Canadian Betting Trends: Soccer and Tennis Dominate 1xBet Markets in August

The sports betting landscape in Canada during August 2026 was characterized by a clear divide between traditional sports and innovative live formats. Soccer and tennis remained at the pinnacle of popularity, largely driven by the return of European domestic leagues and major tournaments in North America. Data released by 1xBet indicates that soccer held its number one spot for both stakes and user volume, with tennis following closely in second place. This stability at the top is expected, as August marks the crucial transition from the summer break to a packed autumn schedule.

The influence of the European football calendar was particularly evident. Following a summer shortened by the World Cup, domestic leagues returned in full force. Spain’s La Liga kicked off on August 15, though top clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid played their opening matches on August 22 and 23 to allow for player recovery. The English Premier League and Italy’s Serie A both commenced on August 22. This influx of high-profile fixtures translated directly into betting volume, with La Liga generating the most revenue of any competition in August, ahead of the Premier League and Serie A.

Numbers and facts

Beyond the top two spots, there were notable shifts in the rankings. Basketball ranked third among users but slipped to fourth place in terms of stakes. The standout performer of the month was TVBet. This live games studio climbed five places to reach third in stakes and entered the top 20 user rankings for the first time at number 19. Since TVBet is not a traditional sport but a provider of 24/7 dealer-led draws and card games, it effectively captured market share during the relatively quiet first half of August.

Esports maintained a solid presence, ranking sixth in stakes and fourth in users. The primary driver was The International, the Dota 2 world championship held in Shanghai from August 20-23. Ice hockey also saw gains, reaching 10th place in stakes as anticipation grew for NHL training camps opening in September. American football recorded the month's largest jump in user numbers, rising four spots to 15th, coinciding with the start of the NFL preseason on August 6.

Background

1xBet's performance in Canada should also be viewed within the context of global brand visibility. While Stake dominated livestreaming platforms like Twitch and Kick with 6,600 mentions in January 2026, 1xBet secured a distant second place with 1,800 mentions. This social media presence is clearly translating into user engagement. Nevertheless, the Canadian report confirms that traditional match-based betting remains the backbone of the industry. Tennis benefited significantly from the National Bank Open in Montreal and Toronto, as well as the US Open, which began on August 30.

"TVBet is not a sport but a live-games studio, which is why its position on a sports board can look unusual." - Quinn, Sports Journalist at RG.org

Why it matters for German players

The regulatory environment in Germany is vastly different from that of Canada. Currently, 1xBet does not hold a license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) for the German market. In Germany, all offerings must comply with the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This includes strict player protection measures such as a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit tracked via the LUGAS system and a 1 Euro stake limit for virtual slots. Live formats like those provided by TVBet, which allow betting on card games or draws, often face significant regulatory hurdles in Germany as they blur the line between sports betting and casino gaming.

German bettors are strongly advised to only use operators listed on the official GGL whitelist. Unlicensed operators do not offer protection through the OASIS exclusion system and often fail to meet stringent addiction prevention standards. While products like TVBet thrive in Canada due to their fast rounds and 24-hour availability, this type of high-frequency gambling is heavily restricted or prohibited in Germany to ensure player safety.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Licensed German operators can learn from the Canadian data that sports betting customers actively seek alternatives during gaps in the football calendar. While TVBet-style products are difficult to implement legally in Germany, the sustained interest in esports and ice hockey suggests untapped potential. GGL-compliant casinos must ensure all betting markets meet the authority's strict requirements. Furthermore, the growth of American football in August underscores that seasonal marketing campaigns for the NFL are increasingly relevant in Europe to bridge the summer lull.