Ends, stones and the hammer define curling, and in Canada the sport is also a winter ritual. The Scotties Tournament of Hearts crowns the national women's champion each February, and the Brier does the same for the men a few weeks later.
These championships draw big television audiences and a growing menu of betting markets. Prices turn on shot-making, the hammer and a format that rewards consistency across a long week.
Canadian rules decide where fans may bet, so they come first. The markets, and how to read them, follow for fans at home and abroad.
Canada's Provincial Rules
Provincial governments control betting in Canada. Private operators hold licences in Ontario and, from July 2026, in Alberta, and the remaining provinces offer betting through their own lottery corporations.
People at home should stick to a book their province approves. Canadians abroad follow the law where they live, and Bitzo's explainer on where crypto gambling stands legally shows how widely those rules vary.
Two Championships, One Season
Both national events share a format and a slot in the winter calendar, as the table shows.
|
Event |
Field |
Timing |
Prize |
|
Scotties Tournament of Hearts |
Women's teams from across Canada |
February |
Place at the women's world championship |
|
Brier |
Men's teams from across Canada |
Late February to March |
Place at the men's world championship |
Last verified: October 2026
Pool play gives way to a playoff stage at both events. Strong teams can afford a slip in the round robin, which shapes how outright prices move during the week.
How Curling Markets Work
Match winner markets cover most games, with handicaps on the final score and totals on points scored. Some books add markets on whether a game goes to an extra end.
The hammer, or last stone in an end, gives a clear edge. Teams with the hammer try to score two or more, while the other side aims to force them to take a single point.
Skips and Form
Skips call the shots and often throw the last stones, so their form shapes every price. Earlier shooting percentages give a useful guide before backing a team.
Experienced teams handle pressure in playoff games well, and veteran rinks often outperform their pool record late in the week.
Outrights and Live Betting
Outright markets on both championships open before the first stone, with favourites drawn from recent Grand Slam results. Prices then shift after every draw.
Live markets move with each end, especially when a team steals points without the hammer. The slower pace lets bettors watch a game develop, and a sound budget helps across a long week, as Bitzo's guide to bankroll basics explains.
Other Winter Sports
Darts, snooker and hockey share the winter calendar with curling. Bitzo's look at darts and snooker covers two more sports that peak in the colder months.
Dexsport's Winter Coverage Centres on Hockey
Dexsport prices 21 ice hockey market types and seven for biathlon, giving Canadian winter fans a broad base outside the rink. Dexsport's published sports list leaves curling out, so check the live menu before the Scotties or the Brier.
Dexapp LTD operates Dexsport under an Anjouan licence without Canadian provincial authorisation, so Dexsport suits only fans outside Canada where local law allows it.
Conclusion
The Scotties and the Brier crown Canada's curling champions each winter, and both offer match, handicap, totals and outright markets. Prices turn on the hammer, skip form and shooting percentages.
Pool play leaves room for strong teams to recover, so outright odds move after each draw, while live markets shift with every end and every steal. Rink coverage varies between sportsbooks, so the menu deserves a check before the week begins.
People in Canada should keep to provincially approved books. Fans of the sport overseas should look up local rules, bet only from legal age and remember that KYC or AML checks may apply.
Disclaimer: The information here is provided for general purposes only and is not legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Canadian provincial rules, event formats, market menus and licences change over time and vary by country. Residents of Canada should use operators authorised in their province. Betting involves risk, and rules vary by country, so check the law where you live. Please bet responsibly, within your means, and only if you are of legal age.
