Point Spread Bet:
The point spread bet is the most common type of football wager. In this bet, oddsmakers assign a handicap to the favored team, and the underdog is given a certain number of points to level the playing field.
For example, if the New England Patriots are favored to win against the Miami Dolphins by 7 points, a bet on the Patriots would require them to win by at least 8 points to cover the spread. Conversely, a bet on the Dolphins would win if they win the game outright or lose by 6 points or less.
Moneyline Bet:
A moneyline bet is a straightforward wager where the bettor chooses the team they believe will win the game outright, regardless of the point spread. Moneyline odds are assigned to each team, reflecting the potential payout based on their perceived chances of winning. Betting on the underdog can yield a higher return while betting on the favorite offers a lower payout due to the higher likelihood of their victory.
Over/Under Bet (Total Points):
The over/under bet, also known as the total points bet, is based on the combined score of both teams. Oddsmakers set a predicted total, and bettors wager on whether the actual score will be over or under that number. This type of bet adds excitement to games, especially when high-scoring offenses face off against stout defenses.
Proposition (Prop) Bets:
Prop bets offer a variety of unique and entertaining wagering opportunities beyond the game's final outcome. These bets can range from predicting individual player performances, such as the number of passing yards a quarterback will throw, to quirky bets, like the duration of the national anthem during halftime. Prop bets have become increasingly popular during major events like the Super Bowl, offering fans an amusing way to engage with the game.
Parlay Bet:
A parlay bet combines multiple individual bets into one wager, with all selections needing to win for the bettor to be successful. While the potential payouts can be lucrative, parlay bets are riskier due to the higher probability of losing one of the bets. They are popular among bettors looking for a big payout with a small stake.
Teaser Bet:
A teaser bet is similar to a parlay, but it allows bettors to adjust the point spread in their favor for lower odds. This type of bet is advantageous when betting on point spreads or over/under bets, as it gives bettors a better chance of winning by reducing the risk associated with the original lines.
Future Bet:
A future bet is a type of wager where bettors place bets on the outcome of an event that will be determined in the distant future, typically at the end of a season or a specific milestone in a league or team's performance. Unlike traditional bets that focus on the outcome of individual games, futures bets allow bettors to speculate on long-term results.
The most common type of American football futures bet is predicting the winner of a major championship, such as the Super Bowl for the NFL or the College Football Playoff National Championship for NCAA football. Before the start of the season, sportsbooks will release odds for each team to win the championship. The odds are determined based on the team's overall strength, past performance, and any significant roster changes.
