The Types of NCAAF Odds and Bets: Knowing the Differences

February 20, 2023 by Staff

The National Collegiate Athletic Association Football (NCAAF) is one of the largest sports divisions in the United States. This is why it stands to reason that it garnered an incredible $1.16 billion dollars in revenue in 2021 alone. Let's also remember that the NCAAF boasts countless die-hard fans from all walks of life. So, sports betting enthusiasts abound across the Internet.

The only potential problem is that appreciating the basic types of odds and wagers can be a bit tricky for the uninitiated. This article will take a closer look at the basics so that individuals can be better prepared when dealing with a potentially lucrative position.

Understanding the Point Spread

Many will argue that point spreads are one of the most important concepts to understand. Simply stated, a point spread represents a specific number of points that a team is predicted to win or lose by. These figures are ultimately determined by oddsmakers. Let's look at a quick example.

Imagine for a moment that the Ohio State Buckeyes are predicted to trump the LSU Tigers by 3.5 points. In this case, Ohio State will be given odds of -3.5. This signifies that the team must win the game by at least 3.5 points. If they emerge victorious but only by a slim margin (by a single point, for instance), the wager will not be won. This is why some betting enthusiasts prefer narrow point spreads when dealing with teams of similar talents.

A Quick Look at Betting Odds

Before placing any type of wager, it is obviously important to access the latest NCAAF odds. These can then be used to determine (with a certain degree of accuracy) which specific team is expected to walk away with the win. The next step involves physically placing a wager.

One of the most common (and simple) types of bets is known as a moneyline wager. In this case, the individual will merely predict which team is expected to win. In the event that this prediction comes to pass, he or she will be awarded with a return. Note that the payouts associated will depend on the odds provided by the bookmaker (how much the team in question is favoured to win).

There are nonetheless some other types of betting strategies to consider. A handful of examples can be found immediately below:

1. Over/under bets (normally, the total number of points scored during a game)
2. Prop bets (wagers associated with the performance of a specific player)
3. Live odds (bets placed during the actual game)
4. Futures bets (wagering on an entire season as opposed toa single game)

Keep in mind that this is only a simple breakdown of how odds and bets function within the NCAAF. There are plenty of other online sources to consult and these can provide a wealth of valuable information with a single click. After all, it pays to be prepared for what an upcoming competition may have in store.