How to bet on NBA games

How to bet on NBA games Image

If it's not football, hockey, or soccer, most Americans enjoy a good basketball game. It's one of the preferred sports to make bets, and no that NBA betting is legal in most states; it's one of the most chosen options when it comes to sports betting.

If you are interested in getting started in betting on NBA games, here’s how you can do it.

Where are sports betting legal?

Sports betting is legal in 18 states, although we can’t same the same for online sports betting. Some states have it legalized, but it is undetermined whether the states will launch platforms in the future. States like Mississippi allow online sports betting, but only on the correct facility.

States where you have to visit a physical sportsbook to bet on NBA Games

  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Tennessee
  • Washington DC
  • West Virginia

States that allow betting on NBA Games online (apps and websites

  • Colorado
  • Delaware (not launched yet)
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Mississippi (only allowed on-property)
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Tennessee
  • Washington DC
  • West Virginia

Should you bet at a physical sportsbook or a betting app?

The previous lists will let you know that you have two options: you can attend a physical facility or bet from a website or app. Some people enjoy going to sportsbooks, but others find it more convenient to wager online.

That being said, it is typical for sportsbooks to offer NBA betting on websites and apps. However, it is more convenient to do an app since it allows you to take your bets and be informed of whatever happens at any time.

Apps are available for any device you may own, such as Android or iOS.

Beginner’s guide to NBA betting

Although some limitations apply to college basketball, there is more freedom when placing wagers on major pro sports. You have multiple ways of betting on NBA games, and here we list them.

You must have funds available in the sportsbooks you would like to place wagers. Most of them now accept e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller, and credit or debit cards. Some of them accept bitcoin as well.

Moneyline Bets

This method is as simple as picking a winner. Moneylines are typically designated using negative and positive numbers.

There is a "favorite" team and has a negative odds number. The "underdog" team will have a positive number instead. If you bet on a team with a money line of -120, you will be required to bet $120. Your return-on-investment will be $100. The opposite thing happens when the underdog has +120. If you bet $100, you will earn $120 if that team wins.

Point Spread Bets

Instead of "picking winners," you bet based on a particular amount of points decided by the sportsbook. For you to win the bet, the favorite must win the game by having more points than what was set. As for the underdog, they must win or lose by less than what was decided.

Over-Under Bets

These bets consist of placing a wager on a particular number of points that will be scored. You can bet under or over the established number, but keep in mind the sportsbook decides the numbers.

Parlays

Parlays are very popular in sports betting. Most people who bet in parlays are looking forward to increasing their payouts.

Parlays consist of "linking" two or more bets to acquire a more prominent payout. There are multiple options, but it's riskier than other betting methods. You can, for example, bet the point spread in two games. However, this does not guarantee you'll get a good amount of money in return.

Proposition         

These bets are like a “yes-or-no” variety. For instance, you can bet based on whether a player will score more or less than a particular number of points in a game.

Futures

Futures Bets consist of placing wagers on future events. For example, you can bet based on who will be the winner of this NBA season.

Live Betting

You have multiple options for live betting. This list includes money lines and points spreads, for example.

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