Basketball is a dynamic sport that is favored among fans and sports bettors alike. There are so many basketball leagues one can bet on, with the NBA leading the way and the NCAA and the EuroLeague following closely, so there is always a basketball match to watch and bet on. Plus, betting on basketball is now more accessible than ever, as all reputable online betting platforms carry a broad selection of basketball leagues and bets.
Here, our betting experts share a guide through some of the most effective basketball betting strategies, as well as some key basketball betting tips we believe will help you hone your betting strategy and choose a winning bet.
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Top Basketball Betting Strategies
Basketball betting is popular among a broad audience, but not everyone may know the best strategies to implement that can provide increased winning chances. So, here are our top basketball betting strategies to learn and try next time you consider betting on basketball:
Credit: 20Bet
Join & Bet at Trusted Online Betting Sites
We recommend you only join reputable online betting sites; this way, you can be confident you are using the services of a trusted platform that has proper online security features, is not involved in any scandals, and is regulated by a reputable governing body. Trusted online betting sites enjoy such a reputation because they pay out the winnings, so you can comfortably play knowing that if you get lucky, you can withdraw your winnings.
Learn & Understand the Odds
Learning the basketball odds is a vital betting strategy you should always apply when betting online. The sports betting odds show the probability of a specific outcome in the sports event, and these also show the possible winnings based on the amount you bet. So, learn all about the basketball odds and understand them: low odds show that an outcome is more likely to happen, while higher odds point that a result is less likely to occur. When you bet with lower odds, you stand to win a lower amount; placing higher odds bets means you could win a higher amount, but it is less likely to happen.
Learn & Choose the Bet Options
Basketball, like any other sport, provides different betting options. The table below shows the most popular bets you can place on basketball:
Bet | Definition |
---|---|
Moneyline | Pick the winner of the game |
Point Spread | Placing a bet with evened odds |
Over/Under or Totals | Bet on the total number of points of a basketball game; it does not matter who wins or loses. You bet that the scored points will be lower or higher than a set total |
Quarter/Half Bets | Placing a bet on the outcome of the a quarter of the game or the first half of the game |
Player Prop Bets | Placing a bet on a player’s statistics, like the number of rebounds, scored points, or some other exciting prop |
Parlay Bets | A bet that combines multiple outcomes in one bet, and comes with a higher payout |
Futures Bets | A long-term bet that is based on a specific outcome. An example is the winner of the NBA finals or who will win the EuroLeague |
Live Bets | Placing a bet when the game is in progress |
Learn the Teams, Stats & Schedule
You should pick a league to bet on and learn all you can about it. Learn the teams, the statistics, and the schedules of the games, as it will help you better hone your strategy. It will allow you to keep your focus and utilize your knowledge to your advantage, such as learning about injuries, team performances, playing styles, and other vital data.
Don’t (Constantly) Bet on the Favorites
Every season brings specific favorites in a basketball league. While some teams may have a stellar performance over the season, it does not mean they’ll win every game. So, you may be tempted to bet on the favorites, but we are pointing out the fact that even the favorites won’t win every game. So, choose your next bet based on the odds, the opposing team’s strength, any injuries, and the team’s performance.
Winning Basketball Betting Tips to Try
Now that we’ve shared the basketball strategies, here are several abbreviated basketball betting tips to try next time you place a basketball bet:
- Manage your bankroll carefully – this is not important only for basketball betting, but it is essential for every action you do at an online casino or sportsbook. Be careful with your money, as it is easy to get carried away
- Don’t bet on a single team – it is easy to fall under the temptation to bet on one favorite team, but this may not be a viable long-term strategy. Instead, it is wiser to bet on the team with the best winning chances
- Place bets with good potential – prefer to place bets on games that have winning potential. Do your homework and analyze the teams’ performance over the season to choose a bet that has a real advantage
- Bet only with money you can afford to lose – this should go without saying, but you stand to lose every bet you place, which is why you should only place basketball bets with money you can afford to lose. Don’t bet with the rent money, and never even consider tapping into your savings and using that money for betting
Credit: 22Bet
FAQs
Is the parlay bet a good option for basketball betting?
Parlay bet is a viable option for basketball betting, as it combines two or more straight bets. You need to make all the correct predictions so you can win the parlay bet. While the payout of a winning parlay bet is tempting, the risk involved is also higher.
Is it better to place an early or a live basketball bet?
Placing an early or a live basketball bet depends solely on your preferences. You can place an early bet on any outcome, like a Rookie of the Year, a league winner, or something else. However, you will have to wait a long time to see the outcome of the bet. On the other hand, you can place a live basketball bet, enjoy the excitement of the game, and see the outcome of the bet in almost real-time.
Is the NBA the only basketball league worth betting on?
While the NBA is undoubtedly the most famous basketball league worldwide, it is not the only basketball league worth betting on. In fact, the EuroLeague is also an attractive basketball league with excellent betting chances, as is the NCAA and many global basketball championships.
Can I use a betting system to win a basketball bet?
You can use a betting system to place basketball bets, but there is no guarantee that any of these would be successful. The betting systems work on the principle of maximizing the bankroll by taking advantage of a winning streak and limiting your losses when you are losing.
What are some of the available basketball bets I can place?
You can place many different basketball bets, like money line bets, totals, point spread bets, parlays, outright bets, live bets, and futures bets.
Where can I find good betting odds for basketball?
We recommend you only look for basketball betting sites that are reputable and trusted, as these usually offer good betting odds that ensure better payouts. We have an excellent list of online betting sites that provide good basketball odds; some of these are 22Bet, Betway, Wazamba, William Hill, 20Bet, Karamba, etc.