PointsBet Canada Review

PointsBet at a Glance

PointsBet Canada Operations 1 Inc. is the licensed operator for the Canadian market. Its parent company, PointsBet Holdings Ltd., was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The sportsbook is known for building its own technology rather than outsourcing it. PointsBet offers both a sportsbook and an online casino with over 1,300 games. The company is licensed in Ontario and has opened pre-registration for Alberta. Its notable features include live betting, cash out, and same game parlays.

Licence, Ownership and Where It Is Legal in Canada

PointsBet Canada holds a registration as an internet gaming operator from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This licence became effective on April 4, 2022, allowing it to operate as a registered internet gaming operator in Ontario. In Alberta, the operator has commenced a registration process and opened pre-registration. The owner is PointsBet Holdings Ltd., an Australian publicly traded company. Industry reports have linked the Canadian business to potential sale rumours, with Hard Rock Digital mentioned as a possible buyer. These reports indicate the sale could be contingent on a separate corporate takeover of the parent company.

Regulatory Record

PointsBet Canada has been subject to several regulatory actions in Ontario. In May 2022, the AGCO issued monetary penalties for violations related to advertising and inducements. In November 2023, the operator received another monetary penalty for a violation of responsible gambling standards. The AGCO also issued a Notice of Monetary Penalty totaling $150,000 for failing to meet Ontario's responsible gambling requirements, which included alleged failures in player protection policies and staff training. Most notably, in 2026, the AGCO proposed a five-day suspension of PointsBet's registration. This proposed sanction relates to the operator's failure to properly monitor, document, and report suspicious betting patterns connected to the 2024 Jontay Porter NBA betting scandal. PointsBet has stated it is disappointed by the proposal and is reviewing its options, including an appeal.

Sports and Markets

PointsBet offers betting markets across a wide range of sports. The platform provides access to these markets through both its website and mobile apps available for iOS and Android. PointsBet offers live and in-play betting on a wide range of sports. According to its terms, all live betting markets are subject to their respective pre-match rules. The operator also offers live streaming, which is indicated by a 'play' icon for live streaming sports.

NHL and CFL Betting

For Canadian sports fans, PointsBet promotes a wide range of betting markets and great odds on the NHL. The operator's general rules state that all markets on a postponed NHL match are subject to specific handling. PointsBet sponsors Curling Canada, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), and is an Authorized Gaming Operator for NBA Canada. The operator is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operates in Ontario and Alberta.

Live Betting, Streaming and Cash Out

PointsBet provides live and in-play betting on a wide range of sports. This allows bettors to place wagers after a game has started, with odds updating in real time. The operator also offers live streaming, indicated by a 'play' icon on its platform for eligible sports events. Furthermore, an early cash out feature is available, letting users settle bets before an event concludes to secure a profit or limit a loss. These features are accessible through both the desktop site and mobile applications.

Same Game Parlays and Odds Features

Same Game Parlays (SGP) are available at PointsBet. This bet type allows users to combine multiple outcomes, or legs, from a single sporting event. All selections must be successful for the parlay to win. The platform includes a dedicated SGP menu bar for building these bets. Beyond traditional fixed-odds betting, PointsBet offers two exclusive features. PointsBetting is a unique format where potential wins or losses scale based on the accuracy of the margin of victory. The Name Your Bet feature allows customers to request specific markets they would like to see offered.

Deposits and Withdrawals

PointsBet Canada supports several payment methods commonly used in Canada. The minimum deposit is generally $10. Withdrawal times vary by method. According to the operator's help centre, processing times are as follows.

Method	Processing Time
Interac e-Transfer	1-2 hours
PayPal	30 minutes
Trustly Online Banking	1-2 business days

Payment methods include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as Interac e-Transfer, PayPal, and Trustly online banking. The operator notes that a withdrawal attempt may decline and funds could be returned to the account within three calendar days in some cases. Withdrawal times vary by method, with Interac e-Transfer taking 1-2 hours, PayPal taking 30 minutes, and Trustly taking 1-2 business days. The minimum deposit is $10.

Mobile App

PointsBet offers dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. These apps are available for download from the official Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The apps provide full functionality, including sports betting, casino games, live streaming, and account management. Users can deposit using methods like Apple Pay directly within the app. The operator promotes its apps as providing a fast and smooth user experience built on its proprietary technology.

Customer Support

Customer support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The primary channels are live chat, email, and telephone. The live chat function connects users with a support agent directly through the website or app. There is also a comprehensive help centre with FAQs covering topics like deposits, withdrawals, betting basics, and responsible gambling. This resource is designed to answer common questions before a user needs to contact support directly.

Responsible Gambling Tools

As a condition of its Ontario licence, PointsBet must provide responsible gambling tools. These include options for players to set deposit limits, session limits, and take a time out from play. The operator's policies are required to identify, prevent, and minimize risks of harm from gaming. According to AGCO standards, if a player requests to relax a previously set limit, a cooling-off period of at least 24 hours must be implemented. PointsBet also provides links to external help resources like ConnexOntario for users in Ontario.

Our Verdict

PointsBet Canada delivers a technologically advanced sportsbook with features that appeal to experienced bettors, such as its proprietary PointsBetting and live streaming. Its focus on NHL markets and Canadian payment methods aligns with local preferences. However, its operational history in Ontario is marked by several regulatory penalties, including a significant proposed suspension related to integrity monitoring failures. The requirement for driver's license verification during registration is standard but noteworthy. While its unique offerings are a strength, bettors should be aware of the operator's compliance record within the regulated Ontario market.

Questions and answers

Is PointsBet legal in my province?

PointsBet Canada is legally licensed and operational in Ontario under the AGCO and iGaming Ontario. It has also commenced a registration process in Alberta, where pre-registration is open. At the time of writing, these are the only two provinces where PointsBet offers its services. The operator's terms specify that you can manage your account from any province, but you must be physically located within Ontario to place bets.

Who owns PointsBet Canada?

PointsBet Canada Operations 1 Inc. is owned by PointsBet Holdings Ltd., an Australian company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. There have been persistent industry rumours about a potential sale of the Canadian business. Reports suggest that if a separate corporate takeover of PointsBet Holdings occurs, the Canadian division may be sold to another operator, with Hard Rock Digital mentioned as a possible buyer. These rumours indicate ongoing corporate changes, but PointsBet Holdings Ltd.

How long do withdrawals take at PointsBet?

Withdrawal times at PointsBet depend on the payment method you choose. According to the operator's help centre, Interac e-Transfer withdrawals typically take one to two hours to process. Withdrawals to a PayPal account are usually completed within 30 minutes. If you use Trustly Online Banking, the processing time is one to two business days. It is important to note that these are the operator's stated processing times. Your own financial institution may have additional processing steps that could affect the final time it takes for funds to reach you.

Does PointsBet have a mobile app?

Yes, PointsBet offers dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. The iOS app is available for download from the Apple App Store. The Android app is available on the Google Play Store. These apps provide full access to the sportsbook, casino, live betting, and account management features. The apps are designed to be fast and user-friendly, leveraging the operator's own technology platform. You can also use the mobile-optimized website through your device's browser if you prefer not to download an application.

How is NHL betting on PointsBet?

PointsBet promotes a wide range of betting markets and great odds on the NHL. This includes a wide range of betting markets. The sportsbook offers live in-play betting on NHL games, allowing you to wager as the action unfolds. You can also build Same Game Parlays using multiple outcomes from a single NHL match. The operator's general rules cover how bets are handled for postponed NHL games. As with all sportsbooks, the specific markets and odds for each game will vary based on the matchup and other factors.

How do I set limits or self-exclude on PointsBet?

PointsBet provides responsible gambling tools within your account settings. You can set deposit limits to control how much money you can add. Session limits allow you to restrict how long you can play continuously. You can also initiate a time out for a short break from play. In Ontario, players also have the option to use the province-wide self-exclusion tool offered by iGaming Ontario, which would exclude you from all registered gaming sites.

Bet responsibly. Sports betting is for adults: 19+ in most provinces, 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Set a budget and time limit before you bet and use the deposit limits and self-exclusion tools every licensed sportsbook offers. Help is free and confidential: ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600, Gambling Support BC 1-888-795-6111, Alberta Addiction Helpline 1-866-332-2322, Jeu : aide et référence (Quebec) 1-800-461-0140.