Beginner’s guide to placing bets on football games
Football is placing wagers on games every week. As a beginner, the betting process seems daunting. There are many different types of bets, odds, and strategies to follow some key tips, even new bettors learn how to place smart wagers and set themselves up for betting success.
Choose a reputable sportsbook
The first step is choosing a sportsbook to place your bets. There are many online sportsbooks to choose from, and not all are created equal. You’ll want to find one that is licensed and regulated in your state, offers competitive odds has a user-friendly interface, and has solid customer service. Take the time to research different sportsbooks and read reviews before deciding. The top options include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and Caesars. You’ll also want to check that the sportsbook offers plenty of football betting options.
Different types of football bets
Football offers many more betting options than just picking the winner of a game.
- Spread– Betting on a team to cover or not cover a set spread, like Patriots -7 or Cowboys +3.
- Moneyline– Betting on a team to win straight up, disregarding the point spread.
- Over/Under– Betting on the total points scored going over or under a set line, like Over/Under 48 points.
- Prop bets– Wagering on outcomes other than the final score spbo, like how many TD passes a QB will throw.
- Futures- Betting on long-term outcomes like season win totals or the Super Bowl winner.
- Live betting– Wagering on in-game events and adjusted lines in real-time.
Take the time to learn these main bet types so you can bet on football effectively.
Manage your bankroll
Bankroll management is key to betting success. Set aside a specific amount of money for football betting and stick to it. Only bet what you can comfortably afford to lose. Experts often recommend betting no more than 1-2% of your bankroll on each wager. Treat your bankroll as an investment fund rather than disposable entertainment money. You should also use proper units when sizing your bets. A standard unit is 1-5% of your bankroll. Bet larger units on more confident picks and smaller units on riskier wagers. This helps manage risk and optimize potential returns. Proper bankroll management will ensure you can weather downswings and stay in action all season long.
Study the odds and lines
The odds and lines set by sportsbooks hold valuable information. Make sure you understand how money lines, spreads, totals, and payouts work. Spreads and totals indicate how evenly matched the sportsbook considers two teams. Moneylines indicate the perceived favorite and underdog. Study the opening lines and any line movements over the week. This gives insight into how the public is betting. Try to spot games where the sportsbook may be off on the line. This could present an advantageous betting opportunity.
Do Your Research
One of the biggest keys to betting success is doing your homework. The more you know about the two teams, players, matchups, and trends, the better you can identify smart bets. Study stats, injuries, roster moves, coaching changes, weather reports, and more. Check if teams play up or down to their competition. Look for mismatches you can exploit. Devote time to digging into the key factors that impact the game. The more research you do, the more informed your betting decisions will be.
