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If you live in the Northwest Territories, you’ve likely noticed that there isn’t any land-based sports betting or casino establishment.
The size of the region and the small population don’t justify building a retail operator, and due to that, residents have become big fans of online betting.
There are a few options for those who want to make the most out of the legal sportsbooks options, but each comes with a set of pros and cons.
This guide will explain:
- how betting sites are regulated in the Northwest Territories
- give you the basics of betting on sports in the NWT, and
- recommend some trusted sportsbooks.
Are Northwest Territories Betting Sites Legal?
Before diving deeper into the legality of betting sites in the region, it’s essential to understand which entity regulates gambling.
The Government of the Northwest Territories Municipal and Community Affairs is the local entity responsible for licensing and overseeing charity casinos, raffles, and video lottery terminals.
This organization ensures that all the gaming activities happening in the region are safe and fair.
Legally, residents of the Northwest Territories can also place wagers on the Western Canada Lottery Corporation’s products.
This non-profit organization is allowed to provide and manage online gambling activities for residents in the member provinces.
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) members include Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. As associate members, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut also participate in the WCLC.
Sports Betting in Northwest Territories: The Basics
As explained above, residents in NT can legally wager on any online gambling product offered by the WCLC.
But this isn’t the only option available, as there’s a growing number of offshore operators offering their services to Canadians.
This section will give you an overview of what to expect from the sports betting platforms that players can access in the region.
WCLC Platform
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Ten online games
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Up-to-date results
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Simple and easy-to-use layout
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Doesn’t offer casino games
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Sports betting in a separate website
The WCLC platform offers a good range of online lotteries. The games available include the Daily Grand, Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, Keno, and Scratch’n Win.
In total, players can buy tickets for nine lotteries. The possibility of purchasing these tickets online offers excellent comfort to players who live in remote regions.
Unfortunately, online lotteries and scratch cards are the only products on this platform.
The good news is that players can also use a sportsbook that the WCLC manages, called Sport Select.
Sport Select
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Licensed sports betting operator
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Covers major international leagues
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How-to-play guides are available
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Only four sports are available
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Bets need to be validated in a retail location
Sport Select is the only online sports betting site regulated in the Northwest Territories.
Although the sports coverage is relatively small with only four sports available, the sportsbook does allow betting in many major divisions and leagues.
Players can bet on basketball, soccer, hockey, and golf.
Sport Select also added single-event betting to the list of bets available once the legislation was approved.
However, one major disadvantage of Sport Select is that players still have to visit a retail location to validate their picks.
Players can make the selection on the platform, but the wager won’t be valid unless the bettor takes their QR code to a retail WCLC establishment.
Offshore Sportsbooks
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Can only be fully regulated in Ontario
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Extensive coverage of sports
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Competitive odds
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Variety of betting markets
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Under grey market in the NT
Another good option for Northwest Territories residents is the offshore sports betting websites. Although the local gambling authority doesn’t regulate these sportsbooks, players can still access them.
All of our recommended offshore operators have an iGO license, the only available Canadian online gambling license.
Brands such as Sports Interaction, Betway, or bwin are very well-established globally and offer secure and fair betting options.
Moreover, these sportsbooks (as well as all the others we recommend) have received the Ontario online gambling license, which proves they’re safe and trustworthy.
More often than not, offshore operators also provide a specialized mobile app that players can download for a better user experience.
This is something that lacks from the only regulated option in Northwest Territories.
How to Use a Betting Site in NWT
Players who wish to place bets on a betting site in the Northwest Territories need to register for an account first. This process is usually quick, straightforward, and similar on all platforms.
First, players should select the online sports betting website they want to join. You can decide which option to pick based on:
- Sports coverage. Not all websites cover more niche sports like eSports and cricket, or have the same amount of betting markets for basketball or football.
- Competitiveness of the odds. All websites have varying odds, but you can rest assured that our recommended betting sites tend to have competitive ones.
After selecting the right option for you, it’s time to create an account. This can be done by:
- Visiting the website and clicking on the registration button
- Filling in the form with all your personal details
- Verifying your account via the link sent to you through email
- Depositing through one of the payment methods available
- Placing your bets and having fun!
Are There Any Online Casinos in the Northwest Territories?
We explained above that there aren’t any land-based casinos in the territories. The question that remains is: what about the online casinos?
Although players can access the WCLC platform, it doesn’t offer any traditional online casino games. However, as with sportsbooks, it’s also possible to play at offshore online casinos.
These online gambling websites usually offer hundreds of games, with the vast majority being slots.
Most online casinos also provide a good range of table games, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, and craps.
But can you trust them?
Just as with offshore sportsbooks (many of which also offer casino games), the casinos we recommend all have an official Ontario iGaming license, meaning they offer a fair gaming experience.
Here are the top online casinos currently available for NWT residents.
At what age can you legally gamble in the Northwest Territories?
Residents in the NWT can legally play at online gambling platforms at 19 years old. This is also the same age you’re legally allowed to purchase lottery tickets in retail locations.
Where are the closest land-based casinos?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any land-based casinos in the territories. The closest available options are in Yukon, Alberta, and British Columbia.
How to choose a sports betting website?
We recommend you give preference to sportsbooks that have received a license from a regulatory authority. You can easily compare such option on our website.
