The Canadian Football League (CFL) is fairly similar to the NFL, although there are certain differences that make it unique. For instance, the field is larger (it has three downs, not four), and there are twelve men on the field. Of course, there are more differences that make the CFL more unique in terms of gameplay and betting.
Therefore, if you’re interested in getting started in CFL betting, here we’ll explain the essentials so you can get started on the right foot.
Here are some of the basic CFL bet types you should be familiar with if you’re interested in betting on the CFL:
CFL Moneyline Betting
First we’ll look at moneyline betting, which happens to be the most basic form of betting in any sport. It is all about betting for the outright winner of the game, regardless of other factors (such as the overall score of the game).
The moneyline has two teams, the favorite and the underdog. For instance:
Team A (-475) vs. Team B (+380)
The favorite has negative odds associated with it, and such odds indicate how much you would need to bet to win $100. In the above example, you would have to wager $475 to get back $575. Contrary to this, betting for Team B, the underdog, would pay you $380 for every $100.
CFL Point Spread Betting
Next up, we have the point spread bet. This bet type is often utilized to bring some “balance” to the overall match, no matter how skilled are the participant teams. For instance, let’s say that, in a game, a sportsbook has published the following odds:
Team A (+9.5) vs. Team B (-9.5)
In this example, Team B would have to win by 10 or more points for you to cash out. However, if you choose Team A, that means that they must either win the game or lose by less than nine points for you to be able to cash out.
Point spreads and moneylines are the typical options in any sports, and the CFL is no different.
CFL Totals Betting
Next up, we have the totals, also known as “over-under.” This bet consists in betting on the overall score of the game, whether it will be over or under a particular number. For instance, let’s say that the point total has been set at 40.5 points.
In this case, if you bet on the OVER, the overall score of the game must be more than 41 points for you to cash out. On the other hand, betting on under requires the game to have an overall score of 40 points or less for you to be able to take the payout.
This bet type may seem quite “simple,” but it also requires a strategy to a certain degree.
CFL Props Betting
Props are also available in CFL betting. These bets are made on specific players, team statistics, or perhaps other results that may not be directly related to the course of the game. Although the betting options are different from one sportsbook to another, some of the most common bets include the first team to score, the number of touchdowns a particular player will have, etc.
Can I Bet On CFL Futures?
Yes, you can bet on CFL futures. CFL futures betting allows you to place bets on the outcome of events that will take place in the future, such as the Grey Cup winner or the team that will finish with the best regular-season record. Futures betting odds are typically available well in advance of the event, allowing you to place your bets early and potentially secure more favorable odds.
To bet on CFL futures, you will first need to find a reputable sportsbook that offers CFL betting options. Many online sportsbooks offer CFL betting, with a range of futures markets available. Once you have found a sportsbook that offers CFL futures betting, simply navigate to the CFL section of the site and look for the futures markets.
When betting on CFL futures, it’s important to do your research and consider factors such as team performance, injuries, and upcoming schedules. By choosing the right futures markets and placing well-informed bets, you can potentially earn a significant payout.
CFL Betting Tips
Now that you know the most common types of bets available in the CFL, it’s time to learn some of the tips you may want to keep in mind while placing your wagers.
Do your research. If there is a particular match you’re interested in, try to analyse the matchup in advance. Compare the offensive and defensive forces of the teams involved, and evaluate their performance in recent games. It is less complicated than in other leagues, as there are only nine teams involved.
Betting on the underdogs may be a good idea when the season starts. It can be complicated to predict how the season will start, especially due to the roster or personnel turnover that tends to happen in the CFL. Since 2006, the underdogs have had a relatively good performance during the first month of the season, with a 61.7%-win rate.
Of course, there are more facts that you should take into account before placing your wagers. However, please note that doing your research and comparing the matchups before the game starts can give you some advantage and may help you win your first bet.
