Betting Basics

Betting Basics

New to betting on college football? This guide covers everything you need to know to get started.

Types of Bets

Spread (Point Spread)

The most common CFB bet type:

• Favorite (-7): Must win by MORE than 7 points
• Underdog (+7): Can lose by UP TO 7 points (or win outright)
• Push: If final margin is exactly 7, bet is refunded

Example: Alabama -14 vs Auburn +14

• If Alabama wins 28-10 (18-point margin), Alabama -14 wins
• If Alabama wins 24-14 (10-point margin), Auburn +14 wins
• If Alabama wins 28-14 (exactly 14), both bets push (refund)

Moneyline

Simply pick who wins the game:

• Favorite: Negative odds (e.g., -300)
• Underdog: Positive odds (e.g., +250)
• No spread: Just win the game

Example: Georgia -450, Florida +350

• Bet $450 on Georgia to win $100
• Bet $100 on Florida to win $350

Total (Over/Under)

Bet on combined points scored:

• Over: Both teams combine for MORE than total
• Under: Both teams combine for LESS than total

Example: Ohio State vs Michigan, Total 52.5

• Final score 31-24 (55 total points) = Over wins
• Final score 17-14 (31 total points) = Under wins

Understanding Odds

American Odds

• Negative (-110): How much you must bet to win $100
• Positive (+150): How much you win if you bet $100

Decimal Odds

• Your payout for every $1 wagered (including stake)
• Example: 2.50 odds means $2.50 back for every $1 bet

The Vig (Juice)

• Sportsbook commission, usually -110 (both sides)
• Must win 52.4% to break even at -110
• Shop for better lines to reduce vig

Reading Betting Lines

Standard line display:

Team A -7 (-110) O 52.5 (-110)
Team B +7 (-110) U 52.5 (-110)

Translation:

• Team A favored by 7 points
• Betting either spread costs -110 (vig)
• Total is 52.5 points
• Over/Under both cost -110

Basic Betting Strategy

Bankroll Management

• Never bet more than 1-5% of bankroll per game
• Example: $1,000 bankroll = $10-50 per bet
• Protects against losing streaks
• Allows for long-term growth

Line Shopping

• Check multiple sportsbooks for best odds
• Half-point can be difference between win/loss
• Save money on vig

Timing Your Bets

• Early week: Less sharp, more variance
• Mid-week: Lines more established
• Game day: Late injury news factored in

Common Bet Types

Straight Bet

• Single bet on one game
• Safest, most recommended

Parlay

• Combine 2+ bets, all must win
• Higher payout, much riskier
• Example: 2-team parlay (+260), 3-team (+600)

Teaser

• Adjust spread in your favor (usually 6-7 points)
• Must win all legs
• Lower payout than parlay

Prop Bet

• Bet on specific events (player TDs, total yards, etc.)
• Fun but often -130 or worse odds

Where to Bet

Legal sportsbooks in regulated states:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• Caesars
• ESPN BET

Responsible Betting

• Only bet what you can afford to lose
• Set deposit limits
• Take breaks
• Never chase losses
• Use betting as entertainment, not income

CFB Betting Tips

• Home field advantage matters more in CFB than NFL
• Weather impacts games heavily
• Conference familiarity affects outcomes
• Rivalry games are unpredictable
• Bowl games: Watch for opt-outs
• Track line movement for sharp money