By Julieta Belen Correa

September 11th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Despite the growing presence of locally regulated betting sites in Canada, using foreign sites to bet is common practice within Canada. Since these sites are not regulated, you’re not breaking the law, and offshore European operators tend to offer a wider variety of betting markets and features that make them so easy to love.

However, before betting with these international platforms, there are certain things to consider to ensure you get the best experience.

Site reputation

When picking an international betting site, you must ensure the site you choose is trustworthy and has a good reputation. Unfortunately, with offshore sites, you don’t have player protection by Canadian authorities, so it’s crucial that you go for a site that is reliable. You can do this by looking at reviews, learning what other players think of the site, and checking their track record. A casino with a long-standing reputation is always better than a shiny new one with lots of promises and little proof to back it up.

Licensing and regulation

Any European site you plan on betting with should have a valid license. A betting license indicates that a recognized authority regulates the platform, and ensures bettors’ interests are protected. Some recognized regulatory bodies include the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Gibraltar Gaming Commission.

A license is synonymous with a safe betting environment. So it’s advisable to steer clear of unlicensed operators.

Payment options and security

Banking is critical, especially when dealing with a site without a physical presence in your locality. There should be a variety of well-known payment methods to ensure you are afforded several viable options to access your funds. It is also vital that adequate security is in place to ensure the safety of your information during transactions. The minimum security requirements are encryption software, firewalls, and fraud detection tools.

Bonuses and promotions

The bonuses offered at many European betting sites are some of the best on the market. Whether or not you’re a lover of bonuses, a generous welcome shows that the site values their customers. Canadian bettors looking for reputable European sites with reasonable promotional offers can check the William Hill promo code available on Wincomparator. William Hill is one of the UK’s best and their bonuses have terms and conditions that are easy to fulfill, making the offer truly valuable.

Customer support

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of functioning and reliable customer support, especially when dealing with foreign betting sites. It is not unusual for bettors to experience minor challenges or need assistance with payments or other site features. And without good customer support, even the smallest issue can ruin your entire experience.

So, make sure your chosen betting site offers responsive customer support. It’s best if there are multiple contact mediums (email, live chat, telephone, etc.) and round-the-clock availability.

As a Canadian looking to bet with international sites, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of European online sportsbooks that exist. Following the pointers above will help you weed out the bad ones and barrow down the great options, increasing your chances of enjoying a safe and memorable betting experience.