the time, it only offered parlay betting. Single-game online sports betting was unavailable in Manitoba until August 27, 2021, after Bill C-218 was passed.

In-person sports betting is also available in the province (since 1990) through multiple Sport Select locations, which the Western Canada Lottery Corporation regulates. 

Manitoba’s doors remain shut to the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings and will remain so unless the MBLL decides to offer sports betting licenses to third-party vendors like Ontario did. However, a handful of offshore and international online sportsbooks operate in a legal grey area and accept customers from Manitoba. 

Manitoba sports betting status 2023

Best Manitoba sportsbooks

The only online sportsbook officially licensed and regulated by the Manitoba government is PlayNow. It is licensed and regulated by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

Our top-rated Manitoba sports betting sites

Manitoba sports bettors can wager online on the provincially regulated PlayNow Sportsbook. The provincial government only licenses and regulates a single online sportsbook, the same platform used in British Columbia. 

However, several offshore and international online sportsbooks still accept customers from Manitoba. These companies operate in a legal grey area in the province. Since sports betting has been legalized at a federal level, they aren't breaking any rules. The Manitoba provincial government just doesn't oversee their operations as they do with PlayNow.

These offshore sportsbooks are reputable and legitimate, having licenses in many other jurisdictions worldwide. They usually offer better odds, more wagering selections, and lucrative Canada sportsbook bonuses, rewards, and promotions. Residents of Manitoba are not forbidden from using these alternatives, so let's dig into our top-rated Manitoba online sports betting sites.

1. bet365 

Our top-rated Manitoba sportsbook is bet365. It has more than two decades of experience and has established itself as an industry leader. Bet365 delivers an easy-to-use mobile app, website, and some of the best live betting lines and odds for a wide range of sports.

Manitoba bettors can sign up with bet365 knowing they are a trustworthy platform. To find out why it remains one of the top choices amongst online sports bettors, check out our in-depth bet365 review.

2. Sports Interaction

Sports Interaction has delivered Canadian bettors top lines, odds, and generous bonuses for over 25 years. Sports Interaction provides a vast selection of North America and international betting markets, catering to fans of every sport.

Sports Interaction earns top marks for having world-class customer support and a long list of convenient banking options. Manitoba sports bettors can register today for a generous welcome bonus of a 100% match of your first deposit, up to $1,000.

To discover why it remains one of Canada's most popular sportsbooks, read our Sports Interaction review.

3. BetVictor

BetVictor ranks among the top Manitoba sportsbooks thanks to an easy-to-navigate platform, a solid welcome bonus, ongoing promotions, and sharp odds on a wide range of sports.

BetVictor has a reputation for fast payouts and provides several secure baking options. They operate in over 50 countries worldwide, with roots in the U.K. from the 1950s. Manitoba bettors can be confident in choosing BetVictor as their sportsbook of choice. The 100% deposit match welcome bonus, up to $500, certainly helps.

For more information, head over to our longer BetVictor review.

4. Pinnacle

Pinnacle may not have all the bells and whistles that some other online sportsbooks have, but they make up for it with the best odds in the business. What Pinnacle doesn't spend on marketing, lucrative welcome offers, or even a dedicated mobile app, they repay to customers in terms of betting value.

Pinnacle frequently has the best odds of any of the major online sportsbooks. Their original business plan was to attract high rollers and professional gamblers with ultra-competitive lines. These days, though, Pinnacle is more inclusive to the casual bettor too. 

Manitoba residents interested in the best betting value should read our full Pinnacle review and try one of the best sportsbooks.

Quick facts: Manitoba sports betting

Who can bet on sports in Manitoba?

Anyone 18 or older can legally bet on sports in Manitoba. Regulated online sports betting is available through the PlayNow Sportsbook, while retail sports betting can be done through Sport Select locations, licenced by the Western Canada Lottery Commission.

Legal age for betting 

The legal age for betting in Manitoba is 18 years of age. However, some offshore sportsbooks require bettors to be 19 years or older. If you're under 19, check the requirements of the sportsbook before signing up.

Tax on winnings

Sports betting winnings (and all gambling or lottery winnings) are not taxed in Manitoba or any province in Canada. The Canada Revenue Agency does not consider it taxable income.

Mobile betting

Manitoba residents can bet online using the PlayNow Sportsbook using their mobile device or computer. They can also bet online using several offshore sportsbooks, often providing better odds and bonuses than PlayNow.

Remote registration

Remote registration is available for PlayNow Sportsbook and several international sportsbooks that accept Manitoba customers. That allows Manitoba residents to create an account anywhere in the province from the comfort of their smartphone or PC.

Retail sportsbooks

There are no retail sportsbooks or betting shops in Manitoba. All in-person bets must be placed at a WCLC-licensed Sports Select location.

Signing up with a Manitoba sportsbook

Whether you want to play on the provincially regulated PlayNow or pick one of the offshore sportsbooks, signing up for a Manitoba sports betting account is easy. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started with some of the best sportsbooks on the market.

1. Pick a sportsbook

If you want a provincially regulated sportsbook, your choice is limited to PlayNow. However, international sportsbooks that accept Manitoba customers are also great options. These offshore books typically offer better odds, welcome bonuses, and more betting options. Consider all the options and choose the best sportsbook for your needs.

2. Sign up online 

Signing up for any online sportsbook is simple and only takes a few minutes. Just head to the sportsbook's website or download their mobile app. Provide the necessary personal information to confirm your identity and location. Now you're ready to make your first deposit and claim a welcome bonus.

3. Deposit

Making a deposit to your sportsbook account is very easy. Manitoba's PlayNow online sportsbook is limited to accepting only debit and credit cards. However, most international sportsbooks offer a wider variety of deposit options, like e-transfer, eCheck, ecoPayz, and more.

Once logged in, just navigate to the "Cashier," "Banking," or "Deposit" button. Follow the steps to fund your account.

4. Claim the bonus

PlayNow often offers a small welcome bonus to new players in Manitoba. The bonus is usually tethered to play-through requirements. PlayNow also offers timely promotions throughout the year. However, bonuses and promotions offered by PlayNow usually don’t live up to the ones offered by offshore sportsbooks.

International sportsbooks like BetVictor or Sports Interaction offer generous matching deposit bonuses. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of any welcome promo you're interested in to know exactly what you're getting — and how to get it.

5. Select your bet

Following the legalization of single-game betting in Canada, PlayNow expanded its offerings to include moneyline, spreads, futures, and prop bets. If this is your first online betting experience, it's worth checking out our guide on how to bet on sports first.

You’ll also find all these betting options on offshore sportsbooks, plus plenty more. International sportsbooks typically offer a more extensive variety of betting markets, including same-game parlays and even live betting.

6. Place your wager

Before placing your bets, ensure you’re getting the best odds. Manitoba sports bettors can sign up at multiple sportsbooks to compare lines and odds. That will help maximize their profits on winning bets.

Once you've made your pick(s), choose an amount to wager. Then confirm your bet to lock it in.

7. Withdraw

When you're ready to cash out, return to your sportsbook's "Cashier" or "Banking" section. Find the withdrawal option and follow the prompts. You'll have to choose your preferred withdrawal method, fill in some details, and choose the amount you want to be paid.

Some withdrawal options take longer than others, and some come with extra fees. Take the time to research which cash-out methods are available and the details of each one. 

How we rate the best Manitoba sportsbooks

When choosing an online sportsbook, there are many factors to consider. Our review team can help you by reviewing what we look for in a top sportsbook. Here are some essential things to remember when looking for a Manitoba online sportsbook.

Odds Quality

The odds for any specific game might not be the same for every sportsbook. Finding a game listed at +120 instead of +110 may not seem like much of a change. However, getting just a few more dollars on your winning bets can significantly affect your account balance in the long run.

Market Coverage

If all you want to do is bet on Hockey Night in Canada every week, then pretty much any sportsbook should suit your needs. However, not all sportsbooks may work for you if you’re looking for moneyline, props, or futures in more niche sports or international games being played halfway around the world. 

Betting Features

Are you looking for live betting, early cash outs, or live streaming from your sportsbook? These features are much more common than they used to be, but that doesn’t mean every sportsbook has them. A simple, easy-to-navigate interface is also something that people tend to overlook when sizing up sportsbooks.

Bonuses

Who doesn’t like bonuses? Getting started with a few extra bucks in your account or some bonus bets can help get off on the right foot. However, don’t be blinded by bonuses. A great bonus may not compensate for a lousy betting experience in the long run. Some bonuses are notoriously hard to clear, so don't always fall for the hype. 

Security and Trust

When it comes to security, transparency is vital. We’re talking regulatory transparency and transparency around licenses and security features to keep you and your information safe. 

Although the province of Manitoba only regulated a single online sportsbook in PlayNow, you can be assured that the offshore sportsbooks are regulated in multiple other countries or states.

Banking Options

Before signing up with any sportsbook, make sure it offers your preferred deposit and withdrawal options. Look for books that have a reputation for quick and secure banking transactions. Check out our list of the best online sportsbooks for payouts to see which companies top the list.

Mobile Capabilities

You need to be able to place your bets anytime and anywhere. You don’t want to miss out on a winning bet because a sportsbook failed to provide an easy-to-navigate app or an optimized mobile site. 

Customer Support

If you run into a problem while using an online sportsbook, you need access to quick and friendly support. Our reviewers look for sportsbooks that offer clear, concise, and reliable communication in numerous ways. 

Popular Manitoba bet types

Betting on sports online can be as simple or complex as you'd like. You can just bet on a single team to win a particular game. Or you can spice it up by going for multi-leg parlays filled with player props and over/under totals. Here's a rundown of the various bet types you can make on Manitoba online sportsbooks.

Moneyline

When you bet the moneyline, you’re betting on a straight-up winner of a game or match. There is usually a favourite and an underdog on a moneyline bet. 

The favourite, or the team expected to win, is listed with minus odds (ex: -150), while the underdog is listed at plus odds (ex: +200). For a quick primer on these numbers, head over to our article on how to read betting odds.

For example, the Winnipeg Jets are favoured against the Calgary Flames. Winnipeg is listed at -150, and the Flames are listed at +200. A $100 bet on Winnipeg would win $166.67 for a $66.67 profit. The same $100 bet on Calgary would return $300, netting you $200. 

Point spread

The point spread is a number set by oddsmakers that acts as a handicap to level the playing field. For example, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are expected to beat the Calgary Stampeders. The Blue Bombers are made 6.5-point favourites to even the playing field for bettors (-6.5). A point spread bet on the Bombers only wins if they cover, winning by seven points or more.

If you bet on the Stampeders (+6.5), there are two ways to win the bet. If Calgary upsets Winnipeg and wins outright, your bet wins too. If the Stamps lose by less than seven points, you still win your wager.

Totals (over/under)

A totals bet is a wager on whether the combined points scored in a game will be over or under a specific number. The sportsbook will set a number, and you'll have to predict whether the teams will combine to score more or less.

For example, the total for a Friday night CFL game might be listed at 36.5 points. If the final score is 21-10, the teams only combined for 31 points, meaning all bets on "Under" are winners. 

Most offshore sportsbooks offer totals on a wide variety of prop totals. You could bet that a quarterback will throw for more than 95.5 yards, a pitcher will notch less than 6.5 strikeouts, or your NHL team's favourite winger will have more than 4.5 shots in a game.

Parlay

A parlay is a bet on two or more individual wagers grouped together as one bet for a higher winning payout. Each bet (or "leg") of the parlay must win for the entire bet to payout. If a single wager fails, the entire parlay is lost.

Grouping multiple bets into a parlay pays more than betting on each game individually. However, they are harder to win because more outcomes have to go your way.

Props

Prop bets, or proposition bets, are made on a specific part of a game. For example, in a CFL game, you could place a prop bet on how many rushing yards a player will have or whether he will score a touchdown. You could also wager how many goals will be scored in the first period of a hockey game. 

Props come in many different forms. They include: 

1. Game props, which focus on something specific happening in a game. 
2. Team props, which focus on a team’s performance in a game. 
3. Player props, which focus on an individual performance in a game. 
4. Exotic props focus on something outside the game, such as the pre-game coin toss or something outside of sports, such as entertainment or politics. 

Teasers

A teaser is a variation of a parlay in which the bettor can move or “tease” the point spread or total to their advantage to improve their chances of winning the bet. Teasers can only be placed on parlay bets with two or more wagers, and all wagers must win for the overall teaser to be a winning bet. 

The most common teaser offered by sportsbooks is a 6-point teaser. In a CFL 6-point teaser, the bettor could move the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 7.5 point favourites to 1.5 point favourites and the Calgary Stampeders from 3.5-point underdogs to 9.5-point underdogs. After teasing the line, the Blue Bombers now only have to win by 2 points instead of eight, while the Stampeders can lose by as many as nine points. 

Teasers make a bet more likely to win but reduce the potential payout.

Futures

As the name suggests, a futures bet is a wager on a future occurrence. You can make futures bets on who will win the Stanley Cup or the Super Bowl next season. These bets won't be settled for weeks or even months.

The appeal of a futures bet is that the odds are locked in when you confirm your bet. You could cash a long-odds bet by picking an underdog to have a Cinderella championship run. Futures odds change all the time, even as the season progresses.

Live Betting

You can bet on a game as it’s being played through live betting. Live betting odds constantly change, depending on the current score and situation of the game. 

For example, the Winnipeg Jets are trailing after two periods by three goals. However, you think they can come back and win. Many online sportsbooks will have live odds available, taking into account their losing position.

Since the Jets are unlikely winners with 20 minutes to play, the payout if they win will be higher than if you bet on them before the game started. If your faith in the Jets pays off and they complete the comeback, your live bet will pay off handsomely.  

Live betting also allows you to wager on the action in real-time, including betting on the next play in football, at bat in baseball, and the next goal scored in hockey.

Manitoba sports teams to bet on

Canada is a proud hockey nation, and Winnipeg is no different. The NHL's Winnipeg Jets is the most popular pro franchise in the province. The Jets aren’t the only hockey team in town, though, as they share the Canada Life Centre with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. 

Winnipeg Jets 🏒

The Jets returned to Winnipeg in 2011 following the failed tenure in Atlanta. Neither the new incarnation of the Jets nor the original Jets (who called Winnipeg home from 1972-1996) have won the Stanley Cup or even reached the finals. Winnipeg may lack championships, but they have had many notable stars wear the sweater, including Bobby Hull, Dale Hawerchuk, and Teemu Selanne.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers 🏈

The Blue Bombers have represented Winnipeg in the CFL since 1930. During their nearly 100 years, the Blue Bombers have won 12 Grey Cup titles, with their most recent coming in 2021. Winnipeg has been home to several CFL Hall of Famers, including Milt Stegall, Matt Dunnigan, and John Bonk.

Other Manitoba sports betting markets 🎮

Since single-game betting has been legalized in Canada, there are few betting restrictions on Manitoba sportsbooks. Manitoba residents can legally wager on professional and American college sports and plenty of European and international contests.

Some sportsbooks offer additional betting markets, like politics, entertainment, and eSports. The PlayNow sportsbook does not allow bets on Canadian politics. 

Other types of Manitoba gambling

Online sports betting isn't the only way to gamble in Manitoba. There are a few casino locations, plus additional options.

Online and land-based casinos

Manitoba residents can access various online casino games through the PlayNow platform, including table games and slots. The MBLL also regulates two brick-and-mortar casinos in Winnipeg:

• Club Regent Casino
• McPhillips Station Casino

The province also has several casinos operated by First Nations, which offer slots and limited table games.

Horse racing

Horse racing has an imprint in Manitoba, with the most popular track being Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg. The Manitoba Jockey Club operates the racetrack and hosts the annual Manitoba Derby. In-person betting is available at the tracks, while online bets can be placed at HPIBet. 

Poker

The Club Regent Casino includes a poker room for in-person poker, while the McPhillips Station Casino has several casino poker games. Manitoba residents can play poker online via the PlayNow Poker app, and many offshore sportsbooks or poker rooms also offer online poker.

Fantasy sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal and available in Manitoba. The most popular platforms for DFS are FanDuel and DraftKings. 

Lottery

Lottery games are available in Manitoba, including those played nationally and others regulated and operated by WCLC in partnership with MBLL. The most popular lottery is Lotto 6/49, which is available across Canada. 

Esports

Betting on Esports is legal in Manitoba and available on PlayNow and through offshore sportsbooks.

Politics

Betting on politics is legal in Manitoba and available on PlayNow; however, betting lines on Canadian politics are generally unavailable. To bet on Canadian or American political outcomes, bettors can find lines and odds at offshore sportsbooks.

Awards shows

Betting on award shows like the Oscars and the Emmys is legal in Manitoba and available on PlayNow. You can also find various entertainment-themed bets on many offshore sportsbooks.

University sports

Lines and odds on Canadian university sports are not available on PlayNow. Most offshore sportsbooks do not provide lines and odds on Canadian university sports either. Odds on American college sports, including NCAA football and basketball, are available on offshore sportsbooks.

Responsible Manitoba gambling

The MBLL oversees responsible gambling education in Manitoba. The MBLL uses the GameSense platform to share responsible gambling educational materials. It allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from entering provincial gambling venues through the platform's voluntary self-exclusion page.

GameSense Manitoba Live Chat

Toll-free gambling helpline: 1-877-706-6789

Check out the PlayNow resource page for more information on responsible betting in Manitoba.

Sports betting across the U.S.

Are you looking for information on sports betting across the U.S.? Check out our comprehensive guide to legal sports betting in the United States:

• Best sports betting sites
• Best sports betting apps
• Best sportsbook promos
• Best sportsbooks

Potential Legal U.S. State News

Stay up-to-date on the potential legalization of online sports betting in the following state:

Sportsbooks by category

U.S. sports betting apps 

Sports betting in other regions

Ready to place your bets? Check out our list of the top sports betting sites in the US, Canada, Ontario, and the U.K. for the best odds and bonuses:

• Canada best sportsbooks (excludes Ontario)

• Ontario best sportsbooks

• British Columbia sportsbooks

• Alberta sportsbooks

• U.K. best sportsbooks