CFL, or the Canadian Football League, offers high-scoring, exciting games with passionate fans. If you are new to CFL, you must be curious about placing a bet. Thankfully, this guide is here to equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the gripping world of CFL sports betting responsibly. Let’s get started.
Understanding CFL
Before you dive into betting, it is crucial to understand the basics of the CFL games. For starters, it is pretty similar to American football with some differences.
- The CFL fields are 110 yards with wider end zones. Hence, players indulge in open air and the games are potentially high scoring ones.
- Teams have three downs to gain 10 yards for a first down. This emphasizes a fast-paced game with the importance of passing the ball.
- After a touchdown, teams attempt a single-point conversion instead of the traditional two-point conversion.
The CFL season typically runs from mid-June until late November, when the Grey Cup is played. There are nine CFL teams, and each of them plays an 18-game schedule over a 21-week season. This also includes three bye weeks for all the teams.
After the 18 games, 6 teams qualify for the postseason. The number one club in each division gets a bye to the Division Championships. Then, the next two teams in each division are seeded as no.2 and no. 3. Whoever wins plays the top seed for the West or East Championship. The two winners receive bids to the Grey Cup final.
Now that you have a general idea of CFL and how the teams compete, let’s move on to understand the different ways you can wager on CFL matchups.
Different Types of CFL Bets
- Point spread – Point spread is a bet that considers the margin of victory. The oddsmakers set a point spread, favoring a particular team. You can wager on the favored team to win by more than the spread. You can also wager on the underdog to win outright.
- Moneyline – Moneyline is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game. Odds are displayed with a minus sign for the favorite and a plus sign for the underdog. The minus sign indicates the amount you need to bet to win $100, and the plus sign shows the potential winnings for a $100 bet.
- Total points – Total points bet focuses on the combined score of two teams. You can bet on whether the combined score will be lower or higher than the number set by the oddsmakers.
- Future bets – Future bets predict the long-term outcome of the CFL matches. For instance, you can bet on which team will win the Grey Cup.
- Prop pets – Prop bets go beyond the outcome of the game. It allows you to wager on player performance or specific events in the game. You can get on which player will score a touchdown, which team will score more than thirty points in the first half or whether there will be a successful two-point conversion.
- Live betting – Live betting is an exciting option that allows you to bet on the game as it unfolds. This means you have to stay peeled to your screen and follow every ball and every pass. Beware that the odds can dynamically change based on the live action. You can also bet on things like the next play, the outcome to the next drive or the margin of victory.
Please note that live betting and prop bets are much more complex and fast-paced than the other types of CFL bets mentioned above. You must carefully study the different types of bets before you start wagering on reliable sportsbooks.
Understanding the odds in Betting
In sports betting, understanding the odds are critical. They represent the implied probability of an event happening. If the odds are lower, it indicates a strong favorite. If the odds are higher, it signifies an underdog.
Here’s how to interpret the odds:
- Moneyline – A minus or negative money line means you must bet more than you can potentially win. For instance, a -300 money line on the Toronto Argonauts means you would wager $300 to win $100. Similarly, a plus or positive money line means you could be winning a higher return by betting a smaller amount.
- Total points and point spread – For these bets, the odds are usually displayed in decimal format. Here, a negative or minus sign means you need to risk a lot more than what you’ll potentially win, while a plus or positive sign means you will win a lot more than what you wager.
Selecting a Sportsbook
Before you start betting, you must choose the right sportsbook. Here are the factors to consider:
- Legality – Make sure that online sports betting is legal in your region. Although it is legalized in Canada, regulations might vary by province.
- Reputation – The reputation of the sportsbook is essential. It must have a history of secure transactions and fair play.
- Promotions and bonuses – Several sportsbooks offer signup bonuses, loyalty programs or free bets. You can compare these to find a reliable platform offering the biggest bonus.
- Methods of payment – You must choose a sportsbook with various methods of payment that are convenient for you.
Additional Betting Tips for Beginners
- You must set a budget before you start betting and make sure to stick to it.
- Research the players, teams, recent performances, and injuries before placing a bet. This will help you make informed decisions.
- Do not chase your losses.
- Understand the specific regulations and rules of the sportsbooks, including payout structures and wagering limits.
- Always remember to start small and then increase the bets as you gain experience.
- You must know when to stop!
The Bottom Line
CFL betting can provide you with edge-of-the-seat excitement, especially if you enjoy watching CFL games. As you bet on your favorite teams and players, the enjoyment of watching CFL games is taken to the next level. However, if you want to remain in the betting game for a long time, it is critical to understand the game and the types of bets and adopt responsible gaming practices. Also, you must choose a reliable sportsbook platform that has a reputation for fair play.
