A Guide to Canadian Football Sports Betting

Football is one of the most popular sports in Canada, and CFL betting continues to grow in popularity alongside it. With not many teams, betting on the Canadian Football League offers fewer games, but that makes research and handicapping easier. 

Whether you’re new to sports betting or an experienced pro, understanding the basics of wagering on Canadian football gives you a better shot at success.  

This guide breaks down the most popular ways to bet on the Canadian Football League. 

Which are the Most Popular Canadian Football Teams? 

Strawpoll rates the top five teams as follows: 

1. Edmonton Eskimos 
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers 
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders 
4. Calgary Stampeders 
5. Toronto Argonauts 

Whether any of these teams are your favourite or not, the advice below still applies. 

Betting the Spread 

The most common CFL wagers are made against the spread. Sportsbooks set a spread as the expected margin of victory for the favoured team. Your bet either covers the spread or doesn’t. Spreads typically range from 1 to 15 points. 

For example, if the Toronto Argonauts are 7-point favourites against the Montreal Alouettes and you bet Toronto, the Argos must win by more than 7 points to cover the spread. If Toronto wins by exactly 7, it’s a push and bets are refunded. Underdog Montreal can lose by 6 points or less or win the game outright and bets on them with the +7 points cover. 

Moneyline Betting 

While point spreads set an expected margin of victory, some bettors just want to pick winners and losers. That’s where moneyline bets come in. Odds are adjusted based on the favourite and payouts vary. Strong favourites pay less while underdogs with lower win probability pay more for winning bets. 

For example, Toronto may pay -350 as 7-point chalk while Montreal pays +275 as the underdog. This means a $350 bet on Toronto profits $100 if they win while a $100 wager on Montreal returns $275 if they pull off an upset. 

Totals and Props 

Betting against spreads and moneylines makes up most CFL action, but totals and prop bets add variety. Totals, or over/unders, set a line for the total points scored in a game. Bet whether you think the total score by both teams falls over or under that number.  

Props let you bet on player or game occurrences like passing yards, rushing totals, turnovers, or final scores by quarter or half.  

These micro-betting markets feature higher odds and lead to sweat-worthy moments on every play. 

Futures  

Before seasons and playoffs start, futures odds predict outcomes way in advance. Grey Cup futures ask you to pick which team you expect to win the CFL championship. Oddsmakers set lines and you can get great payouts on teams with longer odds that end up winning. 

Division and league leader futures also allow preseason bets on categories like most passing yards, regular season wins, and more. These bets keep seasons interesting from start to finish. 

Live Betting 

Thanks to online and mobile sportsbooks, you can bet on CFL games live as they happen. Odds shift and lines move depending on the action, so you can capitalize on your feel for momentum. Bet the next play results, quarter or half outcomes, or game winner after kickoff. 

How to Choose a Site for Betting on the Canadian Football League 

When looking at online casinos in Canada with a sportsbook, you want to ensure the site you choose is properly regulated and licensed, and preferably pick one that is chosen by gambling experts. Most provinces offer some legal online gambling now, but not all sites are created equal.  

Compare online sportsbooks for the best odds and markets on CFL betting. Check that the site offers competitive bonuses and promotions as well. Customer service, payment options, and mobile capability are other aspects to evaluate.  

However long you plan to wager, finding the most reputable CFL sports betting destination will benefit your bankroll. 

Responsible Betting Tips 

While betting on the CFL can multiply your enjoyment of games as a fan, remember to gamble responsibly: 

• Set a strict budget for each game and stick to it 
• Only bet what you can afford to lose; don’t go chasing your losses 
• Keep it fun and social – have a CFL party with your friends! 
• Know the rules and odds before placing bets 
• As we have already stated, always use trusted regulated sportsbooks for safety and fairness 

Following these tips will lead to the most enjoyable experience for CFL fans looking to get some action down on Canadian football.