Basketball Betting Guide: From NBA to International Leagues

Get Started with a Sportsbook

Now that you’re ready to place your first bet online, the next step is to sign up with a sportsbook. Most sites have a quick and easy process to create an account and place your bet on basketball. Here’s a breakdown:

Go to the sportsbook’s homepage
Click the Register or Sign Up button
Fill in the required info, name and email
Alternatively, register with social accounts if available
Accept the terms to complete

At this point, new bettors can add a promo code if they have one. Betting Platforms often have bonuses and promotions for sports fans to boost their bankroll.

Verification Process

Once you sign up, you’ll be able to deposit and see what the site has to offer. But you’ll have to go through the KYC (Know Your Customer) process sooner rather than later so it’s recommended to do it early to avoid withdrawal delays.

You’ll need to provide a copy of your ID such as a passport or driver’s license and proof of address to verify your account. You may also be asked to provide payment proof such as a copy of a bank statement as per Anti-Money Laundering rules. It’s to prevent fraud and stop illegal gambling and underage gambling.

Betting on Basketball Online

Basketball is one of the most popular sports for online betting, with many sportsbooks offering comprehensive coverage of both professional and college basketball. Whether you’re placing a casual wager or planning a long-term betting strategy, understanding the fundamentals is key.

Many sportsbooks have basketball odds on their website and mobile app. They cater to new basketball bettors and experienced hoop enthusiasts so you can bet on any game scheduled.

A key feature of top sportsbooks is live sports streaming. Users can access the biggest sporting events and fixtures for free once account is registered.

These sites have live scores on various events and in-play betting on multiple basketball leagues. Additional betting markets include season-long betting, pre-match betting and props. More details below.

For other sports, top sites also cover popular and niche options including soccer, tennis, baseball, MMA, Alpine skiing, cricket and esports.

How to Bet on Basketball

This betting guide will help you navigate different ways to bet on basketball games. Understanding the type of bet you’re placing is essential, whether it’s a money line, point spread, or player props.

Take the NBA as an example. The league has 30 teams in North America, each playing 82 games. That’s 41 home games and 41 away games in a 7-month season.

With this many games, sports bettors have plenty of opportunities to bet on individual players, their favorite teams and the NBA Finals winner. College basketball also presents great value for those looking to diversify their picks.

Basketball betting process: Once you’ve registered with your chosen sportsbook and made a deposit, go to the basketball section, select your game and market, then click the odds to add that bet to your bet slip.

You can bet on teams to cover the spread, win the game outright, or explore alternative markets such as player props. It’s easy for new bettors. But before you place your first bet, there are several things to consider such as understanding bet types and applying sound betting strategies. Keep reading for more.

Take the NBA as an example. The league has 30 teams in North America, each playing 82 games. That’s 41 home games and 41 away games in a 7-month season.

With this many games, bettors have plenty of opportunities to bet on individual players, their favorite teams and the NBA Finals winner.

It’s easy for new bettors. But before you place your first bet, there are several things to consider such as understanding bet types. Keep reading for more.

What are the different types of basketball bets?

This basketball betting guide explains the most popular markets used across betting sites. Whether you’re learning how to bet or refining your basketball betting strategy, understanding these options is key to finding value betting opportunities.

Basketball betting offers more than just match outcomes. Popular bets include moneyline, point spread, over/under, player/team props and futures.

Moneyline: Pick the winner of the game

Also known as a money line bet, this is the most straightforward way to bet on basketball. Simply choose which team you think will win the game outright.

Moneyline is the most direct basketball betting market, where you bet on which team will win the game.

Basketball teams are not always evenly matched so moneyline odds represent a team’s winning chances. Check the odds to see which team has higher winning chances in a basketball game; lower odds means lower payout, means the team the sportsbook considers most likely to win.

Point Spread: Betting the spread with basketball

Most basketball bettors prefer point spread betting because it levels the skill variation between competing teams. Sportsbooks analyze both teams and consider current form, injured players and venue when determining the perceived point spread.

Also known as handicap betting, a negative value (e.g. -6) means a point spread favorite, you need the team to win by at least this amount (6 points). An underdog team gets a positive value on the point spread (e.g. +6). As long as this team doesn’t lose by more than 6 points, you’ll have a winning bet.

Totals (Over/Under): Betting point totals or season win totals

Over/Under odds is another popular basketball betting market also called totals. Sportsbooks set the odds by measuring the matchup between the two teams and analyzing their offensive and defensive capabilities. The expected total points to be scored by both teams is determined.You can bet whether the final score will be under or over the sportsbook’s total score. For example, if the Over/Under total is 222.5 points, you can bet whether the final score (by both teams combined) will be over or under this number.

Prop bets: Betting on player or team performance

Prop bets are getting popular among basketball bettors, offering multiple game betting options. The bets can be on team or individual player performance — including unexpected events, like slam dunks or ball fumbles.

This bet type doesn’t rely on final scores but on game specifics like betting on the first team to score 15 points or a player’s assists or combined points.

Parlays: Combine bets for bigger payouts

A parlay bet involves combining multiple bets—like NBA bets, future bets, or even basketball prop markets—into one slip for a higher payout. However, all selections must win for the bet to pay out.

Parlays involve combining two or more bets in a single bet slip to increase potential payouts. But usually, if one bet loses then the entire parlay loses.

Major Basketball Leagues to Bet On

Top basketball sportsbooks cover leagues worldwide, from professional NBA action to college basketball. If you’re new, a college basketball betting guide can help you navigate tournaments like March Madness and find the best basketball betting options available.

Many online sportsbooks cover major basketball leagues for you to bet on: NBA, EuroLeague, NCAA, CBA and more. If you want to keep up with upcoming basketball events, here’s an overview of tournaments to check out.

NBA

The NBA is the most popular league and home to iconic players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. It also features basketball powerhouses like the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics. As the top league with top names and teams, the NBA offers many betting markets for basketball fans.

EuroLeague

EuroLeague’s structure is a mix of league and tournament format, with 18 teams in different categories. These teams play each other — home and away — and the top 8 advance to 5-game playoff series. With each team playing 34 games per season, the EuroLeague is an action-packed competition full of exciting moments.

Liga ACB

The Liga ACB is the top Spanish basketball tournament featuring big teams like Barcelona, Kirolbet Baskonia and Real Madrid. The league often attracts NBA scouts like the Gasol brothers, Pau and Marc, Horse Garbajosa and Rudy Fernandez.

Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)

The CBA is a league to watch which also produces talents for the NBA. Wang Zhizhi, Zhou Qi and Mengke Bateer all started from the CBA before making NBA appearances. Bettors can benefit from betting in this league, with the Guangdong Southern Tigers being a favorite team in most games.HEBA A1

HEBA A1 is Greece’s top basketball league, with teams like Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. Dating back to the 1920s, the league has become a major basketball league with star players. Despite NBA interest, HEBA A1 still delivers some of the best games in basketball.

Other top basketball leagues to bet on are Lega Basket Serie 1, LNB Pro A and the Turkish Basketball League. Leading sportsbooks offer bettors many markets to bet on these and other global competitions.

Basketball Betting Tips and Strategies

Every sports bettor should follow a solid basketball betting strategy. Whether you want to bet on the NBA or bet on college basketball, applying tested tactics is essential to success in online sports betting.

Basketball betting has no set rules or blueprints for finding consistent and sustained winning games. It requires bettors to do extensive research and due diligence to predict outcomes. Here are practical tips and strategies to help you succeed in placing smart and sensible bets.

Bet early

Bet early to secure better odds before lines move against you. You can also take advantage of injury reports and other important information before sportsbooks adjust the lines. This is important because you can lock in good point spreads or totals and increase your payout.

Matchups

Each basketball team has strengths and weaknesses. When you analyze your bets, consider how different attributes match up against the day’s opponent. If one team struggles with rebounding and faces a more dominant frontcourt, count on it before betting.

Injuries and off-nights

Basketball is demanding and injuries will happen to top players. This can impact teams big time and change subsequent games. Check injury reports to see which players are out. Also, find out if there are any resting players during that game before betting.

Live bets and following the odds

Like all sports betting, basketball betting is not about always betting on your favorite team but the best number. So, monitor opening odds and how they move to pick the best time to bet. Mostly, odds will rise or fall based on injury news and other factors.

Keep track of the calendar

Online resources covering specific leagues can provide schedules and other information like game times and recent team performances. Official league websites and trusted sports betting apps can give you that information. This way you can find opportunities and make informed bets.Many sportsbooks offer premium experiences through loyalty programs or VIP clubs. These programs come with different benefits like flexible bonuses, dedicated support and level-up rewards.

To qualify, users usually need to interact with the platform by placing regular bets. The more active the user, the more rewards and higher VIP tiers they can unlock. Whether you’re playing slots or betting on basketball, consistent activity may unlock extra perks.

Learn how to bet: Picks and Predictions

Top sportsbooks provide guides on how to bet on basketball and other sports. Bettors also get access to updated picks and predictions across different markets.

Before major events and competitions, look for expert analysis and competitive odds on top basketball games, whether it’s the NBA or international leagues.