Explain Betting Odds Football

Football betting explained, how football odds work

Football bettors world-wide have a good understanding of how the football odds work, but for those of you who are absolutely new to this area of gambling, we have done our best to explain football betting to you in the simplest way possible. Before we begin, note that this is a brief and a basic guide to football betting and the works of the odds. If you are past the beginner stage, you should skip this guide as it will not teach you anything new - visit our betting tips section for intermediate and expert advice. But if your are a newbie in the sports betting, read on to learn about the football odds and how betting on football works.

Ok, if you are a beginner bettor, you have two big questions ahead of yourself - how the whole football betting thing works and how the odds, spread, totals etc. work. We will answer theses questions below in the simplest way possible; don't worry, examples will be included.

Let's begin with football betting explained. Football betting is basically risking money on one or more football games with the purpose of guessing the correct outcome of the football game or games. You place a wager with a sportsbook on a football game and if your prediction is correct - you win money relative to the odds on the correct outcome, and if you are wrong - you lose your wager. In this way football betting is not much different than betting on any other sport. The difference comes when we look at the odds:

How football odds work - this is where the complicated part of football betting comes. When wagering on a football game, you will have three basic choices - line, point spread and total, all three commonly referred to as 'odds'. Let's look at all three types of football odds with an example. Here are the odds on the Indianapolis Colts vs. Green Bay Packers football game at the online sportsbook Bookmaker:

Sports Betting Odds Explained. Many people don't know how to read or calculate sports betting odds, so below we have done our best on explaining how betting odds work. The most common type of sports betting odds used in North America are the American style odds which we explain below. American Style Sports Betting Odds. Sports Betting Terminology. Side Bet: This is a bet where you are taking the line (or spread) into account. In the example to the right, New Orleans is a 3 point favorite over Chicago at the BetOnline sportsbook.

If this is your first time looking at football odds, the numbers probably mean nothing to you, so let's break them down. In the first column are the football teams competing, in this case the Colts and the Packers. The second column shows the point spread on the game, the third column is the total and in the forth column are the betting lines. We now know what the odds arrangement means, but still have no idea what the terminology stands for. So let's go ahead and explain each of the football betting odds we just mentioned.

The point spread (column 2) - the football point spread is the most popular form of odds on football. In its simplicity, the point spread is a points handicap for the team with the plus '+' sign. In the above example, the plus sign is for the Green Bay Packers and the value is '1', which means that the odds makers are giving the Packers one point advantage, i.e. the game starts from the result 'Indianapolis 0 - Green Bay 1' and then you ad the points scored in the game. The number '-110' behind the spread is the payout on that bet. If you bet the spread on the Colts and they win the game by more than one point (i.e. final score-1), your wager will pay out on -110. Here is the best place to explain what that -110 means. In betting, using American odds, the payout takes the form '-' or '+' and then a number, in this case -110. If the sign in front of the number is minus, the number shows you how much you have to risk in order to win $100. In the above case, if you bet on the Colts covering the spread (i.e. the Colts win by more than 1 point) you have to bet $110 to win $100. If the sign in front of the number was '+', the number shows you how much you will win if you bet $100. For example, if the payout on the odds was +190, this means that for every $100 you bet, you will win $190.

The total (column 3) - the total in football betting is the combined score of the game, i.e. the Colts points combined with the Packers points = total points. The odds makers employed by the sportsbooks evaluate past performance (betting trends) and current team conditions and choose a number that best reflects the possible total outcome of the football game. In the example above, the odds makers have decided that the most likely total of the scores by the Packers and Colts will be 47 points and you have to decide whether the final score total will be OVER 47 points or UNDER 47 points (Over is marked with 'o' and Under is marked with 'u'). Either way you chose, if you are correct you will win $100 for every $110 wagered (-110). If the final score total of the football game is exactly 47 points the bet is called 'no action', meaning you neither win nor lose, similar to 'push' in blackjack or a draw.

The betting line (column 4) - the betting line is he easiest to play, you simply have to guess which football team will win the game. In the above example, the betting line on the Colts is -120 - means you will have to bet $120 to win $100 if Indianapolis wins the game outright and the betting line on the Packers is 'EV', which stands for 'EVEN', or you will get even money if the Packers win the game ($100 for every $100 bet). Using the betting lines in football is the easiest way to call a team 'favorite' or 'underdog' - if the odds on a football team have the minus '-' sign in front, this means that the team is favorite to win the game (you have to bet more to win less than what you bet), if the football team has a plus '+' sign in front of its odds, the team is underdog (you will get even money or win more than your bet).

And here you have it - the football betting explained and how the football odds work. Note, this is just the basic explanation of football betting, read the rest of our free guides to learn the tips and tricks of betting on football.

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Learning how to read college football betting odds should be much easier for everyone with the help of our team here at ExplainBettingOdds.com College Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and offers one of the most exciting regular seasons and postseasons around. In fact, there might not be a more hotly debated sport, and discussions surrounding the rankings, and who is #1 has only sparked college football betting odds over the last several years, with oddsmakers forming a ton of betting lines for the sport. And there are many ways and different lines in which you can wager on college football. The goal of this page is to layout the different college football betting odds that you can expect to see for the weekly matchups, as well as some of the year-long odds that are typically available at online sportsbooks. No longer do you have to be in Las Vegas to place a legal wager. There are a number of online sportsbooks that feature college football betting odds, right at your fingertips through your computer.

What Is The Point Of College Football Betting Odds?

Oddsmakers make college football betting odds for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, college football is especially popular in the US and Americans have shown in the past that football is the country's favorite sports to bet on so there is a huge market there. College football betting odds also make it so that each game is competitive from a bettor's standpoint. These odds are heavily researched before the start of a game which is why it is often difficult to choose which side of the line to put your money on. Betting odds for college football also make it easier to see which team is favored to win a certain matchup and which team is the underdog. With all these factors in play it's no wonder online sportsbooks cater to college football fans each year.

College Football Point Spreads Explained

Betting on the point spread in college football is likely one of the most common wagers made by a bettor. Oddsmakers will look at a game, research the two teams involved, and then come up with a number to install the spread at. A favorite and underdog are established. The favorite, the team predicted to win the game, is set with the points in which they will have hypothetically give points to the underdog. On the opposite side, the team predicted to lose the game, the underdog, receives the points. This point spread is established to even the playing field. It is essentially saying that oddsmakers believe that the favorites are X number of points better than the underdog, and to make things even, this is the number of points the spread will be. This number is researched thoroughly by oddsmakers before officially coming out. It is by no means a random shot in the dark. You would be surprised to find how close the oddsmakers are on the whole.

But, point spreads are not made for the entire game only. In fact, oddsmakers install a number of spreads for college football games, breaking the matchups down even further. A bet made on these lines work just as they would when betting on the spread for the whole game.

College Football Quarter Lines Explained

Oddsmakers can set down what are known as quarter lines, or quarter spreads. These are pretty much how they sound. Teams are set in the role of the favorite of the underdog for a single quarter in the game, with a spread installed. There is a favorite and an underdog, for which the bet will be won by placing a wager on the correct team to cover the line. These quarter lines will obviously be much closer than the overall game line, but just as much research goes into a game. Do teams have fast starts? Slow starts? All of these factors play into a quarter betting line.

NCAA Football 1st Half Betting Odds

Oddsmakers will also set down a point spread for halftime, meaning the opening half of play going into the break. Typically, we will see this line cut in half from the overall game line established. The bet is placed on the favorite or the underdog covering the installed line for the first half. Once the first half is done, the bet is complete. The second half of play has no bearing on this wager.

College Football Halftime Betting Odds

Betting on the two halves are pretty much the same thing as the halftime line, but the second half is available. Bets can be placed on the first half, second half, or both. A point spread will be set typically during halftime for the second half, as a variety of factors can have an effect on the second half, including injuries, and the flow of the game.

College Football Moneline Bets Explained

Other types of wager formed for college football games are moneyline bets. These are straight wagers just like the point spread, though with a big difference. Whereas on the point spread you wager with points, the moneyline is simply betting on the winner of the game straight up. There is no point spread involved with the moneyline. If you think Florida State will be Florida, you bet on Florida State without any point. Sounds easier right? It certainly is. But oddsmakers are not just going to hand you over money. The payouts on a moneyline can be quite a bit different than on the point spread. Since there is nothing evening the playing field, a wager on the favorite pays out quite a bit less. On the flip side though, you have the potential to make a lot more money betting on the underdog getting no points on the moneyline, because there is nothing to even things out.

© 2008 FootballBettingWebsite.com - All Rights Reserved.

Learning how to read college football betting odds should be much easier for everyone with the help of our team here at ExplainBettingOdds.com College Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and offers one of the most exciting regular seasons and postseasons around. In fact, there might not be a more hotly debated sport, and discussions surrounding the rankings, and who is #1 has only sparked college football betting odds over the last several years, with oddsmakers forming a ton of betting lines for the sport. And there are many ways and different lines in which you can wager on college football. The goal of this page is to layout the different college football betting odds that you can expect to see for the weekly matchups, as well as some of the year-long odds that are typically available at online sportsbooks. No longer do you have to be in Las Vegas to place a legal wager. There are a number of online sportsbooks that feature college football betting odds, right at your fingertips through your computer.

What Is The Point Of College Football Betting Odds?

Oddsmakers make college football betting odds for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, college football is especially popular in the US and Americans have shown in the past that football is the country's favorite sports to bet on so there is a huge market there. College football betting odds also make it so that each game is competitive from a bettor's standpoint. These odds are heavily researched before the start of a game which is why it is often difficult to choose which side of the line to put your money on. Betting odds for college football also make it easier to see which team is favored to win a certain matchup and which team is the underdog. With all these factors in play it's no wonder online sportsbooks cater to college football fans each year.

College Football Point Spreads Explained

Betting on the point spread in college football is likely one of the most common wagers made by a bettor. Oddsmakers will look at a game, research the two teams involved, and then come up with a number to install the spread at. A favorite and underdog are established. The favorite, the team predicted to win the game, is set with the points in which they will have hypothetically give points to the underdog. On the opposite side, the team predicted to lose the game, the underdog, receives the points. This point spread is established to even the playing field. It is essentially saying that oddsmakers believe that the favorites are X number of points better than the underdog, and to make things even, this is the number of points the spread will be. This number is researched thoroughly by oddsmakers before officially coming out. It is by no means a random shot in the dark. You would be surprised to find how close the oddsmakers are on the whole.

But, point spreads are not made for the entire game only. In fact, oddsmakers install a number of spreads for college football games, breaking the matchups down even further. A bet made on these lines work just as they would when betting on the spread for the whole game.

College Football Quarter Lines Explained

Oddsmakers can set down what are known as quarter lines, or quarter spreads. These are pretty much how they sound. Teams are set in the role of the favorite of the underdog for a single quarter in the game, with a spread installed. There is a favorite and an underdog, for which the bet will be won by placing a wager on the correct team to cover the line. These quarter lines will obviously be much closer than the overall game line, but just as much research goes into a game. Do teams have fast starts? Slow starts? All of these factors play into a quarter betting line.

NCAA Football 1st Half Betting Odds

Oddsmakers will also set down a point spread for halftime, meaning the opening half of play going into the break. Typically, we will see this line cut in half from the overall game line established. The bet is placed on the favorite or the underdog covering the installed line for the first half. Once the first half is done, the bet is complete. The second half of play has no bearing on this wager.

College Football Halftime Betting Odds

Betting on the two halves are pretty much the same thing as the halftime line, but the second half is available. Bets can be placed on the first half, second half, or both. A point spread will be set typically during halftime for the second half, as a variety of factors can have an effect on the second half, including injuries, and the flow of the game.

College Football Moneline Bets Explained

Other types of wager formed for college football games are moneyline bets. These are straight wagers just like the point spread, though with a big difference. Whereas on the point spread you wager with points, the moneyline is simply betting on the winner of the game straight up. There is no point spread involved with the moneyline. If you think Florida State will be Florida, you bet on Florida State without any point. Sounds easier right? It certainly is. But oddsmakers are not just going to hand you over money. The payouts on a moneyline can be quite a bit different than on the point spread. Since there is nothing evening the playing field, a wager on the favorite pays out quite a bit less. On the flip side though, you have the potential to make a lot more money betting on the underdog getting no points on the moneyline, because there is nothing to even things out.

College Football Over / Unders Explained

The game total is the third main betting line formed for each game. This is the combined point total for both teams in the matchup. Oddsmakers will look at the two teams involved in the game, research recent trends, maybe a history of the games between these two teams, and then come up with a point total for the game. That number is installed, and the bets are made on the actual total of the game going above or below that installed game total. Since there are just two options, payouts on this wager are generally right around Even Money.

College Football Team Props Explained

College football team prop betting lines are other types of wagers that can be set for a game, season, or other facets of the sport. As for the majority of team proposition lines, they are created for each game. These prop betting odds can cover a wide range of topics. Typically, college football team props are wagers made on outcomes that do not directly relate to the outcome of the game. They are bets made within a game. For example, the team to score the first touchdown in a game could be a bet. Once the team scores the first touchdown, the bet is done; the rest of the game doesn't matter. This is just one example, but college football games could have many prop betting lines.

How To Bet College Football Player Props

Just like with team props, college football player props are also wagers made for games or the season. When made for a game, these player props are almost always performance-based for specific players in the game. For example, the total number of passing touchdowns for a quarterback in a game might be a wager that can be made. The actual result of the game in terms of the score doesn't really matter; it's how the quarterback performed and whether or not he went above or below his installed total on the betting line.

Explanation Of Live College Football Betting Odds

In-game wagering for all sports is becoming extremely popular, and live college football betting odds are reflective of that. Live college football betting odds are similar to ones that are presented before the game starts. But, rather than closing off any bets at kickoff, these betting lines update and change as the game goes on. There can also be odds that show up just for a specific drive or for a specific play. They are quick to appear and quick to shift, meaning you have to be a decisive bettor in order to take advantage of these wager types. Many of them come in the form of prop bets, but you may see others as well throughout the course of a game. Just make sure that you're paying attention to the given matchup and that you have access to your sportsbook close at hand.

College Football Playoff / Championship Betting Odds

Throughout the course of the year, online sportsbooks will have CFP Championship betting odds for the national championship in college football. This is a wager placed on a team to win the national title. These odds are up almost year-round, from the completion of the College Football Championship Game the year before, to the final week in the regular season the following year. These odds can change quite a bit obviously during the season, as teams rise and fall.

College Football Wager Types

We've discussed the different betting lines that you will see for college football, but there are also several different wager types that can be made. These can be straight bets like we talked about or can be linked like with a parlay. But that is not all; there are also things that you can do to adjust a betting line, such as a teaser and a pleaser. But we will get into that on other pages you see here below.

How To Understand Football Odds

Where To Find College Football Betting Odds

You may have watched ESPN one day and thought to yourself, 'Where are they getting these college football betting odds that they keep talking about?' While they often use odds given inside of the famous Las Vegas Caesars Sportsbook, you can find the same if not better odds at a sportsbook inside your state or online. Several states have legal ways to bet on college football inside their casino sportsbooks or mobile betting apps. However, all the websites you see posted below also offer college football betting odds for just about every matchup on Saturdays during the Fall.

Bovada Sportsbook - Best Sportsbook With College Football Games

The thing that most players look for when sign up for sportsbooks is trying to see how many sports does the sportsbook offer. The more sports the sportsbook offer, the more games will be there for players to bet on. Bovada is one of the few sportsbooks that have all sports that players look for and that includes college football. This is one of the most exciting sports that Bovada has up for all the players to bet on.

With college football, there are so many games going on in one day and the season is over three months long. This means that money can be won with plenty of betting options. With many games, live betting feature that is on Bovada will be very exciting and there will be so many options. Even with most of the games being very close there will still be some upsets and expect for Bovada to have the bets that could clearly help players profit. Bovada is the site to go when it comes to betting on college football games.

BetOnline Sportsbook - College Football Games Top Option On BetOnline

BetOnline sportsbook has been known to have all the college games for players to bet on. There are so many different games here that the features that BetOnline are always busy. The traffic here is very busy and that has a lot to do with college football games that are always going on. All day Saturday, games are flowing and at some point, there is an upset that does come up as well.

The thing that gets a lot of player's attention on BetOnline is the banking methods that are offered which means it is easy to get money on your account before the FSU and Miami game gets kicked off. Players look forward to picking the method so when the game kicks off they can pick their wager before it kicks off. BetOnline also has live betting features so in case some bets are not set before kick-off, they could show up after they kick off in the live betting option. BetOnline has it all!

SportsBetting Sportsbook - SportsBetting Has College Football Games To Bet On

College football season is one of the best seasons that fans love to pay attention to. The reason for this is because at least every weekend, there is always an upset and the best word that bettors like to here is upsets. Upsets do mean a lot of money for the most part. SportsBetting is known to cash out players with a lot of money that take chances on these upsets that eventually happens.

These are just a few options that SportsBetting offers and all players have to be is 18 and older to sign up and have an account. The mobile betting feature and live betting feature is also there for the most players to pick from. SportsBetting has it all for a lot of players and the thing is there are also a lot of bonuses that new and current players will get. Check out the site before the big college football games are played!

MyBookie Sportsbook - College Football Games Highlighted On MyBookie

Alabama Roll Tide and Clemson Tigers are the two teams that have been playing pretty well and have been taking over college football playoffs for a while. There are times where there will be a lot of college football upset games going on and MyBookie will have all the games that players can bet on that could end up being a lot of money cashed out to players. Even those the Tigers and Roll Tide are the top tier teams in college football, other teams still can win bettors money and that also means that MyBookie has to have these other teams on their sportsbook.

College football is a big sport on MyBookie and this is just one of the sports that players take a risk on and make a lot of money on. A lot with these teams comet he prop bets that could convince players this is the best online sportsbook to sign up for. Along with all games and prop bets are a lot of bonuses for these college football games. Once a player is all in on MyBookie, there is no reason for them to look anywhere else!

What Do Betting Odds Mean