Bet 101 Archives - The Boost

How to bet on Esports: Game types, markets & responsible gaming tips

How to bet on Esports.League of Legends.

Esports betting is an all-encompassing term that covers a broad spectrum of professional video games. This How to Bet on Esports article will break them down and the differences between betting on them and traditional sports.

From fighting games such as Super Smash Brothers and Mortal Kombat to MOBAs (multiplayer online battle arena) like League of Legends and Dota 2, to first-person shooter games like Call of Duty, Valorant, and Counter Strike, there is a wide variety to keep up with.

-> New to Esports wagering? Sign up at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

Betting on Esports differs from wagering on traditional sports in several ways. The first one being that Esports can be played online over a long distance, or they can be played in a tournament setting. Both can impact matches due to differences in internet latency (distance) or the presence of live fans (tournament).

Another key difference is the hard-coded limitations on what is possible in Esports. For example: video games have a set speed limit for how fast your character can run.

How to bet on Esports: Markets

Esports betting features many of the same markets as traditional sports. You can bet on totals, money lines, futures and handicaps/spreads. There are prop bets, too.

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bets account to explore live odds and daily Esports markets

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bets account to explore live odds and daily Esports markets

MOBAs

MOBA stands for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. MOBAs are a type of game where two teams of five face off in a nearly identical square arena, with both teams having a base at opposite corners: bottom left and bottom right. The map has three lanes connecting the bases. The space between those lanes is called the jungle.

The goal is to destroy the other team’s base by conquering objectives around the arena that upgrade your character and your teammates’ characters, known as champions/ heroes. The objectives are also prop bets that players can choose to bet on, like Dragons, Barons, Towers, etc.

With every match being a best-of-three or five, and each round averaging about 30 minutes, these types of games are a lot more friendly with spreads and props as opposed to lines, as there are more lopsided money lines.

-> Ready to try handicap betting? Join NorthStar Bets and explore live, moving lines daily

These games also feature a ban stage prior to every round, where each team bans two Champions or Heroes. The teams then redraft their champions, changing the meta entirely. If you are knowledgeable in a particular MOBA video game, live betting is the smarter way to bet, as it rules out variability.

Examples of MOBAs: League of Legends, Dota 2, Heroes of the Storm, Smite

FPS Games

Better known as first-person shooters, they are the most saturated market when it comes to Esports. There are at least six somewhat notable Esports in the genre.

The majority of FPS games incorporate elements from other games, so there are some pretty significant differences between them.

The biggest difference is that there are some controller Esports such as Call of Duty and Halo, versus other Esports that are played on keyboard and mouse, such as Counter Strike 2, Valorant, and Rainbow Six Siege.

In some instances, certain games, such as Counter Strike, have more robust markets with as many as 200 bets or more available per match.

-> Check out the latest props every day at NorthStar Bets – from first bloods to bomb plants and more

-> Check out the latest props every day at NorthStar Bets – from first bloods to bomb plants and more

The best way to gamble on FPS esports is to do so as close to game time as possible. Some games, such as Counter Strike 2 and Call of Duty, you can get away with betting before the match, as these games typically don’t have Heroes/Champions and ban stages before the match.

Games best suited to live betting are Valorant, Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, and Halo.

Why? These games incorporate Heroes/Champion characters selected before each game, or before each round(Rainbow Six Siege), as well as bans before each map of the series. This allows meta to fluctuate as the match goes on, so if you are knowledgeable about the game, it gives you the ability to make more informed bets.

How to bet on Esports: Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be viewed as entertainment. To ensure a positive experience, follow these responsible gambling tips:

Take Breaks: Stepping away from the game allows you to stay in control and maintain perspective.
Set a Budget: Decide how much money you can afford to gamble with and stick to it.
Manage Your Time: Set time limits for gambling sessions to prevent excessive play.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Accept that losing is part of gambling and don’t try to win back losses through riskier bets.
Gamble for Fun, Not Income: Gambling should never be seen as a way to solve financial problems.

(If you have concerns that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, please call Connex Ontario at 1-866-531-2600)

Map sets

The main thing about FPS esports is the variability in map sets that is determined usually hours before a match at the earliest through a veto system.

I’ll try to avoid confusing you, so bear with me. But in MOBA games, all games are played on a fixed static map that never changes, and has a nearly identical layout across all Esports.

In FPS esports, they play on 7-12 different maps, and in a best-of-three, they play on three of those 7-12 different maps.

Certain teams play better or worse on certain maps, so knowing what each team’s best and worst maps are, depending on the game, can allow a player to make a more informed bet.

How to bet on Esports: Game Modes

Certain games like Call of Duty, Halo, and Overwatch offer different game modes on different maps.

So on most FPS games, they play the exact same mode for the entire duration of the series. This is typically non-respawn mode, or otherwise known as Bomb Defusal/ Search and Destroy for Call of Duty.

This diversity of game modes allows for some good moneyline value and map lines.

-> Want to see current Esports moneyline prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

Call of Duty has three, Halo has five, and Overwatch has six different game modes.

Beware of Updates

As absurd as it sounds, game developers really like to mess with the fabric of their games, and sometimes that can happen in the middle of a season/ period where competitive play is taking place.

To put this in traditional sports terms, imagine the NFL banned the Tush Push in week seven of the season. With that new rule change, it probably changes how you bet on the Philadelphia Eagles, for example.

These updates can impact everything from certain items in-game, characters, abilities, bug fixes, etc. Developers constantly update the game, meaning you have to pay attention to any meta changes, as they could directly impact the outcome of your bet.

-> Ready to put your Esports knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

How to bet on MLB: Run lines, totals, props and more

The baseball betting market is huge in Ontario, which is home to Canada’s lone MLB team. In the slower summer months, knowing how to bet on MLB opens up greater wagering opportunities.

From game outcomes and totals, to futures and player props, there are many MLB betting markets to try.

For those new to betting or in need of a refresher, this how to bet on MLB guide will run you through the markets that baseball-loving bettors like to wager on.

-> New to Baseball? Sign up here at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

-> New to Baseball? Sign up here at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

How to bet on MLB

Moneyline

Moneyline wagers are popular across all major North American sports and baseball is no exception. It’s also among the most straightforward ways to bet.

A moneyline bet consists of placing a wager on the team that you think will win a particular game. One example of a moneyline bet is picking the Blue Jays to beat the Yankees straight up.

Each team will come with its own set of odds based on its probability of winning that specific contest. The odds will ultimately determine the potential payout. The favoured team will have a minus (-) sign before its odds, while the underdog will have a plus (+) sign.

Of course, team success plays a major role in determining which team is assigned as the favourite. Other factors include which team is home and the health of the roster. Missing key players will have an impact on the odds.

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bet account to explore live odds and daily MLB markets

One of baseball’s unique elements is that starting pitchers greatly affect what the odds are set at and, as a result, which team will be the favourite or underdog. Matchups that are even will carry identical odds (typically -110 on both sides).

Let’s go back to that hypothetical Blue Jays and Yankees matchup. Here are a few examples of what the moneyline odds (in brackets) could look like depending on the starting pitching matchup.

Starters	Favourite	Underdog
Gerrit Cole vs. Jose Berrios	Yankees (-190)	Blue Jays (+165)
Luis Gil vs. Kevin Gausman	Blue Jays (-155)	Yankees (+140)
Cam Schlittler vs. Trey Yesavage	Yankees (-115)	Blue Jays (+120)

-> Want to see current MLB moneyline prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

-> Want to see current MLB moneyline prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

Evidently, a starting pitcher alone can severely swing the line.

A very good team with its ace on the mound playing a bottom-feeder will see even more lopsided lines. The Dodgers, for instance, were -300 favourites a number of times last season.

The following shows what your return would be depending on the odds:

-110 odds: You would have to wager $110 to win $100
-300 odds: You would have to wager $300 to win $100
+165 odds: You would have to wager $100 to win $165

Note: You will also see the moneyline referred to as ML for short.

Run line betting

The run line is like the puck line in hockey. Each sport has a version of the point spread, which is popular in football and basketball betting.

The run line provides bettors with an opportunity to pick a certain team to win, but also allows them to back a loser and attach a small spread to this bet type.

Typical run lines are set at 1.5, which is a much smaller spread than most NFL/NBA games because baseball has less scoring. Placing a wager on a team at -1.5 means it has to win by two runs or more for your bet to cash.

Taking a team at +1.5 means that it could either win or lose by one run and you would still cash your bet.

Why the run line?

The run line is popular because sometimes a moneyline bet doesn’t make a lot of sense. Let’s go back to that Yankees and Blue Jays example and focus on the Cole and Berrios matchup.

-> Want to try betting the Runline or any alternative lines? Join NorthStar Bets and explore live, moving lines.

The Yankees often have a good chance to win with Cole, but there isn’t much value backing them to win at -190. If you like the New York to beat Toronto, you might also like New York to win by multiple runs. And in that scenario, your odds will be considerably more lucrative.

In that scenario, you could get the Yankees -1.5 at something like +110 odds instead of -190 on the moneyline.

The run line gives bettors an opportunity to potentially get a favourite at plus-money odds or at least not pay as much juice (i.e., the cut the sportsbook takes on your bet). Alternatively, you can back an underdog on the run line and cash your bet without needing that team to win.

There are alternate run lines, too. So you could select the handicap to be 2.5 or even 3.5. You can find good value here if you expect a blowout to occur.

How to bet on MLB totals

One of the most popular bet types for baseball bettors is wagering on the total runs scored in a game. You will also see totals referred to as the over/under or O/U. All three terms mean the same thing.

Betting on the total is also straightforward. Sportsbooks, like NorthStar Bets, will put out a number of runs that the two teams have to combine to go over or under, and a bettor can wager on either option.

The majority of games typically see an over/under total of 7.5 to 10.5, with exceptions both ways.

You can bet on alternative totals as well. Going back to the Yankees versus Jays example, you might see a total of 8.5 (you would have the option to select either the over or under, with odds set around -110 to -120 for either play), but you would also have the option to choose another total.

Here’s an example of what the odds could look like for different totals if the standard O/U was set at 8.5:

7.5 total: over -165, under +145
8.5 total: over -120, under -105
9.5 total: over +130, under -155

You can also wager on team totals and place a bet on how many runs you think each individual team will score in a game. The most common team total O/Us are 4.5 or 5.5.

-> Compare totals across every MLB matchup when you sign up for NorthStar Bets

Props

Player props involve betting on individual outcomes in a game. There are many options to choose from for MLB games and we will run through the most common types offered for each contest.

The starting pitcher prop market has the majority of options presented as an over/under bet type. You can wager on whether a pitcher will exceed or fall short of a certain amount of strikeouts and bet the O/U on it.

Let’s say Berrios’ strikeout total is O/U 6.5, you would have the option to choose whether he would go over or under that number. The odds would look something like this: over -135, under +115.

The same goes for how many outs a pitcher will record, how many hits they will allow, and how many earned runs surrendered. The total and odds that are set will depend greatly on the quality of the pitcher.

For position players, betting the O/U on how many total bases they will record in a game is one of the most popular props that bettors wager on. The O/U on the total bases prop is commonly set at 1.5.

-> Check out the latest player props each day at NorthStar Bets – from home run hitters to strikeouts and more.

Home run props are also popular and allow you to bet on whether certain players will go deep in a particular contest.

There are also prop markets for hits, RBI, runs scored and stolen bases.

There are also markets for team and game props, such as over/unders on the number of hits or homers in a game.

How to bet on MLB futures

The futures market involves betting on outcomes that will happen at a later time. This is a great way to bet if you’re willing to play the long game and find good value.

Picking the team you think will win the World Series is tough, even once the postseason starts, let alone today. But you can find tremendous value by placing a bet on a World Series winner in the offseason. This would be an example of a futures bet.

The Dodgers, the 2024 World Series winners, were around +300 to win the Fall Classic before the season began. If you placed a $100 bet on them to win when they were +300, you would have earned a solid return on investment.

-> Want to see updated World Series odds? Create your account at NorthStar Bets and access futures markets year-round

There are futures markets for season-long awards as well, like the MVP, CY Young and Rookie of the Year.

If you’d bet Shohei Ohtani to win the AL MVP during his historic 2021 season, you would have been laughing after he was the unanimous choice.

The two-way phenom could be had for +2,000/+3,000 in spring training at various operators before becoming the frontrunner in the second half and seeing his odds completely go the other way and hit -2,500 at one point.

Parlays

A parlay consists of making multiple bets on a single ticket and wagering once. Every bet on that parlay must win in order for a bettor to cash their ticket.

An example of an MLB parlay looks like this:

Blue Jays ML (-120)
Red Sox ML (+140)
A’s vs. White Sox over 8.5 runs (-110)
Ohtani over 1.5 total bases (-125)

Combined odds = +1,410. If you correctly predicted all four outcomes, you would win $1,410 (a total payout of $1,510) on a $100 bet.

Keep in mind: The more bets you add to the betslip decreases your likelihood of winning. Parlays are attractive to some because the payouts are bigger than a single-game wager.

You also have the option to make a same-game parlay bet where you could combine a moneyline, over/under, player prop, and so on. So you could make a bet where you predict the Blue Jays to win, score over 5.5 runs and for Vladdy to hit a home run.

You’ll see same-game parlays listed as an SGP.

-> Build your own MLB same-game parlay when you join NorthStar Bets

Live Betting

Live betting is popular and provides users with options to bet on games as they play out in real time. Many of the same pre-game markets, such as the moneyline and over/under, remain available once a game is underway.

Say you took the Blue Jays at -120 odds on the moneyline to beat the Yankees before the game started and they quickly fell behind 2-0, then their odds would change.

The Blue Jays might now be +175 underdogs to win and you would have the option, during the game, to place a wager on them at that price.

-> Experience live MLB betting as it happens – sign up with NorthStar Bets and get in on every pitch

Odds constantly change throughout the game, especially after any runs are scored. For example, those +175 odds might not be available for long if the Blue Jays get two runners on base and then hit a three-run homer to take the lead.

Markets can also close throughout the game for various reasons, so timing on when to strike is key.

-> Ready to put your MLB knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

How to bet on the NBA: Totals, point spreads, live betting and more

The NBA is one of the most popular sports to wager on in Ontario, which is the largest betting market in Canada and home to the Toronto Raptors.

There are many ways to bet on the NBA at NorthStar Bets, which has markets ranging from point spreads to player props, as well as same-game parlays and futures.

-> New to NBA wagering? Sign up at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

For those new to betting or in need of a refresher, this how to bet on the NBA guide will run you through the biggest markets that basketball-loving bettors like to wager on.

How to bet on the NBA

You can pick teams to win straight up (wagering on the moneyline) or back them to win by a certain amount of points (spread betting). These are bets you can place before a game starts or after the opening tip-off in live betting markets.

For those more interested in predicting individual outputs, you can place bets on how many points, assists, or rebounds a player will record in a game. That’s when you wager on player props.

Let’s dive into some of these markets with an explainer on how to bet on NBA moneylines.

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bets account to explore live odds and daily NBA markets.

Moneyline

Betting on the moneyline is more common in lower-scoring sports like hockey and baseball, but this is still a popular form of NBA betting as well.

A moneyline bet is as simple as it gets: you pick who you think will be the straight-up winner of a game. Each team is assigned different odds that can vary considerably since the likelihood of winning will differ greatly in a matchup between a last-place team versus a division leader.

A team that is favoured will have a minus (-) sign before its odds, while the underdog will have a plus (+) sign.

A favourite on the moneyline can see odds that reach -1,000 or even higher. A team’s implied odds, or probability of winning, would be 90 percent at -1,000 odds, meaning you would have to wager a significant amount to even return a small profit.

-> Want to see current NBA moneyline prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

As a result, you would get large plus-money odds on the underdog (say +450) in this matchup. Odds of +450 would mean the team’s probability of winning would be less than 20 percent.

Here’s a look at how much you could win depending on certain odds:

Odds	Implied win probability	Wager amount	Win
-1,000	90.91%	$100	$10
-110	52.38%	$100	$90.91
+120	45.45%	$100	$120
+450	18.18%	$100	$450

There are other ways to pick winners as well, which will we check out in our next section and look at how to bet on NBA point spreads.

How to bet on NBA point spreads

Betting on the point spread is one of the most popular forms of NBA betting and requires a team to win or lose by a certain amount of points. A team that is favoured will have a minus (-) sign before the number that it must win by, while the underdog will have a plus (+) sign.

If the Raptors were playing the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road, they would surely be underdogs, so you would see a spread line that looks something like this: Raptors +10.5; Thunder -10.5. That means if you bet the Raptors +10.5, they would need to either win outright or lose by 10 points or fewer for you to cash your bet.

Alternatively, you would lose your bet if Boston won by nine points or more.

Most spreads are set at -110 odds for both teams. So under this scenario, both the Celtics -8.5 and Raptors +8.5 would have odds of -110. You can also bet on alternative spreads that come with different odds, which we will explain below.

-> Ready to try spread betting? Join NorthStar Bets and explore live, moving lines daily.

Alternative spreads

Alternative spreads involve placing a wager on a number that’s different from the standard/main -110 line. For instance: Say the Raptors are 7.5-point favourites (-110) over the Wizards but you don’t like that number, you’d have the option to bet them at a different spread, be it higher or lower.

So you could bet the Raptors to cover a 5.5-point spread or -4.5, and so on, and pay more juice (give a larger cut to the sportsbook) instead of getting them at -7.5. You would see a smaller return because your odds (say -150) of winning would be higher for this bet type.

On the flip side, if you are confident in a blowout Raptors victory, you might elect to tack on more points for them to cover above the 7.5-point spread and get plus-money odds as a result. This would increase your profit if that ticket was successful.

If you liked Toronto to win by double-digits, you could bet the Raptors to win by 10-plus points (covering a 9.5-point spread) and get them at +140 odds, for instance.

How to bet on NBA totals

Along with spreads, betting on the total amount of points scored in a game is a really popular choice for basketball bettors. You will also see totals referred to as the over/under or O/U. All three terms are interchangeable.

Each game will come with a betting option where you can choose whether the two teams will combine to score more or fewer points than a certain number that is set. The over/under on the points total will typically be somewhere between 200 and 230 points.

Totals will vary from game to game depending on how good a team is offensively or defensively and who is available to play that game. If a star like LeBron James missed a game, that would have an impact on the total, spread and moneyline.

Like spreads, standard O/U odds are -110 for both sides.

-> Compare totals across every NBA matchup when you sign up for NorthStar Bets

If the total was set at 207.5 in that hypothetical game between the Raptors and Cavaliers, you would have the option to bet on whether the teams eclipse that number or fall short.

A combined total of 208 or more would cash the over, while a combined score of 207 or less would mean the under wins.

Alternative totals

Like spreads, you can bet alternative totals as well. You will have the option to bet on different numbers than the 207.5 O/U in the above example, but the odds would of course change. If you chose to bet on an alternative total of say 209.5 points, the odds would alter to something like -135 for the under and +120 for the over.

You could also bet on a lower total, and in this instance pay more juice for the over (the more likely outcome) and have a chance to net a higher payout on the under because your probability of winning would decrease.

Additionally, there are options to bet on team-specific totals as well.

You could, for instance, place a bet on the over/under of how many points you think just the Raptors would score in that game. You could also place a wager on the total, as well as moneyline and spread, for a specific quarter or half, which is known as a derivative bet.

Props

Player props involve betting on individual outcomes. These proposition bets provide users with a robust market option to choose from in addition to the outcome of a game.

You can place a bet on how many points you think Scottie Barnes will score in a game (over or under 20.5, for example), how many assists Immanuel Quickley will get, or whether or not you think RJ Barrett. will drill more than 2.5 three-pointers in a game.

You can also bet on a player’s combined point/rebound/assist total. This market can be attractive if you aren’t sold on betting on one specific category.

In this example, you might see Barnes’ PRA prop listed at 34.5, meaning he would have to accumulate a total of 35 combined points, rebounds, and assists for you to cash your bet if you selected the over.

There are also markets for team props and game props, such as which team will have the highest-scoring quarter.

-> Check out the latest player props every day at NorthStar Bets – from betting triple-doubles to points and more

-> Check out the latest player props every day at NorthStar Bets – from betting triple-doubles to points and more

Futures betting

The futures market involves betting on outcomes that will happen at a later time. This is a great chance to find value ahead of the season or early on before certain teams and players start pulling away as favourites and the odds change.

For instance, you could have gotten the Thunder at around +675 odds to win the NBA Finals ahead of last season, a number that was much lower by the time the playoffs started. That meant there was considerably less value to be found at that point compared to the preseason.

-> Want to see updated NBA finals champions odds? Create your account at NorthStar Bets and access futures markets year-round

An OKC Finals futures ticket at +675 odds means that you would have netted $650 on a $100 wager.

Other common futures markets include betting on season-long awards such as the MVP or the Defensive Player of the Year, the NBA champion, division winners, and the over/under on a team’s win total.

The futures market is open throughout the season, so you can place these types of bets at any time but the odds are constantly changing based on performance and injury.

Parlays

A parlay consists of attaching two or more bets to a single ticket but only wagering once. You need every outcome (known as legs) of your parlay to win in order to cash your ticket.

The more bets you attach to a single ticket decreases your likelihood of winning but parlays are attractive to some because the payouts are bigger than a single-game wager.

An example of a parlay bet looks like this:

Legs	Odds
Raptors +7.5	-110
Wizards -6.5	-110
Celtics/Nuggets over 215.5 points	-110

That comes out to +596 odds. Again, you would need all three outcomes of that bet to be correct in order to win. A $100 wager would payout $695.79.

If you made $100 bets on each game as single-event wagers instead, you could profit $90.91 for each one or $272.73 total compared to $596 if they were parlayed.

You can also make a same-game parlay bet where you could combine a moneyline, over/under, player prop from a specific matchup. Like any parlay, these types of bets come with more risk because the probability of winning decreases the more bets you tack on the ticket.

-> Build your own NBA same-game parlay when you join NorthStar Bets

Live betting

In-game betting is growing in popularity and gives bettors an option to react to the results of a contest as it plays out in real-time.

Live betting can offer great value if, say, a big favourite falls behind early and its moneyline odds go from -120 to +120. If you believe the team will come back, you will net a higher return by betting on them mid-game than you would have before the contest started.

-> Experience live NBA betting as it happens – sign up with NorthStar Bets and get in on every drive

Keep in mind: For heavy favourites, it will typically take quite a bit of time or a massive deficit before they turn into an underdog. That said, it would at least present an opportunity to back them to cover a smaller spread.

The odds are constantly changing throughout the game, so a big run or even a basket will alter the lines during play.

Many markets are available for in-game betting, including the moneyline, point spread and total.

-> Ready to put your NBA knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

How to bet on soccer: Totals, futures, parlays and more

If you have ever wondered how to bet on soccer, you’ve come to the right place.

A sport played around the world, soccer reaches its highest level in European club play and International tournaments. Whether it’s Canada’s Alphonso Davies, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, or England’s Jude Bellingham — the best players find their way to Europe’s top leagues.

-> New to soccer wagering? Sign up at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

There are extremely talented leagues in every country but soccer’s biggest event is undoubtedly the World Cup, which will be coming to Canada in 2026.

How to bet on soccer

There are many ways to bet on soccer, from game outcomes to player-specific results. When betting on a match, there are plenty of variables to consider. Is a starting player injured? Who holds the tactical advantage? Which club is in better form? These are all important questions to ask.

We will cover the many different markets available to soccer bettors and how to capitalize on them in this piece.

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bets account to explore live odds and daily soccer markets.

Full-time result

Betting on the full-time result is the most popular way to wager on soccer. Think of it as three-way moneyline betting since games can end in a tie — something seldom seen in North American sports.

There are three possible bets for you to choose from under this scenario: Team A, Team B, and Draw.

Since a draw is possible, the favourite will not always be denoted with a minus (-) symbol but can also be labelled at plus (+) money.

Typically, in an evenly matched contest, the odds are skewed in favour of the home team, while a draw sits slightly higher than either team to win.

–> Want to see current soccer full-time result prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

-> Want to see current soccer full-time result prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

This, of course, changes based on who is competing. For example, if Manchester City were playing at home versus Everton, they would surely be favoured around -1,000 on the moneyline.

A draw, meanwhile, could sit at +600, and an Everton win at +800.

Sportsbooks are placing a 90.91% implied probability of Manchester City winning the match at -1,000. You would have to wager $1,000 to win $100.

Here are some other examples of how odds work:

Odds	Wager	Win	Implied Probability
-250	$250	$100	71.43%
-110	$110	$100	52.38%
+175	$100	$175	36.36%
+300	$100	$300	25.00%

When deciding what to bet, some important factors could include injuries, team form, location, and weather.

Draw no-bet and double-results

If you wish to bet on a soccer moneyline without the option of a tie, choose the draw no bet option. This returns your stake if a draw occurs, but also lowers the odds on either team to win.

Let’s use a match between Arsenal (home side) and Tottenham (away side) as an example of what these odds could look like with two teams competing.

Betting Market	Arsenal (H)	Draw	Tottenham (A)
Three-way	-106	+290	+260
Draw no bet	-230	N/A	+180

This removes the risk of losing your bet on a last-second tying goal or a 0-0 snoozefest.

You can also bet double results, which would look something like this:

Arsenal or tie (-350)
Tottenham or tie (+105)

Wagering a double-results allows bettors to capitalize on underdogs when they’re confident the team will at least tie a game.

How to bet on soccer: Goal line

Goal line betting isn’t as popular in soccer as result betting. Similar to the puck line in hockey, or run line in baseball, the goal line allows bettors to capitalize on markets where one team is significantly favoured. Think of it as betting against the spread (ATS).

Let’s use the Manchester City vs. Everton example again. City were -1,000 for a full-time result win, so there’s very little value in betting them on the moneyline.

However, their goal line may be set at -2.5, meaning if they win by three or more goals, they would cover. If Everton, on the other hand, lost by two or fewer goals — or won straight up — they would cover.

Goal lines are generally set at even -110 odds, but there can be some variance.

If you believe Man City was going to blow out Everton, taking the goal line at -110 odds would make far more sense than betting it to win at -1,000.

-> Ready to try goal line betting? Join NorthStar Bets and explore live, moving lines daily

Totals

Betting totals in soccer is extremely popular and is the simplest of all wagers. You are choosing the total amount of goals scored in a contest. This can also be referred to as the O/U or over/under.

Let’s say the O/U is set at 2.5: If three or more goals are scored, the over wins. The under would require two or fewer goals to cash.

The total for most matches is commonly set at 2.5 but can vary from 1.5 to 4.5 at the high end depending on who is playing.

In other sports, the O/U is typically set at even -110 odds per side.

In soccer, however, there’s more variance. For example, an over set at 1.5 could be -175, while the under would be listed at +140. A 3.5 total could be presented at +150 for the over, and the under at -160.

There’s also an option to move the total higher or lower. This is known as an alternate total. If you believe a match will be a shootout and the over is set at 2.5, you could move the line to 3.5 or even 4.5 — and the odds would similarly change.

Total	Over	Under
1.5	-450	+300
2.5	-130	+105
3.5	+175	-250
4.5	+450	-700

In addition to game totals, you can bet team totals, which follow the same principles but only apply to one team.

-> Compare totals across every soccer matchup when you sign up for NorthStar Bets

How to bet on soccer props

For the most part, props can be divided into two categories: player props and game props.

Player props are relatively straightforward, let’s use Lionel Messi as an example. You can bet on how many shots or shots on target he would have. Beyond that, there are props on his chances to score a goal, make an assist, or receive a card, among others.

The odds for Messi, a forward, to score a goal would be significantly higher (around -125) than his teammate Sergio Busquets, a defensive midfielder (+900).

Game props involve both teams, and you can bet on anything from the number of total cards to how many free kicks or offsides there will be.

As mentioned, the props market is extensive, so familiarizing yourself with what you’re betting on is key to success.

-> Check out the latest player props every day at NorthStar Bets – from betting goals to much more

-> Check out the latest player props every day at NorthStar Bets – from betting goals to much more

Parlays

Parlays are a way to combine multiple selections into one larger ticket for a greater payout. A parlay consists of two or more bets, each of which is known as a leg. For the parlay to be successful, each leg must win or else the entire parlay loses.

This drastically increases payout possibilities while the bettor assumes more risk.

You can parlay props, full-time results, totals, and more into one ticket. Here is an example:

Draw full-time result, Juventus v. Roma +280
Liverpool full-time result, Liverpool v. Chelsea -105
Son Heung-min anytime goalscorer +160

Odds of combined selection: +1,728 ($100 bet would win $1,728).

Outside of multi-game parlays, our sportsbook has the option for same-game parlays where you can combine multiple props and markets from the same game into one ticket.

-> Build your own soccer same-game parlay when you join NorthStar Bets

Live Betting

Live betting is a way to wager on a game after it has started. While you can typically find all of the aforementioned markets when live betting, the odds could drastically change.

Let’s say Toronto FC was playing Inter Miami. Prior to the game beginning, Inter Miami was priced at -350 full-time result, while TFC was listed at +300 and a draw at +325.

If Toronto went up 1-0 before halftime, the odds would shift and TFC would become favoured. If you believed Miami had a chance at coming back and winning, you could likely find their live full-time result odds at +150 or more.

Live betting player props are also a popular option. If Messi was -125 to score a goal before the game and went into halftime without finding the net, his odds to score would rise to around +250.

-> Experience live soccer betting as it happens – sign up with NorthStar Bets and get in on every minute

How to bet on soccer futures

The soccer futures market is incredibly robust. When placing a future, you are essentially predicting an event that will take place further down the line.

Since global football is comprised of so many leagues, we’ll just stick to the Premier League for this section.

You can bet on who you believe will win the Premier League before the season starts. The usual suspects such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal will likely be favoured in odds, while mid-table clubs would have a much lower chance of winning.

-> Want to see updated soccer future odds? Create your account at NorthStar Bets and access futures markets year-round

Liverpool opened the 2024-25 season with +800 odds and won.

Perhaps the most famous futures bet in soccer history is when Leicester City won the Premier League in 2015-16, having opened at +500,000. Yes, you read that correctly, 5,000-to-1.

You can place similar bets on who will win the FA Cup, as well as multi-league competitions such as the Champions League.

Furthermore, the futures market has options to bet on if teams will finish in the top-half, top-six, or top-four of their respective league tables. These odds are great opportunities if you think a team will be competitive but are not yet good enough to win the league.

There are also futures markets available for player props. One popular bet is who will win the Golden Boot (top goal scorer) in the Premier League. Players such as Erling Haaland and Salah would sit atop the odds here.

-> Ready to put your soccer knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

How to bet on the NHL: Live betting, futures, parlays and more

Hockey is Canada’s favourite sport. Unsurprisingly, the NHL betting market in Canada — home to seven of the league’s 32 teams — is quite popular.

There are many ways to bet on the NHL at NorthStar Bets, which we’ll cover in the sections below.

-> New to NHL wagering? Sign up at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

For those new to betting or in need of a refresher, this how to bet on the NHL guide will run you through the markets that hockey-loving bettors like to wager on.

How to bet on the NHL

If you’re looking to pick the winner of a game, you can bet on a team to win on the moneyline or puck line. Not interested in choosing a winner or loser? Then betting on game totals and player props might be your speed.

Don’t fret if you missed putting in your bets before the game starts, either. Live betting is a popular way to wager on the NHL.

You can also bet on down-the-road events, such as the Stanley Cup champion or Hart Trophy winner. Those are known as futures markets. Let’s take a look at all of these market types, starting with how to bet on NHL moneylines.

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bets account to explore live odds and daily NHL markets.

Moneyline

A moneyline wager is a favourite among NHL bettors and one of the simplest ways to make a bet. When wagering on the moneyline (listed as ML for short), you’re predicting which team will win the game straight up. That’s it.

Each team is assigned a different set of odds based on its win probability. That will ultimately determine the potential payout. A team that is favoured has a minus (-) sign before its odds, while the underdog has a plus (+) sign.

Odds will vary considerably between matchups based on the level of success among teams. A top squad like the Edmonton Oilers, for example, will be favoured in most of its games. In that case, you’ll see a minus sign before Edmonton’s odds.

-> Want to see current NHL moneyline prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

If the Oilers closed as -150 favourites, it means their implied win probability is 60.0%.

Additional factors, such as home-ice advantage and key injuries, can shift the odds further. Sometimes a moneyline favourite holds odds of -300 or -400.

At -400, the favoured team’s implied win probability is 80.0%, requiring a larger wager to return even a small profit.

This chart demonstrates your potential return on investment depending on the odds and how much you wagered:

Odds	Implied win probability	Wager amount	Win
-110	52.4%	$110	$100
-400	80.0%	$400	$100
+160	38.5%	$100	$160

Puck line

Think of the puck line like the point spread. In higher-scoring sports like basketball and football, the spread is one of the most popular betting choices. It helps level the playing field in a sense, giving bettors an option to wager on a big underdog to either win outright or lose within a certain margin.

On the moneyline, a lopsided matchup features a favourite with minimal value against a long shot underdog. But on the puck line, both sides will have more reasonable odds to cash.

From the sportsbook’s perspective, puck line markets encourage action on both sides because the odds are more aligned.

In sports like hockey and baseball, which feature less scoring, large point spreads don’t exist because the typical margin of victory is small. But you can bet on a modest spread in hockey — called the puck line — with the handicap generally set at 1.5.

The puck line is popular because sometimes a moneyline bet doesn’t make a lot of sense.

For example: If the Florida Panthers are hosting the San Jose Sharks and you’re confident in a Florida blowout, you’d get better odds and a greater return if you bet Panthers -1.5 (to win by two or more goals) rather than betting Panthers ML.

The Panthers would be large favourites and there wouldn’t be much value on a moneyline play.

Puck lines allow bettors to potentially get a favourite at plus-money odds. Alternatively, they allow bettors to back an underdog without needing that team to win. But remember, when backing a puck line favourite, the team has to win by at least two goals for your bet to cash.

The +1.5 underdog, on the other hand, can lose and still cash your bet. They just can’t lose by more than one goal.

Also, like point spreads, there are alternative puck lines. So you could select the handicap to be 2.5 or even 3.5. You can find good value here if you expect a favourite to blow out a last-place team, for instance.

-> Ready to try puck line betting? Join NorthStar Bets and explore live, moving lines daily.

How to bet on NHL totals

Along with the moneyline, wagering on the total amount of goals scored in a game is among the most popular hockey betting markets. You will see totals referred to as the over/under or O/U. All three terms are interchangeable.

Betting on the total is also straightforward. You will be given a number of goals that the two teams have to combine to go over or under and you can wager on either option. The total for most NHL games is set between 5.5 and 6.5.

You can bet on alternative totals as well. For instance, you will have the option to place a bet on a 4.5 or 3.5 total and while you’d be playing it safe and your probability of winning would increase if you bet the over (compared to say a 5.5 standard O/U total), the odds would alter as well and your potential payout would decrease substantially.

Or it would increase substantially if you bet the under on an alternative total and cashed the bet.

Here’s an example of what the odds could look like for different totals:

Total	Over	Under
5.5	+110	-130
4.5	-260	+205
3.5	-450	+350

You can also bet on team-specific totals as well and place a bet on how many goals you think the Leafs will score in a contest, for instance.

-> Compare totals across every NHL matchup when you sign up for NorthStar Bets

How to bet on NHL props

Player props involve betting on individual outcomes in a game. You can place a bet on how many goals you think Auston Matthews will score in a contest, how many shots Quinn Hughes will put on net, or how many power-play points Connor McDavid will record.

Goal props are presented in a few different ways. You can bet on whether a player will score the first goal of the game, the last goal of the game or score at any time during the contest. Expecting a star like Matthews to have a big game? You can also bet on him to score two goals or even a hat trick.

You can also place bets on assist and point totals for a particular game. While the player prop market is more robust in other sports, there are still plenty of options for bettors to choose from in addition to the game-specific outcomes.

There are markets for game props, too. These include over/unders on total shots on net for the contest, total faceoffs, and the highest-scoring period.

-> Check out the latest player props every day at NorthStar Bets – from betting goals, shots on goal and much more

-> Check out the latest player props every day at NorthStar Bets – from betting goals, shots on goal and much more

Futures betting

The futures market involves betting on outcomes that will happen … in the future. While it’s not as robust as the daily markets that bettors can choose from, this is a great way to bet if you’re willing to play the long game. Good value can be found here.

When all 32 teams theoretically have a chance to win the Stanley Cup ahead of the season, the odds are going to look a lot different than what they would once the playoff field is set. The same goes for season-long awards. Teams and players will separate themselves as contenders and favourites as the season goes on, ultimately shortening their odds.

For instance, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be had for around +1,400 to win the Cup ahead of the 2024-25 season. But their odds shortened to +1,000 at the start of the postseason.

-> Want to see updated Stanley Cup odds? Create your account at NorthStar Bets and access futures markets year-round

Let’s say the Maple Leafs had gone on to win the Cup, which we know they didn’t, a bettor who placed a $100 wager when Toronto was at +1,400 would have won $400 more than the person who bet on the club at +1,000.

Other common futures markets that bettors can wager on are the Hart Trophy, the O/U on a team’s win total, the Calder Trophy, the Vezina Trophy, division winners and more.

The futures market is open throughout the season, so you can place these types of bets at any time but the odds are constantly changing based on performance and injury.

Parlays

A parlay consists of making two or more bets on a single ticket and wagering once. Every bet on the parlay, known as legs, must be correct in order for you to win your ticket. Even if you get everything on the parlay right except for one play, you will lose the bet.

The more bets you attach to a single ticket decreases your likelihood of winning but parlays are attractive to some because the payouts are bigger than a single-game wager.

An example of an NHL parlay looks like this:

Legs	Odds
Jets +1.5	-115
Sidney Crosby to score	+115
Hurricanes moneyline	-140

The combined odds of this parlay are +587. If you predicted all three of those outcomes correctly, you would win $587 (a total payout of $687) on a $100 bet.

You can build a parlay like the above example, where you mix markets and matchups, but you can also make a same-game parlay bet. Here, you could combine a moneyline, over/under, player prop, and so on, from one specific contest.

An example of this would be betting on the Jets to win, Mark Scheifele to score, and Winnipeg to record more than 3.5 goals. Again, like any parlay, these types of bets are riskier for the bettor because the probability of winning decreases the more bets you tack on to the ticket.

-> Build your own NHL same-game parlay when you join NorthStar Bets

Live betting

In-game betting provides users with options to bet on games as they play out in real time. Among the markets you can bet on are the moneyline, over/under and puck line.

-> Experience live NHL betting as it happens – sign up with NorthStar Bets and get in on every drive

Live betting can offer great value if a big favourite falls behind early and becomes an underdog on the ML as a result. Under that scenario, you would net a higher return by betting on them mid-game than you would have before the contest started if they went on to win.

The odds constantly change throughout a game. This is especially true after goals are scored.

Markets will sometimes close during a power play or late in the game, but this is another way you can bet after the puck drops.

-> Ready to put your NHL knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

Glossary of sports betting terms for Canadian players

Sports betting terms are rife with jargon that can be overwhelming to those unfamiliar with it. You may know some of the jargon, but perhaps there are some terms you’ve never heard of.

Don’t worry: We’re here to help. It never hurts to brush up on your sports betting linguistics whether you’re a sharp or a square (see below for definitions).

Here are the need-to-know sports betting terms you should make yourself familiar with.

Glossary of key sports betting terms

Action: A bettor will have action on a game when they’ve placed a bet on it.

Against the spread (ATS): Betting a game with a point spread. If you bet the Bills to cover a 4.5-point spread as favourites, they’ll need to win by at least five points for your bet to be a winner.

Alternative line/total: Sportsbooks will offer other lines aside from the featured point spread and game total. If the projected total for a football game is 45.5 points, you might be able to wager on alternate totals such as 48.5 or 42.5.

Backdoor cover: When a team comes from behind late in a game to cover the spread.

Bad beat: An unfortunate loss to a bet that appeared destined to win. For example, you bet on the Bills to cover as -7.5 favourites and they’re winning in the final minute of the game, 24-14 … but then the opposition kicks a last-second field goal and Buffalo fails to cover the spread.

Bankroll: The amount of money you have in your sports betting account. If you create an account with NorthStar Bets and deposit $100, you’ll have a $100 bankroll.

Cash out: Accepting an offer from a sportsbook for a bet that hasn’t reached a final result. By cashing out, you’re settling the bet early.

Chalk: The overwhelmingly popular pick for a sporting event.

Closing line: The line for an event when the sportsbook stops accepting bets (generally at the start time of the event).

Closing line value (CLV): The value of a bet relative to the closing line. If you bet on the Bills to win at -115, and the line closes later at -155, you’d have some positive CLV.

Cover: Refers to the result of a successful point spread bet. If the Raptors are 6.5-point underdogs but only lose by four points, they covered the point spread.

Even money: Even odds, equivalent to 50/50 or +100. You’ll earn double what you wager if your ticket is successful.

Favourite: The team or player expected to win. They will have a minus sign (-) before their moneyline odds (-125, for example) and/or point spread (-4.5).

Futures: A bet that requires a longer period of time to determine the result. League champions, division titles and MVP awards are common types of futures bets.

Handicap: The point spread number. Whatever the number is set at, whether it’s 3.5, 7.5, 10.5, and so on, is the number of points that a favourite is expected to win by.

Handle: The amount of money wagered by bettors on a certain event.

Hedge: Most commonly done with parlays or future bets, a hedge is when you bet the opposite side of your original wager. If you bet on a six-game NFL parlay and the first five legs of the wager win, you could bet on the opposing team of the final leg to hedge your bet.

Hook: Refers to the 0.5 listed with most point spreads. If you bet the Bills -3.5 on the point spread, the half point is the hook. In that instance, if the Bills win by exactly three points, it means that Buffalo bettors got “hooked” by that extra 0.5 points.

Implied probability: The likelihood of a bet winning based on the odds for the event. For example, a bet with +100 odds has a 50% implied probability.

In-game betting: Bets placed after the game has already started. This can be on the moneyline, point spread, over/under, props, etc. Also known as live betting.

Juice/vig: The cut the sportsbook takes for using their services. Winning a bet on a $100 wager at -110 odds would return $190.91. That’s a 10% vig, which is essentially the tax you pay to the operator.

Laying the points: Betting on the favourite to win. If you back the Raptors to cover a 6.5-point spread as favourites, you are laying the points with Toronto.

Live odds: The odds of a game that is in progress. Live odds can drastically fluctuate based on what happens at any given moment.

Long shot: A bet that has a low chance of winning.

Middle: When a bettor has action on both sides of a game and can win both bets. For example, if you bet over 45.5 points and under 55.5 points, any total from 46 to 55 would win both bets.

Moneyline: A type of bet where you wager on the winner of the game. Each team receives its own set of odds, and a successful moneyline wager involves backing the team that wins.

Off the board: When an event’s betting markets are unavailable to wager on. Common events that trigger OTB markets are the start of a game or key injury news.

Opening line: The line for an event when it’s first listed at a sportsbook.

Over: A bet that requires a player, team, or game to score or accumulate more than the listed total.

Over/under: Known as O/U for short, as well as the total. Sportsbooks determine the number of projected combined points for a game, and bettors decide whether the clubs will go over or under that total. It’s also used when betting on player props. Player props give you the option to bet the over or under on categories such as points, receiving yards, shots on goal, and rebounds.

Parlay: A wager that consists of two or more bets tied to one ticket. All outcomes of the parlay have to win in order for the bet to be a winner.

Pick’em: When neither team is favoured on the point spread.

Point spread: A number established by sportsbooks that a team has to cover. For a spread of -7.5, which you would see in sports like the NFL and NBA, the (-) indicates the favourite and means the team would have to win by eight points or more. The underdog spread would be +7.5, and that team could cover by either winning outright or losing by seven or fewer points.

Props: Bets that aren’t tied to the outcome of a contest but rather specific events that occur during a game. Player props allow you to wager on individual production, such as the total points or yards a player will accumulate in a contest. Game props allow you to make bets on a number of different events, such as the highest-scoring period in a hockey game.

Puck line: The standard handicap set for NHL betting, which is usually 1.5 goals. That means you can either bet on a favourite to cover the puck line at -1.5 or back the underdog at +1.5. This is hockey’s version of the point spread.

Push: When a bet results in a tie. If you bet the Raptors to cover a 4-point spread and they win by exactly four points, that is a push. Your initial wager will be reimbursed.

Run line: The standard handicap set for MLB betting, which is usually 1.5 runs. That means you can either bet on a favourite to cover the run line at -1.5 or back the underdog at +1.5. This is baseball’s version of the point spread.

Same-game parlay: Combining two or more wagers from a single event into one bet.

Sharp: Considered to be a smart and successful sports bettor.

Sportsbook: The operator that you place bets with, deposit funds with, and collect winnings from. NorthStar Bets is an example of an online sportsbook.

Square: A casual bettor who wagers on the public or popular side of a bet.

Straight up/SU: Refers to the winner of a match. A straight-up bet is placed on an outright winner and doesn’t involve a point spread.

Sweat: A bet that comes down to the last second or final play.

Taking the points: Betting on the underdog. If you back the Bills to cover a +3.5 spread, you are taking the points with Buffalo.

Teaser: Buying points from a sportsbook for a parlay. Sportsbooks typically award six points for a football teaser and four for basketball, but there must be at least two legs to the bet. If the Raptors are +4 underdogs, you can add them to a teaser at +8 (with greater juice).

Total: See over/under.

Under: A bet that requires a player, team, or game to score/accumulate less than the listed total.

Underdog: The team or player expected to lose. The underdog will have a plus (+) sign before their moneyline odds and/or point spread.

Unit: Refers to the base amount of money you place on a wager. If your base wager is $100, that would be one unit.

Wager: A bet.

Online Casino Glossary & Terms

Whether you’re new to online gambling or an experienced player, understanding the language of the casino can give you a real edge. From RTP and volatility to wagering requirements and progressive jackpots, our online casino glossary for Canada explains key betting terms in clear, easy-to-understand language — helping you play smarter and maximize your experience at trusted, regulated sites.

-> Sign up at NorthStar Bets Canada to explore online slots, table games, and live dealer experiences built for Canadian players.

Why Understanding Casino Terminology Matters

Online casinos use industry-specific terms that can impact how games work and how winnings are paid. Knowing these terms isn’t just for pros — it’s essential for making informed decisions about your bets, bonuses, and strategies.

For example, understanding RTP (Return to Player) percentages can help you choose slots with better long-term payout potential, while grasping wagering requirements ensures you know what’s needed before you can withdraw bonus winnings.

-> Explore online casino games at NorthStar Bets Canada with full transparency and clear terms for every promotion.

Key Online Casino Glossary Canada Terms & Definitions

Below is a glossary of essential online casino terms, tailored for Canadian players:

RTP (Return to Player): The percentage of wagered money a slot or table game returns to players over time.
Volatility: Indicates how often and how much a game pays out — high volatility = fewer but larger wins; low volatility = frequent smaller wins.
House Edge: The built-in advantage the casino has in each game, usually expressed as a percentage.
Wagering Requirements: The number of times bonus money must be bet before withdrawal is possible.
Progressive Jackpot: A jackpot that increases over time, often networked across multiple casinos.
Bonus Buy: A feature in some slots that allows players to pay to enter a bonus round instantly.
Live Dealer: Real dealers streamed from studios, giving players a more authentic casino experience.
Free Spins: Promotional spins on slot machines, often attached to welcome bonuses.
Bankroll: The total amount of money a player sets aside for gambling.
Multiplier: A feature that increases winnings by a set factor, often found in bonus rounds.

-> See the latest bonus offers at NorthStar Bets Canada and put these terms into action on your favourite games.

H2: How to Use This Glossary as a Canadian Player

Before you play: Review terms like RTP and volatility to pick games suited to your risk profile.
When you claim bonuses: Understand wagering requirements, eligible games, and time limits.
While playing: Recognize multipliers, jackpots, and bonus triggers to maximize value.
When cashing out: Be clear on house edge and withdrawal rules to avoid surprises.

Canadian online casinos are regulated provincially, ensuring that players have access to fair games and clear promotional terms. By knowing the lingo, you’re better positioned to find value and play responsibly.

-> Join NorthStar Bets Canada today to put your knowledge to the test at a trusted Canadian online casino.
(CTA Placement #4: After practical advice — strong conversion moment)

H2: FAQ — Online Casino Terms Canada

Q1: What does RTP mean in online casinos?
RTP stands for “Return to Player” and indicates the percentage of all wagered money a game returns to players over time. A 96% RTP slot returns $96 for every $100 wagered, on average.

Q2: What are wagering requirements?
These are conditions tied to bonuses that require you to bet a certain multiple of the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings.

Q3: What’s the difference between volatility and house edge?
Volatility describes the frequency and size of payouts, while house edge reflects the casino’s built-in advantage.

Q4: Are these terms the same at Canadian online casinos?
Yes — regulated Canadian casinos use the same core terminology, but bonus terms and game offerings may vary by province and operator.

-> Start playing at NorthStar Bets Canada — a fully regulated operator with transparent terms and top-tier casino games.

IPL 2025 Betting Guide: How to bet on the Indian Premier League in Ontario

With the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season now underway, our IPL 2025 Betting Guide is ideal for Ontario cricket enthusiasts gearing up to get in on the action.

Betting on the IPL in Ontario is legal and regulated and offers a secure way to add excitement to every match. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a cricket newbie, this guide provides everything you need to know about IPL betting.

We’ll feature top teams and players, popular cricket betting markets, responsible gaming tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Click HERE to wager on the IPL 2025 season.

IPL 2025 Schedule:

The 2025 IPL regular season begins on March 22 and runs through May 18, with each team playing 14 group-stage games before the playoffs.

Four teams make the postseason and play in a double-elimination tournament, which concludes on May 25.

Popular Betting Markets

There are several ways to wager on IPL with NorthStar Bets, including:

1. Match Winner
The simplest market: predict which team will win the match. Odds are influenced by team form, pitch conditions, and player availability.

2. Total Match Runs Over/Under
Bet on whether the total runs in a match or innings will be over or under a specified number.

3. Player of the Match
Predict which player will make the biggest impact on the game and win the Man of the Match award.

Click HERE to wager on the IPL 2025 season.

Popular IPL Teams in 2025:

The IPL is the league’s premier T20 cricket league and features some of the game’s biggest stars including:

Mumbai Indians (MI): After rebuilding in 2024, MI looks poised for a strong comeback. Captain Hardik Pandya and all-world batsman Rohit Sharma are leading from the front.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Under the experienced leadership of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK’s blend of youth and experience makes them serious contenders.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Captain Shreyas Iyer was released ahead of the super draft with Ajinkya Rahane taking his place. Batsman Rinku Singh and all-rounder Andre Russell take centre stage.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Virat Kohli continues to spearhead the batting lineup and new signing Devdutt Padikkal will need to step up with Faf du Plessis out of the door. RCB is defending its title from last season.
Luknow Super Giants (RR): The Super Giants made a splash by acquiring wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant for ₹27 crore at the 2025 auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.

Click HERE to wager on the IPL 2025 season.

Responsible Gambling: Best Practices

Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Use Self-Exclusion Tools: NorthStar Bets offers tools to limit deposits, play time, or even self-exclude.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Take breaks and don’t try to recover losses with bigger bets.
Understand the Risks: Betting should be fun, not a way to make money. Know when to walk away.
Seek Help if Needed: Ontario offers free support services like ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) for problem gambling.

For more, check out our Guide to Responsible Gambling.

IPL FAQs

Is IPL betting legal in Ontario?
- Yes. IPL betting is legal through sportsbooks regulated by iGaming Ontario. You must be 19 or older.
When does IPL 2025 start?
- The 2025 IPL season is scheduled to begin in late March and run until late May.
Who are the 2025 IPL favourites?
- Sunrisers Hyderabad were the early frontrunners at NorthStar Bets +475 with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians right behind.

(Portions of this article were created with the assistance of AI. This article was edited by NorthStar Bets’ editorial staff before publication.

How to bet on March Madness: Brackets, spreads, parlays and more

March Madness is arguably the craziest sporting event of the year, and it’s a cornerstone of a bustling spring sports calendar. A pool of 68 college basketball teams competes for one goal: A chance to survive a one-and-done tournament to be crowned as national champions.

The NCAA tourney is known for upsets, chaos, and drama. Every year, powerhouses and Cinderellas alike put their stamp on history.

-> New to NCAA Basketball wagering? Sign up at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

There are a number of ways to bet on March Madness, and we’ll go through all possibilities to enhance your viewing experience.

How to bet on March Madness

Parity in the NCAA is reaching an all-time high. Over the past few years, we’ve seen 15-seed Saint Peter’s make the Elite Eight, 11-seed Loyola Chicago make the Final Four and two No. 1 seeds dethroned by 16-seeds (UMBC, Fairleigh Dickinson).

An NCAA-record 11 unique seeds qualified for the Sweet 16 in 2021. 2024’s tournament saw seven unique seeds make the final 16, showing that the tournament is always unpredictable.

Here are some tips for betting on March Madness.

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bets account to explore live odds and daily NCAA Basketball markets.

Moneyline

Moneyline betting and March Madness go hand-in-hand.

Brackets reign supreme in March, and they follow a win-or-go-home format. With that in mind, betting on the moneyline (often shortened to “ML”) is an effective way to tail your bracket picks.

When betting on the moneyline during the first two rounds, each team’s seeding typically correlates with their status as either the favourite or the underdog. For example:

No. 1 seed (-2,500): Wager $2,500 to win $100 (96.15% implied win probability)
No. 16 seed (+2,000): Wager $100 to win $2,000 (4.76% implied win probability)

No. 5 seed (-350): Wager $350 to win $100 (77.78% implied win probability)
No. 12 seed (+275): Wager $100 to win $275 (26.67% implied win probability)

No. 8 seed (-125): Wager $125 to win $100 (55.56% implied win probability)
No. 9 seed (+115): Wager $100 to win $125 (46.51% implied win probability)

Betting against a top-three-seeded team is particularly risky, as they don’t often lose in the first round.

-> Want to see current NCAA Basketball moneyline prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

But there’s a reason we call it March Madness.

Remember, UMBC toppled No. 1 Virginia back in 2018. Just five years later, No. 1 Purdue lost to No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson. So, there is some precedent here.

As for No. 4 vs. No. 13 matchups, the NCAA tournament has seen 30 upsets since expanding the field in 1985 — including six such upsets since 2018.

The notorious 12-seed is known to spoil some parties. Since 1985, 53 upsets have occurred in this category, with 12-seeds winning at a 34.9% clip. If that seems low, consider this: With four No. 5 vs. No. 12 matchups each year, the average is more than one upset per tournament — two occurred in 2022.

The No. 6 vs. No. 11 matchups have similar data, but after that, the numbers round out more evenly (and the odds reflect that).

When the tournament progresses to later stages and oddsmakers develop a better feel for teams, the ML odds won’t necessarily reflect the seeding as much. In 2021, No. 1 Illinois was a -350 ML favourite over No. 9 Loyola Chicago (+250), but the Ramblers won, 71-58.

Against the spread

So we’ve talked upsets, but more often than not the higher seeds will prevail.

If a No. 1 seed sits at -2,000, they’re a pretty useless moneyline bet. While a 16-seed has an insanely high ROI potential, there’s very little chance of them winning outright.

Since 1985, the average margin of victory in No. 1 vs. 16 matchups has been around 24 points.

Let’s use that as a baseline for betting the spread, which is a way to get even odds on an uneven game.

If you noticed a one-seed was favoured by 30.5 points, it could be a good idea to bet the 16-seed based upon the historical 24-point average margin of victory. If a one-seed was favoured by 14.5, maybe that could be a smart bet as well.

Of course, it’s imperative to back up this decision with factors unique to the team in question. Injuries, current form and shooting percentage, among others, can all play an important role in your betting decisions.

Spread betting during the tournament is a safer way to operate than taking underdogs straight up, as you would when picking a bracket.

According to The Lines, from 2000 to 2021 the 5-versus-12 matchup produced a 54-34 straight-up record in favour of the lower seed. The 12-seed is 47-40-1 at covering the spread, however, meaning they have been the far better ATS option.

If you like an underdog at +360, you should love them against the spread at +9.5. Moneyline bets can be tantalizing due to their higher payouts, but spread betting often produces better results over time.

-> Ready to try spread betting? Join NorthStar Bets and explore live, moving lines daily

Totals

Totals betting during the NCAA tournament generally reflects the same principles one would follow during the regular season.

Analyze team injuries, trends, shooting percentage and foul tendencies to decide whether the game will go over or under the projected point total.

During March Madness, all games are played at neutral sites. Some teams have a tendency to score far more often at home than on the road — perhaps playing to the energy of a home crowd — but that won’t factor in here.

-> Compare totals across every NCAA Basketball matchup when you sign up for NorthStar Bets

How to bet March Madness outrights

Outright betting involves picking the winner of the entire tournament — no strings attached.

Heading into the tournament, each team will be assigned odds corresponding with their likelihood of winning the championship.

Since 1985, a one-seed has won the tournament 26 times and has accounted for 51% of all championship appearances.

In 2014, Shabazz Napier and the UConn Huskies won the title as a No. 7 seed. According to the Las Vegas Sun, they were +10,000 to win when the tournament began.

As the tournament progresses, odds will change. With each passing round, odds will shorten for the surviving teams no matter what seed they hold.

-> Want to see updated NCAA Basketball finals odds? Create your account at NorthStar Bets and access futures markets year-round

Parlays

If March Madness isn’t chaotic enough for you already, why not parlay a few games?

Parlaying means combining two or more events (legs) into one bet. All legs must win for the ticket to cash.

Could you take all 16 games played on the first day and throw them into a parlay? Sure, but that’s probably not the best way to do it.

-> Build your own NCAA Basketball same-game parlay when you join NorthStar Bets

Just for the sake of it, if you were to throw $1 on a 16-leg parlay, picking spreads at -110, the potential payout would exceed $30,000 — but the implied probability would be less than one-hundredth of a percent.

Parlaying is all about finding what you perceive to be very good value over multiple games and using that value to inflate your ticket.

If you really like a six-seed at -7.5 and a 10-seed at +6.5, you could move the lines to ensure more safety. For example, taking the six-seed on the ML and the 10-seed at +10.5 could equate to +130 odds.

-> Ready to put your NCAA Basketball knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

How to bet on the NFL: Point spreads, totals, parlays and more

No sport in North America is bet on more than the NFL. And no event sees more wagers than the Super Bowl, which caps off the league’s season in February each year.

The NFL is king when it comes to betting, creating action throughout the week with games on Monday and Thursday in addition to the leadup to the big Sunday slate.

-> New to NFL wagering? Sign up at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

There are many ways to bet on the NFL. The point spread is the most common, but there are several other markets, including player props, that attract a high volume of wagers.

How to bet on the NFL

For those new or in need of a refresher, this NFL betting guide will run you through the markets that football-loving bettors like to wager on.

-> Before you get started, create your NorthStar Bets account to explore live odds and weekly NFL markets.

Moneyline betting

Wagering on the moneyline isn’t as popular among NFL bettors as it is for leagues like the NHL and MLB, but it’s still part of the NFL betting experience.

A moneyline bet is straightforward: It requires you to pick the team you think will win the game. If you like the Bills to beat the Patriots and place a wager on it, that’s a moneyline bet.

Each team will come with its own set of odds based on its probability of winning that specific contest. The odds will ultimately determine the potential payout.

A team that is favoured will have a minus (-) sign before its odds, while the underdog will have a plus (+) sign.

Team success of course plays a major role in determining which club is assigned as the favourite.

Other factors include which team is home and the health of the roster. Missing key players will have an impact on the odds.

Quarterbacks, specifically, can swing the lines considerably.

Let’s say QB Josh Allen was unable to play in that hypothetical Bills/Patriots matchup, Buffalo would likely go from a short favourite to an underdog.

-> Want to see current NFL moneyline prices? Check the latest at NorthStar Bets

With a healthy Allen at home, the Bills might be -140 favourites. But without him, they could flip to a +200 underdog. A swing like that is monumental for bettors.

Moneyline odds vary considerably between matchups and every week there are large favourites that see odds of -600 or higher. At those odds, a team would have an 85 percent implied probability of winning that matchup.

Here’s an example of the return you would make depending on the odds:

Odds	Wager	To win
-140	$140	$100
-600	$600	$100
+130	$100	$130

Unless you’re backing an underdog to win straight up — a low-probability outcome — there’s bigger payout potential by betting the spread.

Note: You will also see the moneyline referred to as ML for short.

Point spread betting

Betting on the point spread is the most common wager made by NFL gamblers.

A point spread is a number assigned by sportsbooks that a team either has to win by or can lose by. These numbers vary depending on the matchup, whether a team is at home and if a key player is injured.

Let’s go back to that hypothetical Bills and Patriots matchup and say Buffalo is at home and Allen is healthy. It would be reasonable to assume that the Bills would be favoured by 3.5 points. If you selected them to cover that spread, it would mean that they would have to win by at least four points.

If you backed the Patriots on the spread, however, they could lose and you would win your bet as long as they weren’t defeated by more than three points.

Under this scenario, you would see the Bills listed at -3.5 and the Patriots at +3.5. Most lines are set at odds of -110 for both sides of the spread, which creates action on both teams.

One thing to note about the point spread is that it often changes throughout the week. Opening lines come out early (typically Sunday night once the majority of games that week have been played) but it can look much different by the time the game starts at the end of the week.

-> Ready to try spread betting? Join NorthStar Bets and explore live, moving lines all week long.

This can be a result of player availability. But it also could change depending on how many bettors are favouring a particular side. If a majority backs New England +3.5, it could move to Bills -3 or -2.5 to create more action on Buffalo.

Like other sports, there are alternative spreads as well.

You can buy more points, meaning you could take the Bills at -6.5 and see your odds change to something like +120. You could pay more and pick them to only have to cover a -2.5 spread at say -160.

How to bet on the NFL: Totals

Totals are also highly popular among NFL bettors. When you wager on the total, you are betting on how many points will be scored in a game.

Sportsbooks will set a number and you decide whether the two teams will score more or fewer points. You will also see totals referred to as the over/under or O/U. All three terms are interchangeable.

Most totals for a game are between 40-50 points. Some, like a game involving Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs against another high-powered offence, will approach the mid-50s.

Like point spreads, -110 odds are the standard on totals for both the over and under.

Also like point spreads, you can bet on alternative totals as well.

You can wager on team-specific totals and place a bet on how many points you think each team will score. The total would be lower than the game total because only one team’s output would matter for this bet type.

-> Compare totals across every NFL matchup when you sign up for NorthStar Bets

Prop betting

Player props involve betting on individual outcomes in a game. The prop market is robust, giving bettors plenty of ways to wager on a game in addition to the spread, total and moneyline.

Let’s use the Bills again as an example and run through some common props that are available each game.

There are a number of different quarterback props listed every week. You can wager on a QB’s touchdowns, completions and yards. You’ll be offered a total and you can select whether he will go over or under that number.

These types of over/under props are also available for running backs and receivers. Common props you will see for these players centre around their yards totals, receptions, and rushing attempts.

Anytime touchdown props are also popular, where you can wager on a player scoring a TD for that particular game.

There are also markets for team and game props. These can include over/unders on the total amount of touchdowns or field goals for the contest.

-> Check out the latest player props each week at NorthStar Bets – from TD scorers to passing yards and more.

How to bet on NFL futures

The futures market involves betting on outcomes that will happen at a later time. This is a great way to bet if you’re willing to play the long game and find good value.

Among the more popular NFL futures markets is picking the Super Bowl champion. You can do this well before the season starts or enter the market in-season.

-> Want to see updated Super Bowl odds? Create your account at NorthStar Bets and access futures markets year-round

Super Bowl odds are constantly changing due to team performance and injuries. They will change once again when the playoff field is set and there are only a select amount of teams that even have a chance to win.

A team could open at +1,500 to win the Super Bowl but be +750 once the playoffs start. There’s obviously risk betting far away from the Super Bowl, as the team you select may not even make it. But it’s when you will find the most value and increase your chances for a larger payout.

Betting on season-long awards is another way to enter the futures market. You can wager on the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and so on.

Parlays

A parlay consists of making multiple bets on a single ticket. You make one wager and every bet on that parlay must win in order for a bettor to cash their ticket. You could predict the correct outcome of four different games but if the fifth was incorrect, you would lose the parlay.

Parlays can be a combination of moneylines, spreads, totals and player props. Each bet is called a leg.

An example of an NFL parlay looks like this:

•Buffalo -3.5 (-110)
•Ja’Marr Chase over 6.5 receptions (-118)
•Bears vs. Packers under 50.5 (-110)

Combined odds = +574. If you predicted all three outcomes correctly, you would win $574 (a total payout of $674) on a $100 bet.

A parlay has to have at least two bets attached to the same ticket but can have many more. Keep in mind: The more bets you add to a single ticket decreases your likelihood of winning. But parlays are attractive to some because the payouts are bigger than a single-game wager.

At NorthStar Bets, you can also make a same-game parlay bet. This means you can combine a moneyline, over/under and player prop from the same game.

For example, you could bet on Buffalo to win, the total to go over 45.5 points and for Allen to throw for 300-plus yards.

-> Build your own NFL Same-Game Parlay when you join NorthStar Bets

Live NFL betting

Live betting provides users with options to bet on games after they start as they play out in real time. Among the markets you can bet on are the moneyline, over/under and point spread. You can also make in-game bets on player props.

Once the game starts, these lines can quickly look different from what they were set at before play started.

The Bills, for example, may have closed as a -3.5, -145 favourite against New England with an over/under set at 44.5. But those lines could move fast if either team got out to a quick lead.

Let’s say it was New England that got ahead early, going up 10-0 within the first few minutes of the game. The Patriots would then surely become the favourite on the moneyline and spread and the O/U would soar past that 44.5 mark because of the amount of early scoring.

-> Experience live NFL betting as it happens – sign up with NorthStar Bets and get in on every drive

If you still liked the Bills to win, you would then be able to bet on them as an underdog.

That’s just one example. Odds are constantly changing throughout the game — certainly after a score and even a change of possession. Buffalo could quickly become the favourite again and end your chance to get them as a plus-money underdog.

While markets remain open throughout a game, they will close from time to time based on a number of factors. These include timeouts and injuries, or a team increasing its odds of scoring by entering the red zone.

-> Ready to put your NFL knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

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How to bet on Esports: Markets

​MOBAs

​FPS Games

How to bet on Esports: Responsible Gambling

Map sets

How to bet on Esports: Game Modes

Beware of Updates

How to bet on MLB

Moneyline

Run line betting

How to bet on MLB totals

Props

How to bet on MLB futures

Parlays

Live Betting

How to bet on the NBA

Moneyline

How to bet on NBA point spreads

Alternative spreads

How to bet on NBA totals

Alternative totals

Props

Futures betting

Parlays

Live betting

How to bet on soccer

Full-time result

Draw no-bet and double-results

How to bet on soccer: Goal line

Totals

How to bet on soccer props

Parlays

Live Betting

How to bet on soccer futures

How to bet on the NHL

Moneyline

Puck line

How to bet on NHL totals

How to bet on NHL props

Futures betting

Parlays

Live betting

Glossary of key sports betting terms

Why Understanding Casino Terminology Matters

Key Online Casino Glossary Canada Terms & Definitions

H2: How to Use This Glossary as a Canadian Player

H2: FAQ — Online Casino Terms Canada

IPL 2025 Schedule:

Popular Betting Markets

Popular IPL Teams in 2025:

Responsible Gambling: Best Practices

IPL FAQs

How to bet on March Madness

Moneyline

Against the spread

Totals

How to bet March Madness outrights

Parlays

How to bet on the NFL

Moneyline betting

Point spread betting

How to bet on the NFL: Totals

Prop betting

How to bet on NFL futures

Parlays

Live NFL betting

MOBAs

FPS Games