Football betting isn’t just about making money; it can also be fun with friends and family. There are many fun bets to choose from, including simple prop bets and Parlay bets. Just remember to wager responsibly and set reasonable limits for yourself.
Live betting is a great way to bet on NFL games while they’re happening. The lines and odds shift as the game progresses, creating unique opportunities that wouldn’t be available prior to kickoff.
Parlay bets
Football parlays allow bettors to combine multiple wagers into one, resulting in a higher payout. However, they also increase the house edge for the sportsbook. This is because sportsbooks try to keep the winning percentage of parlays as low as possible.
Another popular type of football bet is the totals. These are based on the combined points scored in a game. If the teams combine for less than the total, the bet will push and your original stake will be refunded.
While correlated parlays can be profitable, it’s important to check the odds before placing your bets. The odds on a parlay will be different from those of the individual bets, and if the bet is wrong, you’ll lose money. You can avoid this by shopping around for better odds.
Future bets
Futures betting is a great way to bet on your favorite teams. You can place bets on anything from division winners to Super Bowl winning teams. You can also bet on player awards, such as the Heisman Trophy or the NBA scoring title. These types of bets are available at most sportsbooks, including those that offer legal sports betting in the United States.
To place a futures bet, visit a legal sportsbook and navigate to the appropriate sports section. Most sites will feature a dedicated tab for team and player futures. Once you’ve selected your bet, the payout based on the odds will be printed on the ticket. One downside of futures betting is that it ties up your funds for a long period, meaning you can’t access them until the wager is graded (if it wins). This may not be ideal for bettors who prefer instant gratification.
Handicap bets
Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and it’s a bettor’s paradise. The NFL offers a wide variety of betting options, from moneyline bets to Over/Under and handicap (spread) wagers. However, it’s important to understand how these bets work before placing a bet.
Handicap betting is a type of wager in which one team is given a disadvantage before the game begins. This advantage can range from a few points to several goals, depending on the sport. In order to win a bet, a team must score more than their handicap in the game.
A team with a +1 handicap, for example, will begin the game with a goal advantage. The team must win the game or draw to be successful.
Over/Under bets
The Over/Under is one of the most popular wagering options in NFL football games. It is an over/under on the total combined score of both teams in a game. The numbers are posted at sportsbooks a week before kickoff, but they can change due to injury, weather, and large amounts of money bet on one side or the other.
If the final score is close to the Over/Under number, your bet will win. To be successful, you must know the offensive and defensive capabilities of both teams as well as other factors that could influence scoring, such as weather conditions. The over/under is listed next to the point spread and moneyline in most betting menus. A push means a bet is returned to the bettor.
Live betting
In-game live betting is a popular option that allows bettors to place wagers as the action unfolds. These bets can be placed on a variety of markets including live spreads and Over/Unders.
The team you bet on must win by a certain margin to cover the spread. This is usually reflected on the odds board as “cover.” The team that wins will have a plus sign, while the underdog will have a minus sign.
To be successful, bettors should look at historical data and short-term trends before a game. This will help them understand how teams perform in different conditions and make informed decisions about which bets to place. They should also keep records of their bets to track winning bets and learn from losses.