How to Bet on Football Online: Beginner's Betting Guide

Learn everything you need to start betting on football today.

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Betting on the National Football League (NFL) has soared in popularity, becoming a thrilling endeavor that complements the excitement of the big game itself. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer eager to delve into the world of NFL betting, this comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to make informed wagers. 

In this article, we explore the various ways to bet on football, including single-game bets, multiple-game bets, prop bets, futures, and in-game live betting. Get ready to elevate your football betting game to new heights.

The Different Types of Football Bets

When it comes to football or NFL betting, there is a wide range of bet types available to suit different preferences and strategies. Understanding the various options, from moneyline bets to parlays and prop bets, is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing the excitement of wagering on the game.

Football Betting

Moneyline Bets: Go for Gold with NFL Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are straightforward wagers on which team will win a game. In this type of bet, there are no point spreads or handicaps involved. The odds assigned to each team indicate the potential payout. 

For example, in an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, the moneyline odds are as follows:

  • New England Patriots: -150
  • Kansas City Chiefs: +120

In this case, a bet of $150 on the Patriots will yield a $100 profit if they win, while a $100 bet on the Chiefs will result in a $120 gain.

Point Spread Betting: Crack the Code of NFL Point Spreads

Point spread bets involve betting against the spread and a handicap assigned to each team by oddsmakers to level the playing field. The favored team needs to win by a specified number of points, while the underdog can lose by a certain margin or win outright. Here’s an example of an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants, where the point spread is as follows:

  • Dallas Cowboys -7.5
  • New York Giants +7.5

If you bet on the Cowboys, they need to win the game by at least eight points to cover the spread. If you bet on the Giants, they can either win the game or lose by seven points or less for your bet to be successful.

Over/Under Bets: Score Big with NFL Over/Under Bets

Over/Under bets, also known as total bets, focus on the total ComScore of both teams in a game. You bet on whether the total points scored will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook.

For example, in an NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, the over/under line is set at 45.5 points. You have two options: If you bet the over and the total combined score of both teams is 46 or more, your bet wins. If you bet the under and the total combined score is 45 or less, you win the game, or at least your bet wins.

Prop Bets: Get in on the Fun with NFL Prop Bets

Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game. They can relate to individual player performances, team statistics, or off-field factors. For example, in the Super Bowl, you can bet on the first player to score a touchdown. The sportsbook may offer odds for various players, such as:

  • Tom Brady: +300
  • Patrick Mahomes: +350
  • Travis Kelce: +400
  • Tyreek Hill: +450

If you bet $100 on Travis Kelce to be the first player to score a touchdown, and he does so, you would win $400.

Specials: Unleash the Unexpected with NFL Special Bets

Specials are unique bets that go beyond the traditional game outcomes and focus on specific events or situations. They can include awards, records, halftime performances, or any other aspect related to the game or its surroundings. For example, betting on the length of the National Anthem during the Super Bowl or the color of the Gatorade shower for the winning coach are examples of special bets.

Parlay: Multiply Your Wins with NFL Parlay Power

A parlay is a combination bet that involves wagering on multiple NFL games or outcomes within a single bet. To win a parlay, all individual selections within the bet must be correct. Parlays offer higher potential payouts but are riskier because a single incorrect selection results in the entire bet being lost.

For example, you bet on three NFL games: the Patriots to win, the Cowboys to cover the spread, and the Packers-Bears game to go over the total. You win the parlay bet if all three of your selections are correct.

Futures Betting: Predict the Future of the NFL with Futures Betting

Futures betting in football refers to placing wagers on events or outcomes that will occur in the future, typically at the end of a season. For example, a futures bet could involve predicting the team winning the Super Bowl or the player named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the season. These bets are placed well in advance and can offer lucrative payouts if your prediction proves correct. An example is putting a futures bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl before the start of the NFL season.

NFL Betting

Teaser: Take Control and Tease Your Way to NFL Victory

A teaser bet in football betting is a wager that combines multiple selections into a single bet while allowing you to adjust the point spreads in your favor. It offers the advantage of modifying the NFL betting lines, making them more favorable for the chosen teams. However, the potential payout is lower compared to a regular parlay. 

For example, if the original point spread for a game is -7.5, a six-point teaser would adjust it to -1.5, increasing the chances of winning. Teaser bets are popular when the original spreads seem challenging or you want to improve your odds of success.

In-Game Live Betting: Stay in the Game and Win Big with In-Game Live Betting

In-game live betting allows you to place wagers on various aspects of a football game while it is in progress. Odds and lines are constantly updated to reflect the game’s current situation, offering a dynamic betting experience. You can make real-time predictions on events like the outcome of the next drive, the total number of points scored in a quarter, or even the performance of individual players.

An example is betting on whether a team will score a touchdown on their next possession during a live NFL game, with the odds adjustments based on the current score and game situation.

How Football Odds Work

Football odds are fundamental to sports betting, determining a particular wager’s potential payout. They represent the probability of an outcome occurring and allow you to calculate your potential winnings. Understanding how football odds work is crucial for making informed betting decisions.

Football betting has three standard odds formats: decimal, fractional, and American. Decimal odds represent the potential return on a winning bet, including the original stake. For instance, odds of 2.50 mean that for every unit wagered, the potential payout would be 2.50 units. Fractional odds are displayed as a fraction and indicate the potential profit relative to the stake. 

For example, fractional odds of 3/1 mean that a successful bet would yield a profit of three units for every team wagered. American odds are also known as moneyline odds and are displayed as positive or negative numbers. Favorable odds represent the potential profit on a 100-unit stake, while unfavorable odds indicate the amount needed to wager to win 100 units.

The odds for a football event are determined by bookmakers based on various factors such as team performance, player injuries, historical data, and market trends. Bookmakers aim to set odds that attract balanced betting on both sides of an event, ensuring their profits regardless of the outcome. When an event is heavily favored to occur, the odds will reflect a lower potential payout due to the higher probability. Conversely, if an outcome is considered unlikely, the odds will be higher, offering a larger potential payout.

To calculate potential winnings, multiply the wager amount by the odds. The result will include both the profit and the original stake. For instance, a $50 bet on a team with decimal odds of 2.50 would result in a potential payout of $125 ($50 x 2.50). It’s important to note that odds are not a guarantee of the outcome but rather a representation of the bookmakers’ assessment of probability and their desired payouts.

In conclusion, football odds represent the likelihood of an outcome and determine the potential payout for a bet. Understanding the different odds formats and their calculation is essential for interpreting and comparing odds across various bookmakers to find low vig betting platforms. You can confidently navigate the football betting market by analyzing odds and making informed decisions.

Super Bowl Betting Options

Preparing for Successful Football Betting

Researching Teams and Players

Researching teams and players in football betting involves gathering information about their past performance, current form, tactics, team composition, injuries, and other relevant factors. You can gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and overall capabilities by studying team and player profiles. 

For example, researching a team’s head-to-head record against a particular opponent can provide valuable information when assessing their chances of winning a match.

Analyzing Statistics and Form Guides:

Analyzing statistics and form guides involves examining historical data, such as team and player statistics, recent results, goal-scoring records, and defensive performance. This data provides quantitative insights into the performance and trends of teams and players. 

For instance, analyzing a team’s goal-scoring average and their opponent’s defensive record can help you determine the likelihood of a high-scoring match.

Evaluating Key Factors and Variables:

Evaluating key factors and variables involves considering various aspects that can influence the outcome of a football match. This includes home-field advantage, weather conditions, player suspensions or injuries, motivation levels, and managerial strategies. Evaluating these factors helps you make more informed predictions. 

For example, considering the importance of a match for a team’s league position or their recent managerial changes can impact the team’s performance on the field.

Advanced NFL Betting Strategies

Advanced Football Betting Strategies are sophisticated approaches experienced bettors use to gain an edge in their NFL wagering. These strategies go beyond basic analysis and incorporate advanced techniques to identify valuable opportunities and maximize your profits in the complex world of football betting.

Bankroll Management:

Bankroll management refers to the practice of effectively managing and allocating your betting funds. It involves setting a budget, determining the size of your bets, and establishing guidelines for staking. 

For example, suppose your total bankroll for football betting is $1,000. In that case, you may only wager 2% ($20) of your bankroll on each football bet to ensure long-term sustainability and minimize the risk of significant losses.

Value Betting and Line Shopping:

Value betting involves identifying and placing bets on outcomes where the odds offered by the bookmakers are higher than the perceived probability of that outcome occurring. On the other hand, line shopping involves comparing the odds offered by multiple bookmakers to find the best possible value for a particular bet. 

For instance, if you believe a team has a 60% chance of winning a match, but the bookmaker offers odds that imply a probability of only 50%, it represents a value-betting opportunity.

Understanding Home Field Advantage

Home-field advantage refers to the home team’s advantage over the visiting team in a football match. It can include familiar surroundings, crowd support, and reduced travel fatigue. Understanding the impact of home-field advantage is crucial in assessing a team’s chances of success. 

For example, a team with a strong home record and passionate home fans may perform better when playing in their stadium compared to when they are playing away.

Injury Reports and Team News:

Injury reports and team news provide crucial information about the health and availability of players, as well as any tactical changes or lineup adjustments that may occur. Staying updated with injury reports and team news helps bettors assess the potential impact on team performance and adjust their betting strategies accordingly. 

For instance, if a team’s star player is injured and unable to participate in an upcoming match, it may significantly affect their chances of winning.

Weather Conditions and Their Impact:

Weather conditions, such as rain, wind, extreme temperatures, or playing on different surfaces, can significantly impact the outcome of a football match. Understanding how weather conditions can affect gameplay and the style of play of specific teams is essential. 

For example, a team that relies heavily on precise passing and ball control may struggle in windy conditions. In contrast, a physically dominant team may have an advantage in wet and muddy conditions.

Using Online Sportsbooks and Betting Platforms

Using online sportsbooks and betting platforms has revolutionized how people engage in sports betting, providing convenience, accessibility, and a wide range of betting options. With just a few clicks, you can access numerous sports and the NFL betting market, place bets, and monitor your wagers from the comfort of your home.

NFL Prop Bets

Choosing a Reliable and Trustworthy Sportsbook

When it comes to online sports betting, selecting a reliable and trustworthy sportsbook is crucial for a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Considering factors such as licensing, reputation, security measures, customer support, and available betting markets is essential. 

For example, a reliable sportsbook would hold a valid license from a reputable gambling authority, employ encryption technology to protect sensitive information, and offer a wide range of sports and betting options. Our online sportsbook reviews are a great place to find this information for leading US bookmakers.

Understanding Betting Platforms and Interfaces

To engage in successful football betting, understanding sportsbooks’ betting platforms, and interfaces is essential. This includes familiarizing yourself with features like bet placement, odds presentation, live betting options, and navigating the platform. 

For instance, a user-friendly betting interface would provide clear and easily accessible information, intuitive navigation, and quick bet placement functionality, allowing you to analyze odds efficiently and place your desired bets.

Deposits, Withdrawals, and Bonuses

Managing finances effectively is a crucial aspect of football betting. Understanding the deposit and withdrawal methods offered by sportsbooks and any associated fees and processing times is essential for smooth transactions. You should also look at the deposit limits and consider registering for a small deposit sportsbook if you’re a casual player with a smaller budget.

In addition, being aware of the bonuses and promotions available, such as welcome bonuses or free bets, can provide additional value. For example, a sportsbook may offer a 100% match deposit bonus up to a certain amount, meaning if you deposit $100, you will receive an additional $100 bonus.

Mobile Betting and Live In-Play Options

The rise of mobile technology has made mobile betting an increasingly popular option for football enthusiasts. Understanding mobile betting platforms’ availability and functionality allows you to place bets on the go conveniently. Furthermore, including live in-play betting options, where bets can be placed during a football match, adds excitement and the opportunity to capitalize on unfolding game situations. 

For instance, a mobile betting app may offer live streaming of matches and provide real-time odds updates, enabling you to react quickly to changes and make informed in-play wagers.

Responsible Gambling and Self-Exclusion Tools

While football betting can be entertaining, it’s essential to prioritize responsible gambling practices. Understanding the concept of responsible gambling and using tools provided by sportsbooks can help you maintain control and avoid potential issues. These tools may include setting deposit limits, self-imposed betting restrictions, or temporary or permanent self-exclusion from gambling activities. 

For example, a bettor can set a daily deposit limit of $50 to ensure they do not exceed their predetermined budget and maintain responsible gambling habits.

NFL-Specific Betting Tips

Capitalizing on Divisional Rivalries:

Divisional rivalries in football often bring intense competition and unpredictable outcomes, making them attractive opportunities for astute bettors. You can make more informed decisions by understanding a division’s dynamics, historical performances, and rivalries. 

For example, suppose two long-standing division rivals with a history of close games are facing each other. In that case, betting on the underdog might be worth considering because these matchups are more competitive and can yield surprising results.

Studying Historical Matchups and Trends

Analyzing historical matchups and trends can provide valuable insights into how teams have performed against each other. By examining factors such as head-to-head records, scoring patterns, and home-field advantage, you can better understand how teams are likely to fare in upcoming NFL games. 

For instance, if a particular team has consistently struggled against a specific opponent in recent seasons, it might be wise to consider betting against them when they meet again.

Maximizing Super Bowl Odds and Betting Opportunities:

The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of football events and presents many unique betting opportunities. From traditional bets like the point spread and over/under to prop bets on player performances, halftime shows, and commercials, the Super Bowl offers a wide range of wagering options. You can capitalize on these opportunities by carefully analyzing team strengths, player form, and historical trends specific to the Super Bowl.

Evaluating Coaches and Quarterbacks:

Coaches and quarterbacks play crucial roles in a team’s success, making them essential factors to consider when placing bets. Experienced and strategic coaches and skilled quarterbacks can significantly impact a team’s performance and ability to cover the spread or win the game outright. Evaluating coaching strategies, play-calling tendencies, and quarterback statistics can help you make more accurate predictions. 

For example, suppose an NFL team has a strong coach-quarterback combination known for making effective adjustments during games. In that case, they may be a solid bet in situations where they are trailing early.

Navigating the Complexities of Thursday and Monday Night Football

Thursday and Monday night football games have unique dynamics that can influence betting outcomes. Factors such as short rest periods, travel schedules, and heightened media attention can impact team performance and introduce additional variables to consider. To make informed decisions, you should carefully assess these factors and how teams have historically performed in such situations. 

For instance, if a team has consistently struggled on short rest or in prime-time matchups, it might be wise to exercise caution when betting on them in these scenarios.

How to Bet on Football Games

Research Available Games Matchups

The first step regarding how to bet on football games is researching the available matchups. This involves gathering information about the teams involved, their recent performances, player injuries, and other relevant factors. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team and their head-to-head history, you can make more informed decisions when placing your bets. For example, if one team has a strong defense and faces an opponent with a struggling offense, it may be worth considering a bet on the underdog team’s point total under the given line.

Find the Best NFL Bets and Odds

After conducting your research, when learning how to bet on football, the next step is to find the best bets and odds available for NFL games. Different sportsbooks offer varying odds for the same game, so comparing sportsbooks and identifying one that provides the most favorable odds for your desired bet is important. This process, known as line shopping, ensures you maximize your potential returns. For instance, if you’re interested in betting on a favorite team to win, finding a sportsbook offering slightly higher odds for that team can significantly increase your potential payout if your bet is successful.

College Football Bets

Sign Up for a Sportsbook

Once you have identified the sportsbook with the best odds, the next step is to sign up and create an account to place your NFL bets. This involves providing personal information, such as your name, address, and payment details. Choosing a reputable and trustworthy sportsbook that is licensed and regulated is essential. Many sportsbooks also offer welcome bonuses or promotions for new customers, which can provide additional value to your betting experience.

Make Your Bet

You can make your bet after registering and depositing funds into your sportsbook account. If you know you want to place massive wagers, register for one of our high-limit sportsbooks. Select the football game you want to bet on, choose the type of bet you wish to place (e.g., moneyline, point spread, over/under), enter the stake amount, and confirm your bet. Reviewing your selections and ensuring accuracy before finalizing the bet is crucial. You will receive a confirmation once your bet has been placed. If it’s successful, your winnings will be credited to your account balance.

FAQs

What is the best way to bet on football?

The best way to bet on football will depend on your goals and preferences and key strategies involving research and analysis, bankroll management, value betting, and discipline.

How do you bet on soccer for beginners?

Suppose you’re a beginner looking to bet on soccer. In that case, you need to understand the basics, research teams and players, choose a reputable soccer sportsbook, start with simple bets, manage your bankroll, follow a disciplined approach, and continuously learn from your betting experiences.

Is NFL betting legal?

Yes, NFL betting is legal through all of our top recommended offshore betting platforms. These platforms gladly accept players from all over the United States and bypass US gambling regulations, as they’re based overseas rather than in the US.

Make sure you’re of legal gambling age in your state before registering for an account.

Final Thoughts

Betting on football can be an exciting and potentially profitable endeavor. You can enhance your chances of success by understanding the critical aspects of football betting, such as researching teams, analyzing odds, and employing sound bankroll management. 

Remember to bet responsibly, stay informed about the latest trends and news, and continuously refine your strategies to maximize your football betting experience. 

So, football betting offers plenty of opportunities for excitement and potential winnings, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting.

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