Betting on Football
This guide is dedicated to offering a comprehensive understanding of NFL betting.
The landscape of football betting has been transformed significantly since the advent of online sports betting and mobile betting apps, fostering remarkable growth within the industry. The ease and reach of these online platforms have revolutionized the way bettors interact with NFL games, facilitating a broader and more vibrant betting experience.
Within this guide, you will learn about many aspects of NFL betting. It presents the different kinds of bets available, the methodology behind the calculation of betting odds, and an overview of the legal framework surrounding sports betting in North America, with a specific focus on the NFL. Each segment is crafted to provide detailed insights and strategies exclusive to NFL betting, emphasizing the distinct characteristics of wagering in this league. Moreover, we will venture into advanced betting concepts, the pivotal role of technology and data in making informed bets, and the significance of adhering to responsible gambling practices.
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Understanding NFL Odds
Odds are presented differently, typically based on where you are located geographically. Here are the three main odds formats that you can expect to see when betting on the NFL:
American Odds Format (Moneyline Odds)
American odds, also known as Moneyline odds, are characterized by a negative (-) or positive (+) sign. The negative sign indicates the favored team, while the positive sign marks the underdog.
Consider an NFL game with the following odds:
New England Patriots: -500 Miami Dolphins: +350
The negative odds (-500) for the New England Patriots suggest they are favored to win. You would need to bet $500 on the Patriots to potentially profit $100 if they win. Conversely, the positive odds (+350) for the Miami Dolphins indicate they are the underdogs. A $100 bet on the Dolphins will yield a profit of $350 if they come out victorious.
Note: The odds (-500 and +350) are not directly comparable due to the sportsbook's juice, which is their built-in commission.
Decimal Odds Format
Popular in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, decimal odds format is straightforward. It shows the total payout per dollar wagered, making it easy to spot favorites and underdogs.
Here is an NFL game with decimal odds:
Dallas Cowboys: 2.50 Green Bay Packers: 1.60
A $100 bet on the Dallas Cowboys at 2.50 odds will potentially return $250 ($100 bet + $150 profit). Meanwhile, a $100 bet on the Green Bay Packers at 1.60 odds would return $160 ($100 bet + $60 profit).
Fractional Odds Format
Used primarily in the UK and Ireland, fractional odds are expressed as a ratio (e.g., 5/1). They indicate the potential profit relative to the stake, with the first number representing the potential profit and the second the bet.
Here is how fractional odds work:
Philadelphia Eagles: 7/2 Seattle Seahawks: 4/5
A $2 bet on the Philadelphia Eagles at 7/2 odds would return $7 profit, making the total payout $9. On the other hand, a winning $5 bet on the Seattle Seahawks at 4/5 odds would yield a profit of $4, for a total return of $9. The Eagles, with higher potential profit, are the underdogs, while the Seahawks, with lower potential winnings, are the favorites.
Popular NFL Betting Markets
The National Football League (NFL) stands at the forefront of sports betting, presenting a vast array of betting options that cater to both novice and seasoned bettors. Among the foundational betting types are the point spread, moneyline, and totals (over/under) bets, which form the bedrock of NFL betting. These standard options are complemented by more complex betting structures such as parlays and teasers.
Parlays in the NFL allow bettors to consolidate multiple bets into a single wager, with the requirement that all selected bets win for the parlay to payout. This arrangement amplifies the potential returns but also elevates the risk. Teasers offer a twist on parlays, enabling bettors to modify the point spreads or totals in their favor, albeit at the expense of diminished payouts.
Proposition bets, or prop bets, are particularly prevalent in the NFL landscape. These bets enable wagering on specific events within a game or on individual player performances, adding a layer of depth and excitement to the betting experience.
Moreover, the NFL betting market has expanded to include same-game parlays, a relatively new innovation that allows bettors to combine various bets from a single game into one parlay. This can include wagers on the game's point spread, total points, and specific player achievements. The introduction of over/under bets on player statistics further enriches the NFL betting scene, offering detailed and player-focused betting avenues.
The NFL's betting market is dynamic, constantly evolving with the introduction of new betting types and strategies. This diversity not only caters to a broad spectrum of betting preferences but also reflects the intricate nature of the game and its widespread appeal among sports betting enthusiasts.
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Meet Our Authors
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol's interest in sports was sparked at a young age, inspired by athletes such as Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky. This early fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion, guiding him toward a career in sports journalism in 2007. Over the years, Sol has contributed numerous articles and reviews to various online platforms, sharing his knowledge and perspectives.
Central to Sol's approach is his dedication to honesty, especially regarding sports betting platforms. He believes in providing bettors with straightforward and detailed reviews, distinguishing his work by avoiding the often overly positive spin on bonus offers and promotions. His commitment to truthfulness has made his reviews a reliable source for those seeking authentic advice and information, thereby earning him a reputation for integrity among his readers.
“In the world of sports betting, truth is more valuable than any bonus offer.”
| Experience | Year |
| Content Manager, OnlineCasinoReports | 2012-2021 |
| Sports Journalist, Dottraffic | 2009-2011 |
| Content Writer, HouseTech | 2007-2009 |
Cristina Varela Galan
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”.
Paruyr Shahbazyan
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.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"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.
Anna Kravtcova
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.
Mike Rosenberg
Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.
