Nova Scotia sports betting 2025
Sports betting was legalized in the NS province in 1985, but at the time, Nova Scotians were limited to parlay bets only. Bill C-218 passed in 2021, and New Scotia legalized single-game wagering in the region next February. Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) and its online platform, Proline Stadium, regulate sports betting in Nova Scotia nowadays. Continue reading this article to learn more about Nova Scotia sports betting, the available apps and bonuses, the history of sports betting in the region, and responsible gambling.
Recommended Nova Scotia sports betting sites 2025
Found: 91 Bookmakers
Table of contents
- Overview of sports betting in Nova Scotia
- Is sports betting legal in Nova Scotia?
- Is online sports betting legal in Nova Scotia?
- Where can I bet on sports in Nova Scotia?
- Popular sports to bet on in Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia sports teams to bet on
- Nova Scotia sports betting timeline
- Responsible gambling in Nova Scotia
- Sports betting in other Canadian provinces
- FAQ
Overview of sports betting in Nova Scotia
⚖️ Sports betting status | Legal |
📅 Year of legalization | 1985 |
🏢 Retail market launch date | Not launched |
💻 Online market launch date | 2004 |
📱 Sports betting sites | Proline Stadium |
🎰 Retail sportsbooks | None |
🚫 Restricted bet types | None |
🎂 Legal betting age | 19+ |
🧾 Tax on winnings | None |
🏛️ Regulatory body | Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) |
📈 Market size | Around 26 million CA$ annually |
Is sports betting legal in Nova Scotia?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Nova Scotia for anyone who has reached the age of 19. Betting on sports became legal in Canada in 1985, but in August 2021, single-game wagering was allowed throughout the country once the Federal Bill C-218 was passed. The NS government decided to review sports betting regulations, and in February 2022, all barriers were cleared. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation regulates sports betting in Nova Scotia, and currently, there are no restrictions on any bet.
Is online sports betting legal in Nova Scotia?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Nova Scotia. You can place a bet via Proline Stadium, the only licensed Nova Scotia online sports betting option. However, this ALC platform has limited choices in sports and betting markets.
Where can I bet on sports in Nova Scotia?
If you’d like to bet in Nova Scotia, three options are available.
You can bet online using the Proline Stadium platform, operated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). There are no other Nova Scotia betting sites with a license at the moment.
Another option is to bet in-person. While there are no licensed retail sportsbooks in the NS province, you can still visit one of the authorized Proline retailers, based in convenience stores, gas stations, etc. Simply give a filled-in Proline slip to the cashier and pay for the wager. You’ll get a ticket, which you can later change for money if your bet succeeds.
Finally, you can always use one of the offshore sportsbooks. Bookmakers can't work in the Canadian market without a license, yet the locals can still use their services. Please read our article about Canada's best online betting sites.
Popular sports to bet on in Nova Scotia
Our research shows that hockey is a clear leader in Nova Scotia in terms of sports betting, which probably comes as no surprise. Other popular sports for Nova Scotians to bet on include basketball, football, baseball, and soccer.
Sport | Major league | Number of bettors | % of total bets |
Hockey | NHL | ≈ 61 000 | 23% |
Basketball | NBA | ≈ 46 000 | 16% |
Football | NFL | ≈ 42 000 | 14% |
Baseball | MLB | ≈ 39 000 | 13% |
Soccer | UEFA Champions League, MLS | ≈ 37 000 | 11% |
MMA | UFC | ≈ 25 000 | 6% |
Tennis | ATP, WTA | ≈ 24 000 | 6% |
Canadian football | CFL | ≈ 20 000 | 4% |
Lacrosse | NLL | ≈ 14 000 | 3% |
Golf | PGA | ≈ 9500 | 2% |
Motorsports | F-1 | ≈ 5000 | 1% |
Horse racing | - | ≈ 5000 | 1% |
Nova Scotia sports teams to bet on
Nova Scotia has three professional sports teams of high quality in Mooseheads, Thunderbirds, and Wanderers. The Mooseheads are probably the most successful of the three, playing in Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and winning the Memorial Cup in 2013. Montreal Canadiens of HHL are located nearby in Quebec, and quite a few Nova Scotians support the New England Patriots who are playing in the NFL.
Team | Sport | League | Location | % of total bets |
Halifax Mooseheads | Hockey | QMJHL | Halifax, NS | 15% |
Halifax Thunderbirds | Lacrosse | NLL | Halifax, NS | 8% |
Halifax Wanderers FC | Soccer | CPL | Halifax, NS | 7% |
Montreal Canadiens | Hockey | NHL | Montreal, QC | 45% |
New England Patriots | Football | NFL | Foxborough, MA | 25% |
Nova Scotia sports betting timeline
- December 2024: The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) holds the sports betting monopoly in Nova Scotia, and we can’t see any signs of that changing soon.
- February 11, 2022: Nova Scotia becomes the last Atlantic province to authorize single-game wagering, six months after New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island did so.
- August 2021: The Bill C-218 allows Canadian citizens to make single-game bets on sports events.
- 2004: Atlantic Lottery Corporation launched the PlaySphere site, which starts sports betting in Nova Scotia via parlay betting online.
- 1976: The creation of ALC to provide lotteries to the residents of Atlantic provinces. It all started with a $1 lotto.
Responsible gambling in Nova Scotia
With the popularity of sports betting always on the rise, the number of people suffering from gambling issues is growing as well. It’s essential to give them a helping hand promptly. Here are some of the options for Nova Scotia residents.
- Problem Gambling: Mental Health and Addiction - The Centre of Addiction and Mental Health presents this learning platform to anyone concerned.
- Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line (1-888-429-8167) - This free and confidential 24/7 helpline aims to help those addicted to gambling in Nova Scotia.
- Gambler Anonymous - Provides locations in Nova Scotia where the locals can meet every day except Friday to share their thoughts and listen to stories of other addictive gamblers.
- Your Best Bet - Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation's free platform provides information on healthy play to all Nova Scotians interested.
Sports betting in other Canadian provinces
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Nunavut
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Nunavut
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British Columbia
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in British Columbia
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Alberta
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Alberta
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Saskatchewan
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Saskatchewan
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Manitoba
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Manitoba
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Ontario
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Ontario
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Quebec
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Quebec
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New Brunswick
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in New Brunswick
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Newfoundland and Labrador
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Newfoundland and Labrador
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Prince Edward Island
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Prince Edward Island
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Yukon
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Yukon
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Northwest Territories
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Northwest Territories