How to bet on the CFL

Whether you're a long-time football fan or completely new to the game, placing a bet on the Canadian Football League (CFL) is a great way to add more excitement to the game.

And with the 2024 Grey Cup just around the corner, there has never been a better time to get involved.

In this guide we will teach you everything you need to know about how to bet on the CFL, including:

✔ Understanding the CFL

✔ How to bet on CFL games

✔ Where to bet on CFL games

✔ Ways to bet on the 2024 Grey Cup

So are you ready to get started with betting on Canadian football?

Where can I bet on Canadian football?

PlayNow Sports is the official sports betting partner of the CFL, and is Manitoba’s home for local, legal and secure betting.

Plus, when you sign up and place your bets at PlayNow Sports, the revenue generated from online gambling stays right here in the province, supporting many provincial and community organizations, including education and health care.

Football is a fast paced game and so is betting on sports. Don’t forget to take regular breaks. Learn more about safer gambling at GameSense.com.

Football is a fast paced game and so is betting on sports. Don’t forget to take regular breaks. Learn more about safer gambling at GameSense.

Three things that make the CFL and Grey Cup so exciting to bet on

High-Scoring, Fast-Paced Games

The CFL has a distinct brand of football that makes the game even more exciting than its college or NFL cousins. The field is longer and wider, there are only three downs, and the end zones are much larger. There is also the option for teams to have multiple players in motion, and they may run toward the line of scrimmage!

These rule differences emphasize explosive passing plays which often result in higher scores and big plays down the field.

Unpredictable Outcomes

Unlike some leagues where the standings are dominated by a few teams, the CFL is incredibly competitive with any team capable of winning any matchup.

This makes season-long props and over-under win total bets incredibly exciting all year.

Grey Cup Betting Markets

The Grey Cup Game is the annual championship game for the CFL and is the largest event on the Canadian football calendar. The 111th Grey Cup is being hosted in Vancouver for the 2024 season and brings with it unique betting markets and prop bets.

How to bet on the CFL for beginners

Money line

Money line bets are one of the simplest ways to bet on CFL games.

When you bet on the money line, you are betting on which team will win the game. No need to worry about spreads or covers - you’re simply betting on which team is going to win and the odds will reflect which team is the underdog and the favourite.

For example, the money line odds for a Saskatchewan Roughriders vs BC Lions game could be:

Saskatchewan Roughriders: 1.62
BC Lions: 2.65

A $10 bet on the Roughriders to win the game would give you a potential total payout of $16.20. Alternatively, a $10 bet on the Lions to win the game would get you a potential payout of $26.50.

Team cities and odds shown are for illustration only.

Point spread

Betting the spread is the other most common way to bet on the winner of a CFL game. When betting the spread, you’re betting on the margin of victory.

For example, the point spread odds for a Calgary Stampeders game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers could be:

Winnipeg Blue Bombers: -5.5
Calgary Stampeders: +5.5

These odds imply the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are 5.5-point favourites in this game. To win a bet placed on the Blue Bombers, they will need to win the game by 6 points or more. A bet placed on the Stampeders will win if the Stampeders win the game or lose by 5 or fewer points - this is also known as covering the spread.

Team cities and odds shown are for illustration only.

Over/under or totals

Over/Under bets which are called “Totals” on PlayNow, are bets involving the total number of points scored in a game.

PlayNow will set the line on the total number of points, and you may bet that the total number of points scored in the game will be over or under that amount.

For example, in the Grey Cup the total line may be set at 53.5 points. You can then place a bet on the total points being 54 or more (over) or 53 points or fewer (under).

This type of bet can be fitting when a game might have exciting high-scoring offensive teams or low-scoring defensive battles.

Team cities and odds shown are for illustration only.

Prop bets

Prop bets focus on specific events or circumstances happening during a game. Prop bets may be focused on an individual player such as a quarterback throwing for more or less than 250 yards or if a receiver, running back, or quarterback will score a touchdown.

Prop bets may also be placed on team events or achievements such as which team will score first or rush yards over/under. Or they may be placed on unique game events, such as will the game have a safety or will the total points scored be an even or odd number.

Prop bets can be an engaging and fun way to engage with various parts of the game beyond just who will win or lose the game.

Grey Cup betting markets

PlayNow Sports is the official sports betting partner of the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver. Fans can look forward to several unique betting opportunities made all the more exciting by the biggest event in Canadian football.

In addition to traditional money lines, point spreads, and totals bets, the Grey Cup will feature several game-specific markets fit for a championship game.

You may choose to bet on outcomes such as the Grey Cup MVP, the coin toss, and what colour the Gatorade shower will be. These betting markets all add ways to add excitement to the already spectacular Grey Cup Game.

PlayNow sports tip: PlayNow will offer similar markets for the 2024 Grey Cup to last year’s game and may have additional unique markets once the game gets closer and more is known about the teams

CFL betting tips

Know the teams and players

Before placing any bets, take the time to learn about the CFL teams and players involved in the game you’re betting on.

Understanding team strengths, recent performances, and who is on the injury report can give you a clearer picture of how a game might unfold. However, remember that no amount of research guarantees a win—it's all about making an informed decision and staying within your limits.

Understand the odds

Odds are the foundation of sports betting, and knowing how to read and interpret them is crucial. The odds not only tell you how much you can win, but they also reflect the probability of a particular outcome.

Take the time to understand different types of odds such as American or decimal and the different markets including money line, point spread, and totals and how they work. This knowledge will help you make more thoughtful bets.

Start with smaller bets

If you're a beginner to betting, it’s wise to start with smaller wagers while you get a feel for how CFL games and betting systems work. This allows you to participate in the excitement of betting without risking too much money. Starting small helps manage your bankroll and ensures a more enjoyable experience.