Nunavut, the vast and breathtaking northern expanse of Canada, has a rich history when it comes to sports betting. While sports betting has technically been legal in Canada since 1985, there was a notable restriction that prevailed until 2021: customers were limited to placing parlay wagers. For 36 long years, this was the status quo, with sports fans in Nunavut having to embrace the concept of parlay bets, a combination of two or more bets rolled into one.
But in 2021, everything changed. On August 27, 2021, a monumental shift took place, one that sent ripples of excitement throughout the country. Justice Minister David Lametti was at the forefront of this transformation, making the groundbreaking announcement on August 12, 2021, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The initiative paved the way for the legalization of single-game sports betting across Canada.
This newfound freedom marked the end of 36 years of parlay betting exclusivity and opened the door to a world of single-game sports wagering. And on November 1, 2021, the northernmost territory of Canada, Nunavut, joined the ranks of provinces offering single-game sports betting.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Nunavut?
Now, let's address the million-dollar question: Is sports betting legal in Nunavut? The answer, as of November 1, 2021, is a resounding yes! This monumental shift was made possible by Bill C-218, officially known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, which received royal assent on June 22, 2021.
The primary driving force behind the nationwide legalization of single-game sports betting was the substantial loss of revenue to offshore betting sites. For years, this money had flowed out of Canada, a situation that was far from ideal. The new legislation aimed to redirect these funds back into the country's economy.
The successful implementation of legalized sports betting in the United States had a significant influence on Canada's decision-making process as well. It prompted a change of heart among naysayers, including several professional sports leagues that had previously opposed the idea.
Now, with the passing of Bill C-218, an amendment to the former Criminal Code for sports betting in Canada, each province and territory has the authority to determine how and when they regulate sports betting.

Sports Betting in Nunavut: The Present and Future
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) played a crucial role in facilitating the transition of Nunavut sports betting, ensuring that all residents could partake in the excitement of single-event wagering. In the present day, Nunavut residents can partake in sports betting through the WCLC’s designated Sport Select platform. This platform is now the hub for single-event betting in Nunavut.
Whether you're into moneyline bets, point spreads, Over/Unders (totals), parlays, props, or the exciting world of futures betting, Sport Select has a diverse array of options to keep your betting experience thrilling. You can conveniently construct your bets online, generate a QR code, and then confirm your selections in person at retail outlets.
As we look to the future of Nunavut sports betting, the possibilities are boundless. While the full scope of online wagering remains uncertain, the territory's residents can already enjoy placing bets on major events at authorized retail locations. It remains to be seen whether Nunavut will join the ranks of provinces like Ontario and Alberta by welcoming in established third-party sportsbooks like Sports Interaction, BetMGM, and Betway, but for the time being, it’s reassuring to know that residents can still enjoy safe and responsibly sports betting through the WCLC.