The following football betting rules are generally applied by most New Jersey sportsbooks to most football games, including those run under the auspices of the NFL, NCAA College Football, CFL and Arena Football.
In some cases there may be minor differences between the sportsbooks so if you are playing on one of them that you are unfamiliar with, it is always best to read through their football rules.
Mostly, they should read like this.
Abandoned or postponed games
Bets on these games are declared void unless rearranged and played in the same NFL weekly schedule (Thursday-Wednesday local stadium time). The exception is any bet that has already been determined before the game is abandoned or postponed.
When a Venue is Changed
In this case, bets already placed will stand, providing the home team is confirmed as such.
If the home and away team for a listed game are reversed, then bets placed based on the original listing will be void.
In Two-Way markets push rules apply, unless otherwise stated.
Bet amounts on straight bets are returned, and in parlays, the selection is treated as a non-runner.
For example – in Handicap or Totals betting where the index (value) of the market is a whole number, bets are void and will be refunded where the score equals that number.
All settlements are based on results and statistics provided by the relevant league’s governing body (www.nfl.com, www.cfl.ca or www.ncaa.org) and sportsbooks reserve the right to suspend any or all betting on a game at any time without notice.
Home teams
For settlement purposes, the team listed first in an event is always considered the Home Team. Example: Team A v Team B – Team A is the Home Team.
Overview of Football Betting Markets
For Live/In-play betting on football games, the following rules apply.
- Where a Handicap Draw selection is offered during live betting, only bets placed on the draw will be finalized as winners when the result lands on the whole number selected. Prices quoted are for the whole game inclusive of any overtime played. As the markets are in-play, the sportsbooks reserve the right to close them at any time.
- When scores are displayed during play, every effort is made to ensure that the score and game time are correct; however, no liability is accepted if incorrect information is displayed.
- Next Score betting includes overtime.
Proposition bets
When a game is abandoned, all Prop bets are returned, unless a result has already been determined during play that has taken place prior to the abandonment.
In player prop bets the player(s) in question must compete in at least one down to have action.
All prop bets are straight bets only and overtime counts unless otherwise stated.
Team Total bets
A settlement is based on the net yards made by both teams (including negative sack yardage)
- Team/Player Passing Yards – Settlement is based on gross passing yards
- Team/Player Rushing Yards – Settlement is based on the total rushing yards gained (includes negative yardage).
- Quarterback props are based on gross passing yards gained.
To convert a 4th down attempt – The ‘Yes’ option is determined by achieving a new set of downs, either by a run, pass (this includes if a TD is scored as a result) or by an automatic 1st down penalty. Field goals (whether converted or not) do not count as a converted down.
Quarter and half markets
For bets based on the specific quarter or half of a match, the entire period of play must be played, including overtime, unless the result is already determined.
Handicap Betting
Overtime counts for full game handicap betting. It does not count for the quarter and half handicap markets, except in the case of NFL fourth-quarter betting.
For the quarter and half betting, the entire period must be played for bets to stand. In the event of a tie, bets are refunded.
Game Betting
Overtime counts, except for Double Chance betting, In the event of a tie following overtime play all bets are refunded.
Total points
Overtime counts in all total game/team total and props point bets. Overtime does not count for total points in the quarter and half markets, except in NFL fourth-quarter betting.
For the quarter and half total betting, the entire period must be played for bets to stand. In the event of total points being the same as the nominated line, all bets are refunded unless a price for the exact amount is quoted.
First offensive play yard line
The result is determined by where the first offensive play from a scrimmage takes place. In the event of the kick-off being returned for a touchdown, bets stand for the following kick-off.
In the event of a turnover, the result is determined by where the first offensive play takes place from.
First turnover and the first team to commit a turnover
For results purposes, only an interception or a fumble counts. A punt or ‘turnover on downs’ does not qualify as a turnover for settlement purposes.
In the event of an abandoned game bet are returned, unless a turnover has already taken place.
First offensive play
In the event of a false start penalty on the first offensive play, bets stand for the next offensive play that takes place without a false start penalty.
First team/last team to score
In the event of an abandoned game, bets stand on scores that have taken place already. Overtime counts.
First/Last/Anytime Touchdown scorer
Forecast the name of the first/last/anytime Touchdown scorer in a game – or whether no touchdown at all will be scored.
If no Touchdowns are scored, bet amounts will be lost unless ‘no Touchdown scorer’ is selected.
First penalty
This bet is finalized by the first penalty of the game.
Three unanswered scores
Bet on whether either team will score 3 consecutive unanswered times during the game. A Score excludes any PAT (points after touchdown or 2 point conversions).
Total Game Touchdowns/Field Goals
Predict the total number of Touchdowns/successful field goals in the game.
Overtime bets
Bet on whether or not there will be overtime. If a game is abandoned prior to the end of normal playing time bets are void, unless it is the final of the competition in which case all bets stand for the rescheduled game.
Will there be a safety?
Bet on whether or not there will be a ‘safety’ in the game. Overtime counts. A safety can be awarded by the game officials and is the only means whereby a team not in possession can score points. It can occur in a variety of ways but most often it occurs when an opponent in possession of the ball is tackled in his own end zone.
Super Bowl MVP
Bet on the player you think will be voted the Most Valuable Player in the Super Bowl.
Longest/Shortest Touchdown bets
Shortest Touchdown Scored. If there are no Touchdowns then bets are void.
Longest/Shortest Field Goal Markets
If there are no successful Field Goals, then bets are void.
Winning Margin
Bet on the winning margin and the team you think will win the game.
Futures
All Futures bets, be they for the Super Bowl winner, Conference Outright or Divisional winner including playoffs where applicable, stand regardless of the length of the season.
NFL Conference Winner
Any team that progresses to the Super Bowl will be deemed the winner of its conference. NFL Divisional winner markets are determined by games won during the Regular Season (where appropriate NFL tie-break rules will apply).
