Summary:
Explore the Canadian Football League (CFL) betting world with this comprehensive guide. Learn how to bet on CFL games with LeoVegas Sport, covering simple steps from searching for CFL to selecting markets and placing bets. Delve into various betting options, including Championship Winner, Moneyline, Point Spread, Total Points, Touchdown Scorer, and Game Touchdown.
Table of Content:
It’s as easy as pie on mobile and desktop devices, simply follow the steps laid out below!
To bet on the CFL with LeoVegas Sport, simply head to our attuned search function and type in CFL.
Select the game you would like to wager on - for example an upcoming fixture between Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Redblacks. Alternatively, you can bet on any future/outrights from this area.
Find the best market for you! Whether you want to simply follow the moneyline by betting on the result, or you prefer betting on the spread, LeoVegas has multiple markets for you to choose from.
Once you’ve selected the bet for you, add it to your betslip, and stake your preferred amount.
Best of luck and enjoy the games!
The CFL represents hundreds of pre-match and live betting action options and opportunities for Canadian football fans, and a healthy dose of ante post bets too.
Check out some examples of the types of CFL betting trends below.
The Championship winner market refers to backing who you believe will win the Grey Cup at the end of the season.
Probably the most simple way to bet on the CFL is the moneyline. You wager on the result of the game, and if the team you backed successfully wins, your bet lands.
In this market, the favourite is given a points handicap, while the outsider gets a head start. For example, if the Stampeders are -4.5 point favourites over the Elks, the Stampeders would have to win by 5 or more points. While the Elks would need to avoid defeat by five or more if you backed the +4.5 market.
Usually coming with an over/under total, the total points market relates to how many points in the game. So, if the bookmaker set the total at 45.5, you’d predict whether the total points in the match will go over or under that amount. The actual result of the game has no impact.
Predict a player to score a touchdown at any point in the match or back them to get into the end zone on multiple occasions. The odds will vary according to the market.
Rather than betting on a specific player to score a touchdown, you can wager on which team will score the first touchdown. For example if the Tiger-Cats are playing the Argonauts, and you believe the Argonauts will get on the board first, you can back them as the first touchdown scorers and land your bet if they do.
You can find the latest odds for all CFL games on LeoVegas Sport!
The CFL season spans 21 weeks, from June to early November, and reaches up to 95 games when including pre-season, playoffs, and the championship. This year, the 111th season wraps up on November 17th, 2024 when Vancouver hosts the Grey Cup in BC Place.
Since 1986, all nine CFL teams compete in 18 regular-season games over 21 weeks. Each team plays 10 divisional games and 8 interdivisional games. The schedule features a mix of home and away games, with teams facing each other twice throughout the season. This setup results in a total of 81 regular-season games on the CFL 2024 schedule.
One key match-up to watch this year is the Ottawa Redblacks versus the BC Lions. Notably, this game, happening August 31st, 2024 takes place in Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, not on the Lion’s home turf of BC Place. It’s also the first time Dominique Rhymes will play in BC, after moving to the Redblacks.
Then, it’s on to the Labour Day Classics which always feature intense interprovincial rivalries. This year, we’ll see Calgary Stamepders versus the Edmonton Elks, Toronto Argonauts versus the Hamilton TiCats and Winniper Blue Bomers versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
As the season progresses, the Eastern and Western Division Finals bring even more excitement, showcasing the top teams from each division competing for a chance to advance to the Grey Cup and determine the league champion.
After the regular season games, the top three teams from each division (East and West) advance to the CFL playoffs. The division leaders receive a bye to the Division Finals, automatically advancing to the semi-finals. The second and third-place teams in each division compete in the Division Semi-Finals for a chance to face the division leaders.
Western Division: BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Eastern Division: Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Redblacks
In the CFL playoffs, the Division Semi-Finals feature the third-place team from each division facing the second-place team. The winners advance to their respective Division Finals, where they compete against the division leaders. The victors of these games earn a spot in the Grey Cup. The Grey Cup then pits the champions of the East and West Divisions against each other to determine the overall league champion, ensuring a competitive and often intense conclusion to the CFL season.
The CFL’s much anticipated season opener played on June 13, 2024, and saw the defending Grey Cup champs, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers take on the the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The score had the Blue prevailing 31-18 to a home crowd at IG Stadium. A lot can be said of the Blue Bombers QB, Zach Collaro's performance here as he threw over 300 yards for three touchdowns.
The CFL's biggest rivalries take centre stage in the Labour Day Classics. Signaling the end of summer across Canada, these games are always a highlight of the season, featuring serious interprovincial rivalries like the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Elks, and a Prairie showdown of the Bombers versus the Roughriders.
Calgary Stampeders vs. Edmonton Elks
Be it on the ice or the field, anytime these two cities compete, it’s fierce both in the stands and on the field. Last year’s match-up saw Calgary narrowly defeat Edmonton 30-27. This year however, Calgary is looking strong and holds a solid record at McMahon Stadium, so some would say they are coming with a slight edge.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
It’s all Prairies here! The Banjo Bowl is a rematch of the Labour Day Classic and continues the fierce rivalry between the Blue Bombers and Roughriders. Last year’s Banjo Bowl was a pretty close match, but Winnipeg came out on top with a score of 31-28.
The CFL Eastern and Western Division Finals are where the real magic happens, deciding which teams get to strut their stuff in the Grey Cup. These matchups are packed with drama and excitement as teams battle for their spot in the coveted Grey Cup.
This is where all happens - an intense East vs West battle that’s set to take place in Vancouver’s BC Place on Sunday, November 17th.
Zach Collaros is the engine behind Winnipeg’s powerhouse offense. As one of the most reliable QBs in the league, Collaros brings poise, experience, and a knack for delivering in the clutch. In 2024, he’s been lighting up the scoreboard and is a solid bet to lead the Bombers deep into the postseason. His strong arm was also a contributing factor to the Bombers clenching the 2023 Grey Cup title.
Brady Oliveira is a force to be reckoned with in the backfield. Known for his powerful running style, he’s been racking up yards and breaking tackles like it’s nothing. Keep an eye on Oliveira for anytime touchdown bets.
Vernon Adams Jr. is a dynamic quarterback for the BC Lions, known for his electrifying play and strong arm. Since joining the team, Adams has showcased his versatility and athleticism, making him a significant offensive threat. His 2024 stats are off the charts, making him a fun player to watch - and bet on - during game day.
Dalton Schoen is a standout wide receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, recognized for his impressive speed, precise route running, and reliable hands. His ability to make crucial catches and stretch the field has been instrumental in Winnipeg's offensive success. If you’re looking to bet on a player who’s bound to have a big game, Schoen’s your man.
Chad Kelly has taken the reins in Toronto and hasn’t looked back. With his strong arm and quick decision-making, he’s been driving the Argos’ offense to new heights in 2024. Betting on Kelly to lead the Argos to victory is looking like a smart play this season.
William Stanback is the kind of running back who can change a game - instantly. He’s a bruiser who’s not afraid to lower his shoulder, but he’s also got the speed to break away for big gains. His 2024 performances have made him a key player to watch - especially when betting on rushing props.
A.J. Ouellette brings a tough running style to the Roughriders’ offense. He has an insane ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact and has been grinding out tough yards all season, proving to be a reliable option in the backfield. If you’re placing a wager on who’s going to get those crucial short-yardage conversions, consider this guy.
Darnell Sankey is the heart of Montreal’s defense. As a linebacker, he’s everywhere on the field, racking up tackles and making big plays when it matters most. This year, Sankey has made a significant impact on the field with his ability to read plays, tackle effectively, and provide strong leadership.
The Canadian Football League represents the highest level of football outside of America and has been a mainstay on the Canadian sporting scene since 1958.
A total of nine franchises, one from each city in Canada, participate in the CFL and are divided into two conferences. Four teams do battle in the Eastern Conference and five teams in the Western Conference.
The entire premise of the competition is to win the Grey Cup - all nine teams begin the season aiming to get their hands on the prestigious trophy. To find out more about CFL betting lines, the history of its teams, and much more, check out our CFL betting breakdown below.
There are several notable differences between the NFL and CFL - however, we have broken down the top three discrepancies below:
A change in the number of players - CFL teams can field 12 players on the pitch at any one time. That’s opposed to the NFL, where only 11 players can take to the field.
On the offensive side, this extra player is usually an additional slot back. As for defence, this extra position is usually a defensive back, creating two halfbacks and one safety.
Scoring - The sole difference in scoring between the CFL and NFL is known as the ‘Rouge’. It occurs if a field goal is missed or the football is punted and the receiving team cannot exit their end zone. This is known as a single point.
Three downs rather than four - The NFL allows for four downs per possession, while the CFL limits teams to three downs. Fewer opportunities to score a touchdown makes for more aggressive tactics from both teams.
Difference in field size - While most of these distinctions between CFL and NFL relate to the rules, some are as simple as field size. The CFL’s pitch is 110 by 65 yards with the midfield line at 55 yards and the endzone is twenty-yards deep.
This contrasts the NFL pitch which has a ten-yard deep endzone and a 100 by 53 1/3 yards field with a midfield line at 50 yards.
There are several other nuances between the two - including the CFL not having a fair catch rule, different overtime rules, and an extremely varied schedule, but these are the clear contrasts between the NFL and CFL
There are nine franchises in the CFL - each from a different city. Check out the full list below:
We have cherry-picked three facts to give you a brief overview of every CFL team.
The CFL Regular Season runs from June and lasts for 21 weeks, including 18 games and three bye weeks. The goal is to finish as high as possible in the league to garner the best advantage heading into a six-team Playoff scenario.
Teams can climb their respective divisions by improving their season win totals and percentage. The higher the win percentage, the likelier they are to finish at the top of the pile.
Once the regular season has finished, teams do battle in the CFL Playoffs for a chance to make the Grey Cup final.
The Playoffs comprise the top two teams from each division qualify and two teams with the next two best records, regardless of division. The top two teams in each division will bag the first and second seeds respectively. The team with the next-best record gets the third seed in the home division, while the final qualifier gets the third seed in the remaining division.
The first seeds in each division receive free passage to the semi-finals.
The CFL Grey Cup is the most prestigious trophy as part of the CFL - it crowns the overall champions. It’s Canada's largest annual sports and television event and attracts millions of viewers.
The regular CFL season runs from June until to October, while the Playoffs run in November.
The final will take place in November as well.
Last year’s Grey Cup champions, the Toronto Argonauts, will be the team to watch throughout the campaign. They begin their campaign in week two against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and conclude the regular season against the Ottawa Redblacks.
However, the standout fixture is the rematch of last season’s final between the Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It was a thrilling 24-23 result the last time they met, will we see a similar drama in week 17?
Other integral games throughout the campaign include the Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs BC Lions in week 3, Calgary Stampeders vs BC Lions in week 10, and Edmonton Elks vs Saskatchewan Roughriders in week 15.
The Toronto Argonauts have won the most Grey Cup championships with 18 titles, followed by the Edmonton Elks (formerly Eskimos) with 14 and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with 12. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have made the most Grey Cup appearances with 30.
Here is the sorted table based on the number of wins from highest to lowest:
Team | Number of Wins | Years |
---|---|---|
Toronto Argonauts | 18 | 1914, 1921, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1983, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2012, 2017, 2022 |
Edmonton Eskimos | 14 | 1954, 1955, 1956, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015 |
Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 12 | 1935, 1939, 1941, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1984, 1988, 1990, 2019, 2021 |
Ottawa Rough Riders (defunct) | 9 | 1925, 1926, 1940, 1951, 1960, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1976 |
Montreal Alouettes | 8 | 1949, 1970, 1974, 1977, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2023 |
Calgary Stampeders | 8 | 1948, 1971, 1992, 1998, 2001, 2008, 2014, 2018 |
Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 8 | 1953, 1957, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1972, 1986, 1999 |
BC Lions | 6 | 1964, 1985, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2011 |
Saskatchewan Roughriders | 4 | 1966, 1989, 2007, 2013 |
University of Toronto Varsity Blues | 4 | 1909, 1910, 1911, 1920 |
Hamilton Tigers (defunct) | 5 | 1913, 1915, 1928, 1929, 1932 |
Queen's University | 3 | 1922, 1923, 1924 |
Ottawa Redblacks | 1 | 2016 |
Hamilton Flying Wildcats | 1 | 1943 |
Toronto Balmy Beach | 2 | 1927, 1930 |
Sarnia Imperials | 2 | 1934, 1936 |
Baltimore Stallions | 1 | 1995 |
Montreal AAA Winged Wheelers | 1 | 1931 |
St. Hyacinthe-Donnacona Navy | 1 | 1944 |
Toronto RCAF Hurricanes | 1 | 1942 |
When diving into the Canadian Football League’s rich history, a few names and events stand out. Let’s rewind and explore the evolution of this storied league, from legendary players to influential execs who changed the game’s landscape.
The Canadian Football League (CFL) has been a cornerstone of Canadian sports since its inception in 1958, but its roots go even deeper. The CFL emerged from the earlier Canadian Rugby Union, which had been organizing football competitions in Canada since the 1860s. Originally known as the Canadian Rugby Football Union, the league adopted its current name in 1958 to better reflect the evolving nature of the game.
While the league was initially made up of teams from major Canadian cities, over time, it saw memorable additions and removals. For example, the Ottawa Rough Riders folded in 1996 after 120 years of existence due to financial hardship, poor team performance, and dwindling fan support. However, Ottawa reemerged on the CFL scene in 2014, when the Ottawa Redblacks were established bringing professional football back to the city and its patient fans.
The CFL also briefly expanded beyond Canadian borders in the 1990s, with the introduction of U.S.-based teams like the Sacramento Gold Miners and the Baltimore Stallions. Fun fact, the Stallions became the only non-Canadian team to ever win a Grey Cup. This southern expansion was short-lived, and by 1996, the league returned to being all-Canadian.
If you’re going to talk CFL with any fan, get acquainted with these legendary players and notable stories.
Undefeated. To this day, the Calgary Stampeders are the only CFL team to achieve a perfect season. This remarkable feat occurred in 1948, when they completed a flawless campaign, winning all 12 regular-season games, securing victories in the playoffs, and ultimately claiming the Grey Cup.
Year of the Rocket. In 1991, the Toronto Argonauts were acquired by an unlikely trio: Canada’s beloved comedian John Candy, hockey’s ‘Great One’ Wayne Gretzky, and businessman Bruce McNall. At a time when the CFL's popularity was waning, this group, dubbed ‘The Three Amigos’ by the media, made headlines by signing NFL prospect Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail for a whopping $4.5 million - a figure higher than any player in any league earned at the time, including the NFL. Their gamble paid off - the Argos won the 1991 Grey Cup, with Ismail making a memorable 87-yard touchdown on a kickoff return and a final score of Argonauts 36 and Calgary 21. Ismail was also named the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Player.
Warren Moon. One of football’s great quarterbacks, Warren Moon led the Edmonton Eskimos (now the Elks) to five consecutive Grey Cup wins, from 1978 to 1982. This unparalleled achievement was dubbed the ‘Eskimos Dynasty.’ Moon’s success in Edmonton not only solidified his legacy in the CFL but also paved the way for his transition to the NFL, where he continued to make a mark.
The Ice Bowl of 1977. The 65th Grey Cup was played in Montreal's Olympic Stadium under seriously frigid condition - hence, the ‘Ice Bowl’ namesake. The Montreal Alouettes found an edge by wearing staples on the bottom of their cleats to improve tractio on the icy field. This ingenuity helped them dominate, defeating the Edmonton Eskimos 41-6.
The Fog Bowl of 1962. The 50th Grey Cup between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is famously known as the ‘Fog Bowl.’ A thick fog rolled into Toronto's Exhibition Stadium mid-game, making it nearly impossible for players and fans to see. So much so, that the game was called off in the fourth quarter and played out the next day, making it the only Grey Cup to be played over two days. Winnipeg ultimately won 28-27, and the Fog Bowl remains one of the most unique moments in CFL history.
The CFL has evolved considerably over time, adapting to both changes in the game and society. Originally based on rugby-style football, the league has seen numerous rule changes and innovations over the years. A key development in the 1950s was the introduction of the forward pass, which added a new layer of strategy and excitement. More recently, changes such as the shift to an 11-man format versus 12 on the field, and the three-down system, have further refined the game, helping to keep the sport dynamic and engaging for fans.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the CFL experienced a massive surge of fan support. This climb can be attributed to high-profile players like Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail who drew attention from across North America as the highest-paid football star (at the time). The star factor of the Argos ownership team, including John Candy, Wayne Gretzky, and the LA Kings owner Bruce McNall certainly helped too, with Candy being an absolute force with the fan base!
Societal changes and a commitment to inclusivity also factored into team name changes over the years. The Edmonton Eskimos were rebranded as the Edmonton Elks in 2020, while the Ottawa Redbacks emerged as a fresh start for that city, following it’s previously named Renegades and Roughriders - athough, it was always amusing for a league this size to have two teams named the same!
Overall, the CFL's evolution reflects its ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to its Canadian roots.
The award has been renamed the George Reed Most Outstanding Player Award starting in 2023. Notable multiple winners include Mike Pringle (4 times), Ricky Ray (1 time), Doug Flutie (2 times), and George Reed (2 times). The award is voted on by the Football Reporters of Canada and head coaches of the CFL.
The CFL MOP celebrates the individual who has made the most remarkable impact on the league throughout the season. It’s quite the honour and one that takes a panel of voters to determine. Media, coaches, and team reps review nominations and select finalists. Typically, the list is dwindled to a final three, with the winner announced at the CFL Awards Gala before the Grey Cup.
Historical winners
Player | Number of Wins | Years |
---|---|---|
Mike Pringle | 4 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 |
Zach Collaros | 3 | 2019, 2021, 2022 |
George Reed | 2 | 1965, 1976 |
Chad Kelly | 1 | 2023 |
Chad Owens | 1 | 2012 |
Travis Lulay | 1 | 2011 |
Henry Burris | 1 | 2010 |
Ricky Ray | 1 | 2005 |
Doug Flutie | 1 | 1992 |
In 2024, the CFL is shaking things up with a couple of key rule changes: teams can now make two challenges per game instead of one, and the kickoff distance has been reduced. Plus, there’s a new overtime format that shifts OT to a shootout-style system rather than a time allowance. Each team gets one possession from the opponent’s 25-yard line, with a chance to score a touchdown or field goal. If the game is still tied after these possessions, the process repeats with a sudden-death scenario, meaning the first team to score in the second round wins. This shift in format is bound to add much more excitement to rival games and speed up tied game ends - and could add more unpredictability for bettors.
In the CFL, scoring works like this: A touchdown is worth 6 points, with an optional 1-point kick or 2-point play for a convert. Field goals are 3 points, safeties score 2 points, and a single point, or “rouge,” is awarded for a ball kicked into the end zone on a missed field goal or kickoff that isn’t returned.
CFL standings are based on wins and losses: teams get 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 for a loss. The team with the most points at the end of the regular season leads the standings. The top teams from the East Division (Winnipeg to Ottawa) and the West Division (Vancouver to Saskatchewan) advance to the playoffs.
In the CFL, you can snag a single point, known as a “rouge,” if the ball is kicked into the end zone on a missed field goal or kickoff and isn’t returned by the receiving team. It’s a bit of a consolation prize for a kick that doesn’t quite make it but at least it still counts for something.
The NFL is viewed as the premiere footballing organisation in the world, however, the CFL still displays plenty of talented individual players.
While the CFL is the highest level of football in Canada, it isn’t quite as popular as the NFL. Although, the CFL season takes place during the NFL’s offseason and keeps football fans entertained in the meanwhile.
In 2022, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were given the highest valuation in CFL history - reportedly worth around $50 million.
Many of the players from the CFL are Canadian. On a gameday, the CFL teams dress 44 players, at least 21 of which are ‘nationals’ (mainly referring to Canadians), and the rest is made up of ‘internationals’
Zach Collaros, quarterback of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, became the highest-paid player in CFL history in 2022. He signed a contract worth $550,000 after winning the 2021 Grey Cup MVP award.
There’s been one game in CFL history that has ended 1-0 - a game between the Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Rough Riders in 1966.
The NFL is older than the CFL. Being formed in 1920, the NFL officially took its common name in 1922, whereas the CFL was born in 1958.
Jack Wedley (Toronto, Montreal Navy), Bill Stevenson (Edmonton) and Hank Ilesic (Edmonton, Toronto) are all tied for the most Grey Cups by a CFL player with seven each.
Multiple players have won both the Grey Cup and NFL Finals. Some of the most famous names include Barry Wilburn (cornerback for the BC Lions and Washington Redskins - as they were then known), Bobby Singh (St. Louis Rams, BC Lions, and even has an XFL winners medal), and Harald Hasselbach (Calgary Stampeders and Denver Broncos).
Similar to the question above, lots of players have transitioned between the CFL and NFL. Once players continue to impress in Canada’s top league, they may move to the NFL after being offered a contract.
Two teams have won the coveted Grey Cup on three-straight occasions. The Toronto Argonauts were reigning champions between 1945 and 1947, while the Edmonton Eskimos (now known as Elks) won three consecutive titles between 1954 and 1956. However, the Eskimos also won FIVE in a row between 1978 and 1982.
It’s extremely simple to bet on the Grey Cup with LeoVegas. Type ‘CFL’ into the search function on desktop or mobile, find our outright/futures markets, and simply place your wager on who you believe will lift the trophy.
Odds on who will lift the Grey Cup vary and will change throughout the season. However, the Blue Bombers lead the way with 3.00 odds, while the Argonauts and BC Lions are joint-second favourites at 6.00 odds with LeoVegas
*CFL Odds are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change
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