Cobus' expertise contributed to the success of many well-known brands in the online entertainment industry. Having participated in numerous projects with Game Lounge, The OneTwenty Group, Monarch Media, and E2 Communications as writer, editor, and content manager left him with a wealth of experience and clear understanding of the online sports betting and casino entertainment industries. He currently invests his experience making a noteworthy contribution to SportsCasting across a broad range of topics.
Get to know Cobus van Wyk better
David has over 25 years of experience as both a writer and editor within the betting/newspaper industries, working with major publications such as The Guardian, Racing Post and Sky Sports Racing. With a diploma in sub-editing and law, and the author of four books, David now shares his knowledge with SportsCasting as a successful sports editor, writer and tipster.
All posts by David MyersWondering how to bet on college football games? Then, stay tuned as our sports experts inform you on which NCAAF bets can be thrilling and rewarding if you know the right strategies, and what to watch out for.
So, get ready for some essential college football tips, strategies, and insights for you to make informed bets. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the game, we’ll help you read college football odds and navigate the exciting world of NCAAF betting.
How to Bet On College Football
Betting on college football can be an exciting and rewarding experience if you jump in with the right strategies and knowledge. The season runs from late August to early January, ending off in the College Football Playoff and National Championship Game.
To get started, you need to understand the different types of bets, such as moneyline, point spread, and totals. Watching games live and following key players and teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide, Clemson Tigers, and Ohio State Buckeyes can provide handy insights.
Source: BetUS What’s The Difference between College Football and the NFL?
College football betting and NFL betting differ in several key aspects, affecting how you approach each. College football has a larger number of teams and games, leading to more varied competition and greater potential for some pretty intense upsets.
The talent disparity between teams can be significant, resulting in larger point spreads compared to the NFL. College football games also feature unique overtime rules, where each team gets a possession starting from the opponent’s 25-yard line, often leading to higher-scoring overtime periods.
College Football Events
College football is filled with exciting events, competitions, and championship games that captivate sports fans and bettors alike. Understanding these key events can enhance your college football sports betting experience and help you make more informed decisions when learning how online college football betting works. Here are the main events and competitions in NCAAF throughout the year:
Regular Season: The college football regular season typically runs from late August to early December. During this period, teams play a series of games that determine their standings and eligibility for post-season play.
Conference Championships: Held in early December, these games determine the champions of various conferences. Notable conference championships include the SEC Championship, Big Ten Championship, and ACC Championship.
Bowl Games: From late December, zipping into early January, you can cheer on college football at numerous bowl games. Some of the most prestigious games include the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Cotton Bowl.
College Football Playoff (CFP): The CFP semifinals usually take place in late December or early January, with the National Championship Game following in mid-January. The semi-finals rotate among the New Year’s Six bowl games.
College Football Betting Odds and Markets
Understanding the various NCAAF betting odds is crucial for learning how to bet on college football. The main college football betting lines include moneyline, point spread, totals (over/under), parlay bets, prop bets, and futures. Each of these be types, available at leading offshore sportsbooks, cater to various sports betting strategies.
Moneyline
The moneyline bet is one of the simplest NCAAF betting lines, where you simply pick one team to win the game outright. For example, if Alabama is playing Auburn, the moneyline might look like this: Alabama: -200 and Auburn: +150. In this scenario, betting $200 on Alabama would release a $100 profit if they win. On the flip side, a $100 bet on Auburn would yield a $150 profit if they win.
Betting Against the Spread
Betting against the spread involves wagering on the margin of victory. Case in point, if Ohio State is favored by 7 points over Michigan, a spread would be Ohio State: -7 and Michigan: +7. Ohio State must win by more than 7 points for a bet on them to pay out. If you bet on Michigan, they need to win or lose by less than 7 points for your bet to be successful.
Over/Under Betting
Over/Under bets, also known as totals, involve wagering on the combined score of both teams. If the over/under for a game is set at 50 points, you can bet Over if you think the total points scored will be 51 or more, or Under if you believe the total points scored will be 49 or fewer. This type of bet allows you to focus on the overall scoring rather than one team to win, making it a popular choice for bettors who are good at predicting game dynamics.
Parlay Bets
Parlay bets combine multiple bets into one, increasing the potential payout but also the risk. There are two main types of parlays: multiple-team parlays and same game parlays. In a multiple-team parlay, you might bet on Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU all to be winning teams.
In a same game parlay, you might combine a money line bet, an over/under bet, and a prop bet all within a single game. All individual college football bets within the parlay must win for the parlay to pay out.
Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on specific events within a game, such as player performance. Examples include betting on whether a player will score a touchdown or how many yards a quarterback will throw. These college football bets add an extra layer of excitement as they allow you to wager on aspects of the game beyond the final score.
Futures
Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on events that will occur in the future, such as the outcome of the National Championship or conference championships. These bets are often made before the season starts but can be placed at any time. Futures betting offers higher college football odds and bigger payouts because they are more challenging to predict.
College Football Betting Tips & Strategies
Betting on college football involves more than just a bit of luck; it involves understanding the game, analyzing data, and implementing effective strategies. Here are some essential NCAAF betting tips and strategies to amplify your picks.
Learn College Football Betting RulesFamiliarize yourself with the rules and various types of college football bets available, such as money line, point spread, totals, prop bets, and futures. Knowing the fundamentals can give you an edge.
Study the Players and TeamsResearch players and teams, and understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and performance trends can help you make more informed bets.
Monitor NewsStay updated on the latest college football betting trends and news, including injuries, player transfers, and other relevant information. Injuries to key players can significantly impact college football game outcomes and college sports betting odds.
Analyze Match StatsExamine head-to-head statistics, recent performance data, and other relevant metrics. Analyzing these stats can provide insights into potential game outcomes and help you spot valuable sports betting opportunities.
Check out the StadiumConsider the location of a college football game and the home advantage. Teams often perform better in familiar territory, and crowd support can influence the game’s outcome.
Bet SensiblyAlways bet within your limits and avoid chasing losses. Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Sensible betting ensures you can enjoy the experience without financial stress.
By following these tips and strategies, you can enhance your college football betting experience and increase your chances of making successful bets. Remember to also check out our free betting guides.
How To Place a Bet on College Football: Step-by-Step
Placing a bet on college football is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to ensure a smooth experience. Here’s a quick guide for learning how to bet on college football online.
- Choose a Betting Site – Select a reputable online sportsbook. The sharpest betting sites like Bovada or BetOnline are excellent choices for their reliability and comprehensive coverage of NCAAF betting lines.
- Create an Account – Once you’ve selected a sportsbook, you’ll need to create an account. This typically involves providing your details such as your name, email address, and date of birth.
- Make a Deposit – After your account is set up and verified, the next step is to fund it. Most sportsbooks offer a variety of deposit methods including credit/debit cards, and e-wallets, while the best crypto betting sites offer a variety of top-tier cryptocurrencies for rapid deposits and withdrawals
- Navigate to College Football – With your account funded, it’s time to find the college football section on the betting site. Sportsbooks usually have a navigation menu or a search function to help you locate the specific sport you’re interested in.
- Select a Game – Browse through the list of upcoming college football games and choose the one you want to bet on. Each game will display various betting options such as money line, point spread, and totals.
- Choose a Bet Type – There are several types of moneyline bets you can place on an NCAAF football game. Common options include moneyline, outright, and point-spread bets.
- Enter Your Bet Amount – Once you’ve chosen your bet type, it’s time to decide how much money you want to wager. Enter the amount in the bet slip, which is usually located on the right-hand side of the screen.
- Place Your Bet – Before finalizing your bet, review all the details in your bet slip to make sure everything is correct. This includes the game, bet type, and wager amount. Click the ‘Place Bet’ button to confirm. Your bet will then be processed, and you’ll receive a confirmation message.
Now you know how to place a bet on a college football game, select your event and bet responsibly.
Responsible Gaming
Responsible gambling ensures NCAA football betting remains fun and safe and it’s always important to understand the risks involved. Setting strict budgets for both time and money can help manage your gameplay effectively. Also, always ensure you’re playing at the best US betting sites in terms of onsite safety and security.
Stay informed about the latest news and strategies, but also be aware of the risks and signs of problem gambling, such as spending more than intended, or chasing losses. If you notice these signs, reach out through resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) at 1-800-GAMBLER or 1800.
Many sportsbooks offer tools like self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and time-out periods to help you stay in control.
College Football Betting Guide FAQs
Can I bet on the NCAAF?
Is college football an easy sport to bet on?
How do I bet on college football?
Where is the best place to bet on college football?
What are popular bets on college football?
Are there prop bets in college football?
Betting Guides
More
