Understanding NCAA Football Sports Betting

14 min read
Jan 31, 2024, 8:43 AM
Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025, 7:07 PM

Betting on NCAAF 101

As one of the most viewed sports in the U.S., NCAA football attracts millions of fans and bettors each season, making it a significant market within the larger sports gambling sector. This guide aims to clarify the various NCAAF betting options available, strategies employed by bettors, and the nuances that differentiate NCAA football betting from other sports betting formats.

Rather listen to this guide? Check out the episode on Spotify, RG Game Changers Podcast.

NCAA football betting encompasses several wagering types, including point spread betting, totals betting (over/under), teasers, parlays, and futures betting. Point spread betting aims to balance the competitive gap between teams, while totals betting focuses on the aggregate score of the game. Advanced options like teasers and parlays allow bettors to combine multiple bets for potentially greater returns, albeit with much more increased risk. Futures betting adds another layer by enabling wagers on long-term outcomes, such as team performance over an entire season or individual player props. The choice of NCAAF sportsbook plays a critical role in NCAA football betting, as different platforms offer varying odds, promotions, and features, which we will discuss later in this guide.

Understanding NCAAF betting trends—such as public money flow and the impact of injuries or coaching/player changes—can provide bettors with insights that increase their chances of success. Data analytics and personal record-keeping are also common practices among experienced bettors seeking to refine their approaches and achieve better outcomes, and we will give examples of each.

While NCAA football sports betting is legal in many jurisdictions, it is not without its limitations and controversies, including concerns about integrity, player welfare, and the influence of gambling on college sports. In the US, regulations on sports betting are set at the state level, and currently, many states have even banned player prop bets, which we will cover more in-depth later on.

This guide is an informative resource for understanding the complexities of NCAA football betting. It covers everything you need to know about NCAAF sports betting, including some popular betting types and strategies.

Understanding NCAA Football Sports Betting

Popular Betting Options

Point Spread Betting

Point spread betting is one of the most common forms of wagering in college football. In this format, the sportsbook establishes a point spread to level the playing field between two teams. The favorite must win by more than the spread for a bet on them to be successful, while the underdog can either win or lose by fewer points than the spread to cash the bet.

Illinois is favored at -2.5 against Duke, Illinois must win by at least three points for a bet on them to win. If betting on Duke, they must lose by no more than two points for the bet to be successful.

Totals Betting – Over/Under

In totals betting, also known as over/under betting, the focus shifts from the game's outcome to the combined score of both teams. The sportsbook sets an estimated total score, and bettors wager on whether the final score will be over or under this number. For example, if the over/under is set at 50 points, a bettor choosing "over" wins if the final score exceeds this total.

Teasers and Parlays

Teasers and parlays are more risky betting options that involve multiple bets. A teaser allows bettors to combine multiple bets while gaining extra points on the spread. For example, in a two-team six-point teaser, if Oregon is +4 and Texas Tech is -8, they would adjust to +10 and -2, respectively. However, both legs of the teaser must win for the bet to cash.

On the other hand, a parlay involves wagering on multiple outcomes, with the potential for higher payouts and risk since all selected outcomes must win.

Parlay bets and Teasers are far riskier than other types of bets and should not be used by beginners in sports betting.

Futures Betting

Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on events that will end later, such as betting on a team to win the national championship or their conference. Bettors can also wager on season win totals, which can provide significant payouts if the right longshot is chosen. Player futures, such as betting on who will win the Heisman Trophy, are also popular within this market.

Selecting the Right Sportsbook

Follow this process to choose the most suitable sportsbook for your college football betting needs:

Step 1: Research Sportsbooks in Your Area

  • Confirm Legal Options: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed to operate in your state or region.

Step 2: Compare Odds Across Sportsbooks

  • Select a Game: Choose a college football matchup (e.g., Alabama vs. Georgia).
  • Collect Odds for Key Bet Types:
  • Example: Point Spread, Moneyline, and Totals (Over/Under).
  • Analyze the Differences: Identify which sportsbook offers the best odds for the bets you want to place.
SportsbookAlabama SpreadOddsPayout on $100 Bet
DraftKings+3.5-110$90.91
FanDuel+3.0-105$95.24
BetMGM+3.5-115$86.96
Choose the sportsbook offering the most favorable odds for your betting preferences. In this case, FanDuel would be the best bet.

Step 3: Read Real User Reviews

  1. Educate Yourself With Feedback:
    1. There are thousands of user reviews on the top licensed sportsbooks that provide insights from real experiences.
  2. Focus on Key Metrics:
    1. Payments: How quickly users can withdraw their winnings (typically between 1-7 days).
    2. Customer Service: Responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.
    3. Bonuses: Does the sportsbook provide NCAAF bonuses and promotions?
    4. User Experience: Stability of the platform during high-traffic events (e.g., bowl games).
  3. Identify Red Flags:
    1. Reports of delayed withdrawals, unexplained account suspensions, and connectivity issues are red flags.

Step 4: Assess Available Betting Market Types

  1. Identify the Markets You Prefer:
    1. Point Spreads: Standard bets on how much a team will win/lose by.
    2. Player Props: Bets on individual player performance (e.g., QB passing yards).
    3. Live Betting: Wagering during the game as odds update in real-time.
  2. Check Each Sportsbook’s Offerings:

Some sportsbooks may not support certain niche markets like same-game parlays for NCAA football.

Market TypeDraftKingsHard Rock BetBetMGM
Point Spreads
Same Game Parlays
Live Betting
Choose sportsbooks that align with your preferred betting strategy.

Step 5: Test the Platform Usability

  1. Sign Up and Explore:
    1. Create a free account to navigate the platform.
    2. Test placing bets on mock wagers or very small wagers ($2-$5) to test things like payout speed (in the event a bet hits).
  2. Evaluate Key Features:
    1. Speed: Does the site/app load quickly and update odds in real-time?
    2. Navigation: Are games and bet types easy to locate?
    3. Tools: Are bet tracking and history available?
    4. Responsible Gambling Tools: Are there bet and deposit limiting tools, time outs, etc. Lack of these tools should be a red flag as promotion of responsible gambling practices is crucial to help bettors avoid problem gambling behavior.

Step 6: Confirm Security and Licensing

  1. Check Licensing:
    1. Verify the sportsbook is regulated by a trusted authority (e.g., Nevada Gaming Control Board, New Jersey DGE).
  2. Ensure Secure Transactions:
    1. Look for SSL encryption (visible as a padlock icon in the browser), ensuring your data is encrypted online or on mobile.
    2. Check if payment methods include secure options like PayPal or major credit cards.
Security MetricDraftKingsFanDuelBetMGM
Licensing
SSL Encryption
Trusted Payment Options
Only use sportsbooks that meet strict security and licensing criteria, and never bet with an unlicensed or off-shore sportsbook to avoid getting scammed or breaking any U.S. laws.

Step 7: Test Odds Comparison in Real Time

  1. Repeat Odds Comparison Before a Live Game:
    1. Compare odds for the same game right before kickoff to confirm consistency.
    2. Example:
      1. Game: Michigan vs. Ohio State.
      2. BetRivers offers Michigan -3.5 at -105.
      3. Caesars offers Michigan -3.0 at -110.
      4. Decision: Place your bet with Caesars in this case for the better spread and acceptable odds.

Most Reviewed NCAAF Sportsbooks

FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Bet $5 Get $250
Get bonus here
  • Availability across most of US legal states
  • Competitive odds & diverse markets
  • Attentive customer service
  • Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
  • App speeds vary for some users
  • Geo locate sometimes unreliable
Details
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Bet $5 Get $200
Get bonus here
  • Extensive betting markets
  • Live betting
  • Efficient & secure payments
  • Strong security measures
  • Mobile app connectivity issues
  • Maximum bets on odds boosts are low.
  • Promotional restrictions
Details
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM First Bet Offer $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Get bonus here
  • Available in many U.S. States and Canada
  • Numerous betting markets
  • Major partnerships with teams/leagues
  • Users have the ability to set deposit/time limits
  • Promotions are timely and change rapidly
  • Connectivity issues on betting app
Details
ESPN Bet Sportsbook
ESPN BET Make Any Bet Get $100
Get bonus here
  • Extensive Market Reach.
  • Unmatched Fan Engagement.
  • Live betting.
  • Digital media bohemeth.
  • Limited live streaming.
  • Connectivity issues on betting apps.
Details
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Bet $1 Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers. Code:
CZRDYW
  • One of the biggest welcome bonuses.
  • Secure payments.
  • Efficient customer service
  • Some users have described slow loading times
  • Limited live streaming options
  • Some bonus wagering requirements are unclear
Details

FAQs on NCAA Football Sports Betting

General Questions About NCAA Betting

What is NCAA football betting?

NCAA football betting involves wagering on college football games through various bet types, such as point spreads, totals, and futures.

What types of bets can I place on NCAA football?

Common bet types include point spreads, moneylines, over/unders, teasers, parlays, and futures.

How do point spreads work in NCAAF?

Point spreads level the playing field by giving the underdog an advantage in points or deducting points from the favorite.

Odds and Trends

Why do odds vary between sportsbooks?

Odds reflect the sportsbook’s risk management and market adjustments based on betting activity and team performance.

What are college football betting trends?

Trends analyze patterns such as public money flow, team performance, and historical outcomes to help bettors make informed decisions.

How do I compare odds between sportsbooks?

Review multiple sportsbooks for a single game, noting differences in spreads, moneylines, and totals.

Advanced Betting Options

What are parlays and teasers?

Parlays combine multiple bets for higher payouts, while teasers allow adjusting the spread for reduced risk.

Are futures bets worth it?

Futures bets can offer significant payouts but carry high risk due to their long-term nature and unpredictability.

What is live betting?

Live betting allows you to place wagers during the game as odds change in real time.

Choosing a Sportsbook

How do I choose the right sportsbook for NCAAF betting?

Evaluate odds, available bet types, user reviews, licensing, and platform usability before choosing a sportsbook.

Are there restrictions on NCAAF betting?

Some states restrict betting on college sports, such as banning player prop bets or limiting wagers on in-state teams.

Why should I use multiple sportsbooks?

Having accounts with multiple sportsbooks lets you compare odds and maximize value for each wager.

Legal and Regulatory Concerns

Is NCAAF betting legal in all states?

No, sports betting laws vary by state. Check your local regulations to confirm legality.

What are player prop restrictions?

Some states prohibit bets on individual college athlete performances, especially in player props.

Can I bet on in-state college teams?

Certain states, like New Jersey, restrict betting on local college teams or events.

Strategies

How can I improve my betting success?

Analyze team dynamics, historical trends, and betting markets while maintaining bankroll discipline.

What mistakes should I avoid in NCAA football betting?

Avoid emotional betting, over-reliance on public sentiment, and chasing losses without a strategy.

How important is data analysis?

Data analysis is crucial for identifying value bets, understanding trends, and refining your betting strategy.

Managing Risk

What is bankroll management?

Bankroll management involves setting limits on wager amounts and avoiding overextending your funds.

Responsible Betting

How risky are parlays and teasers?

These bets carry higher risks since all legs must win to cash the bet, but they offer higher payouts.

Should I bet on underdogs?

Underdogs often provide value, especially in high-pressure games where favorites might struggle to cover the spread.

Resources and Tools

What are reliable data sources for NCAAF betting?

Sources like NCAA stats, ESPN, and Sports Reference offer detailed insights into team performance and trends.

How do I track my bets?

Use spreadsheets or apps to log wagers, outcomes, and insights for refining your strategy.

What tools can help with responsible gambling?

Most sportsbooks offer features like deposit limits, bet limits, and time-out tools to promote responsible gambling.

References and Guide Updates

Sources
Page Revisions
Sports Media Watch
2024
College Football TV Rankings
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/
USA Today
2024
Which states allow betting on college player props?
https://ftw.usatoday.com/2024/11/states-college-player-props-betting-legal-ncaa
Ken Sanford & Frank Scott, University of Kentucky
2016
Assessing the Intensity of Sports Rivalries Using Data From Secondary Market Transactions
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309105853_Assessing_the_Intensity_of_Sports_Rivalries_Using_Data_From_Secondary_Market_Transactions
PhillyLovesArmyNavy.com
2024
When Army and Navy meet, there is no other game with deeper foundations or greater prestige.
https://www.phillylovesarmynavy.com/rivalry-history/
Current (December 18, 2024)
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Sol Fayerman-Hansen
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