The Best NFL Betting Apps, Sites & Sportsbooks of 2024
With more legal NFL betting apps available than ever, it’s the perfect time to get involved with football betting.
Betting on the NFL can be a fun way to engage further with your favorite league. Yet, there’s a lot to learn in order to do it safely and effectively, while also having the most fun possible.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the very best football betting sites, different ways to play, and factors to consider when identifying the best platform for you — so that you’re ready to combine them with your NFL betting tips this season.
Without further ado, let’s dig into our overview of some of the very best NFL betting websites on the market right now.
Where to Bet: The Best NFL Betting Sites
If you want to get started with an NFL betting account, the first thing you’ll need to do is select an online betting site. Each online sportsbook will offer its own pros and cons, making each one a fit for different bettors’ needs.
We recommend using an array of a few sports betting apps, to ensure that you’re always getting the best odds possible. However, you can always just start with one while you’re learning the ropes.
In just a moment, we’ll talk about some of the great NFL betting site options available to you. But first, let’s talk about the process of getting started with one of these legal sports betting operators, including how to access a welcome bonus.
This will vary slightly based on with which one you’re signing up, but the general steps will usually remain the same
- Either download the sportsbook app or navigate to the desktop site of your choice. To access certain welcome bonus offers, you’ll need to follow a certain link, so do keep this in mind if applicable.
- Once you’ve reached the sportsbook page, you’ll be prompted to either log in or sign up. Choose the latter option and follow the prompts accordingly.
- You’ll need to submit personal information, such as your date of birth, full legal name, and a form of identification so that the sportsbook can verify your legal betting status. You will also be asked to consent to the usage of geolocation software. This is so the sportsbook can confirm that you are in the right state to access certain promotional offers and to bet.
- This is also when you’ll need to submit a bonus code if there’s one tied to the welcome offer you’re hoping to access.
- Once you’ve submitted and confirmed your information, as well as agreed to the terms and conditions of the sportsbook, it’s time to officially create your account.
- With your new account, the first thing to do will be to link a payment method and make a first deposit, keeping in mind the terms and conditions of any welcome offer including a first deposit bonus.
- Finally, with funds in your account, it’s time to bet. Whether you’re using bonus bets from a welcome offer or making a wager with your own funds, keep in mind the strategies associated with maximizing any welcome offer you’re accessing.
Now, let’s talk about some of the very best online sportsbooks for betting on the NFL.
Fanatics Sportsbook
While Fanatics has been a major purveyor of sports merchandise for some time now, they’re a relatively new name in sports betting. Still, they’ve done a great job of using enticing promotions for both new and existing users to bring in and retain a significant user base.
Similarly, the FanCash rewards program allows users to not only claim rewards within the sportsbook, but also through purchases of Fanatics apparel.
Many of these new Fanatics users have been impressed with the app’s design, and the customer service offered by this brand. For the NFL in particular, Fanatics offers some great live streaming capabilities, making it an excellent choice for betting on the highly popular league.
Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more information!
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook dates far beyond the era of online betting itself, with a decades-long history of operating top casinos and resorts. They’ve done a great job of capitalizing on that excellence in brick-and-mortar establishments and creating a top-notch online betting product. They’re considered by many to be one of the very best in the industry.
BetMGM is a great sportsbook for added value. They offer a high-upside welcome bonus for new users, and one of the industry’s strongest loyalty programs. The app itself is very modern with live streaming capacity, and it’s known for offering users with a great breadth of prop options. With competitive odds presented in a user-friendly way, BetMGM is understandably a real fan favorite among NFL bettors.
Check out our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more information!
DraftKings
This brand has come a long way, from pioneering Daily Fantasy Sports to being a major leader in the rise of widespread legal online sports betting in the United States. Now an official sports betting partner of the league, DraftKings is one of the best NFL betting apps or sites available today.
DraftKings offers one of the best and most-accessible no-code welcome bonus offers, giving new users the chance to get started with some extra value in their back pocket. This operator is also known for offering extremely fair and competitive lines on a wide variety of markets and bet types. This gives you a great opportunity to find value with everyday odds, not just special boosts.
The flexibility afforded by prolific cash-out options has also been appreciated by numerous bettors. It’s another feature that makes DraftKings the top choice of many NFL fans.
Check out our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more information!
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars is another brand that has a longer history than online betting, as they’re also a top casino operator. However, they’ve done a great job moving into the modern era of betting. Caesars is an official betting partner of the NFL.
The Caesars rewards system is well-known throughout the industry for both in-game prizes and rewards that can be redeemed for in-person perks like meals and even hotel stays at Caesars locations. You can also earn bonus funds by referring a friend to Caesars.
The app works extremely well, including notably quick financial transactions. This makes for a smooth betting experience on this top-tier NFL betting platform.
Check out our Caesars Promo Code and review for more information!
ESPN BET
Even though ESPN hasn’t been directly affiliated with the sports betting world for very long, they’ve certainly been a big name for quite some time. Now, through a partnership with PENN Entertainment, they’re providing fans and bettors with one of the very best NFL betting apps available today.
This online sportsbook is known for running great promos, including specials on games broadcast on ESPN’s family of networks. The app itself works extremely well, and the odds you’ll find on the platform are competitive. Even though this is one of the newer sports betting brands, ESPN has wasted no time establishing themselves as a big player, and one of the best options for NFL betting.
Check out our ESPN BET Promo Code and review for more information!
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook is another brand that got started as a Daily Fantasy Sports operator. While it’s still a major player in that space, it’s one of the top fully functioning sportsbooks on the market. In many states, like the Illinois betting scene, you can access both the sportsbook and DFS app.
In fact, it’s another official betting partner of the NFL, making it a great option for fans who want to wager on the sport.
The app is considered by many to be the very best available, with great technology backing up an attractive, easy-to-use interface. The welcome bonus for new users is very accessible, and even beyond sign-up, there are plenty of boosts and special promotions for existing users.
FanDuel’s strong technology and app speed make this a great choice for in-game betting on live NFL games, giving you the chance to find value on the fly.
Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more information!
NFL Betting Odds Explained
When odds are displayed with a minus-sign before the number, that means that the implied probability of the outcome in question is over 50%. If you see a plus-sign, it’s 50% or less. The less-likely events will provide a greater profit margin than the more-likely ones.
Let’s check out an example of how to read odds and determine potential payout.
If you want to profit $100 from a wager with -150 odds, you’d have to wager $150. However, if the bet has odds of +200, that same $150 bet would yield $300 in profit, if it’s successful.
The best NFL betting app for you will all but certainly display odds exclusively or at least primarily in this manner, so it’s vital to become familiar with these conventions.
For more info, check out our NFL odds page.
NFL Betting Markets
As one of the most popular leagues for online sports betting, there are plenty of NFL markets available.
Let’s talk about some of the major NFL betting markets, how these NFL betting lines work, and how to figure out which of these betting options might provide the best NFL lines for you.
Moneyline
There’s no simpler way to play than a moneyline, making it a great example for new players. For this type of wager, all you have to do is pick which team will win a game and if you’re right, you win your bet.
The odds and potential payout of a moneyline bet will depend on the expected probability of each potential outcome of the game. For instance, a successful bet on a heavily-favored team won’t pay out as high of a profit margin as one on a big underdog, so there is nuance involved.
Still, on a high level, the mechanics are as simple as can be, making NFL moneyline odds a great starting point for new bettors.
Point Spread
A spread also deals with the final scoreline, but with a twist. This type of wager represents the projected margin of victory for the favored team. As a bettor, you have to decide whether or not they’ll overachieve that number. This is also known as a “handicap” for the favored team.
For instance, if the spread is 6.5 points, a bet on the favorite means they need to win by at least 7 for your bet to win. Meanwhile, a bet on the underdog means that a win by any margin or a loss by 6 or less would provide a win.
This is a great way to back an underdog you tentatively believe can have a good showing, or get extra value out of a favorite you think can really cruise.
Over/Under (Totals)
There’s one last bet derived directly from the final scoreline: the total. This number is the projection of how many points the two teams will combine to score throughout the game. The way to play this number is to pick whether you think the number is too high or too low.
If the total is set at 51.5, a bet on the under means the two teams need to combine for 51 or fewer points scored. Meanwhile, a bet on the over hits if they combine for 52 or more. Don’t forget that overtime is included for most totals bets, so be careful especially when playing live NFL lines.
Parlays
A parlay is a special type of bet that pulls together multiple individual bets, or legs, to create a larger wager with odds created by compounding those of the legs. These wagers are tough to hit, because there are so many components, and if a single one misses, the whole wager loses.
Of course, if you do build a successful parlay, you’ll be rewarded well due to those compounding odds.
Traditional parlays involve simple wagers like moneylines, spreads and totals from different games, but same game parlays are becoming more popular. With these wagers, you can pull together multiple bets from one game into a parlay, including the basic types of bets we’ve discussed above and the more niche ones we’ll discuss in just a moment.
Prop Bets
Props are some of the most common inclusions in same game parlays, as these NFL betting lines allow you to really hone into specific aspects of the game. Arguably the most popular type is a player prop, which involves an individual player’s performance for a game.
In football, that will usually mean something like betting on a player to score a touchdown, accumulate a certain number of yards or points, or perhaps to throw an interception.
Game props are somewhat less popular, but can still hold lots of value in a same game parlay or as a standalone bet. These can involve anything about the game that isn’t the final score, like who will score first, how many penalties a team will have, or whether the defense will record a turnover.
Touchdown Scorers
There are three main types of touchdown scorer bets: first, last, and anytime. The odds and payout for each player to hit each type of touchdown bet will vary based on matchup and that player’s general role within the offense. Yet, this can be a really fun and profitable market to figure out.
A less common touchdown scorer market is one that allows you to bet on a player to score two or three touchdowns. Additionally, it’s somewhat rare, but sometimes you can bet on a player not to score a touchdown.
NFL Futures
Futures are a very broad type of betting, as they involve anything determined over a longer period of time than a single game.
There are team futures, such as team to make the playoffs, regular season win totals, and division/conference/Super Bowl winner odds. There’s even player futures, like statistical totals and individual awards.
Some futures, like win or stat totals, will generally have -110 odds on either side, much like a spread might. However, markets like awards and championships, which have many potential outcomes and can be challenging to hit, can offer some major payouts, even on favorites.
Race To
This is a type of game prop, used to project which team will reach a given score first. For instance, a “race to 20” prop means you need to select which team will meet or eclipse the 20-point mark first.
Live Betting/In-Game Betting
Live betting encompasses many of the bet types we’ve already discussed such as moneylines, spreads, totals and even props.
However in these instances, the lines are always changing, as they deal with games that are already in progress. As such, the odds move constantly based on the unfolding game action, to reflect the updated probability of different outcomes after in-game events.
Because the lines can change on a moment’s notice, they’re not always refined and efficient, meaning that there’s value for bettors. Of course, a favorable line can move away as fast as it appears, so this type of betting requires lots of speed, and is best for experienced players.
Most NFL betting websites now offer broad live betting options, but they’re not all quite created equal, so make sure to do your research on the topic if you’re interested in live betting.
Getting Started with Online NFL Betting
Let’s talk about the key factors you should be evaluating when picking which sportsbooks to play with.
First and foremost, you’re going to need one that’s safe enough to trust with your personal and financial information. If you stick with the options we discussed in this article, that won’t be a factor to consider because all of them are very trustworthy.
Then, another basic requirement is that the sportsbook should offer the specific sports that you want to bet. Another thing to keep in mind is the range of bet types offered, including live betting if that’s important to you. It’s also key to play with a sportsbook with a reputation for offering competitive odds throughout the NFL season.
You’ll need to make sure that the banking and payment options offered by the site are compatible with the methods at your disposal. Similarly, some users really prioritize finding a platform with low or no transaction fees and quick processing of withdrawals.
There’s a whole category of value-based components to keep in mind. This starts with the sign-up bonus offered for new users, but also extends to promotions for existing users, such as referral bonuses and odds boosts, as well as VIP and loyalty programs, offering ongoing rewards.
It’s also vital to play with a sportsbook known for presenting competitive odds, although the best way to ensure optimal odds for any given bet is to have an array of top NFL betting sites ready to go.
Lastly, you’ll want to keep in mind the availability and quality of certain features, like parlay-building tools, mobile apps, and live streaming functionality.
If you’re unsure of how a sportsbook stacks up in any one of these categories, check out reviews of each one, or simply the user reviews on either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. To summarize, here’s a list of some of the most important factors to consider when picking new NFL betting sites to sign up for.
- Security
- Banking and payment options
- Transaction fees and speed
- Sign-up bonus
- Existing user promos
- VIP and loyalty programs
- Bet types available
- Live betting availability
- Competitive odds
- Mobile compatibility
- Live streaming
Responsible Sports Betting
When betting on the NFL, or anything else, it’s always important to keep in mind responsible gambling practices. This means to never wager more than you can afford given your means to avoid serious repercussions.
One good rule to remember is that when sports betting stops being fun, step away rather than trying to dig yourself out of a hole. Oftentimes, things are only made worse through this mentality and approach.
The NFL betting app you’re playing with might offer some in-house tools to help you in this pursuit, such as limits on play time, wagering amounts, and losses, as well as simple account time-outs. However, if these resources are not sufficient, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER for 24/7 support from the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
You can also consider visiting a Gamblers Anonymous meeting for assistance through in-person support groups, or go to GamTalk.org for similar online resources and more.
Additional Resources for Football Bettors
NFL Betting Sites FAQs
We hope that you’ve learned plenty about the best NFL betting apps and sites from the above sections, but we understand that you may have a few more questions. However, we’ve compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions on the topic and answered them for your convenience.
How do I bet on NFL games online legally?
If you’re in a state with legal online sports betting, all you’ll need to do is sign up for any of the legal online sportsbooks we’ve discussed in this article. Then deposit funds and select and place the bet of your choice.
Where can I bet on the Super Bowl?
Any of the sportsbooks discussed in this article will provide you with competitive odds and a great array of Super Bowl betting markets. They’ll have quality options in terms of futures and more granular markets when the big day approaches.
Can I use more than one sportsbook to bet?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage you to pull together a selection of a few options. This way you can always compare odds and find the best value available for any particular wager you’d like to place.
What does moneyline mean in NFL betting?
The moneyline is the simplest type of bet. Pick the winner correctly and you’ll win your bet. The odds and payout will vary based on the projected likelihood of your chosen outcome, but the underlying principle is as simple as can be.
How does NFL handicap betting work?
Handicap betting, also known as spreads betting, is meant to level the playing field. This is accomplished by handicapping”the favored team by an amount of points approximately equal to their projected margin of victory. It’s up to the bettor to determine whether or not they’ll perform better or worse than that number indicates.
What is a spread in NFL betting?
The projected margin of victory for the favored team is known as the spread for the game.
Do NFL bets include overtime?
Unless specifically indicated otherwise, NFL bets, especially key ones such as spreads, totals and moneylines, do include overtime. Of course, half and quarter markets generally do not, and the same goes for other niche markets.