If you’re new to football betting, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common terms used in the industry. Knowing the lingo can help you better understand the betting process and make more informed decisions when placing your bets.
One of the most common terms in football betting is “spread.” The spread is a point spread that gives a team a handicap or advantage before the game begins. For example, if the New England Patriots are favored to win by 7 points over the Miami Dolphins, the spread would be -7 for the Patriots and +7 for the Dolphins. This means that the Patriots would need to win by more than 7 points for a bet on them to pay out, while a bet on the Dolphins would win if they either win the game or lose by less than 7 points.
According to sports betting expert John Morrison, understanding the spread is crucial for successful football betting. He says, “The spread is the great equalizer in sports betting. It gives underdogs a fighting chance and evens the playing field for both teams.”
Another important term to know is “moneyline.” The moneyline is a bet on which team will win the game outright, without any point spread involved. The odds for moneyline bets are represented by either a positive or negative number. For example, if the Dallas Cowboys have a moneyline of -150 against the New York Giants with a moneyline of +130, it means you would need to bet $150 on the Cowboys to win $100, while a $100 bet on the Giants would win you $130.
When it comes to moneyline bets, it’s important to consider the odds and do your research before placing your bet. As sports analyst Lisa Olson puts it, “Moneyline bets can be a great way to capitalize on underdog opportunities, but they also come with higher risks. Make sure you understand the odds and the potential payout before placing your bet.”
Other common terms in football betting include “over/under,” which is a bet on whether the total points scored in a game will be over or under a certain number, and “parlay,” which is a bet on multiple games or outcomes that all must win for the bet to pay out.
By knowing the lingo and understanding these common terms, you can navigate the world of football betting with confidence and increase your chances of making successful bets. As former NFL coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” So arm yourself with knowledge and willpower, and start making smart bets today.
