Canadian Football — Where Can You Bet Online?

Founded in 1958, the Canadian Football League (CFL) or the Ligue Canadienne de Football is the highest level of competition in Canadian football. This form of gridiron football (also known as North American football) is highly popular in Canada, second only to the NHL when it comes to domestic sports. 

CFL receives TV coverage from all the top-tier broadcasting networks, including RSN, TSN, and ESPN, and with this level of popularity comes a huge betting interest. From June until November, Canadians have the opportunity to wager on virtually every aspect of the sport. 

During the last decade or so, the popularity of and we’re seeing more and more betting sites , and online casinos like Lucky Nugget casino emerging in the Canada market. That means it’s now easier than ever to have a punt on popular sports in the area, and that includes the CFL.

Due to the somewhat complicated betting laws in Canada, most of these sites operate offshore. Fortunately, betting on football is 100% legal in these areas, meaning that Canadians can wager without having to worry about any legal repercussions. 

In this article, we provide everything you need to know to refine your CSF betting skills. Once you’re done reading this article, you will become an equipped expert, ready to get in on the betting action and make some cash. 

Differences Between the NFL and CFL 

There are several significant differences between the CFL and the NFL, but we’re only going to mention a few notable ones. One of the first things you’ll notice when watching a CFL game is the difference in the size of the field. CFL fields are around ten yards longer and have end zones that are 20 yards deep. They are also about 20% wider, which is why the CFL games are played with an extra player on both sides. Unlike the NFL, goalposts in the CFL are placed on the goal line. 

Another significant difference between the two football variations is in the number of downs required to get a first down. In the American version of the sport, the team in possession has four downs (or plays) to either score or gain ten yards whereas, in Canadian football, there’s only three of them. This is why you’ll see far more passing and punting in the CFL than you see in its American counterpart. 

The CFL is similar to rugby in two significant aspects. First, in the CFL, there is a one-yard neutral zone between offensive lines and defensive teams that cannot be crossed before the ball is snapped. Second, in Canadian football, teams can score a single, which is a one-point score won by kicking the ball through the end zone.

Best CFL Betting Sites 

Most CFL betting markets can guarantee a nice profit — you just need to find the bookie that offers them. For a great combination of competitive odds and overwhelmingly-diverse betting markets, you can choose Pinnacle — a trusted betting operator with a long-standing reputation. Due to their fantastic range of rewarding bonuses and promotions, as well as 24h support through their resourceful customer service, Pinnacle has become a powerhouse in the sports betting industry. For the best CFL betting experience, look no further than Pinnacle. 

Most Popular CFL Betting Markets 

The list of CFL betting markets that will pop up as soon as you open the bookmakers’ offer for the sport can often be overwhelming, as there are dozens of CFL betting markets where you can place your bet online. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of the bets most commonly placed on Canadian football. Read on! 

Money line 

A money line bet is the most straightforward type of bet you can make in any sport. Simply put, it involves betting on a specific team to win a game. In this market, there are only two possible outcomes with a win for either side. So, it’s the simplest way to wager on CFL and a great place to start if you’re new to the sport.

Over/Under 

In over/under bet, the punter has to predict how many total points will be scored in a Canadian Football League game. So, you’re not betting on just one team — you’re wagering on the combined points scored in the game. For example, if the over/under in the Calgary Stampeders-Toronto Argonauts game is 44.5, and you bet on the over, you need at least 45 points to be scored in the game to win. The great thing about this betting market is that you don’t have to root for a specific team. 

Points Spread Odds 

In points spread bet (widely known as handicap bet), the team you bet on must win or lose by a specific margin of points predetermined by the bookmaker. Basically, it’s a figure set by the bookmakers to provide an advantage for the underdog by “handicapping” the favorite team. For example, the bookmaker may give the underdog an 11.5 head start, which means that the favorites need to win by at least 12 points. Conversely, you can bet on the weaker side and win the bet if they win the game or lose by 11 points or less.