College football has experienced seismic shifts in recent years, leading to a 2024 season headlined by significant conference realignment and an expanded playoff. Meanwhile, the expeditious development of online sports betting has led to new and improved ways to bet on college football.

Licensed online sportsbooks offer a wide assortment of college football betting options. Numerous CFB bet types like moneylines, point spreads and over-under totals are staples for new and longtime gamblers. Prop bets on teams and players are among the additional bet types available throughout the season, as well as futures markets for win totals, award recipients and potential national champions.

Prospective bettors from states with legal online sports betting can score numerous welcome offers from the industry’s top sportsbooks. Newsweek compiled a list of our favorite online sportsbooks for college football betting and their subsequent new user bonuses.

How to Bet College Football

Any sportsbook’s college football market will feature three main bet types: moneylines, point spreads and over-under totals. Understanding the basics of these bets helps CFB fans tackle more advanced props this fall.

Moneylines

Let’s start with the moneyline, the bet type dedicated to the outright winner of a college football game. Oddsmakers assign minus (-) odds to the favorite and plus (+) odds to the underdog; then players bet on either side. Moneylines only consider the winner and loser, not the number of points or margin of victory.

Imagine Michigan has -135 moneyline odds as a home favorite versus Ohio State. You would need to bet $135 on the Wolverines to win for $100 in profit. Conversely, the Buckeyes have +115 moneyline odds. Therefore, a successful $100 wager on OSU nets $115 in cash winnings.

Point Spreads

Although moneylines are the simplest to understand, point spreads are the most popular way to bet on college football games. Sportsbooks handicap a matchup by creating a spread, then bettors can decide if the favorite or underdog will cover. The odds on both sides are -110 on average, give or take a couple of points.

Look at a game like Colorado vs. Nebraska, where the Cornhuskers are 6.5-point favorites. By betting Nebraska -6.5, you’d need the Huskers to win by seven or more points. Meanwhile, a bet on Colorado +6.5 requires an outright win or a loss by six points or fewer.

Spreads are especially common in college football betting due to the amount of mismatches, particularly in the opening weeks of the season. Take Oklahoma, a 39.5-point favorite over Temple. Moneylines for this mismatch are out of the question, but you can still bet on Sooners -39.5 or Owls +39.5.

Over-Under Totals

Another way to tackle college football betting is to wager on any game’s over-under point total. All that matters with an over-under is the combined points, regardless of who contributes what. If you take the “Over” on 46.5 points in a Clemson-Florida State game, the bet cashes whether Florida wins 49-0 or Clemson wins 27-21. An “Under” hits when the teams score fewer points than the projected total.

Over-under totals can result in a “push,” another word for a tie. For instance, an O/U of 50 settles as a push if the teams combine for exactly 50 points. In the event of a push, players on both sides receive their stake back.

Prop Bets

Dive into a CFB game market for more betting options than ever before. Bettors can tackle individual player props like passing yards and rushing touchdowns, team totals, first-half spreads and second-half moneylines.

Let’s say you want to bet on Colorado State vs. Texas, but the 36.5-point spread is too rich. Instead, you can take Texas QB Quinn Ewers to throw for over 3.5 touchdowns. Another option is to wager on the Longhorns’ team total if you’re confident in their offensive output but unsure how their defense will perform.

Parlays & Same-Game Parlays

The ultimate high-risk, high-reward betting option for college football is the parlay. Bettors create parlays by combining two or more wagers into a single ticket. Since every leg must hit for the bet to cash, the probability of a loss is higher than usual. However, elevated odds mean a more significant payout if everything breaks your way.

Similar rules apply for a same-game parlay, except all legs come from a single matchup. Most reputable online sportsbooks offer SGPs, including featured SGPs from site experts and brand ambassadors. In addition, many users prefer SGPs since they require focus on only one game.

Bettors must rely on more than parlays for successful college football betting. Sure, they’re wildly entertaining, and the potential profit is alluring. But parlays with +500, +800 and +1700 odds lose far more often than they win. Practice responsible bankroll management and treat parlays as occasional wagers instead of your standard bet types.

Live Betting

Once a college football game kicks off, online sportsbooks offer in-game betting markets. Live betting lets users capitalize on scoring plays, injuries and momentum shifts. If USC is a 20-point favorite but trails Rutgers 10-0 in the first quarter, you can likely score a better number on the live spread if you believe the Trojans would still win comfortably.

Betting on live college football games requires patience and discipline. We recommend placing live bets on games you’re watching or closely monitoring instead of going in blind.

Futures Bets

Lastly, wagering on college football requires a solid understanding of futures betting. Win totals, the Heisman Trophy recipient, conference winners and the College Football Playoff are among the many available CFB futures markets. By securing a bet at the right time, you can get peak value on odds that won’t be available in the coming weeks.

For example, LSU quarterback Jaylen Daniels was over +3000 to win the Heisman last October. A month later, he was the betting favorite at -105 and never looked back. Bettors who paid attention to Daniels during the season and capitalized on that value got the eventual Heisman winner at longshot odds, while those who waited missed out on substantial profit.

Best Tips for College Football Betting

College football is a different animal than other popular sports. With 10 conferences and 134 schools in Division I FBS alone, it isn’t easy to become an expert on every matchup before a CFB Saturday. Luckily, there are a few helpful tips for new players seeking long-term success in college football betting.

1. Consider Team & Conference Strength

New bettors might be shocked when an undefeated team from the Sun Belt Conference is a double-digit underdog versus a winless SEC team. But longtime fans understand that college football is inherently uneven. Schools from Power Five conferences recruit better players, have greater resources and play far more demanding schedules than teams from lesser-known conferences.

Bettors must assess a team’s conference and strength of schedule before comparing stats. Iowa’s offense was dreadful against Big Ten opponents last season, but no one should be surprised if the Hawkeyes roll over an FCS team like Illinois State, even though the Redbirds averaged more yards and points.

2. Don’t Ignore Lower-Level Matchups

A mistake that some college football bettors make is only focusing on the biggest games. Primetime showdowns between Alabama and Auburn will always draw more attention than a matchup like FIU vs. Western Kentucky. But you can successfully grow your bankroll by targeting the sport’s lesser-known games.

With so many college football odds to push out, sportsbooks will allocate most of their resources to the games attracting the most betting interest. As a result, lower-level matchups might carry odds that don’t accurately reflect a team’s strengths and weaknesses. Exploit these values and win cash as your fellow bettors seek profit elsewhere.

3. Shop for the Best Lines

Every reputable online sportsbook carries college football odds. However, odds and totals on one book might not match its competitor’s offerings. It’s essential for bettors to compare the odds and assess which book offers more favorable lines or potential profit.

It’s unreasonable to expect casual bettors to join 20 sportsbooks and shop for every line before placing a wager. That said, registering for a few highly-rated sportsbooks is a no-brainer, especially after activating each site’s new customer promo.

4. Assess Game Factors

Like its professional counterpart, college football has numerous factors that potentially affect a game’s outcome. Users should note which factors impact a player, team and game when betting on college football.

For example, will a pass-heavy offense have to adjust its game plan in windy conditions? Is a team from the West Coast ready after a long flight to the Eastern Time Zone? And how will a team coming off a bye week fare versus its less-rested opponent? Answering these questions as early as possible is a potential game-changer for CFB bettors.

5. Keep it Simple

The sheer amount of college football betting options might convince players to wager on as many matchups as possible. Unless you’re a college football savant with a massive bankroll, betting on every CFB game likely won’t lead to long-term profit.

Instead, bettors should become experts in one or two conferences. Knowing the ins and outs of every ACC team and consistently profiting is much more enjoyable than placing random bets on the Mountain West and MAC simply because you can. Focus most of your wagers on fewer teams before expanding to more conferences.

Top Online Betting Promos for College Football

Newsweek compiled a list of the best online sportsbooks for college football betting. These seven licensed operators have stellar odds on every CFB game and futures market, as well as in-app offers, exclusive profit boosts and superb customer service.

Prepare for the 2024 college football season by scoring these new user promos from the best online sportsbooks for CFB action:

DraftKings Sportsbook Promo for College Football: Instant $150 Bonus

DraftKings Sportsbook opens the list with a “Bet $5, Get $150” offer. New players can place just $5 on any CFB market, and then DraftKings will reward their stake with $150 in bonus bets. The instant payout arrives as six (6) $25 bonus bets that expire seven days after receipt.

ESPN BET Promo Code for College Football: Use NEWSWEEK for $1K Bet Reset, 200% Deposit Match

College football bettors can sign up for ESPN BET with the code NEWSWEEK and collect two welcome offers. The $1,000 First Bet Reset refunds a losing wager worth up to a grand with five (5) 20% bonus bets. In addition, ESPN BET has a limited-time 200% deposit match for up to $500 in Cashback.

Fanatics Sportsbook College Football Promo: Earn Up to $1K in Matching Bonuses

Fanatics Sportsbook has another college football betting promo for new customers. Sign up today for the “10x$100” offer, then bet up to $100 with your first wager. Fanatics will match your initial bet for your first ten days on the app, giving players up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

BetMGM CFB Bonus Code NEWSWEEK1500: Unlock $1.5K First Bet Offer

Another way to secure a college football wager on the house is through BetMGM’s First Bet Offer. New users must apply the code NEWSWEEK1500 to score this promotion. BetMGM will refund a losing wager (max. $1,500) with five bonus bets worth 20% of the qualifying stake.

Bet365 Bonus Code for CFB: $150 Bonus or $1K Safety Net Through NEWSXLM

Our bet365 bonus code NEWSXLM unlocks two choices for eligible college football bettors. Use the code to activate a “Bet $5, Get $150” deal, which pays a $150 bonus after any $5 wager. Alternatively, players can select a First Bet Safety Net that refunds users up to $1,000 in bonus bets after a loss.

Caesars Sportsbook CFB Promo Code NEWSWK1000: Claim $1K Bet on Caesars

New users can enter Caesars’ promo code NEWSWK1000 for a fully backed first bet. Place up to $1,000 on any game, and Caesars will issue a one-time bonus bet if you don’t win. Like similar bet insurance offers, Caesars cancels the promotion after a victory and delivers a standard cash payout.

FanDuel Sportsbook Promo for CFB: Score $200 Bonus After $5 Win

One of the best offers for college football fans comes from FanDuel Sportsbook. Players in participating states qualify for a “Bet $5, Get $200” deal. Place a $5+ bet after registration, and FanDuel will issue a $200 payout in bonus bets if it wins, regardless of the odds.

FanDuel’s Ohio and Massachusetts offer awards a $5 victory with $300 in bonus bets.

College Football Prop Betting Rules by State

Since the U.S. Supreme Court‘s 2018 decision to lift the federal ban on sports betting, 38 states (plus Washington, D.C.) offer some version of legalized sports betting. Most allow online wagers on college football, one of the nation’s most popular sports. However, the sensitive nature of betting on student-athletes has resulted in numerous rules and restrictions for prospective gamblers.

As shown in the table above, many states have banned all player props for collegiate sports. Numerous state legislators have also outlawed bets on in-state schools, though some still allow player prop bets for out-of-state teams. In addition, some states have gone as far as prohibiting wagers on any college game played within state borders, regardless of the matchup.

As of May 2024, only 11 states (AR, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MT, NV, NC and WY) permit online betting on college football player props and in-state teams. However, that number will drop by at least one in the coming weeks. Louisiana enacted a ban on college player props that takes effect on August 1, 2024. Meanwhile, North Carolina lawmakers have proposed legislation prohibiting college player props soon after the Tar Heel State’s March 11 sports betting launch.

College football fans must be cognizant of their state’s rules concerning player props and in-state teams. While the absence of certain markets might be frustrating for some, sportsbook operators have done a marvelous job of strengthening their available CFB betting options to maintain high customer satisfaction.

College Football Betting FAQ

Is college football betting legal?

Yes, college football betting is allowed after the U.S. Supreme Court ended the federal ban in 2018. However, you must be in a state that allows sports betting to register and place bets.

Can I bet on college football online?

Thirty-one states (plus Washington, D.C.) permit online college football wagering, though some have restrictions. Mobile bettors in Mississippi and Montana must be physically present at select retail locations, while Nevada requires in-person registration at approved sportsbooks or casinos.

What are the most popular college football bet types?

Every online sportsbook offers odds on point spreads, moneylines and over-under team totals. Many also include team and game props, live markets and futures bets on CFB staples like the Heisman Trophy and National Championship.

Is it legal to bet on college player props?

Yes, for now. Many states have already outlawed college player props as the NCAA continues its push for a national ban. States like Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina currently allow online prop bets on in-state and out-of-state college athletes.

Can I bet on in-state college teams?

Most states with legal online sports betting permit wagers on in-state college teams. However, bettors in Illinois, Massachusetts and New Jersey are among those who are only allowed to wager on out-of-state teams.

How do I sign up for college football betting promos?

Sign up for a sportsbook with your full legal name, residential address, phone number, email address, date of birth and Social Security Number. In addition, these promos require a cash deposit through online banking, a credit card or another secure payment method.

What is the best sportsbook for betting on college football?

Eligible college football bettors should register for DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, BetMGM, bet365, Caesars and FanDuel. These licensed operators offer in-depth college football markets with competitive odds, exclusive promotions and limited-time odds boosts.

Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator’s terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.

Fanatics Terms & Conditions: Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, KY, MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV).

Bet365 Terms & Conditions: New Customers only. Bet $5 and get $150 in Bonus Bets. Sign up, deposit (minimum $10) to your account and place a qualifying bet of $5 to get $150 in Bonus Bets once your bet is settled with bet365. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. The bonus code NEWSXLM can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount in any way.

Caesars Terms & Conditions: Must be 21 or older and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Harrah’s New Orleans), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.