Basketball is one of the most popular sports for betting, with plenty of options across leagues like the NBA and international tournaments. Whether you’re new to betting or experienced, knowing how basketball betting works is essential. This article explains the different types of basketball bets and how they function. Basketball is widely available and you can find it on major apps like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Types of Basketball Bets

Basketball offers a range of betting options, each with different levels of complexity and payout potential.

1. Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is the simplest type of basketball bet. You bet on which team will win the game. Each team has odds based on its likelihood of winning. The favorite has lower odds, while the underdog offers higher odds. For example:

• Team A (-150): This means you need to bet $150 to win $100.
• Team B (+130): A $100 bet on this underdog would win you $130.

With a moneyline bet, you only need to predict which team will win the game.

2. Point Spread Bets

A point spread bet adds a challenge by factoring in the margin of victory. The sportsbook sets a spread, creating a handicap for the favored team.

For example, if Team A is favored by -6.5 points, they must win by at least 7 points for your bet to succeed. If you bet on Team B at +6.5, they must win or lose by fewer than 7 points for you to win. This type of bet is popular because basketball games often shift in momentum quickly.

3. Totals (Over/Under) Bets

A totals bet, also called an over/under, focuses on the total number of points both teams will score. The sportsbook sets a total, and you bet on whether the combined score will be over or under that number.

For instance, if the total is set at 210.5 points, you decide whether the total score will go over or stay under that mark.

4. Prop Bets

Prop bets are wagers on specific events or player performances during the game. These bets don’t depend on the final outcome of the game.

Common basketball prop bets include:

• Player Points: Betting on how many points a player will score.
• First Team to Score: Wagering on which team scores first.
• Double-Double: Betting on whether a player will achieve double digits in two categories like points and rebounds.

5. Parlay Bets

A parlay bet combines multiple bets into one larger wager. To win, all bets in the parlay must be correct. You can mix different bet types like moneyline, point spread, or totals.

For example, a parlay might include:

• Team A to win
• Team B to cover a +5.5 point spread
• The game total to go over 215 points

While parlays offer higher payouts, they come with greater risk because every individual bet must win.

6. Futures Bets

A futures bet is a long-term wager on events that will happen later in the season, like betting on which team will win the NBA Championship or which player will be named MVP. Futures odds change based on team or player performance throughout the season.

Popular Basketball Leagues to Bet On

Basketball betting is not limited to the NBA. You can place wagers on several other leagues and tournaments, such as:

• NBA: The premier professional basketball league, offering a wide range of betting markets.
• WNBA: Professional women’s basketball in the US.
• NCAA Basketball: College basketball, especially during the March Madness tournament, is a popular betting option.
• EuroLeague: The top professional basketball competition in Europe, attracting international bettors.
• FIBA World Cup: A global tournament featuring national teams, providing various betting opportunities.

Live Basketball Betting

Live betting allows you to place bets during a basketball game as it unfolds. In-play betting odds change dynamically based on the game’s progress, making it an exciting way to engage with the action.

With live betting, you can wager on:

• Which team will score next?
• Will the game go into overtime?
• How many points will be scored in the current quarter?

Live betting offers fast-moving odds, requiring quick decisions as the game shifts. It’s especially engaging in basketball, where scoring is frequent and momentum swings rapidly.

Conclusion: Betting on Basketball

Betting on basketball offers a variety of ways to engage with the sport, from simple moneyline bets to more complex point spreads, totals, and prop bets. With options to bet on major leagues like the NBA, NCAA, or international tournaments, there’s always an exciting opportunity for bettors. Understanding the different bet types will help you make informed decisions and enhance your overall basketball betting experience.