After a few months of blockbuster trades, free agency drama and the draft, the 2021/22 NBA season is finally back underway. There are plenty of fascinating narratives to keep track of this campaign, and betting on the action can be a great way to make things even more fun.
NBA betting may seem a bit daunting if you have never done it before, but it could not be easier. People have been betting on basketball for years in the United States. Whether it’s wagering on the NBA Playoffs or college ball, it is an extremely popular pastime.
During the 2021 March Madness tournament, for instance, it was estimated that a staggering 47 million people placed bets on the action in total. If you want to join the fun, this is the place to be. Below we have compiled an exhaustive, one-stop guide to everything you need to know about NBA betting.
How to bet on basketball in the United States
Check if your state allows basketball betting
Learning how to bet on sports such as basketball is simple. The first thing you need to do is check whether sports wagering is permitted in your state. Fortunately thanks to a spate of recent legislation, more states than ever now allow the practice.
If anything is unclear, ensure you contact your local authority for further clarification.
Choose your sportsbook
After checking that betting is legal in your state, it is time to select your sportsbook. The amount of choice you have in this regard depends on where you live in the United States. In some states you will be limited to a handful of online sportsbooks.
In others, you will be able to place your bets in person at a casino or standalone sports betting shop.
If wagering online, one thing you will want to do before signing up is compare their various sign-up offers. Ensuring you get the best value for money possible could not be more important. Every dollar counts in the world of NBA betting.
Some welcome bonuses will include a first deposit bonus, some will tempt you free bets and the best will include both. Again, make sure you shop around before settling.
Choose you bet
After you are either in the betting shop or set up online you will need to select a bet. Not sure which one to go for? Make sure you read our next section…
Best basketball betting markets
When looking at the markets available from your sportsbook, you will immediately notice just how much choice you have. Due to this, it can be challenging to select the right bet for you — especially when you are just starting out on your journey.
Below we have compiled and explained some of the most popular NBA betting markets.
Moneyline
This is the simplest form of NBA betting imaginable. Here, you are simply trying to predict which team will win the game. Unlike in sports like soccer, it is not possible for a basketball match to be drawn, so this will not appear as an option.
Moneyline bets are best for when you think an underdog is going to secure an upset, as the odds can be somewhat underwhelming otherwise.
Points spread
Points spread is slightly more complicated. Here, a sportsbook will calculate which side is more likely to win and by how many points. Your job is to select whether they will underperform or outperform this prediction.
This is a great way to back the favourite while receiving better odds than a moneyline bet.
Total points
If you like predicting how many points they’ll be in a game, this is the wager for you. Here you are betting on how much both teams will score. Before betting on this, make sure to check out both teams’ seasonal scoring records.
Proposition betting
These are special bets compiled by the sportsbook. One example could be: Luka Doncic will score over 30 points. Your job is to predict whether the statement is true or false. These bets can be great fun and some sportsbooks even allow you to craft your own prop bets.
NBA betting guide
Use stats and analytics
There are so many free-to-use resources for advanced NBA stats these days, so there really is no excuse for not consulting them before you place your bets. Whether you are betting on a player or a team, looking beyond the form guide into more analytic metrics is a vital ingredient in being successful.
Check injuries, trades and suspensions
Granted, there are a lot of teams to keep track of in the NBA. It is 100% worth the effort to keep on top of things, though. By knowing what is going on behind the scenes at each franchise, your ability to predict their on-court fortunes will be greatly increased.
Value tipsters
There is a bustling community of NBA betting tipsters and analysts who happily give their insight away for free. Although you should not blindly follow the crowd, taking what these experts think into account is a good idea if you wish to increase your chances of success.
Keep the faith
The key here is to not get frustrated if you don’t win. As long as you keep to tried and tested methods, you know you are always maximizing your chances of success.