Important Facts to know about NBA Betting
- The NBA has similar betting techniques to American football betting. This means that you can keep it simple by betting on which team will win or dramatically increase the complexity by trying parlay betting and a whole lot more.
- There are three major betting strategies in NBA betting which involve money line betting, betting on the spread, or betting on totals.
- The NBA presents sports fans with numerous betting opportunities so that you can bet on anything from which player scores the most points to which team will get the most rebounds.
- You can control your risk exposure in NBA betting by budgeting carefully, doing your research and betting on short odds.
NBA is a hugely popular sport and on each and every game there are a huge variety of bets available. In this article we are going to give an explanation of all the bet types you’ll be able to place to make cool cash on your wagers. Below are discussed in details the various
betting types. If you’ve read our article on
Football betting, you will see they bear similarities.
Moneyline NBA betting
The moneyline is a commonly used bet in NBA betting because it is simple. After all, it is essentially betting on who will win the game.
A moneyline wager is one that is placed on either the
betting favorites
or the underdogs. Look at these money line odds for a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat:
If you back the Warriors you’d have to wager $500 to make a return of $100. Backing the Miami Heat here, for $100 you would make a return of $300.
1.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
2.
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
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4.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel Sportsbook
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Handicap NBA betting
NBA teams have variations in strength, experience and skill, so in order to level the playing field in abilities, sports bookies offer a point handicap or point spread - this is sometimes called covering the spread.
The negative sign (–) or positive (+) sign attached to the number shows which team is the favorite or underdog and it illustrates how many points they have as an advantage or disadvantage. Handicap betting is instrumental in betting favorites against underdogs. Let’s look at an example to illustrate this:
- Golden State Warriors: (-8.0)
- Indiana Pacers: (+8.0)
This shows that the Warriors would have to win the game by at least eight points for you to win your bet. Conversely, the Pacers could lose the game by anywhere up to eight points and you'd still win your bet.
Baseball Betting Articles
Football Betting Articles
Totals NBA betting
Totals NBA betting is all about how many combined points will be scored by both teams during the game. Bookmakers offer an option to bet on whether or not the total points will be either over or under the totals mark. This is why this form of betting is often called the over/under. The concept of betting on totals, or Over/Under is very simple. The bettor wagers on whether the TOTAL points scored in a NBA game will fall over or under a pre-determined number set by the sportsbook. Let’s see an example:
Look at the totals odds for the Utah Jazz vs. Cleveland Cavaliers below:
- Over 211.5: 1.995
- Under 211.5: 2.210
A $10 wager on the totals to be over 211.5 points, and a final score was 117-99 (an aggregate total of 216 points), $19.95 ($9.95 profit) will be made on the bet. A bet on total score as under 211.5 with the odds of 2.210 would result in losing the bet.
Parlay
In NBA betting, you can make
combination bets
also known as Parlays to boost your earnings. For your parlay to hit, or win, ALL of the bets must be spot-on. You can include different betting lines in your parlay selections to make the payout bigger.
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Enjoy betting on NBA sites
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Exciting moments on the NBA sites
NBA Futures and Outrights Betting
Futures bets are bets placed on future events in the NBA season. Most times, they are placed long before the start of the season or just before the start of the season, a wager or bet on a future eventuality. An example is a wager placed on who will be NBA champions. Futures bets can also be wagered on individuals as well. You could wager on who will be the season NBA MVP.
One other major way to bet on the NBA is by betting on what is known as the futures and outright markets. In essence, this type of bet determines who grabs any of the following:
- Western Conference
- Division
- NBA Championship
- Eastern Conference
- Most Valuable Player in NBA
Every Outright and future NBA markets works in the same way. You typically have to bet on which team or which certain player is going to eventually win the championship, conference, division or award. Your bet succeeds if they do.
NBA Betting Odds
NBA odds are commonly displayed in two popular formats. These are:
This kind of odds format is perhaps the easiest to understand for newcomers to sports betting. Simply put, the highest the number the less chance it has of winning, but the greater the potential payouts will be. So if you saw odds of 2.00 that the Warriors would be NBA champions while the Knicks had odds of 4.00, you’d know that the Warriors were more likely to win. Just remember that shorter odds will give you smaller returns.
Also known as American odds, this odds format will indicate the favorite and underdog. The favorite will be shown with a number next to a minus sign. This indicates how much you have to wager to win $100. Conversely, the underdog will be shown with a number next to a plus sign indicating how much you’d win if you wagered $100.
Which Sportsbooks Offer the Best NBA Betting Experience?
You’ll probably already know that we have a
sports betting comparison page
that offers you a quick and easy way to find the best online sportsbooks in your state. Each of those brands should be more than capable of giving you a quality NBA betting experience.
However, we couldn’t resist coming up with this shortlist of what we believe at the best NBA betting sites that you can play at right now. Each of these sportsbooks has been checked to make sure that they put on competitive odds for each NBA game. Plus you’ll find no shortage of promos for new and existing customers that can make your NBA bets a whole lot more enjoyable. So check out these mini-reviews of our favorite NBA betting sites:
Pros & Cons
- Promotional offers specific to NBA events
- Real-time bets
- Official NBA partner
- Some users have reported slow customer service
Fanduel is a trusted platform with an official partnership with the NBA - as well as the NFL, MLB and NHL.
Current NBA promos include the 'Piggy Bank Shot' where you can bet $0.05 and have a chance to play for a share of thousands of cash prizes. 'Shot' is Fanduel's biggest NBA contest offering big cash prizes, and, there is also the Bonus Prize Pool, where each night entrants choose three NBA Finals players, with the chance to win a share of the nightly $3000 bonus pool. You're also entered into a prize draw with the potential to win a chance of a trip to an NBA game as well as official autographed merch.
There's live betting updates available on the app with real-time updates allowing fans to place bets as the game plays out - as well as a sleek interface online.
FanDuel Sportsbook Sports Promo
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Wagering (WR):
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
Caesars: Diverse NBA Betting Options
Pros & Cons
- New users can claim up to $1000 back if first wager ends in a loss
- Micro betting options
- Official NBA partner
- Desktop interface can be slow to load
NBA partner Caesars' current promo for new users includes up to $1000 back as a bonus bet if you lose your first wager; you can find full T&Cs on their website. You can enjoy a range of betting options, including traditional wagers and unique prop bets.
The platform's Sportsbook also offers micro betting, which allows basketball fans to wager on the next bucket in the game. Currently, the platform's offering an enticing range of more than 40 boosts, as well as first-scorer odds.
With its wide-reaching presence across multiple states, Caesars offers an extensive selection of basketball markets, from regular-season games to playoff matchups.
FanDuel Sportsbook Sports Promo
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Wagering (WR):
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
DraftKings: New User Offers
Pros & Cons
- Specific NBA player prop betting page
- Early cash-out option
- User-friendly design
- Only available in select states
DraftKings has a great range of NBA bonuses. Current promos for newcomers include a great deal that will simply give you $150 in bonus bets just for making a $5 qualifying bet. The app is also currently giving customers access to NBA League Pass, so you can stream every game. Keep an eye on their website as the season begins for featured NBA contests, daily NBA challenges and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Aside from betting options, DraftKing also presents customers with their official NBA apparel line.
DraftKings Sport Sports Promo
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
BetMGM: Take your shot
Pros & Cons
- Look out for Parlay Boost tokens specific to NBA games
- $1,500 welcome bonus
- $100 refer a friend scheme
- Withdrawal times can be slow
BetMGM provides NBA bettors with a diverse betting experience, featuring competitive odds as well as parlays, live odds and championship odds. Sign up for a new account with a welcome bonus that gives you up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win. One promo available to both new and existing customers is the Parlay Boost Token, which increases the potential payout of the parlay bet with no increase in risk. Many are sport- and event- specific, so are great for basketball aficionados.
Often, BetMGM will apply a Parlay Boost to your account simply as a gesture of goodwill for being a customer; or, you can obtain one by looking out for sports promotions and taking part - for example, placing a futures bet. College basketball fans can also get a 33% boost: look for College Basketball Odds Boost Token in the Promotions tab of your account.
The platform also has a refer a friend scheme where you both receive $100 bonus once your friend meets wagering requirements.
Fancy something a little different? Visit BetMGM's Gold Casino and you'll find the NBA Gold slots game.
BetMGM Sportsbook Sports Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Betrivers: One of the US's favorites
Pros & Cons
- Loyalty rewards
- Second-chance bet for new customers
- Competitive odds
- Only available in select states
Betrivers is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the country, and one of the US's favorites. It's currently offering new customers a second-chance bet that varies by state. To be eligible, your opening wager must lose.
The platform may also offer NBA parlay insurance, so check the site for current promotions. Parlay insurance means you get a bonus if your NBA parlay doesn't come through. You'll need to play a parlay on the NBA with four or more legs and 100+ final odds minimum. If you lose, you'll get your stake back in bonus bets up to a certain amount, which can vary.
Top features at Betrivers include it's impressive platform, regular odds boosts on web and in the app, plenty of loyalty rewards and live chat customer support.
Conclusion: Best Practices for NBA Betting
This guide has shown you that there is no shortage of quality NBA betting sites that you can enjoy playing at. This means that you can enjoy making your
NBA predictions and then make a bet to dramatically liven up any game in the regular basketball season and beyond.
Plus it’s worth noting that more basketball betting sites are being launched all of the time as each US state opens up legal online sports betting. So be sure to watch this space to see where you should be making your
prop bets
and so much more.
1.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
2.
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
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4.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel Sportsbook
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
NBA betting sites FAQ
❓How old do you have to be to use NBA betting sites?
It depends where you are playing from but you will usually have to be at least 21 years old. So be prepared to have to verify your identity when signing up to any legit NBA betting sites.
🏆 Who are the best NBA betting sites?
Our guide found that FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM and BetRivers will give you a superior way to bet on the NBA. So sign up to each of these sites to make sure you always get the best NBA odds and promos?
Each of the sportsbooks featured in this guide have promo offers that you can use on the NBA. Perfect for getting anything from bonus bets to a no sweat bet deal.
👮 Are NBA betting sites legal in my state?
It depends where you are playing from as each state has the power to decide whether to allow legal online sports betting. The good news is that you can now legally bet on sports online in more states than ever before.
🏀 Can I bet live at NBA betting sites?
Yes, all of the online sportsbooks featured on this page will let you bet live on each game in the NBA. Not only that but you should be able to cash your bets out early too.
