Betting on football is one of the most popular forms of sports wagering, drawing millions of fans to sportsbooks each season BET88. Whether you’re interested in the NFL or college football, understanding the basics of betting, key strategies, and different types of bets can help you make more informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
Understanding Football Betting Basics
Before diving into specific bets, it’s important to understand the fundamental concepts of football betting:
- Odds: The numbers that indicate how much you can win on a bet. Odds are typically presented in American format (e.g., -110, +250).
- Point Spread: A way to even the playing field between two teams by adding or subtracting points.
- Moneyline: A simple bet on which team will win outright.
- Over/Under (Total Points): A bet on whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under a set number.
Types of Football Bets
1. Point Spread Betting
One of the most common ways to bet on football, the point spread accounts for the perceived strength of each team. The favorite is given a negative spread, while the underdog is given a positive spread.
- Example: If the Dallas Cowboys are -6.5 against the New York Giants (+6.5), the Cowboys must win by at least 7 points for a bet on them to win.
2. Moneyline Betting
This is the simplest type of bet where you choose which team will win the game. The odds reflect the probability of each team winning.
- Example: A team listed at -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100, while a team at +200 means you win $200 on a $100 bet.
3. Over/Under (Totals) Betting
This bet focuses on the combined score of both teams rather than which team wins.
- Example: If the over/under is set at 48.5, betting the over means you need both teams to combine for 49 or more points.
4. Prop Bets
Proposition bets, or “prop bets,” focus on specific events within a game rather than the final outcome.
- Example: Betting on how many passing yards a quarterback will have or which player will score the first touchdown.
5. Parlays
A parlay combines multiple bets into one, offering higher payouts but requiring all bets to win.
- Example: Betting on three teams to win; if one loses, the entire bet loses.
6. Futures Bets
These bets are placed on events that will happen later in the season, such as which team will win the Super Bowl or a conference championship.
- Example: Betting on Alabama to win the College Football Playoff before the season starts.
Key Strategies for Football Betting
- Do Your Research – Study team stats, injuries, weather conditions, and recent performances before placing bets.
- Manage Your Bankroll – Set a budget and stick to it, avoiding large bets on impulse.
- Look for Value – Instead of always betting on favorites, find undervalued teams or mismatched odds.
- Shop for the Best Odds – Different sportsbooks offer different odds, so compare them to maximize potential winnings.
- Understand Line Movements – Pay attention to how betting lines shift based on public betting and key news.
College Football vs. NFL Betting
While the betting principles are similar, there are some key differences between betting on college football and the NFL:
- Higher Scoring Games: College football tends to have more scoring due to varying talent levels and playing styles.
- Larger Point Spreads: Because the talent gap in college football is wider, spreads are often larger compared to the NFL.
- More Games to Bet On: The college football season has over 100 teams competing weekly, offering more betting opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Betting on football can add excitement to the game, but it’s important to bet responsibly and make informed decisions. Whether you’re wagering on NFL matchups or college football showdowns, understanding different bet types, key strategies, and how to find value will improve your chances of success.
Now that you have the basics, it’s time to start analyzing games and making smart bets! Good luck!