Beginner Guide

Your First NFL Bet

A step-by-step guide from account setup to placing your first wager

1

Choose a Legal Sportsbook

Before placing any bet, ensure sports betting is legal in your state and choose a licensed, reputable sportsbook.

Important: Only use licensed sportsbooks in states where betting is legal. Offshore books offer no consumer protections.
What to Look For:
Good Signs
  • State gaming license
  • Established brand (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, etc.)
  • Responsive customer support
  • Fast withdrawals
  • Competitive odds
Red Flags
  • No state license
  • Difficult withdrawals
  • Poor reviews
  • No responsible gambling tools
  • Too-good-to-be-true bonuses
New User Bonuses

Most sportsbooks offer sign-up bonuses. Common types include deposit matches (e.g., "100% match up to $500") and bet credits if your first bet loses. Read the terms carefully - many require rollover before withdrawal.

2

Create Your Account

Registration typically takes 5-10 minutes. You'll need to verify your identity to comply with state regulations.

Information You'll Need:
Personal Info
Name, DOB, SSN (last 4), Address
Contact Info
Email, Phone Number
Location
Must be in legal state to bet
Geolocation: Most apps use your phone's GPS to verify you're in a legal state. You must be physically present - VPNs won't work.
3

Deposit Funds

Add money to your account using one of several deposit methods.

Common Deposit Methods:
Method Speed Fees Notes
Debit Card Instant Usually none Most common method
Bank Transfer 1-3 days Usually none Higher limits
PayPal Instant Usually none Easy withdrawals too
Cash at Casino Instant None If linked casino exists
Set a Deposit Limit

Before depositing, decide on your total bankroll - money you can afford to lose entirely. Most sportsbooks let you set deposit limits. Use them.

4

Find Your Bet

Navigate to the NFL section and find the game you want to bet on.

Typical Sportsbook Layout
NFL Week 15
Sun 1:00 PM ET
SPREAD
TOTAL
MONEYLINE
Buffalo Bills
-3.5 (-110)
O 47.5 (-110)
-175
Miami Dolphins
+3.5 (-110)
U 47.5 (-110)
+150
For Your First Bet, Consider:
  • A spread bet at -110 - Standard vig, straightforward
  • A game you've researched - Not a random pick
  • A small amount - Get comfortable with the process first
5

Place Your Bet

Click on the odds to add to your bet slip, enter your stake, and confirm.

Your Bet Slip
Buffalo Bills -3.5
vs Miami Dolphins
-110
Double-Check Before Confirming
  • Correct team/side selected
  • Bet amount is what you intended
  • Odds haven't changed significantly
6

Track Your Bet

After placing your bet, you can track it in your account's "My Bets" or "Open Bets" section.

Pending
Game hasn't started
Won
Winnings credited
Lost
Stake lost

First-Timer Tips

Do This
  • Start with a small bankroll you can afford to lose
  • Bet 1-3% of your bankroll per bet
  • Track all your bets in a spreadsheet
  • Learn about expected value before betting more
  • Set time and money limits
Avoid This
  • Chasing losses with bigger bets
  • Betting on every game
  • Parlaying everything "for fun"
  • Betting money you need for bills
  • Betting while intoxicated

Ready to Level Up?

Learn the strategies that separate winning bettors from the rest.

Common Mistakes Unit Sizing EV Calculator
First Bet Checklist
  • Choose licensed sportsbook
  • Create account
  • Set deposit limit
  • Deposit funds
  • Research your bet
  • Place bet
  • Track result
Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not income. If you're struggling:

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
  • Use sportsbook self-exclusion tools
Get Help
Beginner Series