"With a variety of banking options, promotional offers and an extensive selection of markets, BetMGM is one of the nation’s stand out sportsbook operators. "
New Customer Offer Deposit a minimum of $10 in to your account and place, as your first real money bet after opening your account, any sports wager. Only the first $500 of the first wager are eligible for this promotion. If your Qualifying Bet loses, you'll receive free bets back in denominations of 10% of the total number of free bet earnings you're eligible for. 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
"With pools, you can bet on anything from football games to your favorite show. Keep an eye out for special promotions, including free bets, odds boosts and more."
New Customer Offer A customer's first deposit (min. $5) qualifies the user to receive up to $1,000 in bonus funds in the form of site credits that can only be used on DraftKings. Bonus amount is equal to 20% of that deposit amount, not to exceed $1,000 (the customer must deposit $5,000 to be eligible to receive the maximum possible bonus amount of $1,000). Bonus funds will be awarded to the user according to the following play-through requirement: for every $25 played on DraftKings in DFS/Sportsbook/Casino, the user will receive $1 in bonus funds released into their customer account 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
"Bet with Fan Duel for some of the best promos available online - you can place same game parlays, and take part in weekly competitions like NFL Gridiron Pick'em"
New Customer Offer Place a pre-live, $5+ wager on Super Bowl LVII, taking place on February 12, 2023. Wager must be placed between 9AM ET on January 9, 2023 and 6:30PM ET on February 12, 2023. If you place a $5+ wager on Super Bowl LVII, you will receive a bonus if Rob Gronkowski kicks "The Kick of Destiny" on February 12, 2023. Bonus awarded issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. All pre-live wagers on Super Bowl LVII, including futures wagers, will be eligible for this promotion, as long as the wagers are placed after 9AM ET on January 9, 2023. This promotion is only eligible for online wagering. 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
"Pointsbet is home to a bunch of parlay specials - same game parlays, in-play parlays and parlay booster. Plus, no rollover requirements on free bets."
New Customer Offer Eligible clients are entitled to a maximum two (2) refunds. One (1) refund worth $1,000 in Free Bets for first PointsBetting wager should it lose and One (1) refund worth $500 in Free Bets for first fixed price wager should it lose. No refund are payable for winning, void or wagers resulted as a push. Unless otherwise stated, Risk Free promotions are capped at a maximum refund amount of $500. 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
"Bet on a huge range of sports with Bet Rivers - there are over 15 to choose from including all the major leagues, European sport and NCAA tournaments"
New Customer Offer Place a real money wager on any player to score the game's First Touchdown. Receive a Free Bet, up to $25, if your player does not score first, but scores anytime during the game. Odds must be -200 or greater to qualify. Can be claimed 1x per playoff game. Free Bets will be loaded within 72 hours of qualifying wager settling and will expire 7 days after issuance.
21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
"Sign up to Caesars and get Caesars Rewards for wagering on sports through the mobile app - you can even cash them in at one of the brick and mortar casinos."
New Customer Offer Wager up to $1,250 for your first bet. If you don’t win, you’ll get 100% of your stake back as a Free Bet. And win or lose, you’ll also get 1,000 Reward Credits® and 1,000 Tier Credits 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
"WynnBet provides a more social experience where users can celebrate their wins with each other and is shaping up to be the one to watch in the US betting market. "
New Customer Offer Offer only available for the first eligible sports bet of $20 or more. If a patron’s first sports wager uses a boosted parlay or other form of offer, discount, or promotion, the Risk Free Sports Bet will be carried forward until an eligible sports wager is placed within ten (10) days after making a qualifying deposit or the Promotional Period 21+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
"Sign up with Fox Bet to join the Stars Rewards loyalty program and receive a variety of rewards, from free bets to game tickets. Every week Fox Bet offers a “Thursday’s Can’t Lose” bet where bettors can receive up to $25 back in free bets if the promoted bet loses."
Looking for the best football betting site in the US? DraftKings boasts an 81% score and is currently our number one ranked sportsbook for football in the country.
"With pools, you can bet on anything from football games to your favorite show. Keep an eye out for special promotions, including free bets, odds boosts and more."
A customer's first deposit (min. $5) qualifies the user to receive up to $1,000 in bonus funds in the form of site credits that can only be used on DraftKings. Bonus amount is equal to 20% of that deposit amount, not to exceed $1,000 (the customer must deposit $5,000 to be eligible to receive the maximum possible bonus amount of $1,000). Bonus funds will be awarded to the user according to the following play-through requirement: for every $25 played on DraftKings in DFS/Sportsbook/Casino, the user will receive $1 in bonus funds released into their customer account
Why we recommend DraftKings for betting on football
Fantasy football available:
DraftKings gives you the option to supplement your NFL or college football bets with fantasy football betting leagues. These leagues are run both daily and weekly, which means there’s always a contest to wager on. The prize offerings are also diverse, with payouts ranging from single digits to $1 million or more. Better yet, you don’t even have to finish first to win money.
Get invited to live football games:
Another reason to bet on football with DraftKings is their loyalty program. Access is by invitation only, but once part of this program, you can look forward to top-tier customer support and enhanced promotional offers. For regular punters, there’s even a chance that you’ll be given access to exclusive DraftKings events and private travel experiences to major sporting fixtures.
Sportsbook bonus up to $1,000:
DraftKings will match 20% of your deposit amount up to $1,000 if you’re a new member and this is your first transaction. All you have to do is create a DraftKings account and wager a minimum of $5 to qualify. The sportsbook then credit you with an additional $1,000 if you deposit the maximum amount, which you can then use on upcoming football games.
Our alternative picks
If you would like to try another football betting site, BetRivers offers football betting with Live Profit Boosts that increase your winnings by 20%. Then there’s BetMGM, which gives you the opportunity to score a $10 free bet for sports such as football every Monday when you place a total of $50 in qualifying wagers during the previous week.
There are a plethora of options for betting on the Super Bowl. When the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs face off on Sunday, February 12, gamblers can wager on the spread, the moneyline, the scoring total and any number of prop bets. So does it make sense to spend an entire article breaking down…
The Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain in the mix for the star quarterback.
Betting
Football Betting in the US
Football is one of America’s favorite sports and a staple of American culture. There are several recognized football federations across the globe, but the US is home to the two most popular leagues: the National Football League (NFL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). With the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, American football fans can now bet on their favourite US sport.
As legal US sports football betting is so new, it can be difficult to know where to start – but it doesn’t have to be. Compare.bet has everything you need to know about football betting, including betting markets and where you can make your wagers.
Compare our expert reviews, scores and the bonuses on offer to pick out the bookie that suits you best. All of our featured sportsbooks are legal and regulated in the US, but please be sure to get that the site is also authorized to offer sportsbook betting in your state.
Once that’s out of the way, all that’s left for you to do is make your pick, sign up, and place your bets!
How We Review
How We Review Football Betting Sites
The NFL is the most popular sport in the United States, and bettors love to have action on it. There are a bunch of different football sportsbook options to choose from, and it is important to find an operator that is trustworthy, reliable and easy to use.
Safety
First and foremost, new NFL bettors want to find a sportsbook that is licensed, because that ensures it will be properly governed and there will be oversight. If issues arise with unlicensed sportsbooks, it can be hard for bettors to have recourse.
Bonus Offers
Legal sports betting is only a few years old in the United States, and the sportsbooks are still jockeying to be the go-to place for gamblers. That’s a good thing for the customers, because the bonus offers right now are very attractive for signing up.
Odds
The standard bets — spread, moneyline and over/under — on the big sports generally have pretty similar odds across the board at sportsbooks, but they begin to vary on props, futures and other wagers. The smaller sports can also have a substantial divergence in odds, which can really help bettors get the best payout when they are signed up at multiple sportsbooks.
Mobile Experience
The sportsbook apps can vary in design and ease of use. It’s important to find a mobile experience that is player-friendly, because that tends to be where most of the wagers are placed. If the odds are similar, bettors will gravitate to the superior mobile betting experience.
Betting Markets
While every operator is going to have lines on game results, there is a whole subsection of prop bets that bettors can take advantage of in the game within the game. If a sportsbook has a wide variety of prop bet options, it gets a thumbs-up from us.
Payment Options
There is no longer just one or two ways for customers to request payouts. The sportsbooks with the wider variety of options will be more attractive to users, and fast payouts are always an important facet of our rankings.
Customer Support
The best NFL betting sites are serious about customer service. This means they provide round-the-clock support via their live chat facility, as well as email and phone support for less urgent issues. As standard, we also like to see a helpful FAQs page in this part of our review, and extra marks go to the sportsbooks that also make use of social media as part of their customer support services.
States
US States with Legal Football Betting
While football betting isn’t yet legal in all US states, there are a number of states that allow residents and visitors to place wagers on professional and college football games. These states are:
Each of these states has separate regulation outlining where punters can bet on sports. While some allow residents to bet on football at legal betting sites, others only permit football betting at sportsbooks at commercial and tribal casinos.
History of the NFL
History of the NFL
The NFL began life in 1920, when ten founding teams formed the American Professional Football Association in Canton, Ohio. This became known as the National Football League in 1922. Decatur Staleys and the Racine Cardinals, now the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, are the only original NFL teams that remain in the league.
While the first NFL Championship game saw the Chicago Bears beat the New York Giants at Wrigley Field in 1933, it was Baltimore Colts’ defeat of the New York Giants at the 1958 NFL Championship Game in Yankee Stadium — the first NFL playoff game where sudden death decided the outcome — that’s remembered as ‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’.
A landmark moment came in 1966, when a merger agreement was forged between the NFL and the rival American Football League. As part of the merger, they agreed to create a new championship game pitting the winners of the two leagues against each other. What would become known as the Super Bowl first took place in 1967, when the Green Bay Packers overcame the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. A particularly memorable Super Bowl came early on, in 1969. This was when the underdog New York Jets beat the Baltimore Colts 16-7 at Super Bowl III, which still stands as one of the greatest upsets in the history of the game.
It goes without saying the Super Bowl has long since been one of the most celebrated days in the US calendar — sporting or otherwise. The 2022 installment saw over 100 million fans watch Los Angeles Rams overrun the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium to claim their second Super Bowl title.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots share the top spot for the most Super Bowl wins at six victories each. However, with four Super Bowl titles and nine of the original pre-Super Bowl NFL Championships, it’s Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers that have claimed the most silverware of all. The Browns, Jaguars, Texans, and Lions are the only four NFL teams to have never appeared in the Super Bowl.
NFL teams need amazing players to progress on the road to the Super Bowl, and the league has seen some pretty epic athletes appear in its ranks. The full list of legendary NFL players is a long read, but it’s safe to say you’ll often see three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice and six-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady at the front of the field.
Events
Major Football Events
Between professional football and college football leagues, there are plenty of different football events for punters to bet on, but none are more popular than NFL games. Many top NFL betting sites offer promotions such as free bets bonuses to promote these events, so it’s always a great time to get involved. Stick with us while we run through some of the biggest events in the football calendar.
NFL Regular Season
The NFL consists of 32 teams — 16 each from the American and National Football Conferences. The two conferences organize their 16 teams into four divisions of four teams each. Each team plays 17 regular season matchups over 18 weeks between September and January, so you’ll encounter many betting options on the road to the NFL Playoffs.
NFL Playoffs
Held after the NFL’s regular season, the NFL playoffs are an elimination tournament in which 14 teams — four division winners and three wild cards from each conference — compete in what are often some of the most exciting NFL games. The final round determines the conference champions, and which two teams will go on to compete in the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl represents the pinnacle of American football. The first Super Bowl took place in 1967 following years of negotiations between the NFL’s two leagues. Thanks to the bowl-like shape of many famous American football stadiums across the US, the word “bowl” had already been established for major fixtures since the 1920s, but the Super Bowl — a one-off fixture between the country’s two strongest teams — unified the divisions for the first time.
Up until the early 2000s the Super Bowl was always played in January, but now takes place in February. The 2022 game, Super Bowl LVI, was won by the LA Rams — their third NFL Championship. The league’s most successful teams are the New England Patriots (six Super Bowl wins), the Pittsburgh Steelers (six wins), the Dallas Cowboys (five wins), and the San Francisco 49ers (five wins).
NCAA Football Season
NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision is the highest tier of college football and features 131 schools spread across ten conferences. Most teams play 12 games in a regular season that runs between August and December — that’s over 1,500 matchups to bet on. After all the regular season games are done, you can look forward to the postseason College Football Playoff, with the overall victors determined by the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The postseason period is a good time to watch out for draft potential, formulate your betting strategy, and head to a college football betting site to back the first pick early.
NFL Draft
The annual NFL Draft takes place each spring and gives teams the chance to add some new talent to their roster. Currently, there are seven rounds in the draft, with each team able to choose one player in each of the rounds. There are no perks for the NFL champions here, since selections are made in reverse order. The lowest ranking team of the previous season picks first, while the Super Bowl winner goes last.
NFL Preseason
Before the new season kicks off, there’s the small matter of the preseason games in August. These NFL football games are off the record and are used to evaluate new talent and help get players ready for the new NFL season. The kickoff of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game starts the preseason activities and marks the arrival of yet more ways to wager at NFL betting sites.
The Super Bowl is a great time for bettors, because the sportsbooks know many casual gamblers will be interested in signing up. With that in mind, they will be offering enticing promos and the sheer number of different wagers will allow everyone to find something they enjoy. Even those not into the action can bet on the length of the National Anthem or the color Gatorade splashed on the winning coach at the end of the game.
NFL Tips
NFL Insider Betting Tips
Here are some betting tips from Kyle Odegard, who was an NFL beat writer for the Arizona Cardinals from 2013 through 2021.
Jump The Lines
NFL betting lines are usually all available soon after the previous week’s action has wrapped up. The oddsmakers often have a good grasp on spreads, but some lines will be a tad off and shift based on betting behavior throughout the week. In order to take advantage of the odds before they move, bettors need to identify the misplaced spreads and bet them early, because it won’t be long before the oddsmakers adjust if a certain side is getting too much action.
Watch The News
If a line looks too good to be true, there may have been some recent news that forced a shift. A quarterback injury can result in a major swing in spread, moneyline and over/under odds. Other players don’t have as outsized of an effect on the odds, but several injuries at the same position or the absence of a superstar player can move the line on a game. It’s always important to have the most up-to-date information when placing a bet.
Don’t Count Out The Underdog
The favorites win most of the time. That’s why they are called the favorites. However, choosing the moneyline on a team expected to win may result in being right more often, but it’s not always the best choice for profitability. Underdog victories are more impactful, and it’s important not to be scared away by the prospect of losing.
Check The Weather
In 2021, the Bills and Patriots played a regular season game with wind gusts as high as 60mph. When the weather report came out during the week, the scoring total line dropped precipitously. Those who didn’t check the weather may have bet the ‘over’ thinking it was easy money. New England won the game, 14-10, which was the latest reminder to always know if teams are playing in tough conditions.
Parlays Are Fun, But Not Generally Profitable
For casual bettors, there is nothing wrong with stringing together a five-leg parlay and hoping to strike it rich. But if you’re going to be wagering consistently, parlays are not going to pay out as well as regular bets. It’s a fun feature and many bettors have majorly cashed in, but just know going in, the odds are against you.
College Football
NCAA Football
College Football is often described as second tier to the NFL, but with 130 member teams in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Football Bowl Subdivision 1, there is nothing second-rate about the wealth of betting opportunities on offer! With so many options to choose from, the thought of building a college football bet slip can be daunting, but with our beginner’s guide you’ll get to grips with it in no time.
But before you start looking into various NCAA betting markets, you should know that legality around wagers on college football differs to that at the professional level. For example, some states only allow college betting activity to take place on interstate games, or on major leagues such as basketball’s March Madness event. Other states prohibit NCAA football betting altogether, so availability in this market will be dictated by where you’re betting from.
Let’s run through how the college football season is structured.
College Football Divisions
The vast majority of the 130 teams in the Division I Football Subdivision (FBS) are grouped together in 10 separate conferences. A handful of teams – such as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Indiana – aren’t affiliated with a conference and are instead classified as independents.
The conferences are:
American Athletic Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference
Big 12 Conference
Big 10 Conference
Conference USA
Mid-American Conference
Mountain West Conference
Pac-12 Conference
Southeastern Conference
Sun Belt Conference
Season Structure
The regular FBS season kicks off in August, with teams typically playing 12 games each. Most take place against other teams in the same conference, though some non-conference games will also be on the agenda. The regular season concludes in December after each conference has crowned its winner. Next up in the NCAAF calendar comes the thrill of the College Football Playoff. This postseason invitational tournament sees the league’s top four teams, each selected and seeded by a 13-member committee, go head-to-head in two semi-final games.
The winners of the semis get a chance at lifting the final prize at the College Football Playoff National Championship game in January. This final game of the American college football season has taken place at venues such as the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and the then-University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Past winners of the college playoffs include the Ohio State Buckeyes, Alabama Crimson Tide, and South Carolina’s Clemson Tigers.
DraftKings is one of the most well-known sportsbooks in the United States, as it has long been a popular landing spot for Daily Fantasy Sports before transitioning into the regulated sports betting space. DraftKings has a lot of resources at its disposal and that advantage is passed down to users in terms of customer experience. The NFL promotions are far and wide, as football bettors should undoubtedly find something they like heading into the action every Sunday. While DraftKings doesn’t have the slickest app among the operators, they have a large amount of sports to wager on and a wide variety of betting angles. DraftKings has one of the most attractive sign-up bonuses for first-time customers, and the NFL live betting feature on the app allows for a constant stream of gambling opportunities throughout a game.
What we like:
Easy-to-find and frequent NFL promotions in the app
Wide variety of sports and betting options
Easy to deposit money and receive payouts
What we don't:
App will periodically have technical issues and won’t accept bets
App design is not as sleek as competitors like FanDuel and WynnBet
FanDuel is the other big boy in the space. While sportsbooks like MGM, Caesars and Wynn are more established in retail, DraftKings and FanDuel are hoping to keep their leg up with mobile betting. FanDuel has an extensive array of sports to wager on as well as several generous promotional offers to sign up. The NFL betting opportunities are top-notch, especially when it comes to the varied and extensive array of parlays. This is one of the leaders in the sports betting space and it shines through in multiple aspects, including an impressive user experience. NFL bettors will enjoy FanDuel sportsbook.
What we like:
App has a beautiful design and is easy to navigate
Interesting and extensive parlay options
Ability to cash out early on wagers
What we don't:
Robust loyalty program not yet in place
Live betting can be difficult when action is happening
One of the traditional operators making a quick jump into the online sports betting space is BetMGM. It has a long history of brick-and-mortar success and is now aiming to compete with DraftKings and FanDuel on mobile apps. The NFL prop bet offerings aren’t always as detailed as those from DraftKings and FanDuel, but that could change in the coming years. Based on its app functionality and ability to lure customers with attractive promos, it would not be a surprise to see BetMGM become a major player in the sports betting space in the future.
What we like:
Ability to turn betting rewards into hotel stays
Push notifications remind bettors of big games/promos
Regular free bets throughout the sports calendar
What we don't:
NFL prop bets aren’t as varied as at some other sportsbooks
Like BetMGM, Caesars has long been a retail behemoth in the sports betting space and is now branching out into mobile. Caesars acquired William Hill in 2021 to give it some extra viability in the sports wagering space. While the breadth of sports isn’t yet as wide as at some of the other sportsbooks, the main ones like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and college sports have plenty of options.
What we like:
Promotional sign-up offer one of the best available
Another well-known retail sportsbook is also competing in the burgeoning sports betting space, as WynnBet tries to battle the others for market share. WynnBet has one of the slickest interfaces among the apps and the payout is quick and easy. WynnBet’s NFL options can sometimes not be as thorough as the bigger sportsbooks, although that will likely even out as time goes on.
What we like:
Sleek mobile app
Regular betting promotions and discounts
What we don't:
Less variety in sports compared to other sportsbooks
While it doesn’t have the same national recognition as some of the bigger sportsbooks, BetRivers is doing a nice job of finding its niche regionally, with expectations to expand. Some of the promos are less lucrative compared to the leaders in the space, but that can be expected as BetRivers gets its foothold. The book does have some creative ways to wager on the NFL each week, so it makes sense to browse those offerings before the games.
What we like:
Seasonal promotions
Creative NFL and MLB wagering options
What we don't:
Not available in all states
Promos less lucrative than more established sportsbooks
FOXBet has one of the better loyalty programs, as regular gamblers will gain advantages as they continue to use the sportsbook. Unlike some of the other sportsbooks, FOXBet is not yet available in all states that have legalized sports betting.
PointsBet is aiming to become a more well-known entity in the United States but has some catching up to do. PointsBet has some solid promos but bet limits are too common. While the live-betting odds on NFL games are often better than their competitors, it can sometimes be hard to get them accepted before the lines change. The Refer-A-Friend feature, in which both customers get bonus funds upon the new user sign-up, is a great feature.
What we like:
Fast withdrawal
Attractive live-betting odds
Refer-a-Friend promo
What we don't:
Betting limits Fewer options compared to bigger sportsbooks
Wagers can be reviewed for too long
Markets
Picking a Winner
As with any other sport, picking a winner for an upcoming football game is easier said than done. There are plenty of football betting tipsters out there, but no advice can guarantee you a winning bet. While you might take advice from betting tipsters, it is essential that you do your own research to make an educated bet.
When deciding which team to bet on, we suggest looking at the latest statistics and figures. Football stats for NFL teams can typically be found on the official NFL statistics page, where the league breaks down a variety of stats for teams and individual players. A quick look at different stats, such as points per game, number of successful passes and tackles and the team’s recent performance can indicate which team is stronger.
Whether it’s a defensive showdown between the Michigan Wolverines and Penn State’s Nittany Lions, or a high-scoring blowout between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, there are a number of ways bettors can wager on the action.
Football Betting Markets
US sportsbooks offer a variety of football betting markets on which football fans can make their bets. As the US sports betting market grows, we can expect to see an increase in the variety of markets on offer. In states with legal sports betting, you can place wagers on popular markets such as:
Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is a straightforward wager on who you think will win a football game. For example, if you’re betting on the Buffalo Bills to triumph in their NFL matchup, or have your money on the NCAA’s Nebraska Cornhuskers beating the Oregon Ducks. It’s fuss-free, with no point spreads or other complications to consider. You simply back the team of your choice at one of the best NFL sites, and wait to see what happens.
Combining multiple selections in an accumulator is one way to get better odds, but of course, there’s an increased risk – if just one of your selections loses, then your accumulator bet loses.
Futures
Sometimes referred to as an outright winner bet, a futures bet is another straight-up wager on a winner. With futures, however, you’ll be browsing NFL odds on events taking place further into the future, such as which team will reign supreme in a tournament or league. An obvious futures bet for NFL betting is the winner of the Super Bowl, but you can also find NFL futures markets for conference winners, the season’s MVP, and more. In the NCAA, you might bet on individual conference winners or back your favorite player to take this year’s Heisman Trophy, the award given to the most outstanding college football player. Then there’s the most exciting futures bet of all: which team will win the College Football Playoff National Championship game
Over/Under Bets
Over/ Under bets are straightforward. These common bet types involve wagering on whether a football team will score more, or fewer, points than the sportsbook has predicted. With over/under bets, football betting sites set the total number of points expected to be scored by both teams combined. A bettor must decide whether the final amount will be above or below that total, and bet over or under accordingly. Occasionally, the final score matches the expected score. This is known as a push and sees the bet refunded.
Spread Betting
Also known as handicap betting and points spread betting, you’re putting money on a team to win and either maintain a points advantage or overcome a disadvantage. These advantages and disadvantages will be displayed with plus (+) and minus (-) symbols, meaning your team must win, or lose, according to this margin.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets, or prop bets, focus more on the outcome of a certain event during a football game. These bets might include, “which team will score the first touchdown?” or “how many field goals will team x score?” You might bet that a certain player will score a field goal, for example, or rush for over 50 yards. Be aware that, depending on your state, college props may not be permitted.
Parlays
A parlay wager is a single bet that is linked with two or more wagers. In order to win a parlay bet, a bettor must win every wager in it; losing just one wager means you’ll lose the entire bet.
Football betting markets will vary between sportsbooks and betting sites, with some online sportsbooks offering in-play betting opportunities on live football events. It’s up to you to compare football betting odds between operators. Even so-called ‘safer’ bets carry an element of risk, so you should never bet more than you can afford to lose.
You might bundle a Wisconsin Badgers vs Iowa Hawkeyes moneyline bet with a point spread for the Kentucky Wildcats vs Oklahoma Thunder game, along with an over/under bet for the Florida State Seminoles vs Tennessee Titans game. All wagers must win for the overall bet to win, but a big potential payout is on the cards if they do. If you claim parlay insurance, however, then you can claim your stake back if just one leg lets you down, usually as a free bet.
Teasers
Teasers are a twist on parlays, where the multiple bets come with point spreads that are adjusted to give you a better chance of winning each leg. A popular type is the two-team, six-point teaser, where you have to correctly back two teams – say, the Texas Longhorns and the Colorado Buffaloes – with the allowable margins of victory or defeat skewed in your favour by six points.
Live Betting
The start of an NFL or college football game doesn’t have to mean the end of the betting. Depending on the specific regulations of the state you’re located in, you may be able to place in-play wagers as the action unfolds. The odds can shift dramatically depending on the momentum of the game. If, for example, the all-conquering Georgia Bulldogs start to unexpectedly struggle in a matchup, you may suddenly get more lucrative odds for backing them to live up to pre-game expectations.
The live betting market brings a new level of excitement to college football games, allowing bettors to make decisions based on the momentum of the game. The best football betting sites offer live betting, including the option to cash out a bet early. Some will live stream the game on their website, though you may need to have placed a recent bet or have a funded account in order to access the stream.
Live Streaming
Live streaming is a feature offered by the best football betting sites, allowing customers to watch the action through their sportsbook account. It’s a fantastic way to marry the excitement of in-play wagers with real-time insight on what’s taking place in the game. To access a sportsbook’s live stream, you usually need to have either funds in your betting account or an in-play wager.
In the offseason, there are a variety of NFL futures bets to be made, including a pick of the Super Bowl winner, NFL MVP, choosing over/under on team win totals and the likelihood of a team making the playoffs or winning its division.
During the season the NFL betting is even more extensive. The spread, moneyline and game totals will be set early in the week, and then close to the game prop bets will come out. For those looking to find an edge, there is a wide variety of betting options beyond the standard ones. All of the sportsbooks have gambling choices beyond the standard bets, with DraftKings, FanDuel and WynnBet among those with some of the more unique choices.
Odds
Football Betting Odds
Before you bet on football, it’s important to understand how betting odds work. While US sportsbooks and betting sites mostly use the American odds format, you might see them displayed in decimal or fractional format. You can read more about betting odds with our how to read odds guide.
Odds are used to demonstrate the sportsbooks’ prediction of what’s likely to happen in a football game. These can be a good indication of what would make a winning bet, but betting on the bookies’ favourite doesn’t, by any means, guarantee you a profit. Football betting odds can vary between sportsbooks, so we’d advise comparing operators to find the best price.
There are three standard wagers for each NFL game: the spread, the moneyline and the scoring total. The favored team has to not only win, but do so by a certain number of points, to cover the spread. For example, if the home team is a 2.5-point favorite, it would need to win the game by a field goal or more to cover. An underdog can lose a game but still cover the spread.
A moneyline wager simply consists of a win or loss, but the odds are different. If the aforementioned 2.5-point favorite is -140 on the moneyline, it would take a $140 wager to profit $100, for a total return of $240.
The scoring total, alternately called the over/under, is the number of combined points/goals/runs in a game set by the oddsmakers. Bettors then must determine if they believe the total will be ‘over’ or ‘under’ the predetermined amount.
The vigorish, or the juice, is something to watch closely in sports betting. The sportsbooks make their money by generally placing the vig at -110 for both sides of a bet, which means a $110 wager would result in $100 of profit if chosen correctly. If the wagers are even on each side, the sportsbook will pocket the 10% juice. However, some player prop bets will be listed at -120 on both sides. It is hard to make money consistently on these type of wagers, so bettors must be very confident in their choices.
Betting terms can be foreign concepts to those who are just signing up, but don’t worry, it’s easy to familiarize yourself quickly. By clicking on a bet within one of the sportsbook apps, it will show the potential payout before the wager is placed, so there won’t be any surprises.
Sports betting is intuitive after awhile, as understanding the betting odds will soon be second nature.
Let’s look at a real-world example of how odds work:
In an NFL game between the Chargers and the Patriots, a sportsbook sets odds of +170 for the Chargers to win. A $100 bet could give you a $270 return if Chargers won. You will win back your initial $100 stake and the $170 for the successful wager. When it comes to negative odds, a successful bet on the Patriots winning, at odds of -190, your $100 would see a return of $152.65- a more modest, $52.65 profit.
Expert Insight: NFL In-Play Betting
“NFL in-play is of such great interest to everyone. They’re sort of looking at that model in Europe and saying, ‘Look where soccer is.’ Well, the NFL market is not the global soccer market. We know that, but it’s the biggest market in the U.S., and if in-play becomes really big, I think that’s where people are looking.”
Mobile
Mobile Football Betting
A handful of states also offer online and mobile sports betting, giving bettors the chance to make their wagers anywhere within state lines. The US states that currently offer mobile sports betting are:
Arizona – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Colorado – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Illinois – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Indiana – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Iowa – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Michigan – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Nevada – Online betting is only available via mobile apps.
New Jersey – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
New Hampshire – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Oregon– Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Pennsylvania– Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Rhode Island – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
South Dakota– Mobile betting is allowed on casino premises only.
Tennessee– Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Washington– Mobile betting is allowed when on licensed tribal casino premises.
Washington D.C.– Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
West Virginia – Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
Wyoming– Online betting is available via apps and browser sites
In these states, you can place your NFL bets via mobile apps and websites from anywhere within state lines; unless you are wagering in South Dakota and Washington, where you will need to be on licensed casino premises to place a mobile wager. Native mobile betting apps are usually available for both Android and iOS devices and are free to download.
It’s important to understand state-specific gambling laws before you choose your sportsbook, as the sign-up process for online accounts can differ. For example, in Nevada, you can bet online via mobile apps, but you will need to visit a land-based sportsbook to verify your identity and complete the setup.
Benefits of Mobile Football Betting
There is one obvious benefit that mobile football betting has over wagering from your desktop, and that’s the ability to easily place a bet while you’re on the move. Since NFL games predominantly take place across the weekend, many interested fans across the country don’t always have the luxury of being able to watch their team. Of course, you’ll need to be located within the state to which your betting account is registered if you want to bet online, but the convenience that comes with mobile betting allows millions of football enthusiasts to keep up with their selections, no matter where they are. Live streaming is also available through many mobile betting sites, so watching the game while you’re on the move might just be possible after all.
NFL Betting Apps
Never miss a promotion – turning on the app’s push notifications means that you won’t ever miss a killer bonus or promotion, bringing you the best value for money from your betting platform.
Faster loading times – app data is stored locally on your mobile device, as opposed to remote web servers. For this reason, your betting experience will benefit from faster loading and response times.
Customizable sportsbooks – betting apps will fine-tune themselves to the preferences of the user, which means you can organize the contents of the sportsbook to suit your own betting interests.
Improved security – bettors can utilize certain log-in features to help boost security, such as face ID and touch recognition.
Ease of access – users can head straight to the sportsbook with one touch of their homepage, rather than heading to their mobile browser.
Although mobile betting does what it says on the tin, here at Compare.bet, we encourage our readers to download their sportsbook’s mobile app if it’s available. A mobile app is something the best football betting sites work hard to produce, and we’re firm believers that user-friendly apps offer a superior betting experience – here are some reasons why:
BetMGM
BetMGM’s stylish black and gold mobile betting app offers all the same great features as you’ll find on the main sportsbook site, such as 24/7 access to NFL wagers and the chance to claim the BetMGM welcome offer — currently a risk-free bet up to $1,000. Customers can also earn BetMGM Rewards and opt into promos like Parlay Plus, which offers a 40% profit boost on winning parlays containing between four and seven legs. You’ll likely want to place yours on the NFL, and you’ll certainly find plenty of markets to choose from, including NFL prop bets and localized wagers on homegrown teams. Rounding off the slick NFL betting experience from BetMGM is the option to sign up for a branded Play+ card for quick and easy banking.
DraftKings
Once best known for daily fantasy sports betting, DraftKings evolved to become one of the country’s top NFL betting sites. The DraftKings app is available in several states and, like MGM, comes with the option of a branded Play+ card. DraftKings’ current welcome bonus is a 20% up to $1,000 deposit bonus, which is plenty to give some of the app’s huge variety of NFL betting markets a whirl. And if you like what you find on the DraftKings mobile betting app and decide to stick around, you can dive into the DraftKings NFL pools for regular bettors. Both the Pro Football Millionaire Survivor and Pick ’Em Pools offered a cool $1 million to the winning bettor in the 2021–2022 NFL season.
FanDuel
Any list of top NFL sports betting apps must include FanDuel. Available for Android and iOS, the FanDuel betting app gets off to a great start for NFL fans with its No Sweat First Bet welcome bonus that will cover an initial losing stake up to the value of $1,000. The NFL betting options here are plentiful, with the action ranging from player prop bets for every NFL game to exciting season specials like which team will claim the best regular season record. In other words, there’s always something for NFL bettors to sink their teeth into. Be sure to check our betting app reviews to see if NFL betting with FanDuel is available in your state.
NCAA Betting Apps
The best college football betting sites have apps that make it easy to wager on NCAAF clashes. Here are some that have caught our eye in offering the ideal blend of functionality and market depth.
PointsBet
One of the fastest growing mobile betting apps in the US, PointsBet offers NFL bettors the chance to try a new style of wagering called PointsBetting. With this type of bet, the profit or loss from a wager is not determined until the end of an event. The better your margin of victory, the more you’ll win, but the reverse also applies. You can claim a $1,500 risk-free bet to try this unique wagering style for yourself, along with a $500 risk-free bet on a regular fixed odds pick like a point spread. PointsBet also has a huge variety of futures and real-time college football markets available, but if you can’t see the wager you want, you can request custom odds from within the app using the exclusive Name a Bet feature.
BetRivers
Available in numerous states, the BetRivers mobile betting app is a top pick among eligible sports bettors. A promo code will unlock a 100% deposit match up to $250 on your first real money deposit on the site. You can then use your credits to wager on a variety of college football markets. These include an exciting line-up of live betting options on in-play college football games (if live betting on college games is permitted in your state). The BetRivers mobile app also offers an excellent choice of futures betting, including on the outright winner of the NCAAF Championship and on things like the division and conference champions, and the season’s Heisman Trophy winner.
FOX Bet
From August’s opening games to January’s playoff championships, FOX Bet’s sports celebrity-packed mobile app offers college football fans betting options right through the season. There are plenty of betting markets available on the different events too, ranging from straight-up moneylines to numerous game-related props — something for just about every style of sports bettor. Legal college football betting on the FOX Bet mobile app is currently available in a smaller number of states compared to some other operators, but eligible users can claim a $500 risk-free bet on college football or any other sport directly from their mobile phone or tablet.
BetMGM does a nice job of continuously giving out free bets in the midst of the NFL regular season and the playoffs. They aren’t the same type of dollar amounts compared to the one-time sign-up deal, but it’s a nice way for sports bettors to tilt the odds in their favor by taking advantage of the promotions.
Bonuses
Bonuses at Football Betting Sites
Online betting sites may not roll out a literal red carpet for new customers, but it’s a safe bet that there’s a solid welcome bonus coming your way when you sign up at one of the top NFL sportsbooks. And, if you stick around, you’ll want to swing by the betting offers page where you should find a few promos for returning bettors. Here are some of the promos, from sign-up bonuses to regular deals, that you can look out for.
Free Bets
Signing up at new NFL sports betting websites will often put you in line to receive free bets, though you’ll usually need to deposit and place your first real money wager to get hold of them. There will be a few T&Cs to satisfy too, like using an eligible payment method and placing your qualifying bet within a certain number of days of opening your account. Meanwhile, existing customers may enjoy extra value from their online sports bets thanks to weekly promotions like ‘Bet $25 on the NFL, Get a Free $10 Live Bet on College Football.’
At DraftKings, new customers can claim $200 in free bets when they bet $5 on any moneyline and it comes good. The free bets will be delivered in eight lots of $25 tokens, meaning players will have eight attempts to win again at no extra cost. You must be located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WY or WV to claim, and the free bets will expire seven days from the date of issue.
Risk-Free Bets
Some online betting sites and mobile apps will cover a newcomer’s first bet with a risk-free bonus. Participating in this kind of offer is usually very simple — just sign up, make your first deposit using a qualifying payment method, and place a bet. If your wager wins, you can cash out your profits as usual. However, if your first bet loses, you’ll get some or all of your stake back as a free bet credit to go again. This gives you a chance to check out some football betting tips, brush up on your football stats, and hopefully get luckier the second time around.
BetMGM currently runs a risk-free bet promotion for new customers once they’ve downloaded the mobile app. A minimum deposit and first wager of $10 will then qualify users for the bonus. If your first wager at the site loses, your full stake will be returned in the form of free bets, up to a maximum of $1,000. The free bets will expire seven days after receipt.
Match Deposit Bonuses
Matched deposit bonus offers are a simple way to boost your bankroll on a football betting website. These bonuses, sometimes offered on sign up, work by matching your real money deposit with bonus funds. So, a simple example might be ‘100% up to $100’. In this case, depositing $50 would give you an extra $50 to play with. The percentage match and the max bonus funds on offer vary, but even lower value offers serve up a great chance to grab a free football bet.
If you’re thinking of signing up to BetRivers, this sportsbook offers a 100% up to $250 matched deposit bonus to new members. This offer comes with very generous wagering requirements of just 1x the sum of the bonus and the deposit, but you’ll need to opt-in with the bonus code 250MATCH in order to claim.
Money-Back Welcome Bonuses
A money-back welcome bonus is effectively an insurance bonus that will give you a portion of your stake back should your bet lose. Some NFL betting sites will give you this money back as cash, while others will allow you to claim the funds as a free bet. Bear in mind that if your stake is returned as a free bet that there may be terms and conditions to meet in order to claim your winnings.
PointsBet currently runs a money back welcome bonus worth up to $2,000. You’ll need to opt-in with the promo code BETBONUS, and if your first PointsBetting wager loses, the losses are covered up to $1,500. Your first non-PointsBetting wager is also covered up to $500. Players must be located in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA or WV to claim.
Existing Player Promotions
As well as sign-up bonuses, the best NFL betting sites often have a range of promotions available to existing customers. As the NFL is so popular, you can often find event-specific promotions such as free bets for NFL games, particularly for the biggest events like the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
Here are some of the types of promotions that might be laid on for existing members at the top football betting sites:
Free bets
Enhanced odds
Best odds guaranteed
Parlay boosts
Game-specific scenarios, such as money back if your team loses in overtime
Many of the sportsbooks have ongoing promotions, particularly around big events. BetMGM has periodically offered free bets and improved odds prior to games. WynnBet has a Reduced Juice hour in which bets placed within a certain timeframe come with more appealing odds like -105 instead of the standard -110.
FanDuel is well-known for its enticing Same-Game-Parlay feature, with other sportsbooks recently following suit and offering similar wagers.
Here is an example of an NFL Same-Game Parlay wager: If a bettor believes a game is going to be a shootout, it would be prudent to parlay multiple bets that angle in that direction. It could be both teams’ quarterbacks going ‘over’ their passing yardage total along with a pick of the ‘over’ on the scoring total. Or if there is belief that a team will use the ground game more often, parlaying an ‘under’ on receiving yardage with an ‘over’ on running back carries would be logical.
T&Cs
Bonus Terms and Conditions
Whenever you’re browsing for the best football betting bonuses, it’s important to pay close attention to the terms and conditions. Bonuses are a great way to familiarize yourself with a new sportsbook, but stipulations like wagering requirements, minimum odds, and winning caps all impact your ability to win real money using bonus funds. That’s why it’s essential that you read the small print in full before committing to a bonus, so that you know what’s expected of you to make it a success. Here are some of the T&Cs you’ll come across at an NFL betting site.
Wagering Requirements
First up is wagering requirements. Now, these are more of an issue with casino bonuses than sportsbook offers, but they may still be a hindrance so it’s good to know what they’re all about.
Bonuses with wagering requirements draw bettors into spending further money at their NFL gambling site by blocking withdrawals of bonus cash before they’ve fulfilled the requirements. The requirements are given as a multiple, signifying the amount that needs to be wagered before a bonus can begin to turn a profit.
Here’s an example. Let’s say you were offered a matched deposit bonus that came with a wagering requirement of 5x, and you claimed it using a $15 deposit. You’d need to wager a total of $75 ($15 x 5) before you could request a withdrawal of bonus funds.
It’s important to note that wagering requirements only block withdrawals of bonus money. Your real money deposits will be kept in a separate pot from any bonus cash, and you’ll be able to make withdrawals as you please, in line with the site’s minimum withdrawal limits.
Market Restrictions
Some football betting sites will restrict their bonuses from being used on certain markets. This kind of condition is more noticeable in the build-up to a major sporting contest like the Super Bowl, where NFL sportsbooks look to capitalize on abnormal levels of interest and betting activity by targeting their offers at specific events. Other market restrictions will apply to the type of bet that’s being made; for instance, you may find that your bonus can’t be used to place a parlay bet.
Minimum Odds
As a way of mitigating against bettors selecting low-risk wagers with their bonuses, sports betting sites will apply a minimum odds condition to their offers. The number is usually fairly lenient though — you’ll often see minimum odds quoted at 1.5 or higher.
Winning Caps
Your bonus will come with an overall winning cap which you won’t be able to exceed, no matter how much money you win. If you reach the cap, any remaining winnings will be forfeited. It’s easy to feel disgruntled about winning caps, but if you view them instead as enforced on-site limiters, they’re actually a fairly useful way of guaranteeing a payout if you manage to hit the cap.
Time Limits
Your bonus could come with as many as three different time limits. The first begins as soon as you register an account at the sportsbook, counting down the time you have to claim the welcome bonus. If you decide to do so, you might set off a further two time limits: one to make use of the overall bonus, and another within which you must complete any wagering requirements, if they apply. If one of these clocks strikes zero, you’ll lose any remaining bonus funds.
Payment Exclusions
The best NFL betting sites will offer a range of payment methods, but it’s likely that some of them won’t be eligible for picking up bonuses. Deposits made with bank cards will always qualify, but more modern banking technologies like e-wallets tend to be excluded. Make sure you check before you’ve made your deposit.
Stake Not Returned
When you make a successful wager at a football betting site, you’ll receive both the winnings from the bet, plus the original stake you put down. This isn’t the case with betting bonuses however — if your bonus bet is successful, you’ll just receive the winnings, not the stake as well.
Payments
Payment Options at Football Betting Sites
While no deposit welcome bonuses aren’t unheard of, chances are you’ll need to add funds to your account if you want to wager at NFL betting sites. Here are some of the most popular payment methods available right now.
Bank Cards
Bank cards like Visa, American Express, and Mastercard often take the top spot among the payment options on betting site cashier pages, not least because they’re already used by the majority of bettors in their everyday lives. Bank cards also offer instant deposits and will pretty much always be on the list of eligible payment options for sportsbook bonuses. There are a couple of drawbacks, though. Withdrawals to debit and credit cards aren’t possible, and you’ll need to feel comfortable about entering card details at betting sites.
e-Wallets
PayPal is still the world’s best-known e-wallet, and it’s the one you’ll see most often at online football betting sites. Digital wallets are really secure and do away with the need for you to share financial details with sportsbooks. Better still is that you can add multiple cards and accounts to your e-wallet account, and deposit from any one of them. With e-wallets also offering some of the fastest payouts of all betting site payment options, the only real downside is that they don’t always qualify for bonuses.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are ideal for bettors who prefer to keep gambling transactions separate from day-to-day finances. Several top sportsbooks offer their own branded Play+ card, which you can top up whenever you need to. As well as providing a handy way to manage your betting funds, prepaid Play+ cards are ideal for withdrawals. That’s because payout processing times tend to be rapid, or even instant in some cases. All in all, it’s easy to see why these cards are a hugely popular option for NFL bettors and fans of other sports alike.
Cryptocurrencies
Finding an NFL betting site that accepts cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin won’t usually prove too difficult. However, finding one that’s licensed and regulated in your state may be a trickier proposition. Despite the benefits of using cryptocurrencies, such as the security and anonymity they offer, the vast majority of reputable, legal operators in the country have yet to support this banking method. Indeed, at the time of writing, Barstool Sportsbook is the only licensed betting site in the US that accepts crypto deposits, and that’s only in Virginia and Colorado.
Deposit/Withdraw
How To Deposit/Withdraw Funds
Find the right football betting site for you
If you’re looking to put money on the NFL or NCAA football, you’ll need to find the right sportsbook. You can browse the best right here, read expert sportsbook reviews, and compare the welcome bonuses, features, and betting markets available.
Sign up as a member
Next up, follow our link to create your sportsbook account. You’ll need to provide some basic personal details, and possibly some ID documents.
Deposit funds
You may be given some free bets as a no deposit offer, which means you’ll be able to place bets right away. If not, you’ll need to deposit funds by heading to the sportsbook’s cashier page and selecting your preferred payment method. Then, simply enter how much you want to transfer to your betting account. Most deposit methods will be processed in a few moments.
Ready to withdraw funds?
When the time comes to take money out of your account, the process is much the same. Head back to the cashier page, pick your preferred withdrawal moment, and enter how much you’d like. Withdrawal timeframes will vary depending on the sportsbook and method, though you’ll find that e-wallets and Play+ cards tend to offer the quickest cash outs.
Gamble Responsibly
Responsible Gambling - Football Betting Tips
For many players, the NCAA football season represents the road to making it as a pro in the NFL. In the NFL itself, players are laser-focused on adding a Super Bowl to their accolades.
With so much on the line, you can be sure that every player and team gives their all every time they take to the field. This makes for great viewing, but can make things a little tricky when betting.
A motivated underdog could cause a serious upset. In the NCAA, this is made even tougher when you consider how often a team’s roster changes with college players leaving to join the NFL every year.
To help you along, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Increase Your Knowledge
Beginner’s luck will only get you so far, so it’s worth investing some time to understand the teams properly. Look into how individual teams play, the specific roles each player brings to the squad and who is taking the most form into an upcoming game. This is really the best way to properly engage with NFL and NCAA betting, but before long you’ll know the various conferences and who the stars are.
Check Out the Stats
Checking out team stats can get you off to a flying start when it comes to picking a winner. Knowledge of recent form and head-to-head stats will almost always keep you better informed when it’s time to fill in your bet slips. Luckily football, even at college level, is dominated by stats so accessing the latest figures shouldn’t be difficult at all.
Gamble Responsibly
Responsible gambling begins with the selection of your football betting site. You should never place a bet at an unlicensed sportsbook, nor should you transgress any state-specific legislation on online gambling. We only ever recommend licensed sportsbooks, and if you’re unsure about the legality of gambling where you are, you can check out our state-specific guides.
Beyond this, responsible gambling is about taking ownership of your own behavior. With this in mind, here are some tips to help keep things under control:
Only bet what you can afford to lose – there is never a guarantee that your bet will win, so you should always be comfortable with losing whatever wager you’re placing.
Never chase losses – only betting what you can afford becomes even more important following a loss. Again, there are no guarantees, so don’t break the bank trying to recoup your losses.
Only bet when sober – the presence of drugs or alcohol in our system severely impedes our ability to make sound judgments; as such, you should only place bets when sober. This rule also encompasses natural mental states, meaning you should also never place a bet when sad, angry, or frustrated.
Make use of on-site limiters – football betting sites have tools to help their customers control their spending. Decide on a spending limit to your gambling, and then implement the limiter accordingly.
Make use of exclusion tools – if you think your gambling is becoming a problem, you can make use of exclusion tools to lock yourself out of your accounts for days, weeks, months, or even years.
Don’t hide your gambling habits – gambling is supposed to be an exciting pastime, so if you find that you’re hiding your habits, it’s a pretty good indication that something’s wrong.
If your gambling is becoming problematic, the best advice we can give is to never suffer on your own. A gambling addiction is a serious and recognized illness that can be treated by professionals, and sharing your experiences with a loved one or a treatment facility is the first step to receiving the help you need. With this in mind, here’s a list of organizations that can offer support:
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)– a national organization that works on developing policy and treatment programs across the country. It also runs the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which can be contacted on 1-800-522-4700.
Gamblers Anonymous– an international service that started in Great Britain and now runs meetings, treatment and helplines in the US. The Gambling Anonymous National Hotline can be accessed on 888-424-3577.
BetBlocker – a free tool that blocks user access to over 18,000 gambling sites.
Each state will also have its own list of treatment facilities. Visit this page of the NCPG site to help find the right problem gambling organization for you.
States Breakdown
States Breakdown
Online Football Betting in New Jersey
Sportsbook
Website
iOS App
Android App
888Sport NJ
us.888sport.com
Yes
Yes
BetStars NJ
BetStarsNJ.com
Yes
Yes
Caesars Sportsbook
caesarscasino.com/sports
Yes
Yes
DraftKings Sportsbook
draftkings.com/sportsbook
Yes
Yes
FanDuel Sportsbook
sportsbook.fanduel.com/sports
Yes
Yes
PlayMGM
nj.playmgm.com/en/p/sports
Yes
Yes
PointsBet
pointsbet.com/
Yes
Yes
SugarHouse Sportsbook
playsugarhouse.com
Yes
Yes
William Hill Sportsbook
nj.us.williamhill.com
Yes
Yes
Hard Rock Atlantic City
hardrockcasino.com/sportsbook
Yes
Yes
Online Football Betting in Nevada
Sportsbook app
Operator
iOS
Android
Where can I sign up?
B-Connected (Sports and Horses)
Boyd Gaming
Yes
Yes
Cannery
The California
Suncoast
Sam’s Town
The Orleans
Gold Coast
Fremont
Main Street
Jokers Wild
Eldorado
Eastside Cannery
Caesars
Caesars Entertainment
Yes
Yes
Planet Hollywood
Bally’s
Paris
The Cromwell
Flamingo
The LINQ
Rio
Caesar’s Palace
Harrah’s
Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget
Yes
Yes
Golden Nugget Laughlin
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
PlayMGM
MGM Resorts International
Yes
Yes
Aria
Bellagio
Circus Circus
Excalibur
Luxor
The Mirage
Monte Carlo
MGM Grand
New York-New York
Mandalay Bay
NV Sports
South Point Casino
Yes
Yes
South Point Casino
Rampart Casino
CG Sports
CG Technology
Yes
Yes
Cosmopolitan
Hard Rock
The Venetian
The Palazzo
The M
Palms
Tropicana
Silverton
Station Casinos
Station Casinos
Yes
Yes
El Cortez
Fiesta Henderson
Fiesta
Rancho
Greer’s
Barley’s Casino
Wild Wild West
Wildfire Casinos
Red Rock
Green Valley Ranch
Sunset Station
Texas Station
Boulder Station
Palace Station
Santa Fe Station
TI Mobile Sports
Treasure Island
Yes
Yes
Treasure Island
Westgate Superbook
Westgate Las Vegas
Yes
Yes
Westgate Las Vegas Casino SuperBook
Wynn
Wynn Resorts
Yes
Yes
Wynn Las Vegas
William Hill
William Hill US
Yes
Yes
The D
SLS
Hooters
Plaza
Downtown Grand
Tuscany
Binion’s
Four Queens
Ellis Island
Silver Sevens
Bet on Football Online in West Virginia
Sportsbook
Website
iOS app
Android App
BetLucky
betlucky.com
Yes
Yes
With the rapid expansion of sports betting in the US, there’s an increasing number of ways for punters to bet on football. You can count on Compare.bet to keep you updated with the latest on US sports betting legislation, as well as the sportsbooks and betting sites available to American sports bettors.
Get Started
Compare the Best NFL and NCAA Betting Sites in the US
Now you’re up to speed with football betting in the US, you’re ready to settle on where to place your bets.
With so many teams competing in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision 1 alone, working out where to start with US football betting can seem a little tricky. With our in-depth guide to the leagues, tournament formats, market depth, bonuses and more, you should have everything you need to get started. The next step is to find the football betting site that is right for you, sign up and claim your welcome bonus.
Browse the list at the top of this page to find your best options, read our expert reviews to help you make your decision, and click the link to sign up to your new football betting site, and place your bets!
Yes, depending on the state you’re in. In most states with legal and regulated sports betting, you can place bets on college football games. However, in order to preserve the integrity of college football, some states, including New Jersey and Rhode Island, do not allow punters to wager on college football games held in the state or on games that involve the state’s college team.
No. There is no definitive method to making a winning bet on football. Just like any other form of gambling, there is a chance you could win and a chance you could lose, nothing is guaranteed. While some bets, such as straight bets, are ‘safer’ than a parlay, for example, they still carry risk. We’d recommend doing plenty of research before you bet, taking time to review team stats, past performance and understanding exactly how football betting works, to help you make the most educated bet possible.
Yes. Betting on NCAA football games works in exactly the same way as bets on professional football leagues. Your chances of winning real money on an NCAA playoffs bet are exactly the same as if the odds were for Super Bowl betting.
Yes. Every US sportsbook and betting site will have its own selection of betting markets, but the best offer betting options on pretty much every sport, as well as daily fantasy sports games. This means that, whether you want to bet on hockey, baseball or basketball, there is plenty to sink your teeth into.
That largely depends on the features you want from an online betting site. Are you after a live stream of the game? A downloadable mobile app? These are all worth considering, so check out our betting site comparison table to find your best options.
New betting sites in the US certainly have a lot to offer bettors. From player-friendly welcome bonuses to well-designed websites, the freshest betting sites do a lot to compete with the more established names. You may find, however, that some new betting sites will lack certain features, such as live streams.
Yes, as long as you choose a site that’s licensed and regulated. At Compare.bet US, we only recommend sites that are approved by the appropriate state authority.
After the regular season ends, the College Football Playoff will determine the overall FBS champion. A selection committee of college football directors and former athletes determines the rankings of teams during the regular season, eventually picking four teams to play two semi-final games. The winners go on to face each other in the National Championship Game.
This is prone to change, but at the time of writing the strongest college football teams are the Georgia Bulldogs, Michigan Wolverines, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Cincinnati Bearcats.
Most US sportsbooks which we recommend allow cash outs. This is a good way to secure a profit when your result is on track, albeit a smaller one than if the result bears out.
Simply check our list of recommended sites and click through to sign up for your favorite. You might need to enter a code to get your hands on your bonus, or you’ll have to make an initial deposit to unlock a matched deposit bonus.
Yes. Some of the best NFL betting sites offer PayPal support, meaning you can enjoy fast, secure and convenient deposits and withdrawals. Most sites also support a range of other banking options, so compare the payment methods on offer to find the best sportsbook for you.
Line betting is another term for point spreading. The point margin is referred to at the betting line, so wagering on NFL betting lines is simply another way to say you’re placing a spread bet.
This depends. At some NFL betting sites, a tie will mean moneyline bets become void, meaning you’ll simply get your stake back. However, this may not be the case at all NFL sportsbooks, so make sure to check the betting rules beforehand.
That will depend on the state you’re in, but most states permit bets from those 18 and older. In some states, you need to be 21 to access a football betting site.
Marcus is a Deputy Editor at Compare.bet US and contributes to content across the site. He holds a BA (Hons) in English and American Literatures, and has been featured in The Times, Business Chief, and music site Audioxide among others.
Kyle Odegard has been a professional sportswriter since 2006, covering the NFL, MLB, NBA, college football, college basketball and more. He covered the NFL's Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2021 for the team's official website and has written freelance pieces for ESPN, CBS Sports, MLB.com, the Associated Press, BookMaker.eu, the San Jose Mercury News, the Seattle Times, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and more.
Daniel is the editor-in-chief at Compare.bet. He has half a decade of experience writing on topics including sports betting, online casino and the NBA. Daniel also covers Premier League football for The Warm-Up and has interviewed Louis Saha, Richard Dunne and Gary Pallister. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys film photography and making Spotify playlists.
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Guy is a writer and editor at Compare.bet US. Along with producing expert commentary on the betting industry, Guy presents English Premier League predictions on the UK site. Outside work Guy plays soccer and online chess to an almost-concerning degree.
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