NCAA Football Betting with Bitcoin and Crypto: A College Experience You Will Enjoy
You probably know that Americans play football in college and even get scholarships to play for a university team. Have you ever wondered why it’s such a big deal? If you do now, you find your answers here. But if you already know the thrill, excitement, and importance of NCAA football and are a true fan, you won’t be disappointed to read on either. You learn how to bring your experience to the next level with NCCA football betting and win your bets. See how easy it is with crypto betting in particular.
History and meaning of NCAA football
The best way to understand why NCAA betting is fun is to learn its history and meaning for millions of football fans.
The first official college football game was in 1869 when Rutgers played against Princeton. The sport quickly caught on, and by the early 1900s, it was a major part of college life across the United States.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was established in 1906 to ensure fair play and safety in college sports. Over the years, NCAA football has grown immensely. In 1936, the Associated Press started ranking teams, which added to the competition. Bowl games like the Rose Bowl (started in 1902) became annual traditions. By 1998, the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) was introduced to help determine the national champion, which later evolved into the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014.
After decades of evolution, NCAA football today remains more than just a game; it's a massive part of college culture and tradition. It's about school pride, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the field.
It's also a crucial stepping stone for players who dream of a professional football career. The NCAA serves as a talent pool for the NFL, with countless players making the leap from college football to the pros. The NFL Draft is an annual event where NFL teams select top college players to join their ranks. Many NFL stars, like Tom Brady (Michigan), Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech), and Derrick Henry (Alabama), honed their skills and built their reputations in NCAA football.
The importance of NCAA football extends beyond the NFL. Other professional leagues, like the Canadian Football League (CFL) and various European leagues, also scout and recruit from the NCAA talent pool. College football gives players a platform to develop their skills, gain exposure, and pursue their dreams of playing professional football.
But how do they get there? And how does the NCAA decide the best team?
How NCAA football works
NCAA football revolves around conferences, which are groups of schools that compete against each other. The Power Five conferences — ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC — are the most prominent, featuring some of the best teams and players in the country. Schools like Clemson, Michigan, Oklahoma, USC, and Georgia are leaders in their respective conferences.
The season typically runs from late August to early December. During this time, teams play a series of games to build their win-loss records. Unlike some sports, college football doesn’t use a points system where teams accumulate points; instead, it's all about winning games. Teams are ranked based on their weekly performance in the AP and Coaches Poll.
At the end of the regular season, the top teams in each conference play in conference championship games. Winning a conference championship can significantly boost a team’s ranking and their chances of being selected for the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The CFP determines the national champion. A committee selects the top four teams based on their overall performance, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and other factors. These four teams then compete in two semifinal games, and the winners advance to the national championship game. The team that wins this final game is crowned the national champion.
Even though this system sounds a little complicated, all you need to know is how to choose a winner and understand how much the right guess can bring you. To this end, you need to know how to read the odds.
How do you read NCAA football betting odds?
Understanding college football odds can be a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of how to read the three main types of odds: fractional, decimal, and American.
Fractional odds
Fractional odds are more commonly used in the UK and are written as fractions, such as 5/1 or 10/3. The first represents the potential profit, while the second represents the stake. Meaning, that if you have 10/3 odds, you get $10 for each $3 you stake.
For example, suppose Ohio State plays against Michigan, and the odds for Ohio State to win are 5/2. If you bet $10 on Ohio State and they win, your profit would be $25, and the total payout would be 35$ ($25 plus your initial $10 stake).
Decimal odds
Decimal odds are popular in Europe, Canada, and Australia. They are easier to understand because they represent the total payout rather than just the profit. The decimal number includes your stake, so you just multiply your stake by the decimal number to calculate your total return.
For example, let's say Alabama plays against Auburn, and the odds for Alabama to win are 1.80. If you bet $10 on Alabama and they win, our total return would be $18 (1.80×$10). In this case, a profit is $8 since you need to extract the initial $10 from the whole sum.
American (moneyline) odds
American odds, also called moneyline, are expressed in positive or negative numbers. Positive numbers show how much profit you would make on a $100 bet, while negative numbers show how much you need to bet to win $100.
For instance, let’s consider a game between Clemson and Florida State, with Clemson having moneyline odds of -150 and Florida State at +200.
If you bet $150 on Clemson and they win, your profit would be $100$, and your total return would be $250 ($100 profit plus $150 initial stake).
But if you bet $100 on Florida State and they win, your profit would be $200, and the total payout would be 300$.
If you’re not in the mood to learn how all these odds work, you can always use an online odds calculator. It's fast and easy!
Still, if, with odds, you can just rely on technology, it won’t be as easy with different types of bets. So, let’s learn what bet you can stake on NCAA football.
Types of college football game bets
There are quite a few ways of betting on NCAA football games.
Moneyline bet
A moneyline bet is simply betting on which team will win the game. For example, if you bet on Alabama to beat LSU, and Alabama wins with a -150 moneyline, you win $100 for your 150$ bet.
Point spread bet
A point spread bet involves betting on the margin of victory. If Clemson is favored by 7 points against Florida State, they need to win by more than 7 points for your bet to win. If Florida State loses by less than 7 points or wins the game, you lose your bet on Clemson.
Over/under bet (total bet)
An over/under bet means betting on the total number of points scored in a game. For example, when Ohio State plays against Michigan, it’s wise to bet over when over/under is set at 55.5 points since Ohio State is famous for its explosive offense.
Parlay bet
With a parlay bet, you can combine multiple bets into one, which gives you higher potential payouts but greater risk. For example, you might bet on USC to beat Notre Dame, Texas to beat Oklahoma, and Georgia to beat Florida. All three bets must win for you to win the parlay.
Prop bet (proposition bet)
Prop bets are wagers on specific events or player performances. For example, you might bet on whether Clemson’s quarterback, Cade Klubnik, will throw for over 300 yards in a game or if Ohio State’s wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr., will score the first touchdown. But, since many things can happen during the game, many sportsbooks prefer to focus on main events and don’t offer prop bets.
Futures bet
With a futures bet, you can wager on long-term outcomes, such as what team will win the national championship before the season starts. For example, you could place a bet on Georgia to win the CFP National Championship at the start of the season. This type of bet is more risky since many factors can affect a team’s performance, but they are more rewarding too.
Teaser bet
A teaser bet allows you to adjust the point spread or over/under in your favor in exchange for a lower payout. For instance, if Ohio State is favored by 10 points and you don't feel comfortable with that spread, you might use a 6-point teaser to adjust the spread to -4 points, increasing your chances of winning but reducing your payout.
Live betting (in-game betting)
Live betting allows you to place bets during the game as it unfolds. For example, if Notre Dame is playing USC and you notice USC is playing well despite being underdogs, you could place a live bet on USC to win.
Now that you know the best bets to choose from, you might be interested in the top event of NCAA football since it’s almost impossible to watch every one of them. We’ve got it covered for you.
What are the biggest college football betting events?
Most NCAA events are worth watching, especially if your favorite team is playing, but these three stand out.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship
The CFP National Championship decides the top team in college football for the season, so it’s definitely the year's biggest event. It’s played on the first Monday of January and features the two best teams, so matchups are usually highly intense and unpredictable, which makes betting exciting and odds high. Why? Because millions of fans watch the game and put their stakes, this boom allows bookmakers to raise coefficients and promise big payouts.
The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl is a big betting event mainly because of its historic significance. Known as "The Granddaddy of Them All," it's the oldest bowl game, first played in 1902. It usually features top teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, often including high-ranked teams and future NFL stars. Moreover, the Rose Bowl is played on New Year's Day, when many people spend a day in front of TVs in a festive mood. So, the more people watch the game and bet on its outcome, the higher payouts it promises.
The Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is another major event in college football betting, which is also played on January 1st. It's one of the oldest bowl games, first played in 1935, and has a rich history. The game typically features top teams from the SEC and Big 12 conferences, which are top contenders for the national championship. So millions of people usually watch the Sugar Bowl; for example, in 2024, 18.4 million fans watched the Washington Huskies beat the Texas Longhorns. And when millions watch, you bettors have good chances for big payouts.
Since we’ve already mentioned the Washington Huskies' and Texas Longhorns' rivalry, let’s also discuss the top college football competitors that fans most anticipate.
Rivalries
Competition in sports is always fierce and fun to watch, but especially when in concerts, long-lived rivalries like the following.
Ohio State vs. Michigan (The Game)
Known simply as "The Game," the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most famous in college football. These two teams have faced off over 115 times since 1897, with Michigan leading the series overall with 60 wins. However, Ohio State has caught up in recent years, winning 17 of the last 20 meetings, including the last 5 matchups from 2018 to 2022. This matchup often decides the leader of the Big Ten Conference.
Alabama vs. Auburn (The Iron Bowl)
The Iron Bowl, featuring Alabama and Auburn, is one of the fiercest rivalries in college football. First played in 1893, this rivalry won fans' love and attention with its high-intensity games and unpredictable results. Alabama leads the series with 50 wins to Auburn's 37. In the last five years (2018-2022), Alabama has won four out of the five matchups, but the winning strike can end as fast as it started, as the games are often close and highly competitive. And this isn’t surprising, as winning the Iron Bowl greatly affects the SEC Championship and national rankings.
Army vs. Navy (The Army-Navy game)
The Army-Navy game goes beyond football, as it symbolizes competition between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. Since their first meeting in 1890, the Navy has led the series with 62 wins to Army's 55. But, the Army has been making a comeback in recent years, winning four of the last five games from 2018 to 2022. So, if you want to see a game between two teams who are highly trained not only in football but military arts, the Arny-Navy game is a must-watch.
Oklahoma vs. Texas (Red River Showdown)
The Red River Showdown between Oklahoma and Texas is played annually at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It’s a neutral site, so no team has a home-field advantage, which makes the game a little more unpredictable. Dating back to 1900, the rivalry is almost evenly matched, with Texas holding a slight edge with 63 wins to Oklahoma's 50. The game is crucial for Big 12 standings, and every fan who watched it from the stadium or couch at home knows its high-energy atmosphere.
USC vs. Notre Dame
The rivalry between USC and Notre Dame is one of the few that spans the entire country, with teams from Los Angeles and South Bend, Indiana. Since their first meeting in 1926, the series has been very competitive, with Notre Dame leading slightly with 51 wins to USC's 37. The game is unique because it often features future NFL stars, which fans are eager to watch before they enter the big game.
Now, do you have an idea what matchup or event you’ll watch first? Even if you don’t, you need to read the following betting tips to join the fun when an opportunity arises.
Tips on NCAA football betting
Follow these tips to boost your chances of winning a bet.
Do your homework
Before placing any bets, do some research. Check out team stats, player performances, and recent game outcomes. For example, if Ohio State has been averaging over 30.54 points per game this season, betting the over on their games might be a smart move. Websites like ESPN and College Football Reference are great for detailed stats.
Keep an eye on injuries
Injuries can seriously affect a game’s outcome. If Alabama’s star quarterback Jalen Milroe is out, their chances of winning might drop significantly. Teams often release injury reports a day before the game, so stay updated.
Consider home-field advantage
Teams usually perform better at home because of the support of their fans and the comfort of their own field. For instance, LSU has one of the best home records in college football, with an 85.7% win rate at home over the past decade. So, betting on LSU at home in Death Valley can be a safer bet than when they’re playing away.
Bet the underdog sometimes
Upsets happen all the time in college football. Betting on an underdog like Purdue to beat a highly-ranked team can lead to big payouts. It’s risky, but sometimes the underdog pulls through, especially if they’ve been playing well recently. For example, Purdue upset Ohio State in 2018 as a 12-point underdog, leading to big payouts for those who bet on them.
Manage your bankroll
Set a budget for how much you’re willing to bet and stick to it. Don’t go all-in on one game, no matter how sure you are. Spread your bets around, manage your money wisely, and play responsibly. Betting should be fun, not stressful. So, if you feel too stressed when betting, it might be a sign of a gambling problem that needs attention and help from specialists.
Watch the weather
Weather can have a big impact on a game, especially if it’s raining or snowing. For example, a snowy game in 2019 between Michigan State and Rutgers ended with a low score, making the underbet successful. So, if a game is expected to be played in bad weather, betting the under (fewer total points) might be a smart move.
Follow expert betting picks
Check out what the experts say. Sports analysts often have insights and predictions that can help guide your bets. Analysts on shows like ESPN’s “College GameDay” provide in-depth previews and predictions for big games. Remember to do your own research, too; don’t rely solely on someone else’s opinion.
And now that you know how to wager to win, let’s move to the practical part and learn the easiest way to place your stakes - to bet on NCAA football with Bitcoin and crypto.
How to bet with crypto
The NCAA football crypto betting is pretty easy, especially with Sportbet.one, where you can use Bitcoin, EOS, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, and other cryptocurrencies.
. Just follow these steps:
- Visit sportbet.one and create an account using your social media profile or an existing crypto wallet. At Sportbet.one, we don’t require a KYC procedure or additional verification, so registration is super quick.
- Go to the deposit section on the website. If you don’t have crypto, you can buy it by using the built-in exchange on the site. Or if you have coins in your wallet, you can just send them to your deposit directly.
- Browse the sports betting markets and choose the NCAA football event you want to bet on.
- Pick your bet type, enter the amount you wish to wager, and submit your bet.
Just like this, you can place your bet in no time. Very quick and straightforward, as well as requesting withdrawal when you win, as Sportbets.one guarantees instant payouts.
Conclusion
College football is not as big as the NFL, with all the Super Bowl excitement and investments, but it’s still worth watching. Some of the best NFL players came from the NCAA, so who knows, maybe you follow the beginning of your career path and bet on a future football superstar. Moreover, with historical rivalries and big events that the NCAA offers, you always have a chance for big winnings and powerful games to watch. So, grab your crypto wallet, join Sportbet.one, and bet on college football to experience the whole fun of NCAA crypto betting.
FAQ
What are the basics of sports betting on college football?
Betting on college football involves understanding the different types of bets, knowing how to read odds, getting familiar with the main teams and events, and learning how the NCAA generally works. And, of course, it's about understanding that betting should be based on facts, not just guesses.
How much money can I bet on college football?
The amount you can bet on college football differs depending on a sportsbook. Most traditional and crypto betting sites allow wagers as small as a few dollars, up to several thousand dollars for high rollers. You can choose whatever wager you want in this range, but remember to set a budget and stick to it so you don't overspend. If you’re a beginner, starting with smaller bets is a safe choice.
What should bettors consider when making an NCAA bet?
When betting on NCAA football, consider the team’s current form, key player injuries, and home-field advantage. Look at matchups and past performances, as some teams consistently play well against certain opponents. Weather can also impact the game, especially if it’s extreme. Do your research to get a better chance to win.