FOX Bet is ready to kick off the first full slate of college football action with a variety of betting markets and odds boosts on Big Ten action. With this season marking the first full college football campaign in which many bettors can legally wager, let’s get ready for the first board of Big Ten games by taking a look at how to win and wager at FOX Bet.

Betting 101: How to Bet on College Football at FOX Bet

FOX Bet is one of the leading online sportsbooks in a number of legal sports betting markets. It’s fresh look and easy-to-use interface is paired with a comprehensive listing of betting odds. Let’s look at how to jump right in to bet on college football Week 1 action.

First, grab the FOX Bet app by clicking right here.

Then, complete the quick registration process and make a first deposit. By doing so, you will be able to start the betting experience with a risk-free bet of up to $500.

The $500 Risk-Free Bet

Fox Bet welcomes new users with a $500 risk-free first bet. In order to take full advantage of this offer, a $500 first deposit is required, but you are free to deposit and make a risk-free wager of a lesser amount.

If that first bet wins, FOX Bet will pay out the specific profit. For instance, say a bettor wagers $220 on Penn State to cover the spread at -110 odds, FOX Bet will issue a $420 return (the original $220 bet plus the $200 profit). However, if that same $220 bet loses, FOX Bet will issue a site credit of $220 that can be used on subsequent bets.

Making a Spread Bet

Speaking of covering the spread, let’s quickly cover how to make a spread bet at FOX Bet by using this week’s Michigan vs. Western Michigan and Penn State vs. Wisconsin matchups.

Currently, Michigan is a 17-point favorite over Western Michigan. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is a 5.5-point favorite over Penn State in what is expected to be one of the best games of the week.

In the case of Michigan, someone who makes a spread bet on the Wolverines will need them to win by 18+ points in order to cover the spread. Those who take Western Michigan will need the underdog to lose by 16 points or less — or win the game outright — to cover the spread. If the game is decided by exactly 17 points, it is considered a “push,” meaning neither side wins and bettors will be refunded the amount wagered.

Similarly, those who back Penn State to cover will win if the Nittany Lions lose by 5 points or less, or if they win the game. Those backing Wisconsin will need the Badgers to win by at least 6 points.

Making a Moneyline Wager

Of course, bettors can eliminate the point spread altogether by placing what is called a moneyline wager. In this case, bettors must simply select the winning team to win the bet. This simplifies the wager, but it carries a different risk/reward scenario.

Because oddsmakers have installed Michigan as a big 17-point favorite, picking the Wolverines to simply win will cost bettors quite a bit in terms of risk.  At -800 moneyline odds, a bettor would have to risk $800 to win $100 on an outright Michigan victory.  Meanwhile, a bettor could also back Western Michigan at +600, meaning a $100 bet pays $600.

As for the Penn State game, bettors who back the Nittany Lions to win outright can get them at +187 ($100 pays a $187 profit). Conversely, as a -225 moneyline favorite, Badgers bettors would have to risk $225 to make a $100 profit.

Making a Parlay Pick

A parlay is a multi-bet wager that requires all bets involved to win. Parlays carry longer odds — and better payouts. Of course, the downside is that a parlay bet is harder to hit.

As an example, bettors can take Penn State +5.5 and Michigan -17 in a two-leg parlay that pays +264 odds, meaning a $100 wager turns a $264 profit. That, however, is just one example. Bettors can use any combination of the point spreads, moneylines, or game totals to make their picks.

Making a Pick for Penn State vs. Wisconsin

So, the question remains — which teams are covering? Which teams are winning? Let’s first look at the Penn State vs. Wisconsin game.

Penn State was ranked in the preseason Top 10 a season ago, but faltered early en route to an 0-5 start. However, the Nittany Lions rebounded to win their final four games of the season and actually outgained Big Ten opponents by more than 100 yards per game last season. The Nittany Lions return 16 starters this season and will face a Wisconsin team that failed to top seven points in three of its final four games a year ago.

It’s true the Badgers won their bowl game over Wake Forest, but they were nearly doubled up in yardage gained in that contest. Penn State should keep this close and cover the spread.

Pick: Penn State +5.5

Making a Pick for Western Michigan vs. Michigan

With Jim Harbaugh on the hot seat, it’s hard to figure his Wolverines will be overlooking Western Michigan in the opener. After all, his team lost all three games played at home last season, failing to top 24 in any of those contests.

Michigan actually hasn’t covered at home since November 2019, losing four straight games both straight up and against the spread. That said, Michigan has a massive game with Washington looming next week, a team that is the defending Pac-12 North champ.

Frankly, backing a Wolverines squad that hasn’t been particularly good in recent years, one that has struggled to generate the type of offense needed to cover a big spread, isn’t an enticing proposition. With a look-ahead spot in play, we think Michigan will do enough to start the season 1-0, but we will bet Western Michigan to keep things reasonable and cover the spread.

Grab FOX Bet and wager on Big Ten football this weekend with a $500 risk-free bet and plenty of odds boosts by clicking here.