How to Bet on Football: Complete Guide to Odds, Bets & Sites

Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Martin Green

Betting on football gets a lot easier once you pick up the basics. First, you need to figure out how odds work, what kinds of bets you can make, and how to read the lines. Basically, you choose a bet type, check out the odds, and place your wager through a licensed sportsbook.

You can bet on point spreads, totals, moneylines, or dive into prop bets and futures. Each bet has its own risks and rewards, so it pays to know the differences. Paying attention to matchups, injuries, and how teams are playing can give you an edge.

Football Betting Basics

Football betting is all about putting money on the outcome of games or specific events during them. You really need to know the types of bets, what odds mean, and how sportsbooks set lines if you want to make smart choices. Understanding the basics helps you avoid silly mistakes and manage your bankroll better.

What Is Football Betting

Football betting means risking money on your predictions for football games. You can bet on pro leagues like the NFL or college football if that’s more your thing.

You might place a straight bet on who wins, or go for something more specific like the total points scored. Some bets are just for one game, others cover the whole season, like picking the Super Bowl champ.

You’ll place your bets at legal sportsbooks, either online or in person.

Key Football Betting Terms

If you learn the main terms, you’ll read betting lines faster and with less confusion.

Knowing these terms helps you compare bets and not get tripped up when odds move before kickoff.

How Sports Betting Works

Sportsbooks set odds based on team performance, injuries, and how the public is betting. You pick your bet type, decide how much to wager, and lock it in before the game starts.

If you’re right, you win based on the odds. If not, you lose your stake. Simple as that.

Most U.S. sites use American odds (like +150 or -200). Positive numbers show your profit on a $100 bet. Negative numbers show what you need to risk to win $100.

Sportsbooks move odds to balance the action and protect themselves, making sure they turn a profit with the built-in commission, or vig (sometimes called juice).

Understanding Football Betting Odds

Football odds show what you can win and how likely each outcome is. They also let you compare different bets and decide if the risk is worth it. If you know how to read them, you’ll make better decisions – or at least avoid obvious mistakes.

How to Read Betting Odds

Odds come in three main flavors: American (moneyline), decimal, and fractional. In the U.S., you’ll almost always see:

Example:

Odds	Meaning	Profit on $100 Bet
+150	Underdog	$150
-130	Favorite	$76.92

You can also figure out implied probability to see how likely the sportsbook thinks something is. It’s handy for spotting value.

Moneyline Odds Explained

Moneyline odds are as basic as it gets. You pick which team wins, no point spread involved.

If you see +200, you win $200 profit for every $100 you bet if your team wins. If it’s -150, you have to risk $150 to win $100.

Moneyline bets are easy, but you won’t get big payouts betting heavy favorites. They’re best when you think an underdog has a real shot or you just want a straightforward win/lose bet.

Point Spreads and Over/Under

A point spread levels the playing field between the favorite and underdog. The favorite has to win by more than the spread for your bet to hit. The underdog can win outright or just lose by less than the spread.

Over/Under (totals) bets are all about the combined points. The sportsbook sets a number, and you decide if the actual total will be over or under that line.

Example: Total set at 44.5 points – If the final score adds up to 45 or more, “over” wins. If it’s 44 or less, “under” wins.

Types of Football Bets

Football betting gives you a bunch of ways to predict what’ll happen. Each type of bet has its own rules, payout, and risk. If you know how they work, you can pick what fits your style – or your gut feeling, honestly.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are the simplest. You just pick who wins, and the margin doesn’t matter.

Sportsbooks show moneyline odds with a plus (+) or minus (-). Minus means favorite, plus means underdog. For example:

Team	Odds
Team A	-150
Team B	+130

If you bet $150 on Team A at -150, you win $100 if they pull it off. Bet $100 on Team B at +130, you get $130 profit if they win.

Moneyline bets are great when you feel strongly about the winner and don’t care about the spread. You’ll see them everywhere in NFL and college football.

Point Spread Bets

Point spread bets try to make things fair between two teams. The favorite has to win by more than the spread, while the underdog can win or just keep it close.

For example:

Team	Spread
Team A	-6.5
Team B	+6.5

If you take Team A, they need to win by 7 or more. If you pick Team B, they can lose by 6 or fewer, or win outright.

Spreads are popular because they make lopsided games more interesting. You have to think not just about who wins, but by how much.

Over/Under Bets

Over/under bets (or totals) are about how many points both teams score. The sportsbook sets a number and you pick if the actual total will be over or under.

Example: If the total is 45.5, you win an over bet if the teams combine for 46 or more. Under wins if it’s 45 or less.

These bets let you focus on things like pace, weather, and team styles. Handy if you expect a high-scoring shootout or a defensive slugfest and don’t want to pick a winner.

Advanced Football Betting Markets

Some football bets go way beyond just picking winners. You can combine multiple outcomes, target specific events, or even make predictions for the whole season. Each one has its own quirks, so read the rules before you dive in.

Parlay Bets

Parlay bets tie two or more picks into one wager. Every selection has to win, or the whole bet goes down the drain.

You might combine things like match results, total goals, or player props. Parlays pay out more than single bets, but the risk is a lot higher.

A same game parlay is just what it sounds like – all your picks come from the same match. For example:

Leg	Market	Example
1	Player to score	Striker A to score anytime
2	Total goals	Over 2.5 goals
3	Corners	Over 8.5 corners

Bookmakers usually limit which bets you can combine. Always double-check before you lock it in.

Prop Bets

Prop bets, or proposition bets, focus on specific outcomes within a match and don’t depend on the final score.

Player props are a big hit in football betting since you can zero in on individual performance. Team props might cover first team to score, clean sheets, or even possession percentage.

If you keep up with team news and player form, researching these bets can feel a bit easier. Still, they’re unpredictable – tiny moments can flip the result in a heartbeat.

Futures Bets

Futures bets ask you to predict something that’ll be decided later in the season or tournament.

Sportsbooks usually post futures odds before a competition kicks off, but those numbers shift all season as teams rise, fall, and deal with injuries.

You can jump in with a futures bet any time, though the earlier you do, the bigger the potential payout. Just remember, your money’s tied up until the market settles – sometimes that’s months away.

Teaser Bets

A teaser bet lets you move the point spread or totals line in your favor across several picks. That extra cushion lowers your risk, but it also cuts down the payout.

Say you’re betting American football – you might shift the spread by 6 points. In some soccer markets, teasers adjust goal lines or totals too.

Teasers only pop up in certain markets, and all your picks have to win or the bet’s a bust. They’re handy if you think several games will be tight but want a little breathing room just in case.

Top Football Betting Sites and Sportsbooks

Where you bet really matters – it affects your odds, the bonuses you get, and how fast you can place a wager. Good sportsbooks offer legal betting in your state, sharp lines, and safe payment options.

Best Online Sportsbooks

Some of the most established football betting sites are BetUS, BetOnline, MyBookie, BetNow, and Bovada. These guys have been around for a while, cover NFL and college football, and lay out clear bonus terms.

Licensed operators like BetOnline, Bovada, BetUS, Sportsbetting.ag and MyBookie also score high for legal NFL betting. They’re regulated in several states and stick to strict compliance rules.

When you’re sizing up sportsbooks, check:

Sportsbook	Strengths	Mobile Friendly
BetUS	Large bonuses, wide NFL coverage	Yes
BetOnline	Early lines, high limits	Yes
MyBookie	Flexible prop bets	Yes
Bovada	Anonymous crypto deposits	Yes
BetMGM	Live betting, rewards program	Yes

Make sure deposit and withdrawal options actually work for you.

Key Features to Look For

Start with odds quality. Even minor differences in spreads or moneylines can change your payout. Compare at least two books before you lock in a bet.

If you want to wager during games, look for live betting. That lets you react to momentum swings or injuries as they happen.

Bonuses add value, but always check the rollover requirements. Sometimes a $200 bonus with a 1x rollover beats a $500 bonus with a 10x rollover, hands down.

Mobile Betting Apps

Mobile betting apps let you place wagers fast, no laptop needed. Most big sportsbooks – BetUS, BetOnline, Bovada, SportsBetting.ag and MyBookie – have mobile-friendly sites or dedicated apps.

You want an app that loads quickly, is easy to navigate, and lets you jump between markets without a headache. Depositing, withdrawing, and grabbing bonuses should work right from your phone.

Check if the app’s licensed in your state for legal NFL betting. Offshore apps sometimes work, but they might not give you the same legal protection.

Push notifications can tip you off to score changes, bet results, or new promos, so you can act fast when things get interesting.

Football Betting Strategies and Tips

Winning at football betting really comes down to smart decisions, protecting your cash, and taking advantage of promos that boost your returns. If you focus on good info, stick to solid money management, and hunt for value, you’ll have a better shot.

Research and Analysis

Base your bets on real data, not just gut feelings.
Check team form, injuries, suspensions, and head-to-head records.

Pay attention to home and away performance – some teams just play better on their own turf.
Weather matters too; rain or wind can mess with scoring and style.

Stats like average goals per game or possession rates can show you patterns.
Compare the book’s odds with your own analysis to spot value bets.
Don’t just trust tipsters – dig into their logic first.

Bankroll Management

Decide up front how much you can afford to lose and stick to it.
That’s your bankroll. Never risk money you need for bills or essentials.

The flat betting method is popular – bet the same small slice of your bankroll each time, usually 1% to 3%.
That way, losing streaks don’t wipe you out.

Track every bet – note the stake, odds, and outcome.
Looking back helps you tweak your approach and stop repeating mistakes.
Don’t chase losses by upping your stake – that’s a fast way to burn through your bankroll.

Using Promotions and Bonuses

Bookmakers love to offer welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and risk-free bets.
Used right, these can stretch your budget.

Welcome bonuses usually match your first deposit, but there’s almost always a catch – wagering requirements.
Read the fine print so you know what it takes to cash out.

Reload bonuses work the same way, just for regulars.
Risk-free bets pay you back in site credit if you lose, so your downside’s smaller.

For NFL promos or football deals, shop around for the best offer.
Use bonuses where your research already shows value – don’t chase promos just because they look flashy.

Special Football Betting Opportunities

There’s more to football betting than just pre-game picks. Some formats let you jump in as plays unfold, focus on specific leagues, or battle other bettors for prizes. Each option has its own quirks and risks, so get a feel for them before you put money down.

Live Betting on Football

Live betting, or in-play betting, lets you wager after the game starts. Odds shift in real time with the score, clock, and team performance.

You might bet on the next team to score, the outcome of the next drive, or if a field goal’s made. You’ll need to move quickly – lines can change in seconds.

Many sportsbooks offer live stats and streams so you can keep up. Tip: A stable internet connection is a must. Lag and you could miss a good price.

If you follow the game closely and catch momentum swings, live betting can work well. But it’s easy to get carried away, so set your limits before you start.

College Football Betting

College football brings hundreds of games each season – way more than the NFL. That gives you tons of matchups and angles to explore.

Popular bets are point spreads, totals (over/under), and moneylines. Conference championships and bowl games offer extra markets too.

Team strength varies a lot, so you’ll see some big spreads. If you understand how teams perform against different opponents, you might spot some juicy opportunities.

Weather, long travel, and rivalries can all swing results. Since there are so many teams, keeping up with injury reports and depth charts can give you an edge.

International Football Leagues

Outside the U.S., “football” means soccer. Leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga draw heavy betting action all year.

You can bet on match results, total goals, halftime/full-time, and player props. Futures on league winners or relegation are common too.

Time zone differences affect when you can bet and watch. Some leagues have unique rules, like how ties work, so double-check before betting.

Follow team form, injuries, and fixture congestion. Clubs often juggle multiple tournaments, which can mess with lineups and league performance.

Sports Betting Contests

Sports betting contests let you go up against other bettors, not just the house. You make picks over a set stretch, and top performers win prizes.

Formats include pick’em contests, survivor pools, and against-the-spread challenges. Entry fees and prizes vary – some even guarantee payouts.

Contests might run for a season, a week, or just a day. Consistency matters more than one lucky win.

These can help you test strategies without risking much per bet. Still, chasing the leaderboard can tempt you into risky picks, so keep your cool.

Football Futures and Season-Long Bets

Futures bets let you predict results that won’t be settled until later in the season. You might call the champion, division winners, or player awards before they happen.

They can pay more than single-game NFL bets, but you’ll need patience and a solid read on teams and trends.

Super Bowl Winner

When you bet on the Super Bowl winner, you’re picking the team you think will take the NFL championship. Sportsbooks post moneyline odds for every team, sometimes months ahead.

Favorites might sit at +500, while longshots can be +5000 or longer. If you put $100 on a +5000 team and they win, that’s $5,000 back.

You can make this bet before the season, during preseason, or as games go by. Odds move with team performance, injuries, and trades.

Some folks spread bets across a few teams to manage risk. Others wait until midseason to see who’s hot before jumping in.

Keep an eye on point spreads and weekly results – you might spot value as odds change.

Conference and Division Winners

You can bet on conference winners (AFC or NFC) and division winners. These wagers center on which team will finish first in a specific group.

Division winner bets usually have shorter odds than Super Bowl bets since fewer teams are involved. For example:

Bet Type	Example Pick	Odds
AFC Winner	Kansas City Chiefs	+350
NFC East Winner	Philadelphia Eagles	+150

Conference bets work the same way but cover the entire AFC or NFC.

Head-to-head matchups and division records play a big role in these wagers. Keeping an eye on injuries and schedule strength can help you make smarter picks.

Some folks like to combine division and conference futures with Super Bowl bets to boost potential payouts.

Player Awards

You’ll also find futures markets for player awards like NFL MVP, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.

These bets focus on individual season-long performance. Sportsbooks post odds for lots of players, with quarterbacks usually leading MVP races.

For example, a QB might open at +600 for MVP, while a rookie running back could be +1200 for Rookie of the Year.

Player stats, team success, and media attention all factor into award outcomes. Injuries or a team’s struggles can quickly tank a player’s chances.

Tracking weekly stats and comparing them to past winners can help you spot value in these markets.

Banking Methods and Payment Options

When you fund your football betting account, you get to choose between digital currencies and more traditional banking options. Each method comes with different processing times, fees, and availability that really depend on the sportsbook and where you live.

Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin

Plenty of sportsbooks now take cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals. Bitcoin is the most common, but you’ll see some sites accept Ethereum, Litecoin, or stablecoins like USDT too.

Crypto deposits usually hit your account within minutes, which is a lot faster than most bank transfers. Withdrawals can be speedy as well, though they still rely on blockchain confirmation times.

You send funds straight from your crypto wallet to the sportsbook’s wallet address. Always double-check the address and supported network so you don’t lose your money.

Some sportsbooks toss in crypto-specific bonuses, but those often come with unique wagering requirements. Also, crypto values jump around a lot, so your balance might change if you let it sit in your account for a while.

If you want more privacy, crypto can offer more anonymity than bank transfers. Still, regulated sportsbooks will ask for ID at some point.

Traditional Payment Methods

You can use debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers too. Visa and Mastercard are common, but some banks or states block gambling transactions.

E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are widely accepted and can speed up withdrawals compared to regular bank transfers. Usually, you’ll need to deposit before you can withdraw to the same account.

ACH/e-check and online banking transfers link directly to your bank account. They’re secure, but withdrawals might take 1-3 business days.

Some sportsbooks let you use cash deposits through PayNearMe at retail stores or in-person at partner casinos. Gift cards from big brands or sportsbook-specific cards like Play+ work too.

Processing times, fees, and limits all vary, so check the sportsbook’s banking page before picking your deposit or withdrawal method.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Football betting means knowing how to place wagers, read odds, and pick the right platforms. You’ll also want to understand a few strategies, timing, and what can tip the odds – team performance, injuries, and even market movement all matter.

What are the basic steps for betting on football for beginners?

First, check if online betting is legal in your state.

Pick a licensed sportsbook, create your account, and add some funds.

Find a game, look at the odds, choose your bet type, enter your wager, and confirm it.

What strategies can increase the chances of winning in football betting?

Dig into stats like turnover margin, red zone efficiency, and third-down conversion rates.

Shop around and compare odds at different sportsbooks for the best value.

Don’t bet every game – skip matchups that don’t feel right.

Which apps are recommended for betting on football games?

Top legal picks in the U.S. include BetOnline, BetUS and My Bookie.

Go for apps with secure payments, good odds, and quick withdrawals.

Check if they offer live betting, odds boosts, and easy navigation.

Can you explain the meaning of ‘-1’ in football betting odds?

A -1 point spread means the favorite has to win by more than 1 point for your bet to cash.

If they win by exactly 1, it’s a push and you get your money back.

If they lose or win by less than 1, you lose the bet.

What should I consider when placing bets on NFL games?

Look at injury reports, weather, and recent team form.

Watch line movement – sharp bettors can move odds.

Think about when you bet – early lines might offer value, but waiting gives you more info.

How do NFL odds and predictions influence betting decisions?

Odds tell you how likely a certain outcome is, at least according to the sportsbook.

Analysts or prediction models sometimes spot value if the odds look off.

You can weigh both and figure out if the payout feels worth the risk.