Written By:
Jelena Kabić
About Author
Jelena Kabic is a sports betting writer that focusses on responsible gambling. A psychologist by vocation, Jelena volunteered in a rehab facility, where she worked with gambling addicts. She now reviews all our content to ensure it discusses betting in a socially responsible way.
Fact Checked By:
Amy Webb
About Author
Amy's introduction to the gambling world was 6 years ago, when she joined a casino operator as a content specialist. Since then, she's helped launch and maintain gambling review sites in over 8 different countries. She's tested dozens of casinos and sportsbooks, which is how she can spot a subpar brand in an instant!
Last Update
10 months ago
Last Update:
Best Northwest Territories Sportsbooks in 2024
Northwest Territories Betting
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.
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.
Top Online Sportsbooks in Northwest Territories
Are Northwest Territories Betting Sites Legal?
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.
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 (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and those of associate members (NWT, Nunavut, Yukon).
Sports Betting in Northwest Territories: The Basics
As explained above, residents in NWT 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 safe international 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
Ten online games
Up-to-date results
Simple and easy-to-use layout
Doesn’t offer casino games
Separate website for sports betting
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
Interprovincially regulated
Covers major international leagues
How-to-play guides are available
Only 10+ sports are available
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 just over ten sports available, the sportsbook does allow betting on many major divisions and leagues.
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.
International Sportsbooks
Extensive coverage of sports
Competitive odds
Variety of betting markets
No open gambling market for them in NWT
Another good option for Northwest Territories residents is the international sports betting websites. Although the local gambling authority doesn’t have a market that’s open to them, players can still access them.
All of my recommended international operators have an iGO license, the only available Canadian online gambling license.
Brands such as bet365, 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 recommended here) have received the Ontario online gambling license, which proves they’re safe and trustworthy.
More often than not, international operators also provide a specialized mobile app that players can download for a better user experience.
This is something the only provincial option in the Northwest Territories lacks.
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.
Signing up to a Sportsbook
After selecting the right option for you, it’s time to create an account. You can do this by:
- Visiting the website
Visit the website and click on the registration button. - Adding details
Fill in the form with all your personal details. - Verifying account
Verify your account (and age — you must be at least 19 to play) via the link sent to you through email. - Depositing
Deposit through one of the payment methods available. - Placing a bet
Place your bets and have fun!
How to Bet in the Northwest Territories
Regardless of which sportsbook you choose, placing a bet is simple enough. After you’ve registered and placed a deposit:
Find the sport and match you’re interested in.
At virtually all sportsbooks, you can do this either on the homepage if your game is already shown, or by finding the sport on the left, and then choosing the league and the game.
Here’s an example from Bet99:
Once you’ve chosen the match, it’s time to pick the type of bet you’re after. You can usually pick moneyline, spread, and totals, but better sportsbooks, like Bet99, have even more betting markets to choose from.
All that’s left to do is click on the betting market you want to place a bet on, choose the amount of your wager, and place a bet.
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 safe international online casinos.
These online gambling websites usually offer thousands 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.
Can You Trust International Casinos in NWT?
Just as with international sportsbooks (many of which also offer casino games), the casinos I 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.
- 3000 Games Available
PLAY
- Exclusive Games
PLAY
19+. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.
- 3000+ Games Available
PLAY
- Almost 1000 Games
PLAY
- Casino Tournaments
PLAY
- Excellent Live Casino
PLAY
- Vast Live Casino Collection
PLAY
- NetEnt Games
PLAY
19+ | T&Cs apply | Play responsibly | Connexontario.ca | BetVictor operates pursuant to an agreement with iGaming Ontario
- 1000+ Slots
PLAY
- 1700+ Slots Available
PLAY
19+. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.
- Dozens of Providers
PLAY
FAQ
At what age can you legally gamble in the Northwest Territories?
Residents in the NWT can legally play on 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?
I recommend you give preference to sportsbooks that have received a license from iGaming Ontario. You can easily compare such options on LBC’s website.