Football is the most popular sport in North America and it’s also a bettor’s paradise. This is mainly because it offers more potential profits than any other sport and because the betting markets are easy to understand.

However, to be successful at betting on football, you must know your leagues and teams. This includes their history and current standings, as well as injuries and other news. Understanding betting odds and learning how to bet on football are crucial. Additionally, following expert analysis and trends can help you make more informed decisions. Be sure to set a budget and bet responsibly to maximize your chances of success.

Point spread

Whether you’re betting on NFL games or NCAA college football playoff matches, understanding how to read point spreads will make your wagering experience much more enjoyable. The point spread is determined by online sportsbooks after careful analysis of team and player statistics and trends. This creates a betting handicap that is designed to give the bettor an even playing field.

In most cases, teams are favored by a certain amount, and this number can expand or shrink depending on the gap in talent between the two teams. It can be helpful to think of point spreads as phantom points. For example, if a team is 7, you can back them as a straight bet or place it in a teaser parlay. This will boost the line to a more profitable level.

Moneyline

The Moneyline wager is a type of football bet that is simple and straightforward. It requires you to pick a team that will win the game, regardless of the final score. It’s important to do your research, including team injuries and depth chart changes, before placing a Moneyline bet.

Moneyline odds are displayed in three different forms – American, decimal, and fractional. The American odds are often three-digit, four-digit, or even five-digit numbers that have a plus or minus sign in front of them. The minus indicates the favorite, while the plus sign indicates the underdog. It is also important to shop around for the best moneyline odds, as different sportsbooks will offer different prices. This can save you a few dollars on a winning bet.

Parlay

Creating a football parlay can result in large payouts, but each leg of the wager must win for the entire bet to cash. There are many types of parlays available, including point spreads, moneylines, Over/Unders, and player props.

When placing a parlay, be sure to check the odds of each individual game. If the odds are too high, it is a good idea to choose another bet type. A popular option is to place a teaser bet, which allows you to adjust the point spread or Over/Under line in your favor for lower odds.

It is important to stay in control when betting on football games, especially if you have a favourite team. If you are too emotional, it can cloud your judgement and lead to a loss.

Over/Under bets

In football, over/under bets are based on the total number of points scored in a game. The oddsmakers set the number, which is a whole number including half a point, and bettors wager on whether the teams will score more or less than that total. These bets are popular in all sports, but they are especially attractive in high-scoring games.

When betting on over/unders, it is important to think critically about the game and the teams involved. In addition, bettors can also place live over/unders, which can make a game more exciting and challenging. For example, if one team scores two touchdowns early in the game, it can significantly change a total line from over to under. This is why live over/unders are often the best bets to make.

Futures bets

Futures bets are popular because they offer the same thrill of a winning prediction as a straight bet but at a much higher payout. The bettor can shop around different sportsbooks for the best odds. Moreover, they provide a broader view of the season than a single game.

These wagers are placed on long-term outcomes, such as championship winners, before the end of a season. They may also be based on individual player awards. For example, betting on your hometown Kentucky Wildcats football team to win the SEC conference could be a fun and rewarding bet. Nevertheless, the risk associated with futures bets is high, so it is important to consider the latest news before placing your bet. The odds for these bets are displayed as American odds and are usually positive.