Basketball betting is one of the simplest forms of sports betting thanks to the straightforwardness of the popular markets. The following guide will detail some of the top-rated bookmakers in the sport and provide advice for basketball betting in general.
Basketball Betting Explained
Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world right now. Millions worldwide tune in to watch the NBA each week, and plenty of those trying their hand at basketball betting.
Top-level basketball is concentrated in North America with the NBA, but European and Asian basketball is up. Major international tournaments such as the Olympics and the World Cup also attract lots of betting fans.
Recommended Basketball Betting Websites
There are many factors when it comes to deciding which is the best online bookmaker for you. Top betting websites have several different features that will attract different sorts of bettors. You are likely to find differences in odds, promotions, website interface, betting markets, and lots more between various licensed bookmakers.
The following verified bookies are some of the most popular and highly recommended websites for basketball betting:
- Trusted online betting site
- Great range of Sports Betting markets
- Top-class Customer service
- Various Payment methods
- Various Sports Betting Options
- Exclusive Cricket Betting Markets
- High Odds
- Mobile App is Available
- Generous Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
- Among the Highest Odds in the industry
- Wide Variety of Sports Betting Markets
- A lot of Casino Games
- Fantastic bonuses
- Good sportsbook
- Amazing casino games
- Many payment methods
| gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly- Great range of Betting Markets
- A lot of Casino Games
- Generous Welcome Bonuses and Additional Offers
- Mobile App is Available
- Trusted & Secure Online Betting Site
- Competitive Sports Betting Odds and Markets
- Great Range of Casino Games
- Professional Customer Support
- Pros:
- You can punt on various basketball matches
- Every basketball event found on this bookie has plenty of markets
- There are different guides for wagering on basketball
- Cons:
- You probably won’t find a special betting promotion for basketball
- Pros:
- Basketball fans can use live animations
- There are different basketball statistics
- Whether you punt on the NBA or another basketball league, you will see that the odds are really good
- Cons:
- Some basketball events don’t provide many markets
- Pros:
- You can find hundreds of betting markets
- 1xbet provides its customers with different features
- You can take advantage of the statistics while wagering on this sport
- Cons:
- 1xbet lacks an offer that is only valid if used on a basketball
- Pros:
- Good selection of basketball events that includes the NBA and other top leagues
- You can use some of the 888sport features while punting on basketball
- The bookmaker provides its desktop and mobile customers with the same options if they bet on basketball
- Cons:
- 888sport does not offer a special promo for this sport
- Pros:
- The site regularly offers over 300 betting markets for basketball
- You can use multiple features while punting
- The odds are second to none
- Cons:
- Missing live stream for some events
- Pros:
- You can use numerous markets while betting on basketball
- Betway offers live betting
- You can use different features, such as live graphics
- Cons:
- No basketball-related promotionses, but not solely for basketball
What Betting Markets Are Available?
Most popular basketball betting markets are relatively straightforward to understand. If you know how to bet on other sports like football, those same skills will be transferable to basketball.
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting is a market that asks you to pick an outright winner. The odds for each team will vary depending on their perceived chance of winning. These odds are presented with a plus or a minus sign followed by a number. An example of this is –250, which would require a bet of $25 to win $10 or +400 that would return $40 from a $10 bet.
Handicap or Spread Betting
This is perhaps the most popular betting market in basketball. A handicap is placed by the bookie to balance the teams. This is done via a margin of victory. For example, a 9-point favourite would need to win by 10 points or more for the bet to come in. Alternatively, you can bet against the spread if you think the favourite will not win by at least a 9-point margin. Spread bets are given odds of 11/10.
Totals or Over/Under Betting
The totals market adds together the predicted score from each team and asks punters to decide whether they think the actual score will be lower or higher. Sometimes totals are presented as decimals so that the score must be higher or lower than the benchmark total.
Quarters/Half-time Betting
These sorts of bets divide the game up into smaller sections. Here, you can bet on the winning team at a given interval in the game. This is a great market if you fancy a team to have a fast start or if you want to place multiple bets on the winning side throughout the fixture.
Winning Margin
This market is fairly self-explanatory. Rather than betting on the winning side or exact score, bettors predict the margin of victory. This can provide some leeway if the scoring is lower/higher than predicted. Still, the difference between the two sides is as anticipated.
Props Markets
These bets are associated with the performance of an individual player rather than the whole team. You can bet on various aspects of a player’s performance, such as points scored or rebounds. This can be a difficult market to land a winner on, but odds are favourable.
Futures
If you are keen to bet on something a bit more long-term, the futures market is for you. Here, you can bet on season-long outcomes rather than in-game occurrences. You can pick out the winner of a tournament or focus on individual bets on a long-term basis.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Basketball Betting
Like anything else in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to betting on basketball. Betting is a very individual activity, so the following points won’t apply to everyone equally.
- Advantages of Basketball Betting
- Entertainment – There is no question about it – betting on basketball provides another level of entertainment. Having money on the line will give you another reason to watch intently and can turn a boring game you weren’t previously invested in into something you can’t take your eyes off.
- Variety – There is a lot of variety in basketball betting. The different markets and ways to bet can keep things interesting during a long NBA season. Whenever you feel like you’re becoming tired of a particular market or competition, you can switch it up with a bit of hassle.
- Chance to Win – Basketball betting will give you the chance to win. Whether it’s $10 or $1,000 there is always something to gain from betting on basketball. Backing your favourite team will make victory that bit sweeter if it comes off.
- Disadvantages of Basketball Betting
- Could Lose – Anything that stands a chance of winning must also stand a chance of losing. If the thought of losing money on basketball betting upsets you or puts you in any sort of financial predicament, don’t do it. Betting isn’t for everyone, so if the thought of losing greatly outweighs the joy of winning, you may want to reconsider.
- Effort – Online basketball betting is a fairly low-effort activity, but it may still be too much for some. Smart bets require research and knowledge, and that may put you off. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a casual bet on your favourite team, but if you don’t have the time or patience to research regular bets, you may begin to lose out.
- Distracting – For some, basketball betting enhances the action and adds another dimension of entertainment. For others, it’s a distraction that can take them away from the game with their sole focus on whether their bet is likely to win.
Basketball Betting Tips and Things to Consider
It’s essential to be up to date and on the ball when it comes to basketball stats before betting. Look out for form and trends as a good indicator of underpriced bets or poor value to avoid.
Sticking to teams, you know well, will be an enormous help in making your betting selection. Knowledge goes a long way to making well-informed bets. Although backing teams you have no idea about may be fun, it isn’t a viable long-term strategy.
Just like teams, familiar markets are also a smart way to stay ahead of the curve. If you know the betting market well, you will be able to spot value far easier than in a market where you may not fully understand what you’re backing. The more experience you gain with a betting market, the better for you.
It’s important not to get carried away when you spot a great selection that is a sure-fire thing. Chances are, you may be missing something, and an important player is out for the game. It’s an easy mistake to make but also an easy one to avoid. Do your research before you place any bet, especially a high stake one.
Playoffs are full of excitement, and there is a chance to make right predictions here. Be prepared when the playoffs come around and do your research in anticipation. Make sure you’re well-informed and try not to let your emotions dictate your bets.
Budgeting and betting go hand in hand. If you want to consistently place bets, you will need to manage your bankroll carefully. Take notes of every bet you make and manage them through a spreadsheet. It doesn’t have to be hugely complicated but be aware of how much money you’re staking and how often.
The basketball schedule can affect teams drastically, so it’s well worth monitoring this closely. Fatigued teams will likely struggle and are more prone to injuries. Look out for tough spots in a team’s schedule and check to see if this is reflected in the odds. If not, you may be on to a winner.
Why You Should Consider Betting on the NBA?
If you love basketball or you’re looking for a guide to get into basketball betting, there is likely no better place to start than with the NBA. The NBA is the pinnacle of elite basketball and is where you will find all the best players and teams.
The regular season features 30 teams from the US and Canada competing over 82 games before an intense playoff season. The NBA is a spectacle like no other in the world of basketball. It offers plenty of betting markets and selections to sink your teeth into.
FAQ
Why are match-ups so important when you place NBA bets?
You must know who your team is up against when you place a bet on basketball. This goes beyond knowing if the other team is good or not and extends to their recent form, scheduling, and possible injuries.
How to find the best basketball betting site?
The number one thing to look out for when searching for a basketball betting site is reliability. Make sure the website is fully licensed and offers safe payment options. Aside from that, it is up to you how much you value the user interface, selections of betting markets, and range of competitions etc.
Should I bet on the NBA?
If you’re looking for a competition to bet on, the NBA is a great place to start. It is the biggest and best basketball league globally, and you will find a great selection of markets as a result.
Should I bet on my favourite team?
Betting on your favourite team can be fun, but it isn’t always the smartest bet. Way up how much you are willing to forgo the fact that this may not be the best value bet.