As the popularity of sports betting continues to grow in the United States, more and more Americans will be betting on the National Football League (NFL).
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of how to bet on NFL games at legal sportsbooks in the US - from understanding the odds to placing your first bet.
Before diving into NFL betting, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the various types of bets available at legal sportsbooks:
a. Point Spread: One of the most popular NFL bets, the point spread evens the playing field by giving the underdog a points advantage and the favored team a points handicap. For example, in Week 1 of the 2023/24 season, the point spread is -6.5 for the Chiefs against the Lions.
For the Chiefs to cover the spread, they must win by 7 points or more.
Meanwhile, the Lions can lose by 6 points and still cover the spread.
b. Moneyline: A moneyline bet involves picking the outright winner of the game. Odds are presented as positive or negative numbers. Positive odds indicate the potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds represent the amount needed to wager to win $100.
For instance, if a team has odds of +200, a $100 bet will yield a $200 profit if the team wins. If a team has odds of -150, you would need to wager $150 to win $100.
c. Totals (Over/Under): Totals betting focuses on the combined score of both teams. You can wager whether the total points scored will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.
d. Parlays: Parlays combine multiple bets into a single wager. All selections must win for the bet to be successful, but the potential payout is higher than individual bets due to increased risk.
e. Teasers: Teasers are similar to parlays, but they allow you to adjust the point spread or totals to your advantage. The trade-off is lower odds compared to regular parlays.
f. Prop Bets: Proposition bets, or prop bets, focus on specific events within a game. Examples include player performance, the first team to score, or even the length of the national anthem during the Super Bowl.
With the expanding legalization of sports betting, numerous legal and reputable sportsbooks are available in states where betting is permitted. Before choosing a sportsbook, consider factors such as:
a. Promotions: Sportsbooks offer generous incentives to become a customer, and they often have new offers to attract users at the start of the NFL season.
b. User Experience: Look for sportsbooks with user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps for a seamless betting experience.
c. Variety of Bets: Opt for sportsbooks that offer a wide range of NFL betting options, allowing you to explore various wagering strategies.
d. Competitive Odds: Compare odds from different sportsbooks to secure the best value for your bets.
e. Payment Options: Choose a sportsbook that offers convenient and secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.
Once you've chosen a sportsbook, the next step is to register for an account. This process typically involves providing personal information such as name, address, and date of birth, as well as creating login credentials. Sportsbooks may also require you to verify your identity before you can start betting.
After registration, you'll need to fund your betting account. Most legal sportsbooks accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Select the option that suits you best and deposit an amount you're comfortable betting with.
Understanding betting odds is crucial to making informed wagers. Odds are presented in different formats:
a. American Odds: American odds are expressed as either positive or negative numbers. Positive odds indicate the potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds show the amount needed to wager to win $100.
b. Decimal Odds: Decimal odds represent the total payout on a successful $1 bet, including the initial stake. For example, odds of 2.50 mean a $1 bet returns $2.50, including the original $1 stake.
c. Fractional Odds: Fractional odds indicate the potential profit relative to the stake. For example, odds of 5/1 mean a $1 bet will yield a $5 profit if successful, plus the original $1 stake.
Successful NFL betting requires thorough research on teams, players, and statistics. Stay updated on injuries, team news, weather conditions, and recent performances.
Pikkit users, when researching bets on our app, can see what bets are popular and where the weight of public money is heading. You can often get a sense of the market or access well-researched points of view from experienced bettors.
A well-defined betting strategy is crucial for long-term success. You're not expected to have this during your entry to wagering. However, once you become more experienced, it's advantageous to become more advantageous. Utlize our bet tracker feature and see which NFL strategies are working for you, and which aren't.
As you become more experienced, you'll notice more sportsbooks competing for your attention with additional sign-up offers and promotions for NFL betting. These incentives can provide extra value for your bets and are worth investigating.
Betting on the NFL at sportsbooks in the US can be an exciting and rewarding experience for fans and bettors alike. By understanding the different types of bets, choosing a competitive sportsbook, mastering betting odds, and conducting thorough research, you can make informed betting decisions.
Remember to develop a sound betting strategy, manage your bankroll responsibly, and continuously monitor and adapt your approach for sustained success. As you become more familiar with NFL betting, the thrill of the game combined with the potential for profit will make your NFL Sundays even more exhilarating.
Plus, don't forget to join the #1 NFL betting community in the US by downloading the Pikkit app.
