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.