Description
Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and it’s no surprise that football betting is also a favorite pastime for many sports enthusiasts. Whether you're new to football betting or a seasoned bettor looking to refine your strategies, understanding the different types of football bets is essential. With countless betting options available, it’s important to know which ones suit your preferences and give you the best chance of making a profit.
In this guide, we will walk you through the most popular types of football bets and provide tips on how to place them effectively. From traditional match-winner bets to more complex spread bets and over/under wagers, you’ll learn the key betting options and strategies that can help you succeed in the exciting world of football betting.
1. Moneyline Bets: The Classic Option
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet is the simplest and most common type of football bet. In this type of wager, you simply choose which team will win the match. Moneyline betting odds are usually presented in the following format:
- Positive odds (e.g., +200): This represents how much you could win if you bet $100. A +200 bet means you would win $200 for every $100 wagered, assuming your chosen team wins.
- Negative odds (e.g., -150): This indicates how much you need to wager in order to win $100. A -150 bet means you need to stake $150 to win $100 if your team wins.
Why Choose Moneyline Bets?
Moneyline bets are straightforward and ideal for beginners. They’re easy to understand and don't require deep knowledge of the teams, players, or match specifics. This type of bet is particularly attractive if you have a strong belief in the outcome of a match, such as when betting on a top-tier team to beat a weaker opponent.
- Pros:
- Simple and easy to place.
- Ideal for beginners.
- Quick outcomes, as the bet is settled once the match concludes.
- Cons:
- Lower payouts for heavily favored teams, as the odds can be very low.
- Less flexibility in the types of outcomes you can bet on compared to other betting options.
How to Bet on Moneyline
To place a moneyline bet, simply select the team you believe will win the match. You’ll then decide how much you want to wager based on the odds provided. If your team wins, you’ll receive your stake back plus your profit based on the odds.
2. Point Spread Bets: Betting on the Margin
What is a Point Spread Bet?
A point spread bet adds an extra layer of complexity to football betting. In a point spread, the sportsbook sets a line that represents how many points a team is expected to win or lose by. The underdog is given a “head start,” while the favorite has to overcome the spread in order to cover the bet.
For example, if Team A is favored by -7 points, it means that Team A must win the game by more than 7 points for the bet to pay out. Conversely, if Team B is the underdog at +7, they can lose by up to 6 points, and you would still win the bet.
Why Choose Point Spread Bets?
Point spread betting offers more balanced odds, which can make it an attractive option for bettors looking to get more value out of a game. Spread bets are often used when there is a significant disparity in team strength, as they make betting on both the underdog and favorite more interesting.
- Pros:
- Provides more betting options and excitement, especially in one-sided matchups.
- The possibility of higher payouts compared to moneyline bets, especially with the underdog.
- Balanced odds on both sides of the bet.
- Cons:
- Slightly more complicated than moneyline betting.
- Requires more research into the teams’ performances and strategies.
How to Bet on Point Spread
To place a point spread bet, you’ll select a team and decide if they will cover the spread. For a favorite, the team must win by a certain number of points to win the bet. For an underdog, the team can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread to win the bet.
3. Over/Under (Totals) Bets: Betting on the Total Points
What is an Over/Under Bet?
An over/under bet (also known as a totals bet) involves betting on the total number of points scored in a football game by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a line for the total points, and you bet on whether the final score will be over or under that number.
For example, if the total for a match is set at 45 points, you would bet on whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under that value.
Why Choose Over/Under Bets?
Over/under bets can be an exciting alternative to the standard moneyline or point spread bets, as they don’t require you to choose a winner. Instead, you're focusing on the total performance of both teams, making it an appealing choice for bettors who are not as invested in a specific team’s outcome but still want to make a wager based on the game’s dynamics.
- Pros:
- Offers a different type of excitement that isn’t dependent on the winner.
- Great for betting on games with high offensive or defensive potential.
- Easier to bet on without needing extensive knowledge of team rosters or performance.
- Cons:
- Can be hard to predict, as it depends on both teams' performance, not just the winner.
- May not always offer high payouts compared to spread betting.
How to Bet on Over/Under
To place an over/under bet, you simply choose whether the total points scored in the game will be over or under the set number by the sportsbook. Researching the teams' average points scored per game can help you make an informed decision.
4. Parlay Bets: Combining Multiple Bets for Bigger Payouts
What is a Parlay Bet?
A parlay bet involves combining multiple individual bets into a single wager. In order for the parlay bet to win, all the selections must be correct. If one leg of the parlay loses, the entire bet is lost.
For example, you might bet on three different teams to win their matches in a single parlay. If all three teams win, you’ll receive a payout that is higher than if you had placed individual moneyline bets on each game.
Why Choose Parlay Bets?
Parlay bets are appealing for bettors who are looking for higher payouts. Because parlays involve multiple bets, they offer larger potential returns than single wagers. However, the increased risk (as all bets must win) means that parlays are best suited for those looking to take calculated risks in exchange for higher rewards.
- Pros:
- Higher payouts due to the combined odds of multiple bets.
- Ideal for experienced bettors who are confident in several outcomes.
- Cons:
- High risk, as one loss means the entire bet is lost.
- Difficult to win consistently, especially with more selections in the parlay.
How to Bet on Parlays
To place a parlay, simply select multiple bets on different games or markets and combine them into a single wager. Make sure you understand the risks, as all selections need to be correct for the bet to pay out.
5. Futures Bets: Betting on Long-Term Outcomes
What is a Futures Bet?
A futures bet involves betting on the outcome of a football season or tournament well in advance. For example, you could place a futures bet on which team will win the Super Bowl before the season begins.
Futures betting allows you to bet on a variety of outcomes, such as:
- The winner of a league or tournament (e.g., Super Bowl winner).
- A player’s total touchdowns or passing yards for the season.
- Whether a team will make the playoffs.
Why Choose Futures Bets?
Futures bets are ideal for bettors who enjoy long-term wagers and are willing to wait for an extended period before seeing results. These bets can provide a sense of excitement throughout a season and allow you to lock in odds early, potentially yielding higher returns if your selection performs well over time.
- Pros:
- Higher odds and potential for greater payouts.
- Fun to follow over a season or tournament.
- Can be placed well in advance of a game or season.
- Cons:
- Requires patience, as the bet won’t be settled for months.
- Higher risk, as anything can happen throughout the season, potentially affecting your bet.
How to Bet on Futures
To place a futures bet, simply select the team or player you believe will achieve a specific outcome by the end of the season or tournament. Place your bet with the sportsbook offering futures markets, and be prepared to wait until the event is completed.
6. Conclusion: Choosing the Best Football Bets for You
Betting on football in 2025 offers a wide array of options, each catering to different types of bettors. Whether you’re looking for simplicity with a moneyline bet, want to add excitement with a point spread wager, or are ready to take a risk with a parlay, the variety of betting types ensures there’s something for everyone.
To maximize your chances of success, start by understanding the basics of each betting type, conduct research into team performance and statistics, and always gamble responsibly. With time, you’ll be able to refine your betting strategies and enjoy the thrill of football betting.