A Beginner’s Guide to Football Betting: Everything You Need to Know

Edna Boykin
January 10, 2025

Caught the football bug? Ready to dive into the world of football betting? You’re in the right spot! But before you rush to place your first bet, let’s make sure you know the fundamentals to make your first bet a winner. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from the most popular betting types to tips for finding the best football betting sites. Ready to turn those football predictions into winnings? Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basics of Football Betting

Football betting might seem like a maze at first—odds, spreads, totals, parlays, and more. It’s easy to get lost in all the lingo, but once you break it down, it’s not as tricky as it sounds. The three main types of bets you’ll encounter are point spread, money line, and total (over/under) bets. Each type has its unique aspect, but mastering them will set you up for betting success.

Before placing bets, you’ll also need to familiarize yourself with how odds work on football betting sites. Odds are typically displayed in American format (for US bettors), and understanding these odds will help you determine how much you can win based on your wager. The basics are easy to grasp, but it takes time and experience to master the art of making winning bets.

Point Spread Betting

Point spread betting is where the magic happens for many football fans. The point spread is a handicap applied to the favored team to make the game more exciting and give the underdog a fighting chance. In this kind of bet, the favorite must “cover the spread” by winning by a certain number of points, while the underdog can lose by that same number of points or win outright.

Let’s say the Dallas Cowboys are playing the Washington Football Team, and the Cowboys are favored by 7 points (Cowboys -7). If you place a bet on the Cowboys, they need to win by more than 7 points for you to win the bet. If they win by exactly 7, your bet is a push (meaning you get your money back). If the Cowboys win by 6 or fewer or lose the game, you lose your bet.

Money Line Betting

Now, if you’re someone who doesn’t want to mess with point spreads, moneyline betting is the way to go. This type of bet is all about picking the winner—no point spreads, no margin to cover. You simply bet on the team you think will win the game.

Money line odds work a little differently:

For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are -150, you would need to bet $150 to win $100. If you bet on the Miami Dolphins at +200, a $100 bet could win you $200 if they win. Money line bets are great when you’re confident in the winner and don’t want to bother with the point spread.

Total (Over/Under) Betting

Total betting, also called over/under betting, focuses on the combined score of both teams. Instead of picking a winner, you’re betting on whether the total score will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook.

For instance, if the New England Patriots are playing the Buffalo Bills, and the total is set at 50, you bet on whether the combined score of the game will be more or less than 50. If the score ends up being 30-24, that’s 54 total points—meaning the over wins. On the flip side, if the combined score is 21-14 (35 total points), the under wins.

Advanced Betting Options

You’re past the beginner stage, so let’s introduce you to some advanced betting options. Advanced options are where things get really interesting—more risk, bigger rewards, and a chance to show off your betting chops

Parlay Bets

A parlay bet allows bettors to combine multiple bets into one. The catch is that all of your bets need to hit for you to win. The reward? A much higher payout! For example, if you combine bets on the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Dolphins, and all three teams win, you’ll win your parlay. But if just one bet loses, you lose the whole parlay.

Parlays are enticing because they offer bigger payouts, but they’re riskier. Don’t go overboard—stick to small parlays until you get the hang of it.

Teasers

A teaser bet is similar to a parlay, but it allows you to adjust the point spreads in your favor. Teasers generally involve two or more bets, and you can shift the point spread by a few points (usually 6, 6.5, or 7 points).

For example, if you bet on the Patriots -3 and the Cowboys -7, you can move the spread to -1 and -5, respectively. Teasers lower your risk but also reduce your potential payout. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a safer bet.

Score Big with These Online Football Betting Tips

The internet has totally revamped the football betting scene. If you want to do more than just play and actually win, here are a few football betting tips for beginners to get started:

Secure your bets with reliable sites: When it comes to placing your bets, always go with the pros. Your hard-earned cash deserves that kind of security.
Compare odds: Don’t settle for the first odds you see—odds can differ across platforms. Different platforms have different odds, and the difference can be bigger than you think.
Use tools and resources: Many betting platforms offer stats, calculators, and guides to help you make more informed bets. Use them!

Responsible Betting Practices

Football betting can add some serious excitement to the game, but don’t let it throw you offside. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Don’t bet money you can’t afford to lose, and be sure to take breaks if needed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment—whether you’re on a winning streak or recovering from a loss. But here’s the thing: impulsive betting can lead to regret. If you find yourself slipping, don’t worry—there are plenty of resources to help you out.

Many football betting sites provide links to responsible gambling organizations where you can find support.

Wrapping up

By now, you should have learned the ropes of football betting. With a good grip on point spreads, money lines, and even parlays, you’re equipped to take on football betting with confidence. Betting can bring a whole new level of fun to the game, but only if you approach it responsibly. Always approach your bets responsibly and with care.