How to Open an NFL Sportsbook Account and Place Your First Bet

Signing up at an NFL sportsbook takes about five minutes. BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings all offer spread, moneyline, and total markets on every NFL game — here's what to expect from registration through your first bet slip.

What Do You Need Before You Start?

You'll need to be at least 21 years old (18 in some states — check your state's rules before you register). Have a government-issued ID handy, along with your Social Security number for identity verification. You'll also need a funding method ready. Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

How Do You Sign Up Step by Step?

1. Choose a licensed operator. BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings operate across multiple legal states. Confirm sports betting is legal where you live before downloading an app or visiting a site.
2. Create your account. Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, and the last four digits of your SSN. The sportsbook uses this to verify your identity — it's a legal requirement, not optional.
3. Enable location services. Sportsbooks must confirm you're physically inside a legal state when you place a bet. Your phone's GPS handles this. If you decline, bets won't process.
4. Make a deposit. Available methods vary by operator and state; specific amounts and processing times differ, so check the sportsbook's banking page after you log in.
5. Claim a welcome bonus if one is offered. BetMGM references a welcome bonus for new registrants. Read the terms before opting in — expiry windows and minimum-odds restrictions vary.
6. Find the NFL section. Look for "NFL" or "Football" in the sport navigation. You'll see a list of this week's games with spreads, moneylines, and totals posted alongside each matchup.
7. Build your bet slip. Tap any odds number to add a leg to your slip. Enter your stake, review the potential payout, and confirm. Done.

How Do You Read the Numbers on the Bet Slip?

Before you tap anything, it helps to know what you're looking at. The standard spread price is -110 on both sides — you wager $110 to win $100 in profit; that extra $10 is the sportsbook's vig. For a deeper breakdown of every number on the board, see our guide on how to read NFL betting odds in American and decimal format.

Not sure whether to take the spread or go straight up on the winner? That decision depends on the line. Our page on how the NFL point spread works and how to bet it walks through when the spread is the smarter play, and what a moneyline is in NFL betting and when it beats the spread covers the straight-up side. Don't skip that comparison if you're betting a heavy favorite — a -200 moneyline gives you terrible return on risk.

What About Line Movement Before Kickoff?

Opening lines for Sunday games typically post Tuesday. By the time you sign up and deposit, the number you saw in an ad may have already moved. Sharp money and public betting volume push lines throughout the week. See how NFL betting lines move during the week and why it matters before you lock in a price.

Any Other Bet Types Worth Knowing at Sign-Up?

Totals — the over/under — are a good starting point for beginners because you're not picking a winner, just a combined score. Half-point totals like 44.5 eliminate a push entirely. Full rules are in our NFL over/under guide. If you want to combine multiple games on one ticket, read the NFL parlay betting guide first — one push can change your payout in ways that surprise new bettors.

Still have questions about specific terms you're seeing on the bet slip? The NFL bet line FAQ answers the most common spread and odds questions in plain language.