Bet365 vs DraftKings: Who Dominates Canada’s Betting Scene?

I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the perfect sportsbook, which is why I've taken it upon myself to dive deep into an in-depth comparison between two of the most recognized names in sports betting: Bet365 and DraftKings.

Instead of just offering reviews, I'm here to compare these two giants head-to-head, so you can make an informed decision with ease.

In this article, you'll get an exclusive look at every aspect that matters—odds, features, sports coverage, user experience, bonuses, and more. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of which operator suits your betting needs best.

At the end of the day, you’re probably going to have a great time using either Bet365 or DraftKings, but only one can be declared the victor. Here's a breakdown of how each brand fared in every key category.

Final Score: Bet365: 10, DraftKings: 4, Tie: 1

The very first thing you might be asking yourself when comparing Bet365 vs Draftkings is “Where is Bet365 legal in Canada?” or similarly “Where is DraftKings legal in Canada?”.

Not only is it important to know whether either is even a viable option where you live but it’s also a critical factor when evaluating which brand is superior.

Bet365: Bet365 has a significant presence in Canada, especially in Ontario. The platform is officially licensed and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operates under an agreement with iGaming Ontario. This licensing ensures that Bet365 adheres to provincial regulations, providing a secure betting environment for Ontarians. In other Canadian provinces, Bet365 operates in a grey area. While not explicitly licensed by provincial authorities outside Ontario, it remains accessible to residents in these regions due to its impressive international licensing, including esteemed authorities like Gibraltar, the MGA and the UKGC.

DraftKings: DraftKings launched its sportsbook in Ontario in May 2022, following approval from the AGCO and iGaming Ontario. This means that if you’re someone like myself who lives in Ontario, then DraftKings offers a perfectly safe, secure and fair betting experience. As for other provinces, DraftKings' sportsbook is not currently available outside Ontario. At the moment, the platform only boasts an AGCO license and licenses from selected U.S. states, but no recognized international licenses.

Winner: Bet365

In my opinion, both Bet365 and DraftKings have taken significant steps to comply with Ontario's regulatory framework. So, for bettors in Ontario, they should both be considered among the best betting sites. However, if you live in any one of the other 12 provinces or territories, then Bet365 takes the cake here. With licenses from Gibraltar, the MGA and the UKGC, it’s open to Canadians coast to coast, while DraftKings is strictly limited to Ontarians.

For myself, it’s not enough to know whether a sportsbook is simply available in my area, I also want to know how well-established and reliable the brand is.

Bet365: Founded over two decades ago in 2000, Bet365 is a globally recognized brand with a strong presence in various countries across the world, with offices established in Canada, the United States, the UK, Australia, Gibraltar, Bulgaria and Malta. The company has over 100 million customers worldwide and has received numerous awards for its services, including Operator of the Year at the EGR Awards in 2017 and five consecutive SBC Bookmaker of the Year awards as of 2025.

DraftKings: DraftKings was founded in 2012 and focused primarily on daily fantasy sports (DFS) at the time. However, in 2014, DraftKings acquired rival DraftStreet, significantly increasing its services and user base, and in 2020, DraftKings went public following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize sports betting two years prior. As of 2025, DraftKings has successfully transitioned from daily fantasy sports to one of the top online sportsbooks and casinos in all of North America.

Winner: Bet365

In my opinion, both Bet365 and DraftKings are reputable sportsbooks in Canada, each with its own strengths. However, with 25 years in the industry, an astounding awards history and a strong international presence, Bet365 Sportsbook is among one of the most well-respected brands in the business, instilling a high level of trust that few can rival.

One of the more undervalued aspects I found when looking at Bet365 vs DraftKings is the ease and simplicity of creating an account. Nobody wants to spend all day registering with a sportsbook, and luckily it appears that both of these brands understand this.

Bet365: Signing up with Bet365 is pretty straightforward. The process involves the typical steps I’ve come to expect: provide some personal details (name, date of birth, address, email, phone number), create a unique username/password, and verify your account. Like many Ontario sportsbooks, Bet365 requires verification of your identity before allowing deposits or withdrawals. However, one nice step that they’ve added is a “Controls” tab during the sign-up process. Here you can set daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits and even time limits right away.

DraftKings: Registering with DraftKings is also very simple. Much like with Bet365, you'll be asked for your full legal name, current physical mailing address, email address, date of birth, occupation, and phone number. Then, you will need to set up a username and password and verify your identity before depositing or withdrawing any money. However, one interesting note I found in the DraftKings registration process is the requirement of the last four digits of your social security number. While this might seem like a standard procedure, Bet365 sportsbook does not require this information.

Winner: Bet365

Both Bet365 and DraftKings have streamlined their registration processes to be as user-friendly as possible. The information required is standard across both platforms and the verification process for both sites is pretty similar. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes at the most to register with either one. The only reason I’ve given Bet365 the slight edge here is their inclusion of responsible gambling limits, which I feel is a friendly touch. Plus, at no point did Bet365 ask me for my social security number. 

After you’ve registered with either Bet365 or DraftKings, you will be encouraged to claim your exclusive welcome bonus. But before doing so, check out my thoughts.

Bet365: Bet365 offers a unique approach in that it provides the choice between two different welcome bonuses. The first is a “Bet $10 & Get $50 in Bonus Bets” promo and the second is a “First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000” promo.

Essentially, you can either bet $10 on any market (with odds of -500 or greater) and receive $50 in bonus bets, regardless of the outcome, or you can wager any amount you want up to $1,000 and receive a matched refund if the bet loses. However, the refunded bonus bets must be wagered once before any potential winnings can be withdrawn.

DraftKings: On the flip side, DraftKings offers new users a more standard first deposit match sign up bonus up to $1,000. Basically, you just need to create a new account and make your first deposit of at least $5.

DraftKings will then match 20% of the amount you deposit up to a maximum amount of $1,000. Then, for every $25 bet you make, you’ll earn $1 in bonus funds, which will be available to you once the wagering requirements have been met (25x on bets with odds of -300 or higher).  the following promotion:

Winner: Bet365

In my experience, DraftKings' offer is enticing for newcomers due to its low entry barrier ($5) and substantial bonus relative to the initial wager. The instant crediting of bonus bets also adds to its appeal.

However, I like how Bet365 provides the option to choose between two different offers. Their “First Bet Safety Net” offer is also very advantageous for those looking to place a larger initial wager, providing a safety cushion for higher stakes. Overall, both welcome bonuses are fantastic, but I like the variety that Bet365 provides. 

The greatest part about any welcome bonus is that it’s only just the beginning ⎯ once you’re in, there are tons of other enticing sports betting offers waiting for you.

Bet365: Bet365 is renowned for its diverse range of promotions tailored to various sports and betting preferences. Some of the top promos include their Early Payout Offers, Parlay Bonuses and Bet Boosts (enhanced odds).

They also hold select promotional campaigns during major betting events throughout the year, such as the NFL Super Bowl, NHL Stanley Cup, NBA Finals, and UEFA Champions League. Plus, their promotions section is further divided up depending on what you like to bet on, so you can easily find tailored offers for soccer betting, greyhounds, Australian racing, gaming and other sports.

DraftKings: One of DraftKings’ trademarks is its promotions, with an astounding variety that caters to both new and existing users. From “No Sweat” bets and “Parlay Sweepstakes” to bonus bets, daily odds boosts and parlay insurance, they’ve got it all.

I personally find myself gravitating towards DraftKings during major events like the Super Bowl or NBA playoffs, with free-to-play pools and bracket challenges with cash prizes. However, the highlight is definitely their “DraftKings Dynasty Rewards” loyalty program.

Essentially, for every bet you make, you receive a certain number of Crowns (DraftKings’ virtual currency). Accumulate as many of these crowns as possible and, over time, you can exchange them for casino and sportsbook credits, gift cards, and even travel packages.

Winner: DraftKings

Promotions are one of the most crucial factors when evaluating the differences between DraftKings vs Bet365, and in this instance, DraftKings is the clear winner. Yes, Bet365 offers a consistent array of promotions across multiple sports, but DraftKings frequently updates its offers to align with current sports events and seasons all year long.

Plus, DraftKings offers a tiered loyalty program with numerous rewards to be won while Bet365 currently does not have any loyalty program at all. 

The biggest factor that can often either make or break an entire betting experience is odds. Though it may seem minuscule, the difference between -110 and -120 is a lot in the sports betting world, especially with larger wagers.

Bet365: Bet365 has a longstanding reputation for providing favourable odds across a wide range of sports and markets. In my experience, their odds are often marginally better than the vast majority of Canadian sportsbooks, especially in popular international markets like soccer and tennis.

This slight edge can accumulate over time, immensely improving overall returns. Additionally, Bet365 frequently offers early odds on events, allowing me to capitalize on favourable lines before potential market shifts.

DraftKings: It has to be said that DraftKings also offers competitive odds, particularly in North American sports such as NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB. However, I've noticed that their margins can be slightly higher compared to Bet365, meaning the odds might not always be as favourable.

While the differences are often minimal, they can impact long-term profitability, especially for high-frequency bettors like myself.

Winner: Bet365

From my perspective, Bet365's consistent edge in odds pricing, particularly in diverse and international markets, makes it a more attractive option for maximizing returns. While DraftKings offers a robust platform with competitive odds in major leagues, the slight advantage that Bet365 holds in various markets aligns better with my betting strategy, focusing on obtaining the best possible value for each wager.

Though arguably less valuable than having competitive odds, the number of sports and betting markets a platform covers is still a vital point to consider. Thankfully, this is one area in which both Bet365 and DraftKings shine.

Bet365: If there’s one thing that Bet365 is known for its sports coverage. They offer extensive markets for mainstream sports like hockey, basketball, football, and soccer, with an incredible amount of depth when it comes to NFL props and NBA futures.

However, if you’re more into niche sports, you’ll find loads of opportunities to bet on things like cricket, darts, handball, rugby, lacrosse, MMA, table tennis and even winter sports like alpine skiing. This variety keeps things interesting, especially during the offseason of one of the mainstream North American leagues. With 30+ sports markets available year-round, you’ll find something to bet on no matter what you’re into.

DraftKings: DraftKings has made significant strides in regard to sports coverage, now rivalling older, more established betting brands like Bet365. Similar to their counterpart, DraftKings offers some of the best coverage of major leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB. DraftKings might even have a slight edge here due to the depth of their player prop market and same game parlays, especially for the NFL.

However, while the focus is primarily on popular Canadian and American sports, DraftKings also provides markets for loads of emerging sports and leagues, such as Aussie rules football, badminton, cycling, e-sports, and volleyball.

Winner: Tie

Truthfully, both of these platforms are renowned for their sports coverage, so you really can’t go wrong either way. The sheer breadth of sports and betting options available is honestly astounding (and borderline overwhelming).

Considering that they each offer over 30 sports equipped with several engaging betting markets, the battle of Bet365 vs DraftKings when it comes to sports coverage is pretty well even.

Nothing gets me quite as excited as live betting. With the ability to make real-time predictions and decisions based on the game unfolding in front of me, engagement is at an all-time high. Here’s what I found when considering the DraftKings vs Bet365 live betting experience.

Bet365: Within Bet365’s “Live In Game” section you’ll find all of the sports currently in play that you can bet on. From soccer, baseball and basketball to tennis, table tennis and e-sports, they each have their own individual tab with live odds updates for every game available.

To complement each game, Bet365 has offered a virtual display on the right-hand side of the screen that shows every play as they happen, coupled with vital team and player stats. I was also quite impressed with how fast the odds update, offering the most current odds and information for every event.

DraftKings: The DraftKings live betting experience is fairly similar to Bet365, albeit with a more modern and visually appealing design. Also labelled “Live In-Game”, the DraftKings live betting interface is sleek, with dynamic graphics that really make each event pop. Every live game also comes with an abundance of stats and supporting visuals.

The sportsbook provides a comprehensive range of in-play betting markets as well, particularly when it comes to classics like the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB. However, the depth of markets for international or niche sports may not be as extensive as Bet365.

Winner: DraftKings

Overall, while Bet365’s global reach is commendable, and I personally like how straightforward their design is, DraftKings offers a more modern and dynamic live betting interface. The polished look and feel made it a little bit easier for me to find exactly what I was looking for and place bets within seconds.

What’s even more exciting than live betting? Live streaming! Most Canadians no longer own cable, so it’s practically become a prerequisite for modern sportsbooks to offer some sort of live-streaming option.

Bet365: Bet365 provides an extensive live streaming service, allowing you to watch a wide range of sports directly through the platform. As I’ve come to expect with Bet365, they cover numerous sports, including football, tennis, basketball, hockey and more.

In my experience, the live streaming quality is reliable, with minimal buffering, provided you have a stable internet connection. The interface also integrates seamlessly with the aforementioned live betting features, which allowed me to place quick bets while watching events. Plus, the "Bet In-Stream" feature combines full-screen live streaming with bet slip functionality, improving the overall user experience.

DraftKings: DraftKings offers a feature known as "Game Tracker," which provides real-time data feeds and visualizations of ongoing events. DraftKings does technically offer live streaming for some sporting events in Ontario, but this feature is still in its early stages and not overly reliable.

That said, while DraftKings doesn't offer live video streaming of all sports events, the Game Tracker allows users to follow the action through live data and animations.

The Game Tracker covers a variety of sports, offering live data and visual representations for major leagues and events, which helped me stay informed about the progress of different games I had money on.

Winner: Bet365

This one feels like a pretty clear win for Bet365. While DraftKings’ Game Tracker is informative and provides timely updates, the absence of live video streaming is certainly a drawback if you’re someone like myself who prefers watching events directly within the sportsbook. It simply can't replace the experience of live streaming available on Bet365.

Live betting, live streaming—no, no, my friend, it doesn’t end there. Leading platforms like Bet365 and DraftKings offer a wealth of innovative betting features designed to provide a more engaging and unique experience.

Bet365: Sure, Bet365 excels in live betting, providing real-time odds across a vast array of sports and the integration of live streaming. However, they also provide several other tools you can take advantage of.

This includes a Bet Builder tool that you can use to create personalized bets by combining selections within the same event as well as an early cash-out feature that allows you to settle a bet before the event concludes, securing a profit or minimizing a loss. There’s also a partial cash-out option which provides even more control, allowing users to cash out a portion of their bet while letting the remainder run.

DraftKings: Aside from DraftKings’ top-tier live betting interface, the leading sports betting platform also provides a nice variety of other innovative features. Their same-game parlay feature allows you to combine multiple bets from the same game into a single parlay, increasing potential payouts.

DraftKings also regularly provides enhanced odds on selected events, offering better value and potential returns on popular bets. My personal favourite, however, is DraftKings Social, which is a unique feature that allows you to follow friends, share bets, and engage in a community experience, adding a social dimension to sports betting.

Winner: DraftKings

When comparing Bet365 vs DraftKings betting features, both platforms provide an impressive suite of features that cater to different types of bettors. Bet365's strengths lie in its live streaming capabilities and early payout options, providing more security and control over your bets.

DraftKings stands out with its innovative parlay options and social integration, catering to users seeking more customizable and community-driven betting experiences. For me, I fall on the latter half of the spectrum, as I really enjoy the approach of forming a more community-driven betting experience with DraftKings Social.

Now, it has to be said that the best way to experience many of these betting features (notably live betting and live streaming) is through a mobile app. While Bet365 and DraftKings offer two of the best betting apps in the industry, there are some subtle differences between the two.

Bet365: To some, Bet365's mobile app may feel somewhat outdated (which I understand given it’s relatively bland colour scheme), but personally, I like the simplicity. The layout is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing easy access to various sports markets and betting options.

As for performance, in my experience, the Bet365 app performs incredibly well with quick load times and minimal lag. Whether browsing live events or placing in-play bets, the responsiveness is commendable. All of Bet365’s betting features (live betting, live streaming, bet builder, cash out, etc.) are available on the app as well. Best of all though, the Bet365 app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

DraftKings: The DraftKings app comes in on almost the direct opposite side of the scale. Unlike Bet365’s unimaginative design, DraftKings’ mobile app boasts a modern and sleek design with intuitive, well-organized menus and a customizable layout.

Though I typically prefer less flashy betting apps, I must say that the high-quality graphics and interactive elements are impressive.

Also, DraftKings is known to offer a rich set of features, a variety of betting markets, and daily fantasy sports, all of which is available on the app. While it doesn't provide live streaming, it compensates with detailed live statistics and visualizations. The app is also available for both iOS and Android.

Winner: DraftKings

The mobile betting battle of Bet365 vs DraftKings comes down to one crucial factor: modernity. If live streaming of events is a priority and you’re seeking a more simplified betting experience, Bet365's app is perfect.

However, if a modern design with innovative features is more appealing to you, then the DraftKings app might be the way to go. Ultimately, both apps are well-designed and reliable, but I’ll give DraftKings the slight advantage due to visual appeal.

It’s always nice to see when a sportsbook offers several different banking options, ensuring that nobody gets left behind. As two of the biggest names in the industry, both Bet365 and DraftKings offer a quality selection that differs just enough to make this an intriguing comparison.

Bet365: Bet365 provides several deposit options that most Canadians have come to know and love, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Interac, Apple Pay, PayPal, InstaDebit and even Paysafecard for those who prefer prepaid vouchers.

Deposits are processed instantly while Bet365 withdrawals can take anywhere from one hour up to five business days. Interac, PayPal and InstaDebit withdrawals are the fastest, often completed within hours.

However, card and bank transfer withdrawals may take up to several business days. The minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is just $10, with maximum limits varying by method; for instance, bank transfers allow the highest withdrawal limits of up to $50,000.

DraftKings: DraftKings also accepts various deposit methods, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Interac and e-wallets like PayPal. However, they offer a couple of payment options that Bet365 does not: Skrill and Play+.

Skrill is one of the world’s top e-wallets and Play+ is an efficient prepaid card that’s becoming increasingly popular. Having these two options available was a pleasant surprise, to say the least.

Additionally, DraftKings carries a lower minimum deposit than Bet365 of just $5, making it slightly more accessible to bettors. Aside from that, deposit and withdrawal times generally align with those of Bet365 with limits varying depending on the method. 

Winner: Bet365

Both Bet365 and DraftKings provide a solid range of methods for Canadian users, but Bet365 offers a slightly wider selection.

Even though it was great to see that DraftKings offers Skrill and Play+, Bet365 countered that with the inclusion of Apple Pay, InstaDebit and Paysafecard, none of which are available at DraftKings. While DraftKings has a slightly lower minimum deposit, it’s not enough of a difference to make that much of an impact. 

When evaluating the banking options, we also have to look at payout speeds. After all, nobody wants to wait around after they’ve hit that big parlay. While the exact timing can vary, here’s what I’ve found with Bet365 and DraftKings.

Bet365: Per the Bet365 Canada website, if you stick with PayPal, InstaDebit or Interac, you can expect to receive your winnings within no more than four hours. While I can’t speak for everybody, the last time I withdrew money from my Bet365 account using Interac, I received my winnings within the hour.

This is absolutely incredible and far above the industry average. Debit/credit cards and bank transfers can take up to five business days, but some have reported receiving their winnings just one or two days later.

DraftKings: DraftKings processes e-wallet withdrawals efficiently as well, with PayPal and Skrill transactions often hitting your account within 24 hours. In my experience, funds have been available in my PayPal account within the same day, so it’s comparable with Bet365.

As one would espect, withdrawals to debit cards or via bank transfers generally take 2-5 banking days. While the process is straightforward, the timing can vary depending on banking institutions.

Winner: Bet365

It’s fantastic to see that both brands value efficient payouts, with Interac and e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill and InstaDebit being the fastest methods.

When it comes down to it, however, it’s going to be hard for any platform in or outside of Canada to compete with Bet365’s average withdrawal time of 1-4 hours. This is especially impressive when you consider that it can take up to three whole business days at many other sportsbooks using the exact same methods. 

In case you have issues with any of the above (registration, live betting, payouts, etc.), you’ll want to have a reliable support team there to assist. Here’s what I found when it comes down to the customer support between these two sports betting giants.

Bet365: Bet365 provides a fairly standard customer support system but reliable and efficient nevertheless. This includes 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, ensuring assistance is available at any time.

It’s also worth noting that Bet365 maintains an active presence on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users can reach out for assistance. In my experience, live chat responses are immediate, while email inquiries are typically addressed within 24 hours.

But across the board, I’ve found the support team to be knowledgeable and efficient, providing clear and helpful solutions to various issues.

DraftKings: DraftKings also offers customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through live chat and email as well as phone callback. Accessible via their Help Center, the chatbot guides users through common issues and can escalate to a human agent if necessary.

Alternatively, you can submit support tickets or send emails for more detailed inquiries. Like Bet365, DraftKings also provides support through their X (formerly Twitter) handle @DK_Assist. However, unlike Bet365, DraftKings offers a callback option which allows you to request a phone call from a support representative.

Winner: Bet365

All things considered, while both platforms deliver excellent support, I give Bet365 the edge here as personally, I’ve found their response times to be much faster. Bet365's direct live chat has been particularly beneficial for immediate assistance, allowing me to resolve issues without delay.

DraftKings' chatbot is useful for general inquiries, but for more complex matters, I prefer direct human interaction to ensure clarity and swift resolution.

After testing all of the above vital factors, it’s time to analyze the crème de la crème—the user experience of Bet365 vs DraftKings. Here’s a detailed comparison of my own experience using both platforms.

Bet365: In my opinion, using Bet365 is rewarding in a variety of ways. The intuitive and organized layout made finding my way around easy. The homepage offers quick access to various sports, live betting options, and promotions, while the betting slip dynamically updates as you make selections.

The live betting feature, with seamless live streaming and real-time stats, enhances my betting experience and helped aid in a few of my decisions.

Plus, the responsive mobile app mirrors the desktop experience, ensuring you can bet on the go with ease. Though the site design could use a bit of a revamp, I personally value functionality over aesthetics anyway.

DraftKings: On the other end, DraftKings wows with its sleek, modern design and high-quality graphics. The homepage is a hub for popular events and promotions, making navigation easy, though the wealth of options can feel a bit overwhelming at first.

The interactive betting slip pops up for easy access and adjustments, supporting multiple bet types. Live betting is robust with real-time stats, though live streaming isn’t available like it is at Bet365.

The mobile app mirrors the desktop experience, offering full functionality, a user-friendly interface and a wave of fun and exciting features that make betting not only effortless but enjoyable.

Winner: Bet365

While both Bet365 and DraftKings offer exceptional platforms, Bet365 has the edge in providing a smoother and more efficient user experience.

Its intuitive interface, dynamic betting slip, and seamless live betting with integrated streaming make it highly functional and user-friendly. Though its design might not be as modern as DraftKings, its practical features and ease of navigation make it stand out as the ultimate winner. 

After spending extensive time on both Bet365 Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, I’ve come to a conclusion about which operator is better overall. While both platforms have their strengths and cater to different types of bettors, Bet365 edges out as the superior choice for me.

Ultimately, my preference for Bet365 comes down to its consistency, reliability, and focus on core betting features. It feels like a platform built by bettors, for bettors. Whether it’s the unmatched live streaming, the ease of navigation, or the quick payouts, Bet365 delivers where it matters most.

DraftKings is undeniably a strong competitor and may appeal more to bettors who enjoy a feature-packed, visually engaging platform. However, for someone like me—who values simplicity, speed, and a platform that prioritizes the fundamentals of sports betting—Bet365 is the clear winner.