How to Bet on the NBA Draft

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Betting on the NBA Draft has become an exciting and popular way to engage with basketball fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of sports betting, understanding how to bet on the NBA Draft can add a thrilling dimension to your betting experience. This guide will walk you through the basics of NBA Draft betting, popular bet types, and where you can place your bets on platforms like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

how to bet on the nba draft

Understanding the NBA Draft

The NBA Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible players to join the league. The draft order is determined by a lottery system for teams that did not make the playoffs, while playoff teams pick in reverse order of their regular-season records. Bettors can wager on various aspects of the draft, from predicting the first overall pick to the number of international players selected.

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  2. $5 minimum bet to access offer.
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Popular Bet Types for the NBA Draft

First Overall Pick

One of the most popular bets is predicting which player will be selected first overall. This bet requires you to have a good understanding of team needs, player potential, and draft projections.

Draft Position

You can also bet on the exact draft position of specific players. For example, you might wager that a certain player will be picked within the top five.

Over/Under on Draft Position

Similar to other sports betting markets, you can bet on whether a player will be drafted over or under a certain position. For instance, you might bet on a player being selected before the 10th pick (under) or after the 10th pick (over).

Number of Players from a Specific School

Another popular bet involves wagering on the number of players from a particular college or university who will be selected in the first round.

Team to Draft a Specific Player

You can also place bets on which team will draft a particular player. This requires insight into team needs, player interviews, and other pre-draft activities.

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Bronny James Market

Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft. Bettors are highly interested in where and when Bronny will be drafted.

Betting on Bronny James

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Betting markets for Bronny James include:

  • Draft Position: You can bet on the exact position Bronny will be drafted. Many sportsbooks offer over/under bets on his draft position, reflecting the widespread interest in his future.
  • Team to Draft Bronny: Another popular bet is predicting which team will select Bronny. This market requires knowledge of team needs and draft strategies, as well as insights into potential connections with LeBron James.

Where to Bet on the NBA Draft

You can place bets on the NBA Draft on several major sportsbooks, including BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. These platforms offer a variety of betting options and competitive odds for the NBA Draft, providing a seamless and exciting betting experience.

  1. Bonus Bets only pay out if you lose
  2. Available in 20+ States
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State Restrictions on NBA Draft Betting

While many states have legalized online sports betting, not all allow betting on the NBA Draft. The following states have legal online sports betting but do not permit bets on the 2024 NBA Draft:

  • Connecticut
  • Kentucky
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Virginia

It’s important to be aware of your state’s specific regulations before placing any bets.

Tips for Betting on the NBA Draft

Stay Informed

Keep up with the latest news, mock drafts, and expert analyses. Understanding team needs and player prospects will help you make more informed bets.

Follow Player Interviews and Workouts

Player interviews and pre-draft workouts can provide valuable insights into which players teams are interested in. Pay attention to these details to better predict draft outcomes.

Consider Team Needs

Analyze the needs of each team in the draft. Teams often draft based on their immediate needs or long-term strategies, which can influence their selections.

Final Tips

  1. Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your NBA Draft bets and stick to it to ensure responsible betting.
  2. Shop for the Best Odds: Compare odds across BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel to find the best value for your bets.
  3. Stay Updated: Follow the latest updates and news leading up to the draft to make the most informed bets.

Conclusion

Betting on the NBA Draft adds an exciting element to the already thrilling event. By understanding the various bet types and knowing where to place your bets, you can enhance your betting experience. Platforms like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel offer comprehensive NBA Draft betting options, ensuring you have access to competitive odds and a variety of markets. Stay informed, consider team needs, and enjoy the excitement of betting on the future stars of the NBA. Remember to check your state’s regulations regarding NBA Draft betting to ensure you are in compliance with local laws.

Looking for more information about the best sportsbooks offers? Go to our list of the top sportsbook promotions in your state.

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Griffin Ulsh
Griffin Ulsh, a Journalism and Communications graduate from the University of Oregon, is the Customer Experience (CX) Manager at BettingHero.com. With a year at BH, Griffin transitioned from recruiting and sales in the book printing industry to customer experience with Betting Hero. He loves following college football and the NBA and enjoys digging into stats and insights for all sports to find stories to tell.