Canada's smallest province both in land area and population, boasts a growing sports betting market worth an estimated $2.7 million annually (Canadian Gaming Association).
The province’s size underscores why it does not have a professional franchise within the major sports leagues in North America. However, PEI does have an abundance of local and amateur sports programs paired perfectly with ice-skating rinks; and golf courses, baseball and football (soccer) fields, and basketball courts, that are scattered throughout the island.
The good news is that sports betting options are plentiful. Our experts have assembled a guide to help you better understand the landscape and which sportsbooks to sign-up at.
Population: 160,000
Legal age for sports betting: 19
Online sports betting: Yes
Retail sportsbooks: No
Sports betting revenue: $2.7 million
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Online sports betting is legal in PEI for adults aged 19 years or older. Like all Canadians, local bettors have access to a wide range of online sportsbooks offering sharp lines and less restrictive bet types.
While online sportsbooks are not licensed locally in the province, the top sites featured above have legal licences in reputable jurisdictions. Malta, Gibraltar and the UK have regulatory bodies that license and verify operators for the best player protection.
Legacy betting products and all gambling-related activities within Prince Edward Island are overseen by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). The next section details its nuances, but online sports betting is much more accessible and aligned with the preferences and demands of today’s sports bettor.
The regulatory environment for sports betting in PEI does not reflect the current climate. PEI residents can place their sports bets in-person at registered ALC outlets including convenience and grocery stores and gas stations. However, today’s sports bettors seek more robust and easily accessible online products. Currently, that demand is being served by online sportsbooks — not ALC and its sports betting Pro-Line product.
The Pro-Line product is found elsewhere within the country and carries with it the same constraints or restrictions. Bettors can make their picks, online or in-person, but they are forced to make three to six selections thus receiving unfavourable odds. Single-game betting is not permissible in Canada. This greatly restricts betting options throughout PEI. These provincially-run programs and products offered are far less compelling compared to the sharp odds found at licensed online sportsbooks, where fierce competition leads to a more bettor and customer-friendly experience.
The province’s passion for sports extends well-beyond its no land boundary borders. Again, PEI has no professional franchise within the major sports leagues. However, the island is set to host the Canada Games for the third time in 2023.
Unsurprisingly, hockey slots in as the most popular sport. It is not uncommon to spot fans of the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. The latest iteration of local junior hockey comes in the form of the Charlottetown Islanders, who play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Their loyal following proudly sport the black, harvest gold and white colours adorning the team’s jerseys.
Hoop fans can root for local talent thanks to the Island Storm, Prince Edward Island's only professional sports team and two-time Atlantic Division champions of the National Basketball League of Canada.
The bucolic landscape lends itself well to horses, thus horse racing is a big part of the local sports betting scene. Harness racing at Red Shores in Summerside and Charlottetown were well-attended prior to COVID-19 interrupting the betting calendar. Harness races were run year-round and would culminate in the Gold Cup and Saucer event as part of Old Home Week in August.
Online sportsbooks do more than fill the void, offering fans access to betting markets and races across the globe. Here, bettors can view the schedule in advance and make selections instantly.
With more than 25 years of excellence within the sports betting industry, Covers continues to provide Canadians with independent sportsbook reviews.
Whether you are looking for the best NFL sportsbook or the best site for live NHL betting, Covers has vetted the best places to bet online in Prince Edward Island. Canada is a big place, but we’ve gone local and assembled a list of the best online sports betting sites near you.
The following online sportsbooks should be avoided due to their questionable tactics and failure to provide adequate services.
Persons aged 19 years of age or older can legally place bets.
No, winnings from sports betting in Prince Edward Island are not taxable. What you win is yours to keep and enjoy.
Yes, each of the online sportsbooks recommended in our guide are available on mobile devices. You can connect to the site from your phone or download the native apps, if available.
No, the province does not support retail sports betting shops.