Manitoba Sports Betting: Top Sportsbooks & Legal Update (2025)

Manitoba is a province that has a huge number of enthusiastic sports bettors. The Manitoba sports betting industry may not be as famed as in neighbouring Ontario, but it is still massive, and there is plenty to know about sports betting in Manitoba. 

If you are curious about betting in this province, I’m here to clear everything up. I’m going to dive deep into everything you need to know about using Manitoba’s sportsbooks. I’ll break down the top options for betting in this province, uncover why they are great, and look at the rules for gambling across the province. Ready? Let’s begin.

Top Manitoba Sportsbooks

Sports Betting in Manitoba: Quick Facts

Online Betting:Yes, sports betting is legal in Manitoba.
Age Requirement:18+ to participate in sports betting.
Launch Date:August 27, 2021
Regulated By:Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation (MBLL)
Provincial Sportsbook:PlayNow
Popular Sports to Bet On:Hockey, Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Combat Sports, Golf.
Taxes on Winnings:No taxes on sports betting winnings in Manitoba.
Retail Sportsbooks:Not available in Manitoba.

sports betting in manitoba

How We Rank Manitoba Sportsbooks

Me and the rest of the BettingTop10 Canada staff are big fans of the gambling industry, and we take a lot of pride in offering bettors insightful, informative guides about gambling in their locations. But how do we rank the betting sites that we promote as our top options? Let’s look at some of the criteria we factor in when ranking betting sites.

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Legality and Safety

Safety is paramount when wagering online, so one of the first things we consider is user safety. We look over the licensing to ensure the operator is legal and check their online reviews to make sure they are safe and legal.

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Payment Options

Bettors all prefer to pay using different formats, so we check the different payment options that an operator accepts. The more, the better, but it is also important they cover the ones Manitoba bettors prefer.

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Sports Coverage

There are several Manitoba sports teams gamblers want to wager on. We check the sports and markets that a betting site offers to ensure they have plenty of great options for gamblers available.

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Mobile Betting

Many bettors love to wager from their phones, but not all sportsbooks accommodate this preference. To ensure bettors have a positive mobile wagering experience, we check if an operator has a betting app or a functional mobile website.

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Betting Offers

Promotions and betting offers are a big incentive for a lot of gamblers. We check to make sure that they have plenty available. We also look over the terms and conditions to verify bettors are getting their money’s worth.

user-experience

User Experience

The experience users have when wagering online is so important. We check to make sure betting sites have a fun, intuitive website with enough features to keep bettors coming back.

Betting in Manitoba

Sports betting across Canada has different rules. That creates a situation that is rather complicated, as bettors have to be sure that it is safe and legal in the jurisdiction they reside in. I know that this can be confusing, which is why I’m here to help walk you through this process and break down whether or not they can gamble. 

Below, I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty and cover everything you need to know about the legality of Manitoba sports betting.

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Is Sports Betting Legal in Manitoba?

Yes, it is. However, there are some exceptions to that rule. Let’s look at the bigger picture of the legality of wagering in Manitoba. 

For a while, sports betting in Manitoba was not truly legal, because it excluded single-game betting—the ability to wager on single events—much like the rest of Canada. Instead, gamblers could use parlay betting operators. These were run by provincial lottery companies, and allowed bettors to wager on parlay bets, meaning multiple outcomes at once. The odds were worse than most sportsbooks, as this operator had a monopoly. 

There were alternatives to this, in the form of the sports betting gray market. Operators like Bet365 or Bodog have licenses from offshore regulators that allow them to operate around the world. They aren’t regulated in Canada, but it isn’t expressly illegal to use them. Most bettors relied on the gray market, as there was really no form of punishment for using these kinds of operators. 

One of the biggest changes to the industry happened recently, and it has shaken things up across the nation. In 2021, Canada passed Bill C-218, removing the federal prohibition on single-game sports betting.

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That meant provinces could determine whether or not they wanted to implement single-game betting.  

In Manitoba, the change was fast. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, or MBLL, released a single-game betting service called PlayNow Manitoba.  

This operator is overseen by the provincial government and allows bettors to place bets on single events. So, if you want to wager on the Jets or Blue Bombers, you can visit this operator and bet on games. However, one thing bettors will note is that it didn’t necessarily blow the doors off the industry. Gambling is still heavily limited to just that operator. 

Wagering on other operators that are located offshore means that if you don’t like the odds and offers on the Manitoba-based operator, you will still be able to use plenty of alternative options. In addition, many Manitoba residents might be turning their eye to what is available in Ontario.

Following in Ontario’s Footsteps

ontariJust East of Manitoba, Ontario has embraced the changes from Bill C-218 more than any other province. Rather than just having a lottery-ran operator, Ontarians enjoy a provincially-ran regulator known as iGaming Ontario, which oversees the gambling industry in the province and provides licenses to different operators. 

This licensing company has allowed a huge surge of different sportsbooks to enter the Ontario market. Operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings are now available in Ontario and nowhere else in Canada. 

This has opened the door to a massive range of additional income for the province. The industry has expanded rapidly. Ontario is funnelling the taxable money they are getting from regulating the industry towards a range of welfare causes, including the treatment of gambling addiction.  

This is something many Manitobans wouldn’t mind seeing at home.

The Future of Manitoba Sports betting

Predicting the future is remarkably difficult because the changes in the gambling industry don’t always involve public discussion. But there is a good chance that other provinces might follow Ontario’s lead. If Manitoba is one of them, the industry will skyrocket in the province.  

The province can expect to see some serious money as operators enter Manitoba and hire a bunch of local employees. The government will get more taxable money from these sportsbooks instead of watching it funnel overseas, and Manitoba residents can enjoy gambling on a huge range of new legal betting sites instead of just one provincially-ran operator.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Manitoba

Just because sports betting in Manitoba is mostly legal doesn’t mean just anyone can walk into the province and start wagering. Betting is a heavily regulated industry, and there are certainly limits to who can bet across the province. 

If you want to join a sportsbook in Manitoba, there are several different criteria you will need to fulfill. It isn’t as easy as simply deciding to start betting. So, let’s look at some of the different factors that are at play.

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Personal Statuses

There are several people who are not legally allowed to bet in Manitoba, such as politically exposed individuals. Some sportsbooks check for this.

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Location

If you want to join up with Manitoba’s primary sportsbook, you must have a fixed address within the province to list when you sign up.

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Age Limit

Unlike most other provinces, the age limit in Manitoba is 18, not 19.

Offshore Sportsbooks in Manitoba

I’ve mentioned offshore sportsbooks already, but let’s reiterate one more time. Offshore sportsbooks are part of the gambling gray market in Manitoba. What that means is they are not fully legal, as they don’t have government approval. But they are also not illegal. 

Bettors can wager on offshore sportsbooks in Manitoba like Betway, Bodog, and more. As long as it is not exclusively iGaming Ontario-licensed, like BetMGM or FanDuel, it can be used in Manitoba.

How to Start Betting in Manitoba

I’ve given you much of the important legal information about Manitoba and discussed the government-ran operations like ProLine Manitoba. But there is a lot more to get into here. 

I’ve established that you can bet on sporting events in Manitoba. But how? Not everyone is aware of how they can take steps to start wagering online. In reality, it is actually very easy. 

Signing up for a sportsbook should only take a matter of minutes. Below, I’ll provide a quick step-by-step guide to wagering in Manitoba. 

  1. Pick Your Sportsbook. This is a crucial first step. You need to find a sportsbook that is legal to use in Manitoba first and foremost. From there, you will want to pick a betting site that has all the core features you are looking for; check our many sportsbook reviews to see what each major Canadian operator provides. 
  2. Go Through the Registration Process. Once you’ve found a sportsbook, start the registration process. To do this, you’ll have to click Join Now on the website. Most operators require a significant amount of personal information, including your address, contact information, and age. This is to verify your legality. 
  3. Fill Your Account. Once you’ve created an account, you will have to put money into it. I’ll touch more on how that process will play out below. 
  4. Start Wagering. Once you have an account set up and funded, you can start betting. To do this, browse the different sports and markets on the website and click on the one you want to wager on. You will then have to input your wager amount, and you are off to the races.

Banking Options

Before you can start sports betting in Manitoba, you’ll need to fund your account.

Many bettors get a little tentative about the concept of trusting a sportsbook with their banking details. This is valid! Using an illegal or fraudulent website could result in your information being stolen.

Generally speaking, if you use a trusted operator, you have no real cause for concern. Most sports betting sites will take diligent measures to try and protect your information and money.

There are several deposit options you’ll find on a typical Manitoba betting site. Some of these include:

  • interac
    Interac 
  • Visa
    Visa
  • Mastercard
    MasterCard
  • paypal
    PayPal
  • crypto
    Cryptocurrency
  • e-wallet
    E-Wallets

Each deposit method will have a different transaction time and minimum/maximum withdrawal or deposit amount. It also depends on the sportsbook.

To withdraw, most sportsbooks will require you to verify your identity, even if they don’t do that when you deposit.

The available withdrawal methods are typically similar to the deposit options. Be warned, withdrawals will often take longer than deposits.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Manitoba

Manitoba has never lacked for devoted sports enthusiasts. Not only are there several professional sports teams in the province that locals love to wager on, but residents of Manitoba happily cheer on teams from around the world, and sportsbooks in Manitoba know this. 

While Manitoba residents bet on every league under the sun, there are several sports you will see most often on the typical Manitoban’s bet slip:

ice-hockeyHockey: Manitoba residents are ardent hockey fans, and you better believe many residents wager on the NHL. The Winnipeg Jets are beloved throughout the province, and many residents bet on the Jets and other NHL results. 

american-footballFootball: The NFL is hugely popular in Manitoba, with many devoting their Sundays to wagering on the sport. But many Manitobans also place bets on the CFL, particularly on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 

basketballBasketball: Manitoba citizens certainly pay close attention to basketball, with many NBA fans across the province. 

baseballBaseball: While there is no Manitoba MLB team, many in the province pull for the Blue Jays. Many Manitobans Wagering on the MLB, as baseball is a major Canadian tradition. 

soccerSoccer: Soccer is easily the most-watched sport on the planet, and many Manitoba residents regularly wager on soccer events around the world, whether they are International games, MLS battles, or Premier League showdowns.

mmaCombat Sports: A big fight draws attention from around the sports world, and many Manitobans place their bets on combat sports. This includes boxing, the UFC, and more.

golfGolf: Manitoba golf enthusiasts will wager on the biggest tournaments, hoping to hit it big on a huge performance from their favourite players.

popular sports to bet on manitoba

Most Popular Markets

Betting markets are the different outcomes within a game or league that gamblers wager on to either occur or not occur.  

There are many different kinds of markets on the internet; let’s look at some of the ones that are most used popular for sports betting in Manitoba.

moneylineMoneyline: A Moneyline bet is a wager on the direct outcome of a game. If you bet on a team on the Moneyline, that means you have picked them to win that game. 

point-spreadPoint Spread: The Point spread is a line that indicates the projected score differential in the game in favour of a team. Bettors can bet to cover the spread, meaning the favoured team exceeds the differential, or uncover it, meaning they don’t. 

over-underOver/Under: The over/under is a line that reflects the projected total amount of points in a game between both teams combined. Bettors can pick the over, meaning the teams combine for more points, or the under, meaning they combine for less. 

futuresFutures: Futures are long-term wagers within a league. For example, betting on a team to win the Stanley Cup, betting on a player to win MVP, and so on.

Game Props: Game Props are outcomes within a game that bettors are wagering on. These don’t necessarily determine the final score. Game Props can be something like which team will be winning after the first quarter, how many three-pointers a team will have, and so on. 

both-teams-to-scorePlayer Props: Player Props are similar to game props, except they are centred around players. For example, that could be something like whether a player will score a goal in an NHL game or how many passing yards an NFL quarterback will have. 

double-chanceDouble Chance: Double Chance is a form of betting where gamblers wager on two of the three potential outcomes in a game. Those three outcomes are Team A wins, tie, or Team B wins. Bettors get any two of these outcomes. Naturally, the payout isn’t very high for this market.

Other Bets

If you are someone who loves wagering, sports aren’t the only things you can place bets on. Most Manitoba sports betting sites will take bets on different things, as well. Let’s look at some things you can bet on that aren’t sports.

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Entertainment

If you are a movie or TV buff, you can gamble on entertainment markets on most sportsbooks. These include TV show endings (like who will get the throne in Game of Thrones), or award show results.

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Politics

Political elections are always a massive talking point, but on most betting sites you can do more than just talk about it—you can also bet on potential election results.

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E-Sports

E-Sports gamblers can bet on major tournaments and other video game events that feature the top gamers competing in a wide range of games.

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Popular Teams

Manitoba is a sports hotspot with many devoted fans across the province, and several sports teams have a large fan base in the province. Let’s look at some of the most popular. 

winnipeg-jetsWinnipeg Jets: The Winnipeg Jets are the most popular sports team in Manitoba. This NHL franchise has returned after several years away and has had a productive few years with an adoring group of fans. 

winnipeg-blue-bombersWinnipeg Blue Bombers: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a CFL franchise that has had an excellent run of success over the past few years. They appear poised for another potential Grey Cup run. 

toronto-blue-jaysToronto Blue Jays: Even if they are not located in Manitoba, the Blue Jays still have a big following in the province. They are the only Canadian MLB team, so most baseball fans here pull for them. 

toronto-raptorsToronto Raptors: Similar to the Blue Jays, the Raptors also have a large group of followers in Manitoba. They are Canada’s only NBA squad, and many were ecstatic when they claimed the 2019 Championship.

Other Types of Manitoba Gambling

If you are not a huge sports fan, that doesn’t mean you will have no gambling options. There are many other kinds of betting that are highly popular online. Many sportsbooks in Manitoba have a huge range of other options for betting enthusiasts to wager on. 

Let’s look at some of the other types of betting options you’ll find online.

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Table Games: These games are hugely popular. Bettors around the world flock to their local casinos to play card games like poker and blackjack, or simply wager online with the many virtual casinos that have online table games.

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Slots: Arguably the most popular format for online betting comes as slots. Slot machines are hugely popular on sports betting sites, and they come at an array of themes and slot types.

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Roulette: Roulette is one of the most popular Vegas games, and you can enjoy wagering on Roulette straight from your computer or phone. Many betting sites host live roulette events.

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Virtual Sports: If you like real sports, may I recommend virtual sports? These are randomly simulated games sportsbooks have that you can wager on.

How to Play Responsibly in Manitoba

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I’ve explained how to wager in Manitoba, but we haven’t gotten into how to do it responsibly. 

There are several ways you can stay safe and avoid reckless gambling behaviour. For starters, practicing payroll management – be cautious with your bets, and never bet more than you are comfortable losing. 

You should also always check a sportsbook’s license and online reputation. Make sure the operator you are using is safe and trustworthy. If they are licensed, there is a good chance you can rely on them. Read user reviews to make sure they are not problematic. 

If you notice an addiction forming, seek help. The Manitoba Liquor & Lottery company provides a Gambling Hotline at 1-800-463-1554.

Licensed Sites vs. Unlicensed Sites

licenseWhen the time comes to choose a sportsbook, make sure you are wagering on a licensed site. 

A licensed sportsbook has been approved by regulators. While there aren’t major regulators in Manitoba who are licensing outside operators, sportsbooks that have licenses from other authorities are still legal to use in Manitoba. 

For a betting site to be licensed, they have to let regulators look through them and validate their security, their fairness, and more.  

With unlicensed operators, there is no third party who ensures that they are safe and fair. An unlicensed operator is also far more likely to be illegal.

About PlayNow

PlayNow is the betting site that is run by Manitoba’s lottery. It is a website that allows for single-game betting. It is the only provincially-run website in Manitoba. They are licensed by the government, so you can feel confident and safe using this trusted operator.

Manitoba Sports Betting FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wagering online in Manitoba.

Yes! Sports betting in Manitoba is legal, although it is not entirely open like it is in Ontario. Instead, there is only one government-regulated operator.

No. betting wins fall under the windfall portion of income, meaning it can’t be taxed.

Yes! If you don’t want to use PlayNow, it is not the only operator that accepts Manitoba-based users. There are many operators who are licensed outside of Canada who happily accept users in the province.

Set betting limits are for bettors who want to be cautious about how much they wager. These are limits bettors self-impose that dictate how much they can spend and bet. Even if you don’t have problem gambling tendencies, setting betting limits is a good idea.

A parlay wager is a kind of bet where a gambler groups multiple bets into a single one. In order for a parlay to cash, every part of it needs to hit. Parlays pay out more than single bets because the odds multiply.

The most popular sports team in Manitoba is likely the Winnipeg Jets. They are the only “Big Four League” team in the province. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are also very popular, as well.

There are a lot of deposit methods that are available to Manitobans, such as Interac, Visa, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and much more. Typically, crypto deposits won’t be available on Canadian-regulated websites.

To sign up for a sportsbook in Manitoba, you’ll have to go through the registration process and provide personal information. When this is done, you should have an account ready to go.

If you try to sign up for a betting site like FanDuel or DraftKings, it won’t work. These betting sites require gamblers to put down an address to deposit. If they see your address isn’t in the jurisdiction they serve, you won’t be able to make an account. 

Cameron is a 2020 graduate from the University of Southern California’s Journalism program. He is an avid sports fan and bettor, whose favourite teams include the Toronto Raptors, and the Chicago Bears. Cameron has been writing about and following sports since the age of 10, when he first fell in love with the NFL and NBA.