Key summary section
- American football betting is one of the most popular betting markets worldwide.
- 29Black offers dozens of football betting markets, including pre-match picks and live betting NFL markets.
- This 29Black guide is developed for casual and seasoned bettors. In it, you’ll learn the most popular football markets, how to bet on football, and what’s important to know before you start.
How Football Betting Works
Football betting is one of the major betting markets in North America, and part of that is because it’s easy to start with. Bettors can learn the basics and understand football odds quickly by reading our guide on how to bet on sports.
For your convenience, we’ll break down how football betting works below.
The Basics
Placing a bet on a football match means betting on a certain outcome. More often than not, this means betting on the winning team. Another option would be to bet on the winning margin, which provides more flexibility than moneylines.
Sportsbooks set football betting markets by combining data with human analysis. They calculate all potential outcomes and apply a margin, which ensures profitability.
Understanding Football Odds
Football odds represent the probability of a potential outcome. Odds dictate profit directly in relation to the bet. Higher odds offer greater returns, while lower odds offer smaller returns.
There are three main odds types – fractional, decimal, and moneyline (American). For American football, most sportsbooks stick to the moneyline format.
Where You Can Bet on Football Online
After learning how to bet on football online, bettors should decide where to place their bets. The easiest way is to do it online at 29Black. We hold a proper license and have robust security measures, as well as a selection of football markets.
These include fixed odds and pre-match betting as well as live betting markets. If you’re a football fan and love NFL action, our selection of markets and sharp odds are a strong pick.
Types of Football Bets
Compared to the past where bookie shops had a limited selection of bets, online sportsbooks have diversified the picks. From moneylines to point spreads, point totals, and score and player props, here are the most popular types of football bets online.
Moneyline bet
The simplest football bet and the default for most sports. This bet lets players pick the winning side in a football match, so either the home team or the visitors.
Point Spread
Betting on point spreads means betting on the winning margin in a football match. Instead of choosing the side to win, bettors can choose the favorite, which must win by more than the specified number of points, or the underdog, who can win outright or lose by less than the listed number.
Parlay Bet
An accumulator of several different bets tied on a single slip. For example, players can put a few moneylines, totals, and point spreads on a parlay, which offers much higher odds, but also high risk. Losing one leg results in a full parlay loss.
Same Game Parlay
Works in much the same way as a regular parlay, but includes bets from the same game. Not all sportsbooks or jurisdictions allow same game parlays.
Over/Under
A popular type of bet, the O/U market involves betting on the total number of points scored in a match. The sportsbook sets a line (e.g. 42), and bettors can place bets over or under that number for profit. This bet doesn’t rely on the winning team, instead focusing on the combined point total.
Correct Score
Predicting the exact scoreline is a score prop market. Sportsbooks usually offer betting on a variety of possible scorelines, which bettors can pick up for potentially massive payouts.
Player Props
One of the most exciting markets in the NFL and American football. Player props focus on wagering on player stats and feats, such as a star scoring a touchdown, or a QB covering pre-determined yards.
Football Futures
Futures bets refer to placing bets on events to take place in the future. A popular futures football pick is who wins the Super Bowl or the MVP.
How to Place a Football Bet (Step-by-Step)
If you’re wondering how to bet on football online, the process is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to begin:
- Choose a match or competition at 29Black
- Select a betting market (moneyline, spreads, totals, etc.)
- ·Click on the odds you want on your betting slip
- Enter the stake
- Review the potential returns
- Confirm the bet
Our betting slip will automatically calculate the returns on your slip as soon as you enter the wager. In general, the formula is odds x stake. Players can choose between different odds formats, including decimal, fractional, and American. The latter are the most common format for NFL betting.
Example Football Bet
To make things easier for new bettors, we’ll present an example. Let’s say the Seahawks play the Commanders, where Seattle is the ultimate favorite at -150. The Commanders are a +190 underdog.
- Betting on the favorite: In this case, you must bet $150 to win $100. If you bet $15, you win $10.
- Betting on the underdog: A $100 bet on the underdog, Commanders in this case, will bring you a $190 profit. So, if you bet $10, you’ll win $19.
American odds work best for football bets. By learning the favorite (-) and underdog (+) odds and following our example, you’ll easily realize how to bet on the NFL.
Popular Football Leagues and Competitions for Online Betting
In American football, one league is king – the NFL. Short for National Football League, it’s one of the premier sports in North America and a major focus here at 29Black.
The NFL preseason starts in August, with the first matches hitting in September. A total of 18 weeks are played before the playoffs, which culminate with the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sports events around the world, and generates a lot of betting interest as well.
With the world’s top football stars in the NFL, it’s not hard to see why it’s a major bettor’s favorite. From the preseason to the Super Bowl, betting on the NFL is a major hit for many, and a profitable business for some.
Bettors who prefer a different kind of action should check out NCAA betting on our site. College football action is a stepping stone to the NFL, where eagle-eyed bettors can spot future football stars.
What Is Live Football Betting (In-Play Betting)?
Live American football betting refers to the practice of placing wagers on a match in play. It differs from pre-match betting in the live markets, meaning that they open once the match is underway.
What Is Live Betting?
Live betting is the process of placing bets on an in-play match. Due to the real-time updates and ever-changing odds, it requires strategic and quick thinking, as well as tracking live stats.
How Live Odds Change
Live odds change depending on what happens on the field. Whenever a team scores a touchdown, the odds shift to accommodate the new development.
It’s the same with live prop bets and other markets, which quickly react and shift following the latest developments. Stat tracking is crucial for in-play bets, as it allows bettors to react to any changes.
Popular Live Football Markets
There’s a variety of live betting markets you can bet on in American football that go beyond traditional picks. We’ll cover the most popular below.
- Next team to score: Fast-paced market where bettors are wagering on which team scores next, regardless of the result.
- Live point spread: Predict the point spread as it adjusts based on the score and time remaining.
- Anytime touchdown scorer: In-play betting on a specific player to score a touchdown during the match.
- Quarter/half betting: Betting on the outcome, spreads, or totals specifically for the upcoming quarter or half.
Football Betting Tips for Beginners
Research Before Betting
Just like with any sport, betting on football requires plenty of research. The most important aspects to review include injuries and suspensions, team form, and H2H (head-to-head) stats.
Bankroll Management
Responsible betting is crucial for any sports betting market, football included. Bettors should always stick to a budget, avoid large stakes on single bets, track spending, and avoid betting emotionally.
Understanding Value in Odds
Bettors should focus on finding value football bets at all times. Scan 29Black’s odds for the best possible value, especially once the NFL season starts.
Common Mistakes Football Bettors Make
New bettors will inevitably make some mistakes when betting on the NFL or American football markets. We’ll share a few tips on how to avoid them and get optimal returns.
- Betting on emotion and team loyalty: The worst and most common mistake when betting on football. Just because you’re a loyal fan doesn’t mean your team will win. Emotions often cause poor judgment, so bet with a clear head and rely on probability rather than loyalty.
- Chasing losses: A typical sign of gambler’s fallacy. Just because you’ve incurred a few losses doesn’t mean a win is around the corner. Chasing losses often leads to even more money lost.
- Ignoring stats and form: In the NFL, it’s all about team and player forms. Review the stats, H2Hs, and recent performances to get a clearer idea of what might happen in the next match.
- Too many bets on an accumulator: We get it – more matches mean more money. But adding too many matches can lead you to lose clarity, not to mention it makes winning more difficult.
Bet Responsibly
When betting on football or any other sport, bettors should aim to bet responsibly. First and foremost, betting should be entertainment instead of a source of income. To treat it like that, set spending or time limits, stick to your budget, and learn when to take a break.
29Black promotes responsible play, with an extensive responsible gambling page which offers a guide, tools for responsible play, and links to professional organizations.
FAQs
How does football betting work?
Football betting allows bettors to wager on the outcome of a match. They can pick the team to win, the winning margin, number of points scored, or place bets on player props.
What is the easiest football bet for beginners?
The moneyline is the simplest bet to learn when betting on football. It’s perfect for beginners as it allows them to pick a winning side.
What does +200 mean for odds?
+200 represents underdog odds. It shows the potential payout relative to a $100 wager. In this case, a $100 wager brings $200 in profit for a total of $300.
How do you bet the spread in football?
Betting the spread focuses on the winning margin rather than the winning team. Players can bet on the favorite with a – sign, which must win by more than the specified spread (points). Betting on the underdog with a + sign means that the team must win or lose by fewer points than the specified amount.
What is a moneyline bet in football?
A moneyline is the simplest football bet. It allows bettors to bet on the winner of a match, no draw included.
Can you make money betting on football?
Yes, you can make money by betting on football, but it should first be viewed as entertainment rather than an income. The unpredictable nature of football betting leads to many surprises.
What is the safest football bet?
The safest bet is a favorite moneyline. It doesn’t pay much as the odds are short, but it’s a safer bet than spreads, props, or any other.
What leagues are best for football betting?
The NFL is the best league for football betting. With 18 weeks of regular season football plus playoffs and the Super Bowl, it’s the world’s leading football betting league.
Final Thoughts
As one of the most popular sports in the world, American football is a prime pick for many 29Black bettors. We encourage bettors to learn how to bet on the NFL gradually. This includes managing your bankroll, starting with smaller bets, and never chasing your losses.
NFL betting is more than just the moneyline. There are nuances and markets to learn that offer great winning potential, although there’s no guarantee of winning. With strong responsible betting practices, bettors can optimize their profits.
Take a look at the top football betting markets at 29Black and make your picks today!
