Updated on: October 4th, 2024
Fantasy football betting is the most popular form of fantasy sports betting. This isn’t a surprise, as the National Football League (NFL) is the most-watched sports league in the country.
We list the best fantasy football betting sites, the types of games you can play, and strategies to use. So, read on and learn all you need about fantasy football and online sports betting.
Top Fantasy Football Betting Sites
How to Bet on Fantasy Football – Step-by-Step
Betting on fantasy football involves participating in a competition where you assemble a virtual team of real NFL players and earn points based on their real-life performance in games. The better your selected players perform on the field, the more points you earn, and these points contribute to your overall score in the fantasy league. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bet on fantasy football:
1. Choose a Fantasy Football Platform
Select a reputable fantasy sports platform that offers fantasy football betting. Popular options include FantasyBet, Bovada, and GTbets.
2. Create an Account
Sign up for an account on your chosen platform. You may need to provide your details and create a username/password.
3. Join or Create a League
You can join an existing league with friends, family, or other players or create your own league. Leagues can be public or private, with varying rules and settings.
4. Understand Scoring System and Rules
Each fantasy league has its scoring system and rules. Ensure you understand how points are awarded for various player statistics (e.g., touchdowns, yards, receptions) and any special rules of the league.
5. Draft Your Team
Participate in a draft, where you select real NFL players to form your fantasy team. Depending on the platform and league, you may participate in a live or automated draft where you pre-rank players.
6. Set Your Lineup
Before each week’s games, set your starting lineup. Choose players from your roster who you believe will perform well in their respective real-life games.
7. Monitor Games and Scores
Follow the NFL games and track the performance of your selected players. Your fantasy team’s points will accumulate based on their on-field performance.
8. Win Prizes and Compete
Fantasy football contests often have entry fees and offer prizes for the top-performing teams. The better your team performs in real games, the higher you’ll rank in your league and the more likely you are to win prizes.
9. Manage Your Team
Throughout the season, you can change your lineup, pick up free agents, and trade players with other participants, depending on your league’s rules.
10. Stay Engaged
Stay active and engaged throughout the NFL season. Monitor player injuries, performance trends, and matchups to make informed decisions about your lineup.
Online Fantasy Football Leagues
There are many different ways in which to bet money on fantasy football. Different leagues focus on different statistics, such as salary caps and snake drafts. Some of the most online fantasy football sports betting leagues include:
- Head-to-Head – these are games that involve two people competing to see which can score the most points given the rules of the league.
- Tournaments – these tournaments consist of between three to several thousand players. Players draft a team for the season and are paid based on their performance. The number of players paid is dependent on the rules of the league.
- Guaranteed Prize Pools – these tournaments offer guaranteed prizes regardless of how many players join the league. It is important to note that even when not enough players join the league, the prize is still paid.
- 50/50 Leagues – in these tournaments, the players who finish in the top half of the table are paid, and those who finish in the bottom aren’t.
Several of these tournaments are offered at our recommended fantasy sports betting websites. Be sure to look at them all for the best option.
NFL Fantasy Football Gambling Strategies
You can use many different fantasy football draft strategies on sports betting sites. While we won’t promise that these tips will get you wins, we will say they will help you make better decisions.
- Study the League Rules – ensure you know the league rules. Different leagues tend to score players differently. This could change how you approach the game and which players you focus on. For example, if quarterbacks score more points for completed throws, you’ll want to make sure that you pick a player who posts a consistently good completion rate.
- Study Other Members of the League –look at how other members of a league you join create their squads. You may be able to pick up some tips or trends from them. You may also be able to plan your squad accordingly.
- Don’t Drink and Gamble – this is a general online gambling rule. You don’t want to be intoxicated and making wagers because this leads to bad decision-making. At times, the bettor could even lose more money they he or she can afford.
- Pick Appropriate Games – remember that many fantasy football leagues exist. Daily fantasy games tend to be the most popular, requiring players to consider only immediate variables. Season-long leagues can be just as fun. However, you shouldn’t join such a league if you can’t maintain interest in the sport long enough.
- Download Fantasy Football Betting Apps – by doing this, updating your team, checking results, and reading up on rules is at the tip of your fingers. You’re good as long as you have your mobile device with you.
Different Kinds of Daily Fantasy Sports
Football and basketball stand as the predominant sports within the realm of fantasy betting. While opportunities for hockey and baseball exist in specific locations, the allure of football is unparalleled due to its inherent popularity. The NBA holds a distinct appeal owing to its frequent nightly games, a stark contrast to football, yet only somewhat abundant like baseball.
Since this remains a niche industry, the selection of platforms for fantasy betting remains relatively limited. It is advised to thoroughly explore each option and make an informed decision based on your preferences.
Is DFS Betting Considered Gambling?
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) betting is often considered a form of skill-based gaming rather than traditional gambling. However, the classification of DFS varies depending on legal definitions in different jurisdictions. In some regions, DFS operators may need to obtain licenses or adhere to specific regulations, even if DFS is classified as a game of skill. These regulations vary widely and may include consumer protection measures and responsible gaming practices.
It’s important to note that the legal landscape surrounding DFS is complex and can change over time. If you’re interested in participating in DFS, it’s advisable to research the laws and regulations in your specific jurisdiction to ensure that you’re acting within the bounds of the law.