Football Betting Rules

Learn how common Football betting markets are settled, including moneylines, spreads, totals, props, futures, live betting and period-specific wagers.

Football Rules Guide

These rules are intended as a general educational guide. Sportsbooks may apply their own house rules, so always confirm the posted market terms before placing a wager.

  1. The game must take place on the scheduled date and at the scheduled location for wagers to have action unless otherwise stated.
  2. Games must be deemed official per league rules for action.
  3. Overtime counts for point spread and moneyline wagers unless otherwise specified.
  4. Unless stated otherwise, totals include overtime.

  1. Overtime counts toward point spread wagers.
  2. Pushes are graded as no action for single bets unless house rules state otherwise.
  3. If a game is abandoned after becoming official, grading follows the sportsbook’s posted rules.

  1. Overtime counts toward moneyline wagers.
  2. If the game is called after becoming official, the winner is determined according to official league and house rules.

  1. Unless otherwise stated, overtime counts toward totals and team totals.
  2. Markets labeled regulation only exclude overtime.
  3. If a game is suspended, totals are settled according to the posted market rules.

  1. First-half wagers require the first half to be completed.
  2. Second-half wagers require the second half to be completed; overtime may count depending on the market.
  3. Quarter wagers require the specified quarter to be completed; fourth-quarter wagers usually exclude overtime unless stated.

  1. Players generally must participate for player props to have action.
  2. Overtime counts toward player statistical props unless otherwise stated.
  3. Official league statistics are used for settlement.

  1. Cancelled or pushed parlay legs are typically removed from the parlay and recalculated, subject to house rules.
  2. Teaser pushes are settled according to the posted teaser rules.
  3. Same-game parlay restrictions may apply.

  1. Futures are graded when the relevant season, event or market is complete.
  2. Division and conference winners are determined by official league standings and tiebreakers.
  3. Season win totals are graded according to the sportsbook’s minimum-games requirements.