How To Bet on College Football NCAAF Betting Explained
College football betting is an exciting way to engage with one of America’s favorite sports, and learning the basics is easier than you might think. We’ll walk you through the basics of how to bet on college football, covering popular bet types like point spreads, moneylines, and live betting. You’ll also find key strategies and tips to help boost your success.
Whether you’re new to NCAAF betting or sharpening your approach, we’ll give you the insights needed to make confident, strategic bets. Dive in to enjoy college football betting with a more informed perspective.
Best College Football Picks from The Sports Geek
See All College Football AI PicksSharpen your college football betting strategy with The Sports Geek’s AI-driven NCAAF picks. Get expert insights and recommended picks for spread betting, moneyline betting, and over/under betting on every game this season.
Bets Available Online for College Football
There are plenty of different ways to bet on college football. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, check out these common bet types to find the right one for you.
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is the simplest wager you can make—just pick the team you think will win the game outright.
Example: If Alabama faces LSU and is set at -200, you’d need to bet $200 to win $100 if Alabama wins. LSU, as a +180 underdog, would return $180 on a $100 bet.
Recommended Sportsbook: BetOnline has competitive moneyline odds, making it a great choice for maximizing your returns on straight wins.
Expert Tip: Look at the implied probability behind moneyline odds. A favorite at -200 has an implied win rate of 67%. Compare these probabilities to your own analysis to spot value.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals betting involves predicting whether the combined score of both teams will go over or under a set number.
Example: For an Alabama vs LSU game with a total of 55.5 points, betting the “over” requires a combined score of 56 points or more, while the “under” wins with a total of 55 or fewer.
Recommended Sportsbook: Bovada offers plenty of totals with flexible options, making it easy for bettors to find great value in over/under markets.
Expert Tip: Weather can greatly impact totals in college football, especially if teams rely on passing. Check conditions before placing an over/under wager to ensure you’re betting with all the information.
Spread
A spread bet allows you to wager on the margin by which a team will win or lose.
Example: If Georgia is favored by -7.5 against Florida, they must win by eight points or more to cover the spread, while Florida can lose by up to seven points or win outright to cover.
Recommended Sportsbook: MyBookie Sportsbook offers competitive spread options, especially for high-profile college games, helping you get the best value.
Expert Tip: Analyze how well teams perform against the spread (ATS) by reviewing their ATS record throughout the season. This helps you gauge if they consistently meet expectations.
Props
Prop bets focus on specific events or performances within a game, rather than the game’s outcome.
Example: A prop bet could involve predicting if Ohio State’s quarterback will throw over 250.5 yards against Michigan.
Recommended Sportsbook: BetUS provides extensive player and team props, letting you explore unique aspects of each game.
Expert Tip: For more profitable props, focus on team-specific trends or standout player performances in key matchups.
Futures
Futures betting lets you wager on season-long outcomes, like predicting the national champion or a player’s Heisman Trophy win.
Example: If you bet $100 on Alabama to win the National Championship at +800, you’d win $800 if they claim the title.
Recommended Sportsbook: SportsBetting.ag offers a wide range of futures markets, including conference and championship odds.
Expert Tip: Place futures bets early to lock in higher odds before the season progresses and favorites emerge.
Parlays
A parlay combines multiple individual bets into one wager. This bet increases the potential payout but also the risk, as all “legs” must hit for your parlay bet to win.
Example: Parlaying Alabama’s -200 moneyline with Ohio State’s -7.5 spread and an over/under bet on another game can yield a high return if all three bets win.
Recommended Sportsbook: Everygame offers flexible parlay options for bettors seeking higher returns.
Expert Tip: Start small with parlays by combining just two or three legs. As each leg must win, large parlays are much riskier but can be worth it with careful selections.
Teasers
Teasers allow you to adjust point spreads in your favor across multiple games, though this reduces the potential payout.
Example: In a 6-point teaser, you could adjust Alabama’s -7.5 spread to -1.5 and Ohio State’s +3.5 to +9.5, giving you more favorable odds on each.
Recommended Sportsbook: BetNow offers strong teaser options for risk-averse bettors looking to tilt the odds in their favor.
Expert Tip: Teasers work best in low-scoring games where point spreads hold more weight. Use teasers cautiously, as they can still be risky despite the adjusted odds.
Overall Expert Tip: Stay proactive by monitoring line movements and odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value. Lines can shift due to factors like team news, injuries, or public betting trends. Keeping an eye on these changes and acting promptly can help you secure the most favorable odds for your bets.
Guide to Live Betting on College Football
Live betting on college football brings a unique thrill, allowing you to place wagers as the game unfolds. This dynamic style offers flexibility, especially when betting on quarters or halftime scores. Learn more about how live betting can boost your experience, giving you more ways to capitalize on in-game events.
Manage Your Bankroll
Effective bankroll management is essential in live betting, where it’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace. Set a clear limit for each game or quarter, ensuring that your betting remains strategic and sustainable.
Bet on Quarters and Halves
Live betting lets you wager on specific quarters or halves instead of the entire game. This approach can be useful if a team typically starts strong but fades later, or vice versa. This allows you to focus your bets on that timeframe for better returns.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Underdog
Underdogs in live betting can offer value, especially when they perform better than expected early in the game. Look for signs of strong momentum or weaknesses in the favorite, as live odds adjust quickly to reflect the game’s shifting dynamics.
Hedge Your Pre-Game Bets
Live betting provides opportunities to hedge your pre-game bets if things aren’t going as expected. For example, if your chosen team falls behind, you can place a live bet on the opponent to offset potential losses.
Pay Attention to Momentum
Momentum shifts can drastically alter live betting odds. A team on a scoring run or with solid defensive plays may continue to dominate. Observing these shifts allows you to make informed bets that align with the current game flow, capitalizing on favorable odds.
Best College Football Betting Site for Beginners
BetUS Top Choice for College Football
BetUS is ideal for beginners in college football betting. Its Locker Room and BetUS TV offer expert analysis and in-depth game breakdowns. It also offers generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promos to help new bettors get started.
Welcome Bonus 125% up to $2,625
Crypto Bonus 200% up to $2,750
Free NCAAF betting tips and analysis in BetUS TV and Locker Room
Exclusive college football betting contests
How To Bet on College Football
Getting started with college football betting is simple when you follow these steps.
Step One — Select an Operator
Begin by choosing a sportsbook with a great user experience and competitive odds. BetUS offers plenty of extensive college football options and helpful resources for beginners.
Step Two — Register Your Account
Sign up by entering your details, including name, email, and payment information. Most operators, like BetUS, also offer welcome bonuses for new users to boost their bankroll.
Step Three — Deposit Funds
Once registered, deposit money into your account. BetUS makes it easy to fund your bets using various payment methods like credit cards and cryptocurrency.
Step Four — Choose Your Bet Type
Decide on a bet type that suits your strategy and interest. For instance, if you’re new to betting, you might start with a moneyline bet on a favorite team. Explore different betting options to find what works best for you.
Step Five — Place Your Bet
Navigate to the college football section on BetUS, find the game you’re interested in, and select your bet. Double-check your wager details, including the amount you’re betting, and confirm the bet.
Step Six — Track Your Bet and Enjoy the Game
Once you place your bets, watch the game to see how it unfolds. BetUS provides live updates, so you can stay engaged and even explore live betting options as the game progresses.
A Brief History of College Football Betting
College football betting has evolved dramatically over the years. Various legal, technological, and cultural shifts have evolved informal wagers into a well-regulated industry. Learning this history can offer valuable insights into where and how to bet and which trends might shape the future.
Responsible Gambling
We encourage all players to gamble responsibly. Remember, online betting is a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Set loss and time limits, and budget your bankroll to avoid losing more than you can afford. Responsible gambling isn’t about dampening the fun; rather, it’s about ensuring the enjoyment continues responsibly. Keeping these tips in mind will help you have fun while staying in control.
If you find yourself frequently preoccupied with thoughts about gambling or exceeding your budget regularly, you might benefit from additional support. Consider the resources below if you recognize these warning signs in yourself or a loved one:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: (202) 547-9204 or NCPGambling.org
- AGA Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct: Supported by the NBA for promoting responsible gaming
- Gamble Responsibly America App: Downloadable resource for responsible gaming
- Gambler’s Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
- Responsible Gambling Council: For additional resources and support
Key Takeaways for College Football Betting
You now have everything you need to start college football betting with confidence. We’ve covered essential bet types like the moneyline and over/under and advanced strategies for live betting.
Newcomers need to prioritize choosing the right sportsbooks, such as BetUS. It also pays to properly manage your bankroll, only betting what you can afford to lose. With helpful tools and actionable advice, college football betting is accessible, exciting, and full of opportunities to build knowledge and success.
Latest College Football News
Read the latest news and updates on the NCAAF from The Sports Geek’s NCAA Football News Archive.
