Canadian Football – How to Bet on CFL

Did you know they they play football in Canada too 😉

When you start your betting journey within the CFL, you need to understand betting lines and odds (just as when betting on any other league). While sporadically betting without proper insight might yield success on occasion – it is if course not a sustainable approach for profitable betting. 

So, let’s look at how to bet on football games that are played in our neighboring country in the north.

How To Bet On Football: CFL Betting Lines And Odds

Let’s dive into some fundamental betting terminology essential for wagering on the Canadian Football League (CFL). We’ll explore point spreads, totals, and moneyline bets in the context of the CFL.

Point Spreads – When you engage in point spread betting, you’re selecting a team you believe will emerge victorious in the game while accounting for a specified number of points. You can opt for a favorite (-) or an underdog (+).

Totals – When you wager on totals, the specific team’s victory becomes inconsequential. Totals involve predicting whether the combined score will go over or under a designated number, which is unique to each CFL game.

Moneyline – Moneyline bets entail predicting the outright winner of the game, devoid of point differentials. No specific point margin is necessary for a moneyline bet. For instance, a +100 indicates an even-money scenario, meaning that a successful wager of any amount will yield an equivalent profit.

Consider this example:

Montreal Alouettes +1 vs. Toronto Argonauts, Total: 37.5, Alouettes at +100, and Argonauts at -120.

• This indicates that the Montreal Alouettes are 1-point underdogs. To win the bet, you must factor in the +1 point and hope they secure victory.
• The Toronto Argonauts, as -1 favorites, must win by more than 1 point to yield a winning bet.
• The total score is set at 37.5. If you anticipate a total score surpassing 37.5, place an OVER bet
  • Conversely, if you expect a score below 37.5, opt for an UNDER bet.
• The moneyline figures follow, with +100 signifying even money (a $100 bet results in a $100 profit), while -120 for the favorite implies that a $120 wager returns a $100 profit.

When assessing odds, familiarize yourself with the three primary formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional.

• American Odds: These are represented as +125 or -125 and determine moneyline bets.
• Fractional Odds: Multiply the fractional representation by your stake to ascertain potential profits.
• Decimal Odds: These odds encapsulate both your winnings and your initial wager. They are expressed as a single number, where 2.25 signifies a $2.25 profit for every $1 bet, and 3.35 equates to a $3.35 profit per $1 wagered.

In our CFL example, the Montreal Alouettes are the 1-point underdogs, while the Toronto Argonauts are favored by 1 point. If you choose the Alouettes to win outright, a $100 wager results in a $100 profit and a total payout of $200. Conversely, selecting the Argonauts to win outright entails a $120 bet, a $100 profit, and a total payout of $220.

Other Popular CFL Betting Types

Certainly, there are various wagering options to explore when betting on the Canadian Football League (CFL). Futures bets stand out as one of the most favored choices, gaining immense popularity during the offseason. Betters often capitalize on the preseason period to consider the following wagers:

• Grey Cup Champions – Each CFL team, regardless of their anticipated performance, boasts odds to clinch the upcoming Grey Cup. For instance, the Calgary Stampeders might be the favorites as the 2023 season kicks off.
• Divisional Champions – Every division’s four teams present opportunities to bet on their divisional triumph. Preseason marks the ideal time to seize these bets, as odds fluctuate throughout the season based on game outcomes.
• MVP Projections – Top-tier CFL players receive odds for securing the Most Valuable Player accolade.

When betting on the CFL, each game is listed at your preferred sportsbook, featuring an array of proposition bets, commonly referred to as prop bets. Prop bets are wagers you can place during a game. While prop bets have historically thrived during the Grey Cup, they are increasingly prevalent in regular season matches. For instance:

• Cody Fajardo passing yards in a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
• Andrew Harris rushing yards in a game against the BC Lions.
• Shaq Evans receiving yards in a game against the Ottawa Redblacks.

These examples represent just a fraction of the available prop bets. While there is potential for profit within prop bets, it requires thorough research to uncover valuable opportunities.

Parlays remain a popular choice within the CFL. Parlays involve combining multiple bets into a single wager. 

Rather than receiving payouts for individual bets, parlaying them together offers the prospect of a larger payout. However, a critical caveat with parlays is that you must win every constituent bet to secure an overall win.

Teaser bets also find their place in CFL betting. In teaser bets, bettors purchase points and often include at least two wagers. For instance, if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were favored by -3, and the total was set at 54.5 against the Toronto Argonauts, a standard teaser might involve buying 6 points. 

Consequently, the bet could be adjusted to Winnipeg Blue Bombers +3 and the UNDER 48.5 for the game total. It is imperative to reiterate that in a teaser, both legs must emerge victorious for the bet to succeed.

Lastly, live betting continues to gain traction within CFL wagering. Engaging in live betting necessitates immediate access to your sportsbook platform. Here, you can place bets on the final quarter, half, or game result.

Furthermore, you have the option to wager on the total points for specific timeframes or even upcoming plays. While live betting offers advantages, it demands attentiveness and a strategic approach for long-term profitability.

How to Bet on CFL: Frequently Asked Questions

Wagering on the Canadian Football League (CFL), unless you hold a role within the organization, such as a player, coach, or trainer, is entirely legal in Canada. It is imperative, however, to place your bets through reputable onshore sportsbooks, as offshore bookmakers are not authorized within Canada. 

The nation offers a multitude of legal and secure sportsbook options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In recent times, the legalization of sports betting has significantly alleviated concerns related to deposits and withdrawals, eliminating many previous obstacles.

As previously mentioned, let’s revisit the essential terms:

• Point Spreads: These indicate the number of points by which a team is favored or considered the underdog.
• Moneyline: This signifies the potential winnings when betting on a specific team.
• Totals: This denotes the total number of points scored in a given game.

Lastly, it is worth noting that, although there have been occasional investigations over the years, the Canadian Football League is not scripted, and sportsbooks do not manipulate game outcomes.

Top CFL Betting Sites: Best Online Sportsbooks For CFL Betting Lines

While it remains crucial to seek out the most favorable betting lines and odds, finding a reliable and user-friendly sportsbook takes precedence. With the ongoing wave of legalization in the CFL, operating a sportsbook has become increasingly regulated, ensuring that all legal options within Canada offer a high-quality betting experience.

Before you commence wagering on a CFL site, it is imperative to confirm its full licensing and regulatory compliance. Additionally, assess whether they offer robust payout and deposit methods. Evaluate their array of betting opportunities and inquire about the availability of customer support for those requiring assistance. Conduct thorough research on these aspects before entrusting any of your funds for wagering.

In Canada, prominent sportsbooks like Bet365 and Sports Interaction have emerged as reputable choices. Additionally, there are legal alternatives such as PlayNow, Bodog, Betway, and 888sport, each offering varying features and availability in different provinces. It’s essential to verify their legality and accessibility in the specific province from which you intend to place bets.

Basic Tips For Becoming A Sharper CFL Bettor

When you’re ready to embark on the journey of becoming a sharper CFL bettor, you’re transcending mere casual sports betting. You’re now prepared to take the next step and consistently excel in this pursuit, essentially becoming a professional sports bettor. Achieving this status demands a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources. Here are some imperative tips you must adhere to in order to evolve into a sharp CFL bettor:

• In-Depth Team and Player Analysis: Develop an intimate understanding of CFL teams. Delve deep into their strengths, weaknesses, tendencies, and strategic objectives. Familiarize yourself with their historical performance and current dynamics. Equally important, gather valuable insights from individuals connected to the organization these teams are competing against. Be discerning about the sources of information you rely upon, as many claim expertise but lack substance.
  
• Build and Safeguard Your Bankroll: If you aspire to be a successful sports bettor over the long term, commence with a healthy bankroll and manage it prudently. Your bankroll represents the funds available for betting. Many experts recommend dividing your bankroll into “units” to determine your wager size when making CFL bets.
• Avoid Chasing Losses and Overextending on Wins: Steer clear of emotional reactions in your betting decisions. Don’t wager more to recover losses, double down on wins, or bet based on personal biases, such as favoring your favorite team. Every bet should be well-reasoned and supported by a rational strategy.
• Meticulously Track Your Bets: Keep a detailed record of all your CFL bets. Monitor and evaluate your results systematically. Identify your areas of strength and weakness. Dedicate efforts to improve areas where you falter, and continue to build upon your strengths. Tracking your bets is an essential practice for continuous improvement.

Becoming a sharp CFL bettor is a transformative process that requires dedication, discipline, and continuous learning. By adhering to these principles and maintaining a focused, data-driven approach, you can enhance your CFL betting proficiency and increase your chances of long-term success.

How To Bet On The Grey Cup

The Grey Cup serves as the pinnacle event for Canadian Football League (CFL) bettors, akin to Christmas in its significance. While the Grey Cup is often referred to as the “grand finale” of the CFL season, it also signifies the conclusion of CFL betting for the year. 

Predictably, the volume of wagers surges during this game due to the multitude of bettors. Many individuals even earmark a portion of their winnings throughout the season in anticipation of the Grey Cup.

As you prepare to place your bets on the Grey Cup, it’s crucial to approach it with the same diligence as you would during the regular CFL season. This entails conducting thorough research, adhering to your predetermined betting limits, and practicing sound bankroll management.

The Grey Cup boasts a diverse array of betting options. You can place bets on the moneyline, point spread, total points, and a plethora of proposition bets. These proposition bets encompass a wide range of scenarios, from seemingly trivial details like the color of the celebratory liquid drenched on the winning coach to the outcome of the coin toss, be it heads or tails.

How Bet on CFL Games Online Legally

Legal sports betting is currently permitted in over 30 states across the United States. It’s essential to distinguish between the legality of online betting and in-person betting. In-person betting entails physically visiting a sportsbook where you can place your wagers either at a betting window or through a self-service kiosk. 

Presently, 33 states have legalized in-person betting, while 25 states offer the option of online betting.

Additionally, there are two states in the process of legalizing both online and in-person sports betting. Two more states are in the process of establishing online-only betting, and one state is working towards permitting in-person betting. However, there are certain states where sports betting is not legally permitted in any form, whether in-person or online.

These states include:

• Alabama
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah

As emphasized earlier, it’s crucial to exercise due diligence before entrusting your funds to a sportsbook. Ensure that the sportsbook holds a valid sports betting license and complies with all relevant regulations before making your selection.

Tips To Know Before Betting On CFL Games

Let’s shift our focus back to CFL betting. No doubt, you’re deeply immersed in the game, diligently tracking teams and familiarizing yourself with the players, coaches, and their strategies. However, there are additional insights to consider when engaging in CFL betting. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Recognize the Significance of Line Movement: Pay close attention to line movements, as they convey valuable information. These shifts are not random; they often occur for specific reasons. Sportsbooks may be influencing bettors to lean one way or the other, or significant sums of money may be placed on a particular side. It’s crucial to follow these line movements and understand the underlying factors driving them.
• Monitor Injury Reports: Stay updated on injury reports for CFL teams. An unexpected absence of a key player can significantly impact the outcome of a game. Avoid falling into the trap of being enticed by initial odds only to discover later that a star player, like the Most Valuable Player, will be absent. Prioritize staying informed about injuries and the latest team news before finalizing your bets.
• Weather Conditions Matter: Weather can be a game-changer in CFL matchups. Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain, can alter game dynamics and affect scoring. Additionally, consider whether a team is playing at home or on the road, as home-field advantage holds varying degrees of importance for different teams. Understanding these nuances is crucial for informed betting.
• Start with Modest Bets: If you’re new to sports betting or are uncertain about your strategies, it’s wise to start with small wagers. This approach allows you to gain experience and gradually build your bankroll. Over time, as you become more confident in your betting decisions, you can reconsider your betting unit sizes.

Approaching CFL betting with these considerations in mind will enhance your understanding of the game and increase your chances of success.