Betting on American Football – A Helpful Beginners Guide
In terms of betting, American Football is experiencing a gold rush. Domestically, UK betting sites report a record number of bets placed on the sport. Mid-week games, in particular, have become immensely popular. This surge in interest can only be considered good news for punters.
But, for newcomers to the sport, the vast range of betting opportunities on every game can be daunting and confusing. Here, we will simplify the jargon used by American football betting sites and explain the bet types available to those who want to get involved in this fast-moving sport.
Gambling Mad: Crowds are jammed into Caesars Sports Book at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, to watch and bet on the 2023 Super Bowl. ©GettyImages
What Are the NFL Game Play Rules?
American Football is also called NFL and, sometimes, Gridiron. Many NFL betting sites offer betting opportunities on its close relative, American College Football and the Canadian Football League. The game rules are the same for all, albeit some may have fewer betting opportunities.
A game consists of two teams with 11 players from each side on the field at any time. However, American Football squads are enormous compared to almost any other sport. A typical match-day team will consist of 53 players. Teams will have a defensive and offensive unit and special teams for kicking and receiving the ball.
Each contest has four 15-minute quarters. However, with a half-time break and each match featuring all kinds of stoppages – the clock stops in different circumstances – games can take over three hours to complete. This timeframe makes the NFL very popular with live in-play punters.
What Are the Main NFL Betting Markets?
All major UK betting sites have a section dedicated to American Football. Typically, the first page visitors see displays the odds for the money line, the spread and the total points on the next major televised game. Let us explain these betting markets first.
The money line is a straightforward two-way bet for either team to win at the odds shown – there are no draws in American Football, so only two prices/outcomes are available. The spread is more complicated, but it is simple once you grasp the concept.
The ‘line’, or the ‘spread’ as it is commonly referred to, is a handicap mark set by sportsbooks. Their expert odds makers and statistical analysts decide the advantage or disadvantage each side should have. Better-performing teams will almost always start with a points deficit, while underperforming teams will be given a start. The closer the teams are matched, the tighter the line will be.
Here is an example of how the bet works: The Kansas City Chiefs are playing the Philadelphia Eagles. The linemakers may set the spread at the Chiefs -2.5 points and the Eagles +2.5 points, with odds of generally around 10/11 on either team.
If the Chiefs win by three points or more, they have covered the spread in this market. If the Eagles win the game or get to within two points of the Chiefs, they will be the winners for the purposes of the spread. A draw is possible if the line is a whole number, such as -3 or +3. For betting purposes, this is known as a push – you do not win or lose – but a whole number spread is rare amongst the UK’s betting sites.
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Totals Are Simple – More or Less!
The total points market is straightforward. Again, the NFL betting sites will set the line on the points scored by the two teams added together. The line on these markets can differ significantly depending on the teams playing and their playing style. Bettors can play either over or under the figure set.
For another example, the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals are playing each other, and the sportsbooks predict it will be a high-scoring match. They may set the line at 46.5 points, meaning ‘over’ bets win if the game sees the points total at 47 or more at the end. Less than 47 points would see the ‘under’ bettors win.
The odds will generally be set at 10/11 for either outcome. Less generous bookmakers will quote just 5/6. The same markets are offered on specific sections of the match: First half, second half and all four quarters individually. At many sites, customers can set their own lines.
First, Last or Anytime Markets
There are countless other markets available for major games. Touchdown scorers are another popular NFL betting opportunity with three choices: first or last touchdown scorer and anytime touchdown scorer.
Likewise, player passing, receiving, and rushing yards are common destinations for American Football punters. These three markets, like many others, are over or under-spread markets. Over or under 45.5 yards, for instance.
The above are just some of the betting markets available on American Football games. There are many others to discover, including outright or futures betting markets, where bookmakers price up the long-term outcomes of specific events during NFL’s 272 game season.
These include the team that will win the Super Bowl, the winners of each conference: American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC) and the winners of the eight divisions.
These are the primary markets that American football betting sites offer. Once you become familiar with betting on this sport, you might find the NFL hugely exciting, absorbing and potentially profitable and choose to take advantage of the more elaborate bet types available to punters.
