Disclaimer: Golden Nugget Sportsbook is not yet online in Canada. This review is speculative based on the Golden Nugget Sportsbook in other jurisdictions and will be updated when and if Golden Nugget receives a license in Ontario.
Regulated online gaming launched in Ontario on April 4, 2022. Golden Nugget was among the operators that could have potentially launched that day, but it did not happen. That’s because Golden Nugget Online Gaming was recently acquired by DraftKings, one of the world’s sports betting giants, and that deal appears to have delayed Golden Nugget’s Canadian launch.
The good news is that it appears that DraftKings plans to continue to operate Golden Nugget as an individual brand. With this in mind, the question that remains is: what does this mean when it comes to the Golden Nugget Sportsbook’s launch in Canada?
Golden Nugget Sportsbook has stated it has several plans to continue expanding in the US and Canada in 2022. However, it’s important to note that Golden Nugget Online Gaming shared plans of launching in Pennsylvania and Illinois during the last quarter of 2021, and those deadlines were missed. This delay in launching the brand in those states may also be related to the acquisition by DraftKings.
With this in mind, it’s necessary to take the Golden Nugget Online Gaming’s plans to launch the brand in Ontario with a grain of salt. The company has already shared its goals to expand in the Canadian market, but this decision might be put on the back burner.
DraftKings has launched its online sportsbook in Ontario, so now all eyes turn to see whether Golden Nugget offers an online sportsbook in the province as well. If that does happen Canadian players can expect to take advantage of everything the Golden Nugget Sportsbook has to offer, whether it receives a license on its own or via the acquisition by DraftKings. It is more likely, in our estimation, that Golden Nugget Casino will launch in Canada before the online sportsbook.
Regardless, read on for our full preview of what you can expect when Golden Nugget online sportsbook does arrive in Canada.
How to create an account at Golden Nugget Sportsbook in Ontario Canada
To play at Golden Nugget Sportsbook in Ontario, you’re going to need an account. Thankfully, setting one up takes just a few simple steps:
- Visit the Golden Nugget site and select the sign-up button.
- Enter the necessary information — including your name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number, address, email address and phone number.
That’s all there is to it. Once you make your first deposit, you’ll be ready to start betting and claim the bet voucher.
Is Golden Nugget available on an app?
You can play at Golden Nugget Ontario Sportsbook on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Once you complete the registration process, just scroll to the bottom of the page and select the “mobile app” option. This will take you to a page for downloading the app on Android or iOS.
Golden Nugget for Android
Once you get to the app page, scroll down to the Android section. Click the link in the second step, and it will open the Play Store. From there, select “Install” to download the Golden Nugget app onto your device.
Golden Nugget on the App Store
Head to the Golden Nugget app page and head over to the Apple section. Click the second link. This opens Apple’s App Store to the correct download page, and you just have to select “Get.”
From there, just log in on your device and start putting the app through its paces.
What does the Golden Nugget online sportsbook do well?
As a company with extensive gambling experience, Golden Nugget has a lot going for it. That extends to the online sportsbook with these top features:
- Customer support and banking: These may not be the most exciting, but having solid customer service and a variety of banking choices are two things that Golden Nugget definitely has going for it.
- Bet builder and quick parlays: The site is simple enough to use as it is, but the bet builder and quick parlay buttons make it even easier to build single-game parlays.
How could Golden Nugget online betting be better?
While Golden Nugget hits a lot of the right notes, here are some areas for improvement that could help make a difference:
- Web layout: While functional and efficient, Golden Nugget could manage its real estate better. After you learn what you can minimize and place out of sight, the platform shines much brighter.
- More player props: Golden Nugget has a decent selection, but the prop options are a bit lacking compared to some competitors. Perhaps we’ll see some improvement in this area in the future.
- Live betting features: You can find the available live betting options with ease, but the presentation isn’t always stellar. While real-time updates are available for some games, others have a bland display with a scoreboard and clock.
What bets can you place at Golden Nugget Sportsbook?
All of the standard bets are available at Golden Nugget online sports betting. When you first log in, the main betting lobby will default to popular upcoming games and events. You can change what you see by clicking on the sport-specific links.
There are some really nice features here that you won’t find at every online sportsbook. The clickable tabs that let you move back and forth between football leagues are a huge time-saver, as are the links for specific game times. When you’re ready to bet, just click the odds.
The bet slip is simple to use. If you want to build a parlay, just click on the odds for your selections to continue adding choices to the slip. For additional betting options, click the main listing of a game to see what else is available.
For futures betting, you’ll find the available options under the sport-specific links.
Clicking on the “live now” link will bring all of the currently available games over to the main betting lobby.
If you have a specific game or event that you want to wager on, chances are the Golden Nugget will have a variety of options for betting on it.
Can you bet on Canadian teams at Golden Nugget Sportsbook?
If one of your favourite local teams is in action, there will be odds on the board at Golden Nugget. The yearly sports calendar provides a wealth of choices. Naturally, NHL betting is among the biggest attractions in Canada. You’ll be able to bet on all seven Canadian teams all season long:
- Calgary Flames
- Edmonton Oilers
- Montreal Canadiens
- Ottawa Senators
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Vancouver Canucks
- Winnipeg Jets
For those who want something other than hockey, don’t worry. Odds for all of the other local favourites will be readily available:
- MLB: Toronto Blue Jays
- NBA: Toronto Raptors
- CFL: BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, Ottawa Redblacks, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- MLS: Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, CF Montréal
NFL loyalties may be a bit more varied, but you don’t have to pick and choose. There will be odds for every game all season long. If your interests go beyond team sports, there are plenty of other options. Golf, tennis and MMA are all available. There’s even a solid selection of niche and international sports to consider.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook deposit and withdrawal options
Moving money in and out of your online sports betting account should be quick and painless. That’s the case at Golden Nugget Ontario. You’ll have a variety of options to choose from, and the cashier function is smooth and simple to use. Here are the main choices you can expect:
- Online banking
- Credit or debit card
- Play+
- VIP preferred
- PayPal
- Wire transfer
- PayNearMe
The cashier is available under the account menu on the website and app. Deposits go through quickly and will be available for play instantly. A withdrawal takes a little more time to process. How much time depends on the banking method that you use, but it generally won’t take longer than a few days.
How to get help at Golden Nugget Sportsbook in Canada
If you need some assistance at Golden Nugget Canada, you can head to two specific spots. First, the “help” button at the top of the screen will bring you to the FAQs. There’s also a search feature and direct links to support options.
If you scroll to the bottom of the page, all of the contact options appear there, as well. You can choose from the following:
- Live chat
- Telephone
For those who need an answer right away, live chat is likely the way to go. If you need more detail and want to talk to someone, phone support may be the best option. For something that’s not too pressing, then email will do the trick.
What if I want to close my Golden Nugget online betting account?
For responsible gambling help at Golden Nugget, you’ll find a direct link on the topic right on the website. This will have information on your options for getting help if and when you need it. If you want to close your Golden Nugget account, set limits or take a break, you can do exactly that on the website or app.
Is there a Golden Nugget retail sportsbook in Canada?
For now, there are no concrete plans for Golden Nugget to launch retail sports betting in Canada. However, that could change as we move forward. We will update this review with any developments.
How does Golden Nugget compare to other sportsbooks?
Golden Nugget Sportsbook doesn’t have as massive a footprint as some industry heavyweights like DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a great place to bet on sports. It is, thanks to its wealth of industry experience.
The web platform is a bit on the busy side, but there’s a lot to love once you get the navigation aspect down. Golden Nugget has a solid selection of sports and betting options.
There aren’t any glaring problems that stick out, but there is some room for improvement on the available props and live betting display. Outside of some small nitpicks, Golden Nugget is a great option to explore for online sports bettors.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook Canada FAQ
Is Golden Nugget Sportsbook safe?
Golden Nugget already has locations in several US states, as well as a growing presence in online gambling. It’s a reputable company that follows all applicable laws in the markets that it serves and is a safe place for bettors.
What is the minimum deposit at Golden Nugget Sportsbook?
To play at Golden Nugget, you’ll have to make a deposit of at least $10. The sportsbook offers multiple ways for users to fund their accounts, including credit and debit cards, online banking and PayPal.
How does the Golden Nugget app compare to FanDuel?
Overall, Golden Nugget stacks up quite well with FanDuel. The available bets and odds are similar. Golden Nugget gets an edge with its matching bet voucher, while FanDuel provides a smoother online experience and better overall betting options for existing customers.
Why should I choose Golden Nugget over an offshore site?
In a word, safety. When you stick with a regulated sportsbook like Golden Nugget, there are protections in place. These will work to keep your funds safe. There are no such guarantees when you play at an offshore site. There’s just no way to justify the risk when legal options are available, so save yourself the headache and stick to approved sportsbooks.
Do I have to go to Golden Nugget to sign up to play online?
No, there’s no need to visit a Golden Nugget property in order to sign up to play online. You can take care of the entire registration process directly on your computer, phone or tablet. To place bets, however, you must be in an area where Golden Nugget can legally operate.