Football Gambling Basics

Over the history of North America, conquerors and colonialists have been frowned upon and vilified rather than portrayed in a more positive light. For sports betting, without the conquerors and colonialists we as fans may never have known what it was like to place a bet on our favorite teams. For those new to betting online there is much to be overwhelmed by, odds, types of wagers, lines and so forth.

However, we are here to tell you that there are many basic principles experienced gamblers follow that can also be taught to new bettors.

NFL and NCAA Betting

When first getting into football betting, it is essential that you focus your attention on the point spread and over/ under bets sportsbooks offer. Each bet works in two similar ways, first it makes the game more relaxing by not having to pick a favorite. Secondly, if you happen to enjoy picking underdogs, both these bets are for you, because even though the underdog may lose, as long as they cover the point spread you may still win. With an over/ under bet as long as the underdog avoids the total you can be a winner. Here is how a point spread sports bet works

Bengals
Colts - 7

Final score 1: Bengals 14 Colts 21 Final Score 2: Bengals 21 Colts 14

In the first example if the Bengals lose by 7, you still win your money because they covered the spread. However, in the second example, when the Bengals won the match, you still won because the favorite failed to cover the spread.

Over/Under Totals

This form of betting was created in the 1970s with the idea that if sportsbooks could provide more options than money lines and point spreads for the gamblers, they would place more wagers. Essentially an over/ under total works when the bookie sets a suggested total and the bettor gambles on whether the total will be over or under, here is how it works:

Colts
Bengals
O/E  - 30

Final score: Bengals 21-Colts 14

Basically the bookie believed that the total score would be 30, however the final score added to 35. If you wagered on the total going over, then you would win, and would have lost if you bet under the 30.

United States draws England to open World Cup

The biggest sporting event in the world is finally underway in South Africa, as the World Cup is in the early stages of the group games.  Though not every club has played yet, a couple teams have made early waves and may change the way they are judged in later matches, while altering World Cup betting.

The United States played well enough against powerhouse England to earn a draw and secure a point.  While both countries are expected to move out of Group C, with Slovenia and Algeria faltering, England was the clear favourite to not only win the group, but move deep into the tournament.  With both teams earning a point, the group is now up for grabs.  Slovenia edged the Desert Foxes to take the early lead in the group with three points, but need to play exceptionally well to stay competitive. The Americans play Slovenia Friday with the group lead in sight. The U.S. should be favoured in both remaining matches, and they will look to get up early, but not sit back on the lead.  Should they win both games, they can tie England atop the group where the tiebreaker goes to goal difference.  They will continue to play strong defense but also take chances to amass goals.

Both sides had injury scares, but the U.S. seemed to have escaped real peril.  Tim Howard is expected to play after a collision early in the match.  England forward Wayne Rooney did not practice the day following the match, but is hopeful to meet Algeria. However, Ledley King suffered a groin injury and will not be available for at least a couple weeks.

The Americans should be very optimistic moving ahead, but concerns abound for England. Take the U.S. to win big the next two matches, and continue following the World Cup as it features in online sports betting.