Betting On Lacrosse

Lacrosse is the official summer sport of Canada, and while it’s not the most popular sport to bet on by any means, it can be a fun alternative to the more common sports bets. In fact, lacrosse bets are often subjected to the “Other Sports” section in online bookmakers, but an understated quality is the unpredictability. Point spreads, the favourite team, the underdog, all the aspects that give the more traditional sports their strategy are at their most unpredictable due mostly to the lack of coverage that lacrosse gets. Whether you are betting on college (the most popular) level or professional level lacrosse, whether you’re betting on men’s or women’s leagues, it can be very exciting, and very profitable.

Reading time: 3 minutes.

Money Line Bet

This win-or-lose betting option is simple and highly popular. Two lacrosse teams are presented: one as the favourite, marked with a minus (-), and the other as the underdog, marked with a plus (+). The symbols accompany a number, representing the amount to bet for a specific payout. Unlike a points spread bet, the final score doesn’t matter—you only need to pick the winning team.

Example:

St. John's Red Storm (+115)
Syracuse Orange (-130)

Pro Tip: Always research thoroughly. Study team stats, player performances, and coaching strategies to make informed bets. While lacrosse can be unpredictable, being informed gives you an edge.

The Point Spread

The point spread bet levels the playing field by evening out odds between teams. The favourite must "cover the spread," winning by a margin greater than the point spread for a payout. Meanwhile, the underdog wins the bet if they win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread. This type of betting remains exciting due to its balanced odds.

Example: A point spread could be 6.5 points. If the favourite wins by seven points, their bet pays out. If they win by five points or less, the underdog bet wins.

Pro Tip: Track trends, such as how often teams cover spreads or fail to. Understanding team dynamics and history with point spreads is invaluable.

Over/Under Bet

The Over/Under (O/U) bet is straightforward: predict whether the combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than the bookmaker’s set number. O/U bets come with a money line, offering payouts based on your prediction.

Example: A bookmaker sets the O/U at 15 points. If the teams score 16 or more, the Over bet wins. If they score 14 or less, the Under bet wins.

Pro Tip: Research teams’ scoring trends and defensive capabilities. High-scoring teams might make Over bets attractive, but defensive matchups often favor the Under.

Types of Lacrosse Events

Betting options for lacrosse vary by bookmaker. Popular events include NCAA college lacrosse (men’s and women’s), the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and even the Canadian Lacrosse League. Major international events like the World Lacrosse Championship and European Lacrosse Championship also attract bettors. Each event has unique dynamics, so tailoring your strategy to the league or championship can pay off.

Pro Tip: Look for bookmakers specializing in lacrosse for better odds and options. Some Canadian sportsbooks even offer exclusive bets for NLL games.

FAQs

What is the best type of bet for beginners?
Money line bets are ideal for beginners due to their simplicity. You only need to pick the winning team.

Can I bet on international lacrosse events?
Yes, many sportsbooks cover international events like the World Lacrosse Championship. Check with your bookmaker for available options.

What factors should I consider before betting?
Research team stats, player performance, and historical matchups. Don’t overlook external factors like weather for outdoor games.

Are there any legal restrictions for lacrosse betting in Canada?
Lacrosse betting is legal in Canada, but availability varies by province. Verify that your sportsbook complies with local regulations.