With week zero of the college football season traditionally slotted into the Labor Day weekend, by fall the NCAAF campaign is well underway. Noted for its high-scoring games, feverish fans, and players that compete primarily for pride, more so than the NFL, college football is an exciting sport to follow and bet on.
Long-standing institutional rivalries set the NCAAF apart from its professional counterparts with energetic campus crowds filling stadiums. Freshmen roar on their school reps, mingling alongside alma mater grads who will follow their college team for life.
The NCAAF is a huge league with 130 teams split into 10 conferences making for a mass of betting opportunities. There are differences in the rules of college football compared with the NFL and in the way games play out. Therefore, it pays to know what to look out for when weighing up your NCAAF wagering opportunities.
While New Yorkers are unable to legally place bets on in-state teams, there are still a lot of bets that can be made on college football. That means the leading sportsbooks will offer lots of markets each week, though each differs in its approach to NCAAF betting. Here’s what to look out for when choosing the top sports betting site for college football. You can match the best to the types of wagers you’ll be making.
Of all the top sportsbooks, BetMGM has one of the biggest varieties of games, betting lines, and overall college football coverage. The entertainment giant, fronted by the famous golden lion logo, also offers competitive odds and has sleek, intuitive betting platforms with markets that open earlier than many of its rivals.
With a huge market share, FanDuel is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the business, and is a great option for making college football parlays. FanDuel has lots of options available for building same-game and multi-match combo bets. Parlays are easy to make at the sportsbook that doubles as one of the country’s biggest daily fantasy sports providers. Look out for FanDuel’s regular college football promos as well as their parlay insurance options during the season. FanDuel operates a retail sportsbook at the del Lago Resort Casino for cash wagering and watching games on the big screen.
As one of the biggest sportsbooks in the market, DraftKings typically shades lines towards favorites as they follow big public money staked on the most popular college football teams. For that reason, if you’re placing wagers on NCAAF underdogs, you may well find more favorable pricing at DraftKings than some of the smaller books. DraftKings is right up there on average odds for the less fancied teams, often surpassing their rivals by some distance. In a sport in which dogs do particularly well, especially in midweek fixtures, that can make quite a difference when price shopping.
Across the board, Caesars typically excel at college football pricing with consistently generous odds. If you regularly bet on the NCAAF then Caesars should be one of your go-to sportsbook options as the slightly better-than-average odds will soon accumulate to return more value than many of the other leading betting sites. College football odds boost feature regularly for Saturday fixtures. Many schools have struck deals with sportsbooks to bring additional promos to campus betting with most partnered with Caesars so keep an eye out for specials relating to your favorite college team. Bet in-person at the three Caesars entertainment properties in New York State at Turning Stone, Point Place, and Yellow Brick Road casinos.
While it’s by no means the biggest sportsbook, BetRivers delivers a simple-to-use, clean betting interface. Casual college football bettors will find the simple-to-use BetRivers stats section particularly helpful when perusing the huge number of NCAAF matches played during the season. The BetRivers mobile apps provide clear summaries of each team’s recent performances alongside a handful of tips. That makes BetRivers a clear choice should you be betting in a stadium or watching games in a sports bar.
ESPN BET is a top choice sportsbook for NCAAF fans in New York who value in-depth analysis and exclusive content. Through its integration with ESPN’s extensive college football coverage, users receive expert commentary, game-day insights, and tailored betting promotions for key matchups and bowl games. This strong media connection makes ESPN BET ideal for those looking to enhance their NCAAF betting strategies with real-time updates and exclusive content every game and throughout the season.
With a massive menu of post-season games, the NCAAF Bowl Schedule is a college football highlight every December and January. Fanatics scores highly for its overall college football betting menu and as seen elsewhere in the nation, has been very strong for recent Bowl games. Whereas some of the smaller sportsbooks shy away from having a sizable array of Bowl series markets, that’s not been the case at Fanatics. You’ll find all the main bet types plus a neat selection of props and various alternate lines. The new CFP format should be tailored for an innovative sportsbook like Fanatics, so keep an eye on markets and promos as they appear.
It may not offer the biggest array of NCAAF betting options, but Bally Bet’s straightforward platform puts live college football wagering front and center. Current live bets can easily be accessed from the middle of the Bally Bet homepage making it easy to jump into the in-play action with just one click. Cash-out values refresh quickly enough to earn a fast buck or cut your losses before the game goes further out of your favor.
Quite a few sportsbooks offer the option to request a bet of your choosing that’s not necessarily available on the main betting site. Resorts World Bet is one of the best for picking out something a bit different based on the depth of your analysis of a game. The ‘Name Your Bet’ feature at Resorts World Bet is easy to access and pretty responsive in getting back to you with a price, assuming their oddsmakers feel able to. The Resorts World Bet platforms are also stripped back, making them fast and easy to use. Resorts World’s Catskills casino location is the company’s closest retail sportsbook to Manhattan and lies about 90 miles to the north.
It’s all very well having a wide selection of betting apps that are live and legal. However, how do you pick the best NY sportsbook for college football? Consider the following factors:
Always check that the sportsbook you’re browsing is a legal one. There are nine licensed betting operators in New York. That way you can be sure that the betting site is bound by state regulations, ensuring your funds and personal information are safe and secure.
All of the sports betting sites will offer the most popular bet types - i.e. moneylines, points spreads, and totals - but you may well be a bettor seeking far more options. The best sportsbooks will advertise a host of other bet types such as alternate lines, game and player props, and other specialty options.
No one sportsbook will consistently offer the best odds on all college football markets. They all have different strategies employed by complex algorithms and human oddsmakers. That’s one of the big reasons why seasoned bettors sign up for multiple sportsbooks. Not only can you max out the betting promos on offer but you can go line shopping to identify the best odds for a chosen wager. Finding a book that is offering -105 on a spread can make a big difference to any potential payout compared with the standard -110 that may well be advertised at every other book.
Again, all of the legal sportsbooks look, handle and feel very different. Some are super sleek and stripped back to concentrate on the basics for speed and ease of use while others deliver a more immersive experience with enhanced features. Check out expert and user reviews to compare how easy the sign-up process is and check that your preferred banking options are available.
Most legal sportsbooks will offer promotions to entice new customers and deliver deals to existing users. However, they all differ markedly in terms of value and what you can expect if you make them one of your preferred betting sites. Choose the one(s) that will best reward your betting style whether you’re a high roller, a casual bettor, or prefer loyalty schemes that will give you bonus bets or entertainment and leisure awards.
Many sportsbooks offer bonuses for new customers and run promos to keep bettors wagering with them. Most can be used in any sport, but some will be specific to college football. Keep an eye out for promos that land around the biggest NCAAF fixture periods such as the playoffs.
New York sportsbooks either offer new sign-ups a deposit match or bonus bets. Which you choose is likely to be the one that will hand you the biggest reward depending on how much you intend to deposit and stake.
NY Sportsbook | Welcome NCAAF Promo |
Caesars | Bonus bet up to $1,250 for new customers. |
FanDuel | Bet $5, get $150 in Bonus Bets |
BetMGM | A bonus bet of up to $1,000 that can be used on any sport including college football. |
DraftKings | Bonus funds of 20% of your first deposit up to $1,000. |
Bet Rivers | Up to $250 in bonus bets equal to the value of a first deposit |
NY Sportsbook | Existing Customer NCAAF Bonus |
Caesars | Profit boosts that drop ahead of certain NCAAF games. These change by the week and fixture schedule so you’ll need to keep monitoring the sportsbook to jump on them. |
Now that you’ve chosen a preferred sportsbook or two (or more), it’s time to place some bets. A basic understanding of how the main bet types work will give you an enhanced chance of making a profit.
Points spread bets are possibly the most popular type of wagers to place on the NCAAF. The points spread is a bet on the margin of victory in a game. In this type of bet, you get to pick whether a team will win or lose by a certain number of points. Points spread markets are advertised with each team assigned a figure preceded by a positive or minus sign. The favorite team will be the one with the minus sign with the number of points by which they must win for the wager to be successful. If that team wins by more than the figure advertised then they are said to have ‘covered the spread’. Alternatively, if the underdog loses by less than that number, or indeed wins the game, then bets on the favorite will be unsuccessful.
Moneyline bets or ‘straight ups’ are simply wagers on which team will win a game. Again, the favorite will be denoted by a minus sign and the underdog with a positive. In college football, it’s not unusual to see heavy favorites. For example, when Army West Point played UConn in November 2022 they were set at moneyline odds of -400 or more. That means to win $100 on the Army win, you’d have had to wager $400. There are plenty of more even games to bet on every season though if you don't want to bet big amounts regularly.
Most of the best sportsbooks will offer live betting on college football. They will have a selection of markets available to wager on as a game is being played. The sportsbook updates the odds on all available live lines to reflect how a match is faring out. The best online betting sites will also deliver in-play stats that you can use to inform your wager. You will often need to be quick to get on a chosen live bet though as the odds can change rapidly and significant events in a game can lead to a complete pricing refresh. Live betting on college football is exciting though and adds a fresh dimension to watching games.
Parlays are also a popular bet type, particularly on the biggest college football fixture days. A parlay is a wager with two or more picks (or ‘legs’) either from different games or combining lines from within a single game. Parlays enable you to be creative with your bets and offer higher odds than single bets. They do come with a higher risk though as if one leg loses, then usually the whole parlay will fail. Some sportsbooks will advertise pre-selected parlays for quick betting but all will allow you to build your own. There will usually be some conditions attached though such as not being able to add legs to a parlay that contradict each other. At its simplest, for example, you would not be able to place a parlay that comprises both teams to win in a particular game.
Totals or over/under bets are simple to understand. The sportsbook will set a predicted combined number of points that will be scored by both teams in a game and offer odds on whether the total score will be above or below that figure. The winner or loser and the margin of victory are irrelevant as all you’re betting on is the final points tally. For example, when Buffalo played Bowling Green in the first few weeks of season 2022/23 the over/under was set at 60.5 points. Ultimately, the score ended at 38-7 in favor of Buffalo meaning that those who chose the under had winning bets. You might also find markets available on whether either team will score over or under a set number of points.
Whether you’re placing an annual wager on the team who will win a conference or be crowned overall champions, or you prefer to bet on the performance of a side or players in an individual game, these are some of the most popular markets to bet on in the NCAAF.
The ultimate prize in every season, betting on who will be the ultimate winners following the end-of-term four-team playoff contest is a hotly debated subject among media pundits, fans, and bettors alike. Betting markets on who will win the national championship open ahead of the season and are updated most weeks. There can be some big favorites as to who will win the title. Movements in the odds are frequent early in the season but generally settle after the first few game weeks as the best sides set out their stalls.
Like all of the biggest sports in the US, the most outstanding player of the season is handed an award once the dust has settled and the final standings are set. In the NCAAF this prize is the annual Heisman Trophy and it’s handed out before the postseason bowls. The recipient of the award is voted for by a panel of sports journalists and former winners. The Heisman Trophy winner odds can be tight for much of the season. However, they drop dramatically as it becomes clear to the media, fans, and sportsbooks alike as to who has been the star of the season.
Dropping down into individual game bet types, a wager on the first team to score can be an intriguing one in college football. It’s not unusual for an underdog to get off to a flying start and score early. Each season the total tally seems to get higher and higher in college football games with points often scored early. Check out stats that indicate which teams tend to touch down quickly in a game but also monitor other indicators such as average time in possession that can provide an insight into teams that hang on to the ball the longest which can indicate slower first scorers.
If you have a favorite NCAAF player, you can often bet on how they will perform in a game. Sportsbooks will offer markets such as whether an individual will score over or under a certain number of points, whether they will get a touchdown, or their total number of passing yards in a match. Likewise, there will be game prop markets focused on similar metrics on the figures a team will achieve in individual matchups.
Being able to read college football lines and odds is essential if you harbor ambitions of actually making any money from your bets. You already know that on the moneyline and the points spread that the favorite is denoted by a minus sign alongside a number and the underdog with a plus sign and a digit. But there is a little more to it when understanding lines and odds.
Firstly, all college football odds at the top sportsbooks are displayed in the American format which describes bets in terms of $100 for the sake of simplicity. So, say the Army Black Knights are -600 on the moneyline, you’d have to wager $600 to return a profit of $100. If they were +110 on a spread of +19.5, then should they lose by fewer than 19 points, a $100 wager would hand you a profit of $110.
College football lines and odds, like all sports, are influenced by many factors. A team’s record, their performances home and away, coaching ability, and the form of key players all play a part in how the prices are worked out. Lines also move based on how much money has been staked on either side of the bet. If an oddsmaker at a sportsbook believes too much has been placed on one side, they are likely to move the line in an attempt to encourage more public money on the other.
Because the volume of bets in college football is lower than in the major US sports leagues, then it doesn’t take as much money to be wagered on either side for sportsbooks to change odds and move lines. It’s not even unusual for one team to attract 80% to 95% of the money wagered if they’re a big favorite. That can make NCAAF betting markets a bit more volatile than they would be for the NFL for example.
Top-class college football teams are a little sparse in the State of New York. There are just three teams that play in Division 1-A, also known as the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). So, if you want to take in a top-class NY college football game, take your pick from this trio:
Representing the United States Military Academy, Army Black Knights (commonly shortened to just ‘Army’) are located in West Point and play their home games at the Michie Stadium. Rich in history, it has been some time since Army was a powerhouse in college football. That was largely when they won three consecutive national titles in 1944, 1945, and 1946. By the very nature of the college’s purpose, the Black Knights have a slightly limited pool of players to choose from but the team has produced three Heisman Trophy winners, albeit also in the distant past.
Perhaps more famed for basketball, Syracuse University has still turned out many Hall of Famers from its football teams over the years. Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, and Donovan McNabb are just some of the celebrated names to have worn the iconic orange and blue uniform. 'The Orange' as they prefer to be known play their games at the JMA Dome on the university campus, a venue affectionately referred to as the ‘Loud House. Since 1991, Syracuse has been conference champions five times but recent seasons have produced another long dry spell. The Orange are nothing if not optimistic though and if they can rediscover some consistency, success could soon return.
The Bulls of Buffalo are another NY college football team that’s posted the occasional success story before drifting into mediocrity for lengthy spells. The Buffalo team has been around since 1894 but the school canceled its football program in 1970 before reviving it seven years later. The Blue and White squad finally returned to D-1 status in 1999 but has achieved little since. Fans believe the talent levels are on the increase of late though so better times may yet be ahead.
First off, when thinking about college football betting tips, variances in performance are extremely common and to be expected. After all, the leagues are made up of hundreds of young players. But that’s what makes it such an exciting sport to follow and why millions of us tune in every week. It also makes choosing bets that bit trickier but at the same time all the more exciting.
With that said, if you’re new to betting on college football, remember the basic principles for all placing wagers on all sports. Set a bankroll and stick to it. Chasing losses is rarely a successful strategy and is likely to simply hurt your finances. Shop for the best odds and don’t be tempted to always follow the majority of bettors. School loyalty plays a big part in where the money will go in college football. A big favorite might look to be a ‘cert’ but low odds might just be because the biggest colleges retain large fan bases betting on ‘their’ team with a resultant squashing of the prices on offer.
Do your homework before placing bets but remember there won’t be as much information available as there is for the NFL - even injury reports are still not mandatory as they are in the professional game. Stats for college betting come from a much smaller sample size than for the NFL, so be a bit warier of player and team metrics. Don’t be alarmed by huge points spreads. In the amateur version of the sport, big mismatches are inevitable. Time your bets strategically, bearing in mind that line movements can be quick and volatile, to maximize value opportunities.
With so many teams and so many fixtures, you’d end up burning through your bankroll in no time by blasting bets on a big chunk of the schedule. With that in mind, think about specializing in a particular conference and pick two or three sportsbooks that you find over time offer good odds on those. Stick to your plan and with some work and a dollop of luck you may just start turning a profit.
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None of the top three college football teams in New York actually play their home games that close to the city itself so if you’re in NYC for a short visit you may well wind up taking in a match in a sports bar. There are plenty to choose from in this sports-mad metropolis. Check out this handful.
Boxers HK - Hell’s Kitchen & Chelsea
There are actually two Boxers sports bars located around Midtown Manhattan these days. The newest is located in Chelsea but the original Boxers in Hell’s Kitchen is still a favorite for those watching college football games. That's thanks to its young, diverse crowd. With over 20 flatscreens, there’s plenty of space to take a pew and enjoy a beer while watching whichever big game is on at the time.
The Canuck - Chelsea
This Canadian-themed sports bar unashamedly attracts hockey fans enjoying poutine as NHL matches are beamed on its big screens. When there is no Canadian puck plays on the show though, you’re just as likely to find college football games being shown. Expect a great atmosphere when U Sports fixtures are being played but there are always NCAAF games to watch too - The Canuck is still in the heart of NYC after all.
The Hairy Lemon - Alphabet City
Always busy (and always noisy) on Saturdays during the college football season, the Hairy Lemon is unashamedly a draw for NCAAF fans. Watch the games on 20-plus big screens while enjoying a beer, wings and fries. The Hairy Lemon also offers a great selection of bottled beers, ciders, and cocktails.
Stout - Financial District
There are four Stout bars located around Manhattan but the one in FiDi is the perfect place to watch a college football game for those seeking somewhere slightly more civilized. There are plenty of booths and personal spaces with TVs showing sports. On Saturdays, Stout has a host of drinks offers which is a happy coincidence given the amount of NCAAF games played that day each week during the season.
To bet on college football, the first step is to sign up with a legal sportsbook and deposit some funds. You can then place a futures bet (i.e. the final outcome of who will be champions or win a particular conference) weeks and months in advance. Alternatively, you can bet on the day of a game, wait until kickoff nears as you monitor line changes, or place an in-play bet.
New York betting regulations permit wagers on college football games. However, gamblers in the state are restricted from placing bets on any collegiate sports taking place in the state or games that involve NY-based teams.
Overtime usually counts for all college football bets whether the minutes added are applied to quarters or halves. That said, it applies unless the individual sportsbook rules say otherwise and such terms can vary by sportsbook so be sure to check them out before placing a wager.
The points spread is a handicap number applied by the sportsbook. It’s a theoretical points advantage handed to the underdog and taken from the favorite. All of the top NY sportsbooks will display points spread markets prominently on their game pages. The odds offered on either side of the spread are often around the evens mark. You can then choose the leveled-up option on whether you think the favorite will surpass the handicap or whether the underdog will perform better than the book expects.
To bet the moneyline in college football is as simple as choosing which team you think will win. Check the odds on offer to make sure you believe that they’re a fair reflection of how likely the favorite or underdog will be victorious. If you’ve identified a number of favorites, each with low odds, then consider combining them into a parlay made up of several moneylines.
College football betting lines for the week’s upcoming fixtures often come out on the preceding Sunday. Some sportsbooks are leaders in releasing NCAAF odds while others follow a strategy of monitoring what the early-to-market betting sites have opened with. Lines then typically move throughout the week depending on many factors, most notably where the majority of the betting public has opted to place their stakes.
College football teaser bets can be good ones to make but a number of factors determine whether they represent value. A teaser is a special type of parlay where you pick multiple legs but the spread is moved in your favor for a better chance of a win. As a result, the odds for each pick are reduced. Whether a teaser is a good bet or not depends on how many lines you add (more = greater risk), your knowledge of individual games, and what the ultimate odds/risk will be. Many seasoned bettors avoid teasers but they can be great fun even if they don’t return a profit by the end of play.
