Nova Scotia Sports Betting April 2024

Nova Scotia sports betting explained

The current state of Nova Scotia sports betting can be a bit confusing. Don't worry, though, because we'll explain it fully. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation is the province's only officially licensed sports betting provider, which they offer through their Pro-Line product. However, numerous reputable offshore and international sportsbooks accept Nova Scotia bettors.

The ALC was founded by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation and three other provincial governments of Atlantic Canada, namely New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.

When Bill C-218 received royal assent and became law in 2021, single-event betting was introduced nationwide in Canada. Still, it was up to each province how they wanted to implement the new law. Nova Scotia was the last province to jump on the bandwagon and authorize single-game sports betting on Feb. 11, 2022.

Sports betting sites in Nova Scotia reviewed

If Pro-Line isn't enough, you can visit several international online sportsbooks. These books exist in a legal grey area in Nova Scotia. That means they aren't licensed and regulated by the provincial government but aren't outlawed.

The good news is that many of these sportsbooks have excellent reputations from being licensed in numerous other jurisdictions worldwide. So you can trust they are legitimate and will treat you fairly. 

Our guide will help you navigate the sports betting market in Nova Scotia, outlining the legal options and online sportsbooks with the greatest market entry potential should the ALC ever decide to grant licenses. 

1. bet365

bet365 is a British gambling juggernaut that’s been around for over 20 years. Its venture into the North American market has been paying dividends, especially in Ontario. According to reports from Morgan Stanley analysts, bet365 had a 27% share of app downloads in Ontario in April 2020 alone. 

bet365 garnered certain fame for its Bet Builder feature, which later evolved into the same-game parlay that is so popular today, thanks partly to FanDuel revolutionizing it in North America.

The innovation and features don’t stop there, as bet365 offers thousands of live streams through its app and a massive selection of bets and bet builders, like the Ice Hockey Bet Builder, which allows you to make up to 12 selections and create a unique bet.

Even though bet365 is not an officially licensed Nova Scotia sportsbook, it certainly already has a seat at the table. 

For more information on the operator, make sure to read our full bet365 review. 

2. Sports Interaction

Betting industry giants Entain acquired Sports Interaction last year from Avid Gaming for $300 million (CAD). Avid Gaming leases Sports Interaction exclusively to Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke, who operate the book through their Mohawk Online company. 

Sports Interaction is fully legal in Ontario, with the approval of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario. In the rest of Canada, including Nova Scotia, the brand operates in the gray market under a license issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Don't let that status scare you, though, as Sports Interaction is one of the best sportsbooks in Nova Scotia. 

The platform would become one of the top legal NS sportsbooks if the province ever decides to regulate third-party betting sites. And even if it doesn't, there are plenty of good reasons to check out Sports Interaction. It offers great lines on the NFL and NHL and many other exciting features. Its popular Minute Madness lets you pick which minute(s) of a soccer game will feature a goal. They also have Piñata Picks, a special prop bet on a randomly assigned team, or a selection with favorable pricing. 

Read our detailed Sports Interaction review for a full overview.

3. William Hill

William Hill is another Nova Scotia sports betting site that operates in the legal grey market, with great potential for future provincial regulation. With its pedigree as one of the world's largest betting companies, it has plenty to offer to Bluenose bettors. The company's biggest selling points are a classic layout with simple but effective colors, a vast selection of parlays, props, teasers, moneylines, point spreads, and competitive pricing across the board. 

Moreover, its Enhanced Odds, Epic Odds, and DoubleYourOdds daily boosts deliver additional value to bettors, especially since they apply to some of the most popular markets. 

More information about the sportsbook is available in our William Hill review. 

4. LeoVegas

Like many other NS grey market sports betting platforms, LeoVegas is already fully licensed and regulated in Ontario. So it wouldn't be a surprise to see them vie for a Nova Scotia license if they ever come available. Until then, bettors on Canada's East Coast can rest easy that Leo Vegas is a trusted wagering option.

LeoVegas Sportsbook has earned a reputation as one of the best sports betting sites in Canada thanks to the favorable odds it offers across sports and markets, starting with the "Big Four" leagues of NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB, all the way to UFC and Formula 1 events.

The live betting offering at LeoVegas is extensive, ranging from bets on which team will earn the next corner kick in a soccer game to which player will score the next point in an NBA game. The in-play statistics and live streaming make live betting even more exciting, letting you cash in on the fast-changing odds.

You can find out more about the operator in our LeoVegas review. 

5. 888sport

888sport is another household name in Canada, with a major office in Ontario but historic roots in Europe. This book is yet another likely candidate for an official NS sports betting license, should they ever become available. 

In the meantime, NS bettors can get familiar with its extensive offering of more than 30 sports, including niche markets like surfing or Gaelic sports of hurling or rounders. The brand’s app is jam-packed with features, like the Bet Feed, where you can see which teams other bettors are backing, the most popular wagers in the past 24 hours, and more. 

The Odds Boost section gives an overview of all markets, their enhanced odds, and the original odds. A quick glance reveals that 888sport regularly boosts odds up to 25%–30%. 

Check out our detailed 888sport review for more information.

Nova Scotia sports betting at a glance

There haven't been any new developments since Nova Scotia introduced single-game sports betting through the ALC's Pro-Line brand in early 2022. Maritime-area bettors hope the ALC will eventually take a page out of Ontario's book and license some of the best sportsbooks in Canada, like DraftKings and FanDuel.

According to the Canadian Gaming Association via the National Post, Nova Scotians do a lot of online sports betting, just with offshore and international platforms. The CGA estimated that Canadians as a whole wager $150 million on the Super Bowl alone, fifty times more than on legal sports lotteries. 

Nova Scotia Pro-Line

• Pro-Line is the only service available.

• Single-event betting is permitted.

• Various wagering formats are supported.

• You can make your picks online.

• The market value stands at $26 million.

Nova Scotia legal sportsbooks

NS sports betting promos and bonuses

Bettors in Nova Scotia are mostly confined to using the province's Pro-Line for betting. Unfortunately, the ALC-managed sportsbook is no destination for welcome bonuses. In fact, you won’t find any bonuses on the Pro-Line site. That's hard to swallow when you consider the offshore alternatives. 

Most international sportsbooks offer a sign-up bonus, which typically takes the form of a deposit match or bonus bet credits. Luckily, some Nova Scotia welcome offers that rank among the best sportsbook promos in Canada.

Then bonuses have a wide range of value and requirements, so make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions of any welcome offer you're trying to claim. There may be a minimum deposit, qualifying odds, or playthrough requirements to take advantage.

How we rate and review NS sports betting sites

Our review process is based on personal experience. Yes, we walked a mile (or more) in your betting shoes to ensure we got a taste of everything the average bettor can expect from these NS sportsbooks.

Here’s a glimpse at the entire review process and the aspects we felt were most important.  

Main sportsbook features

We constantly seek traits that raise the bar for sports bettors. The following features are likely to catch our eye:

Proprietary mobile applications

• Favorable odds across the markets

• A multitude of betting opportunities

• A multitude of betting opportunities

• In-play or live betting

• Early cash-out options

• Free live-streaming

User-friendly design

We consider these platforms' usability across various software — desktops, mobiles, and proprietary iOS or Android apps. We assess the different features and highlight the platforms while pointing out exceptional perks or potential pitfalls. 

We want to see intuitive navigation alongside responsive and clutter-free apps and websites. Only platforms that deliver the best experiences make our list.

Bonuses and promotions

An attractive welcome bonus definitely draws major attention. However, our NS sportsbook scrutiny extends beyond the immediate benefits. We meticulously examine the fairness of the associated terms and conditions, including qualifying odds, minimum deposits, wagering requirements, and more. Alongside this, we evaluate the ongoing incentives and promotional benefits provided to regular patrons.

Payment methods

In the betting universe, the speed of receiving your winnings is crucial. No one wants to wait weeks to get their hands on a big payout. Our analytical approach puts a strong emphasis on the efficiency of payouts. We even rank the fastest payout sportsbooks, although some of the very best aren't available in Nova Scotia yet.

In addition, we ensure a broad spectrum of deposit and withdrawal alternatives are available, including credit cards, Instadebit, Interac, and all other common Canadian financial methods.

Reliability and data protection

Confidence in the platform's integrity is paramount when your money is on the line. We recommend sportsbooks only after verifying their licensure with respective regulatory bodies, even if those bodies are outside of Nova Scotia. 

Additionally, we confirm that the site adopts stringent security protocols to protect your personal information, including two-factor authentication, biometric logins, and other safety features. 

Other categories

When reaching a verdict on a sportsbook, we look into the following factors as well:

• Ease of the sign-up process

• Efficiency of the verification procedure

• Betting thresholds

• Localization features

• Loyalty or VIP programs

We rank them according to their best features only after we’ve done due diligence on every sportsbook. 

How to start betting on sports in Nova Scotia

Whether you want to wait for an official regulatory green light or get started with an offshore sportsbook today, we can help you through that process. Just follow our step-by-step guide to start betting on sports today.

1. Choose a sportsbook

First thing's first, choose an NS sportsbook from our list. Read our reviews to learn about their strengths and weaknesses and how they reflect your play style. William Hill might be a good choice if you like browsing the site and markets by relying on odds boosts. Or maybe a certain welcome bonus caught your eye.

2. Register online

Locate the "Register," "Sign Up," or "Join" button. It's typically towards the top right corner of the website. Clicking or tapping on it will initiate the registration process. You’ll need to enter some personal details in the registration form. These include your full legal name, current address, date of birth, active mobile number, and valid email address. 

Recently, iGaming Ontario mandated sportsbooks require users to disclose their citizenship and occupation, confirm they are fit to play, not acting on behalf of any other person, and are not a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)/Head of an International Organization (HIO). Such requirements don't exist in Nova Scotia yet, but they may be introduced in the future.

3. Make a deposit

You must verify your Nova Scotia account to enable deposits and betting. The process can involve providing copies of personal identification or proof of address if the automatic account verification fails. Once you've successfully activated your account, you'll have full access to your Nova Scotia online sportsbook and can proceed with the deposit part of the experience. 

In the "Cashier" or "Banking" section of your account, you can find the "Deposit" option. Click on it, and you’ll find a list of available methods. Click the payment option that works for you, select the welcome bonus (if offered), and input how much money you want to deposit. 

You may need a Nova Scotia bonus code to trigger the bonus, so check the bonus table near the top of this page for verified and accurate promo codes.

4. Place your first wager

Browse the betting lobby to see all the sports and markets. If you can't find what you're looking for immediately, try using the search bar. Once you’ve made your picks, just click on the betting odds offered for that market. The selection will be automatically added to the bet card or bet slip. 

Depending on the number of selections, you can stick with single bets or turn your picks into a multi-leg parlay. If the odds shift before you lock in your bet, you'll be prompted to accept any changes. Click the "Place Bet" button to confirm your wager.

5. Claim your bonus

If you are eligible to claim a welcome bonus, make sure you understand the terms and conditions. There may be extra requirements, like a minimum deposit, odds restrictions, or other conditions you have to meet.

When you do claim your bonus, make sure you know how to earn it. Bonus bets often expire within a week or two, and cashback is typically earned as percentages of future bets.

6. Withdraw your payout

If you win the bet, the funds will be instantly credited to your account. The winnings will include the stake plus the profit. To cash out, head to the "Withdraw" section of the sportsbook. Pick a preferred banking method and input the amount you want to withdraw. After you confirm your transaction, the funds typically take between 24 and 72 hours to show up in your account.

Quick facts: Nova Scotia sports betting

*The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) is a joint venture between the governments of Nova Scotia and three other neighboring provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

Nova Scotia sports teams to bet on

Nova Scotia hosts the largest indoor arena in Atlantic Canada, Scotiabank Centre, home to Halifax Mooseheads. While hockey is the most popular sport in the province, soccer is quickly gaining popularity thanks to the continuously good outings of HFX Wanderers FC in the Canadian Premier League (CPL). 

As for major professional teams, there are none in the Maritimes. However, plenty of Nova Scotia bettors follow the Toronto Blue Jays or Toronto Raptors as Canada's only franchises in the MLB and NBA. Pro teams from Montreal, like the Canadiens or Alouettes, are also popular.

Exploring sports teams to bet on in Nova Scotia can provide valuable insights into the broader landscape of sports betting, encompassing various sports and categories. Nova Scotians can take the next step by exploring top betting sites that cater to specific sports and other diverse categories of sports betting.

NS sports betting key developments and updates

The latest developments in the Nova Scotia sports betting industry largely focus on implementing Bill C-218. While Pro-Line and offshore sportsbooks give bettors several options, there isn't a rush toward full-scale regulation like in Ontario.

June 21, 2022: The ALC launches an online casino in Nova Scotia, a product previously only available in New Brunswick. 

Feb 11, 2022: Nova Scotia authorizes single-game betting in the wake of Bill C-218 passing. However, they are the last Canadian province to do so.

June 29, 2021: Bill C-218 receives royal assent in Canada, officially legalizing single-game wagering nationwide. Provincial governments must now decide how to regulate sports betting in their own jurisdictions. 

Feb. 25, 2020: Saskatchewan MP Kevin Waugh introduces Bill C-218 as a private member's bill in an attempt to legalize single-game sports betting in Canada, a practice still illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada.

NS single-game sports betting

In 2020, Conservative MP Kevin Waugh introduced Bill C-218 to legalize single-game sports wagering in Canada and allow provinces to oversee it independently. The bill was backed by Senator David Wells and was voted into law on Feb. 17, 2021, by an overwhelming majority. 

Nova Scotia was among the last provinces to launch single-game sports betting through its Pro-Line product. Before the new law was put in place, Pro-Line only featured parlay bets with at least three legs. The minimum stake for single-event betting is $2, which you can place on moneylines, spreads, and totals. 

Legal sports betting and regulations in NS

Sports betting is legal in Nova Scotia and overseen and regulated by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC), established under the provisions of the Gaming Control Act. The NSGC established the Atlantic Lottery Corporation in conjunction with the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation, Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission, and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The ALC is the only licensed sports betting provider in Nova Scotia, which they do through their Pro-Line product. It now features both single-game betting (since 2022) and parlay options. Outside of Pro-Line, several offshore and international sportsbooks happily accept customers from Nova Scotia, giving bettors more options.

NS online and mobile sportsbooks

Betting online in Nova Scotia is possible via Pro-Line, provided you have an ALC account. Once you’ve made your picks and chosen the wagering format, select the wager amount, review your bet, and click on the "Confirm" button to complete the transaction. You can also generate a bet slip online and get a QR Code that you must present at an Atlantic Lottery retailer to get your wager approved. 

Most offshore sportsbooks offer reliable websites and mobile apps too. You can download these apps directly to your smartphone or tablet, making betting on the go a breeze.

Who can bet on sports in NS?

Let’s look at the relevant rules and regulations related to sports betting in Nova Scotia.

Legal age

You must be at least 19 or older to bet on sports in Nova Scotia. You cannot register an account anywhere if you are younger. Any individuals associated with pro teams or the ALC are barred from betting.

Mobile betting

Mobile betting is allowed in Nova Scotia, allowing you to bet single-game bets with Pro-Line Stadium. When placing a bet on the website or app, the ALC will use various location services and geolocation technology to confirm you are in Nova Scotia.

Retail sportsbooks

Even though the province is home to two casinos, in Halifax and Sydney, neither of them features a retail sportsbook. Wagering in person is allowed at ALC-licensed retailers, like Pro-Line kiosks at convenience stores.

Taxable winnings

Winnings from gambling are tax-exempt in Canada, so you can keep whatever you win on Nova Scotia sports betting sites and platforms. The Canada Revenue Agency does not consider any lottery or gambling winnings as taxable income.  

What you can and can't bet on in NS

Interestingly enough, some of the betting restrictions that apply in the United States, such as betting on politics or entertainment events, don’t have a foothold in Nova Scotia. These wagers are usually found under the "Novelty Bets" tab.

It’s crucial to note that Pro-Line and other NS sportsbooks may apply Past Posting to any bets made where the outcome was known before the sales cut-off time. Your bet will be voided, and your stake will be returned entirely. Don't worry, though; this is extremely rare and usually results from an unlikely software glitch. 

Politics

Political betting is allowed in Nova Scotia on offshore sportsbooks and Pro-Line. However, only non-Canadian political betting markets are available. So you can speculate on the winner of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, but not who will replace Justin Trudeau as the next Canadian Prime Minister. 

Entertainment award ceremonies

Placing a bet on a movie to win Best Picture at the Oscars or your favorite musical artist to win a Grammy is supported in Nova Scotia. 

esports

Pro-Line and offshore online sportsbooks both allow betting on esports in Nova Scotia. You may have to shop around to find a sportsbook offering the market you want, as esports betting is still a niche market. 

Responsible sports betting in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) is committed to minimizing the negative aspects of gambling. A voluntary-self exclusion list is available on ALC.ca, part of a wider PlayWise program to help protect individuals susceptible to gambling harms. 

Another notable resource from NSGC for responsible play is Your Best Bet, where you can learn how gambling works and get some tips on staying within your gambling budget. Indeed, managing your bankroll correctly and learning how to read odds are vitally important aspects of playing. 

List of NS resources

Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) 

Your Best Bet

PlayWise

Nova Scotia gambling hotline: 1-888-347-8888

Sports betting across Canada

While you stay up-to-date with sports betting developments in Nova Scotia, don't miss out on exploring other top Canada betting sites opportunities across the country. Keep yourself informed about trends shaping the broader sports betting landscape across other provinces:  

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:

US:

Best sportsbooks

Best sports betting sites

Best sports betting apps

UK:

Best sportsbooks UK