The NFL is the world’s most popular professional sport, and betting on it is a lucrative activity. However, there are many factors to consider when placing a football bet.
A good way to get started is to sign up with a reputable sportsbook online. These sites offer a range of betting options for NFL and also ongoing promotions to boost your bankroll.
Straight bets
Straight bets are the most basic type of betting available in sports. A straight bet consists of wagers on a single game or event.
One of the most common types of straight bets is the pointspread. In a pointspread bet, the favored team is handicapped by subtracting points or goals (marked by a minus sign) and the underdog is given points or goals (marked by a plus sign).
The point spread may fluctuate depending on the specific game or event. However, a game that covers the point spread or pushes will pay out on your bet as long as the odds match your pick.
Parlay bets
Parlay bets are a great way to maximize your winnings when betting on football. They are much more difficult to win than individual bets, but they can be extremely rewarding if you’re successful.
A parlay bet is a type of accumulator that links several different wagers to create a higher payout. However, each selection must win to cash.
For example, a two-team parlay could have 13/5 pay. A three-team parlay may have 6 /1 pay, and a four-team parlay has 10/1 pay.
A parlay can also be made with a teaser, which allows you to move the spread or total of a game for increased odds. These bets are not available for every sport, but they are a great option when you’re trying to boost your chances of winning.
Over/Under bets
When betting on a football game, you can place bets on the over or under of the final score. Over bettors win when the total score is more than the number that was set by oddsmakers, while under bettors win when the final score is less than the number that was set.
The total score for a game is calculated before the matchup by the oddsmakers and is set as an Over or Under number. Usually, the Over has odds of -110, while the Under has higher-paying odds.
Moneyline bets
A moneyline is a type of sports bet where the odds adjust based on your expectation of the outcome. Negative odds indicate a favorite, while positive odds represent an underdog.
Moneyline bets are a good place to start when you’re a new bettor. These wagers offer two outcomes — win or lose — and can be one of the simplest types of bets to make.
However, it’s important to remember that moneyline bets won’t always pay out as you expect them to. In addition, there are many factors that affect a sportsbook’s moneyline odds, such as newsworthy events and head-to-head history between the teams.
Point spread bets
Point spread bets are one of the most popular types of wagers, and they offer a unique way to place a bet on a team. Unlike a money line, a point spread sets both the favorite and underdog and subtracts points from their totals to level the playing field.
Oddsmakers have the right to adjust a point spread anytime they want, and it can be a good idea to check it multiple times a day. That way, you can make sure to get the best bets possible.
The point spreads can be positive or negative, but they always represent the expected margin of victory between two teams. This is why oddsmakers will often put a “hook” on the number.