Gaming news Feb 26, 2025

Betting on American Football: A Guide to one of the US's Biggest Markets

Football provides plenty of markets for new bettors and seasoned veterans alike. We explore how football betting works and various types of football bets.

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With millions of fans following the NFL and college football, it's no surprise that football betting is a booming industry. This guide explains how football betting works - from types of bets, to betting strategies, and tips for responsible gambling.

Understanding the basics: how football betting works

It is essential that new bettors understand how football betting works. In football betting, a bettor places wagers on the outcome of games or specific events within a game. Sportsbooks, the companies that accept bets, set odds for each potential outcome. These odds determine how much a bettor can win based on the amount they bet.

Football betting focuses on the NFL (National Football League) and on NCAA teams (college football). The most common bets include predicting who will win a game, how many points will be scored, or how individual players will perform.

Types of football bets

There are several types of football bets that can be made, each offering different levels of risk and reward.

1. Moneyline

The moneyline is the simplest form of betting. Moneyline means betting on which team will win the game outright. For example, if a bettor bets on the Kansas City Chiefs to win, and they do, the bettor wins their bet. The odds are displayed as either a positive or negative number. A negative number (-200) means that team is the favorite, while a positive number (+150) indicates the underdog.

2. Point spread

The point spread bet levels the playing field between two teams. Sportsbooks assign a "spread" or margin of victory for the favorite to cover. For instance, if the New England Patriots are favored by 6.5 points, they must win by 7 points or more for a bet to win. If betting on the underdog, they must either win outright or lose by fewer than 7 points.

3. Over/under (totals)

In an over/under bet, the bettor is not betting on the outcome of the game but on the total number of points scored by both teams combined. Sportsbooks set a number (e.g., 48.5 points), and a bet can be placed on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.

4. Prop bets

Proposition bets, or "props," focus on specific events within a game, for example, betting on individual player performances (like how many yards a quarterback will throw) or in-game events (such as which team will score first). These are more entertaining but can be harder to predict.

5. Parlays

A parlay bet combines multiple wagers into one bet, with the promise of a bigger payout. However, all of the selections must be correct for the parlay to win. For example, a bettor might bet on three teams to win their games, and if all three do, the bettor wins their parlay bet. If even one loses, the bettor loses the entire bet.

6. Futures

Futures bets are long-term wagers on events that will occur down the line, like predicting the Super Bowl winner or a player's season-long performance. These bets offer high payouts but are more challenging to predict.

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How to read betting odds

Understanding betting odds is crucial for making informed wagers. American odds are the most common format in football betting. Here's a quick breakdown:

Negative odds (e.g., -150): These indicate how much must be bet to win $100. A -150 line means the bettor needs to bet $150 to win $100.
Positive odds (e.g., +200): These show how much will be won for a bet of $100. A +200 line means a $100 bet will return $200 in profit.

The higher the positive number, the bigger the underdog, and vice versa for negative numbers.

Developing a strategy

Football betting isn't just about luck; it requires a solid strategy. Here are a few tips to consider:

Do the research: Study team statistics, player performance, injuries, and coaching trends. Look at past matchups between teams and how they perform in different conditions (home vs. away, weather factors, etc.).
Follow the line movement: Odds can shift as game day approaches due to various factors like injuries or betting volume. Bettors pay attention to these shifts to find better value in their bets.
Bankroll management: Set a budget for betting activities and stick to it. A bettor should only wager what they can afford to lose and avoid chasing losses with bigger bets.
Bet selectively: Don’t feel pressured to bet on every game. Bettors focus on the matchups where they feel most confident based on their research.

Responsible gambling: know your limits

While betting can be fun and potentially profitable, it’s important to bet responsibly. Set limits for how much time and money you spend on betting and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Many sportsbooks offer tools like deposit limits, time restrictions, and self-exclusion programs to help you stay in control.
If you feel your betting habits are becoming problematic, there are resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) that offer support and guidance.

Football betting:

Betting on American football adds excitement to an already thrilling sport. Whether a seasoned bettor or just starting, understanding the types of bets, reading odds, and having a strategy can improve the experience and minimize risk. Most importantly, remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the action on the field!

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