Top 10 Fun Bets for Football Games to Elevate Your Game-Day Experience

11 min read
Sep 17, 2024, 8:38 AM
Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Last Updated: Sep 17, 2024, 10:35 AM

Fun Bets for Football Games

Watching football games can be thrilling, but adding some friendly fun bets can elevate the experience even further. From friendly wagers with family and friends to unique, quirky bets that keep everyone engaged, football betting doesn't have to be just about making money. Responsible gambling practices can still allow you to enhance your game-day experience without much risk. In this guide, we’ll explore fun bets for football games, ranging from prop bets to live betting, all designed to add excitement in a responsible way.

Introduction to Fun Football Bets

Football bets don’t always have to be about who wins or loses. Many football fans enjoy placing fun bets for football games with family and friends, focusing on unique outcomes and simple prop bets that make the experience more enjoyable. Whether it’s guessing the coin toss or predicting the color of Gatorade poured over the winning coach, these types of bets can enhance your enjoyment of the football game without getting overly serious. Remember, the key is to keep it light and fun, while also practicing responsible betting.

Types of Fun Football Bets

There are many types of fun football bets to consider, depending on how much involvement you want. These bets can range from simple, light-hearted wagers to more engaging ones that require deeper football knowledge. Whether you're betting with friends, family, or at a game-day party, these bets are designed to add excitement without being too serious.

Bet TypeDescriptionExample
Coin Toss BetA simple bet on whether the opening coin toss will land heads or tails. A fun way to get everyone involved before the game starts.Heads or Tails: Bet on which side the coin will land.
National Anthem DurationGuessing the length of the national anthem during major events like the Super Bowl.Will the national anthem last over or under 2 minutes?
First Score BetPredict which team will score first or which type of score (touchdown, field goal) will occur first.Will the first score be a touchdown or a field goal? Which team will score first?
Touchdown ScorerWager on which player will score the first touchdown or which team will score the final score.Will Player A score the first touchdown? Will Team X score the final touchdown?
Gatorade Shower ColorA quirky Super Bowl bet where you guess the color of Gatorade poured on the winning coach.Will the Gatorade color be blue, orange, or something else?
Number of PenaltiesBet on how many penalties will occur during the game.Will there be more than 7 penalties in the game?
Player EjectionPredict whether any player will be ejected for fighting or unsportsmanlike conduct.Will a player be ejected for fighting during the game?
Halftime Show PerformanceWager on which song will be performed first during the halftime show of major events like the Super Bowl.Which song will the performer open with during the halftime show?
Total Rushing YardsBet on the total rushing yards for a specific player or the entire team during the game.Will Player A rush for over or under 100 yards?
First Commercial After KickoffBet on which company will air the first commercial after the game starts.Will it be a car company, a food brand, or a tech company airing the first commercial after kickoff?
Coach’s ChallengeGuess how many successful coach’s challenges will happen during the game.Will there be more than 2 successful coach’s challenges?

These are options for casual fans who may not want to dive into more complex sports betting wagers. 

Making Fun Football Bets with Friends and Family

One of the best ways to enjoy fun football bets is by placing friendly wagers with your friends and family. Unlike the serious tone of traditional sports betting, these types of bets are more about bragging rights than cash. For example, you could bet on the first touchdown scorer or how many field goals will be made in the game. These fun bets create an engaging way to keep everyone excited throughout the football games.

Top Ten Unique and Quirky Football Bets

Football is full of unpredictable moments, which makes it perfect for unique and quirky fun football bets. These types of bets can add humor and excitement to your game-day experience. Here’s a top ten list of quirky bets that have gained popularity during major football events like the Super Bowl:

1. How many times will Roger Goodell be shown?

This bet became popular in Super Bowl broadcasts, especially in games where league controversies were a hot topic.

2. Will any player be ejected for throwing a punch or fighting?

While rare, this type of prop bet keeps fans on their toes during heated moments.

3. How many times will Taylor Swift be shown?

With Swift becoming more involved in the NFL scene, thanks to rumored relationships with players, this fun bet has gained popularity in recent seasons.

4. Will any player propose to his girlfriend on the field after the game?

Major events like the Super Bowl often see dramatic post-game moments, and this has become a quirky bet for fans expecting emotional endings.

5. What Gatorade color will be poured on the winning coach of Super Bowl 58?

This classic Super Bowl prop bet keeps fans guessing each year as teams celebrate their victories in colorful fashion. Will it be orange, blue, or something unexpected?

6. Will the game go into overtime?

This bet hinges on whether the game will end in regulation time or stretch into overtime, adding suspense for fans as the game approaches the final minutes.

7. How long will the halftime show last?

Fans bet on the duration of the Super Bowl halftime show, particularly when high-profile performers are involved.

8. What song will the halftime show performer open with?

This quirky bet has become popular during the Super Bowl, with fans trying to guess the opening song of the star-studded halftime performance.

9. How many times will the camera pan to the coach?

Coaches are often under the spotlight, and this bet predicts how many times the camera will focus on the head coach during a high-stakes game.

10. Will a kicker miss a field goal?

This bet involves guessing whether any kicker will miss a field goal attempt during the game, adding a bit of tension during scoring opportunities.

These quirky bets can make any football game more enjoyable, adding an extra layer of fun and unpredictability to the experience. 

Season-Long Bets and Tournament Winner Bets

If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, consider season-long bets. These bets focus on outcomes like which team will win the Super Bowl or which player will lead the league in rushing yards. Some examples of season-long bets include:

  • Which team will win the most games during the season?
  • Which player will score the most touchdowns over the course of the season?
  • Will the NFL MVP be from an NFC or AFC team?

For those who enjoy watching the entire football season, these tournament winner bets can provide a longer-term sense of excitement and engagement.

Live Betting and Over/Under Total Bets

Another popular way to get in on the action is through live betting. With live betting, you can place wagers during the game as the action unfolds. One of the most popular live bets is the Over/Under Total Bet, where you guess whether the total number of points scored by both teams will be above or below a certain number.

Live betting is a great way to make football games more interactive, especially when the outcome is uncertain. Just be mindful to keep your bets reasonable, as live betting can sometimes lead to impulsive decisions.

Straight Bets and Point Spread Bets

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional but still fun, you can opt for straight bets or point spread bets. A straight bet is a simple wager on which team will win, while a point spread bet gives one team an advantage, making the outcome more balanced. These football bets are perfect for those who want to elevate the game without diving into the complexities of prop bets.

Tips for Elevating Your Game-Day Experience

To maximize your game-day experience, here are a few tips to keep your football bets fun and responsible:

  • Set a betting limit to avoid overspending. Something like $1-$5.
  • Bet with friends or family, not strangers, to keep the atmosphere light.
  • Focus on fun prop bets rather than serious wagers that could result in stress.
  • Avoid live betting if you feel that you may be tempted to make impulsive decisions.
  • Keep the stakes very low to ensure that your primary focus remains on enjoying the game.

The key to fun betting is remembering that it’s all about the experience. It’s okay to bet small amounts as long as you’re mindful of your limits.

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Interests:
NFL
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ATP
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Creating Books
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Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

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