The Ultimate Basketball Betting Guide Anyone Can Use!
Hey you! If you are here, it’s because you are thinking about betting on basketball. And why not? According to the latest gambling industry report from iGaming Direct, gambling is huge and will be worth over $182.2 billion by 2030. This Guide to Basketball Betting for Beginners is ideal for you. I will teach you everything you need to know to get started. And don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple and friendly the whole way through.
So, welcome to the exciting world of basketball betting. If you’re new to sports betting or just basketball wagering, in particular,
I’m a long-time basketball bettor, and I’m here to show you the ropes. So by the time you finish this guide, you’ll understand how to read odds, what types of bets you can make, and how to approach betting like a smart, seasoned pro even if you’re just starting out.
Why Bet on Basketball?
If you are here, I don’t need to convince you but in case you just need that one last push, Basketball is fast, thrilling, and full of scoring. This, it makes it awesome for betting. With leagues like the NBA, NCAA, and even WNBA offering action almost daily, there’s always something to bet on. You’ll never run out of games, and that means plenty of chances to win!
Plus, basketball is one of the most popular sports in the betting world, so you’ll find TONS of betting options and markets to explore.
How to Read Basketball Betting Odds for Basketball Betting Beginners.
So, before you can even place your first bet, you need to know how to read basketball betting odds. In simple terms, no matter what sport you bet on, betting odds tell you three key things:
- Who the favorite and underdog are
- How much you can win
- What type of bet you’re looking at
Let’s break it down using an example:
NBA Game:
Los Angeles Lakers -5.5 (-110)
Golden State Warriors +5.5 (-110)
Total: 221.5
Moneyline: Lakers -200 / Warriors +170
➕ Plus (+) and Minus (–) Explained
- A minus (-) means that team is the favorite.
- A plus (+) means that team is the underdog.
In our example:
- The Lakers are the favorite, giving up 5.5 points.
- The Warriors are the underdog, getting 5.5 points.
The number in parentheses (-110) is the odds or price of the bet.
American Odds and Payouts
Since most of our reader are in the U.S. we will go with American Odds. Just know that other countries use different odds system like Decimal Odds, Fractional Odds and Asian Handicapping.
American odds are based around $100:
- A -110 line means you must bet $110 to win $100.
- A +170 line means a $100 bet wins you $170.
So if you place a $100 moneyline bet on the Warriors +170 and they win the game, you get $270 back ($170 profit + $100 original bet).
Most Popular Basketball Bet Types
Now that you understand the odds, here’s how you actually bet. There are several basketball bet types available at a sportsbook. However, since this is a basketball betting tutorial for beginners, I am just going to go over the most popular basketball bet types.
1. Point Spread
This is the most popular type of basketball bet.
Example:
Lakers -5.5 vs. Warriors +5.5
- If you bet on the Lakers, they need to win by 6 or more points.
- If you bet on the Warriors, they must win or lose by 5 or fewer for you to win.
It’s not just about who wins, but by how much!
2. Totals (Over/Under)
This bet is on the combined points scored by both teams.
Example:
Total Points: 221.5
- If the final score is 112-108 (220 total), the Under wins.
- If the score is 115-110 (225 total), the Over wins.
You don’t care who wins—just how much scoring happens.
3. Moneyline
This is the simplest bet: Who will win the game?
Example:
Lakers -200 / Warriors +170
- Bet on the Lakers, you need to risk $200 to win $100.
- Bet on the Warriors, risk $100 to win $170.
There’s no point spread, you just pick who you think will win the game.
4. Prop Bets
These are side bets on specific events within a game or that somehow relates to the game,
Examples:
- Will LeBron James score over 24.5 points?
- Will there be overtime?
- Who will hit the most three-pointers?
Props are great for fun, specific wagers, and ideal if you know your favorite players well.
5. Futures
Betting on future events, like:
- Who will win the NBA Championship?
- Who will be the league MVP?
- How many wins will a team get this season?
These bets take longer to settle but can offer huge payouts.
6. Basketball Parlays
I personally think Parlay are sucker bets as the odds are not just in favor of the sportsbook, but the payout is also not worth the risk. However, they are one of the most popular types of bet in a sportsbook. So, any Basketball Betting Guide would be incomplete without it,
A basketball parlay combines multiple bets into one, for a higher payout. All legs must win or you lose the whole thing.
Example:
- Lakers -5.5
- Over 221.5
- Knicks +3.5
If all 3 bets hit, your payout is much bigger than placing them individually. But then again, it’s much riskier too.
Smart Basketball Betting Tips from a Pro
As an added bonus to this basketball betting guide, here are some of my basketball betting tips and strategies.
- Don’t Bet with Your Heart – Cheering for your favorite team is great. But betting with them blindly? Not so smart. Bet based on value, not loyalty.
- Check Team News and Injury Reports – A missing starter can make all the difference. Stay up to date with player injuries, load management, and recent team form.
- Watch the Line Movement – If a line moves significantly, ask yourself why. Maybe a key player is out, or sharp money is hitting the other side. Reading line movement gives you an edge.
- Start Small and Track Everything – Don’t go all-in from the start. Bet small, log every bet you make, and review your results to find patterns in your wins and losses.
- Don’t Chase Losses – We all lose bets and it’s part of the game of gambling. However, don’t get emotional and start throwing money around trying to “win it back.” Stay disciplined.
How to Choose the Right Sportsbook for Basketball Betting
Alright, you understand odds, and you’re ready to bet on your first basketball game. But where should you place that bet?
Not all sportsbooks are created equal. Picking the right one can seriously impact your experience, your payouts, and even your chances of winning over time. Here’s how to choose the right sportsbook for your basketball betting journey.
Is It Legit?
First things first. Only use licensed and regulated sportsbooks. That means:
- It’s legally authorized to take bets.
- It’s backed by gambling regulators (like the UKGC, MGA, or a U.S. state gaming board).
- It uses SSL encryption and fair payout systems.
Avoid sketchy, unknown sites. If something looks shady or too good to be true, it probably is.
Compare the Odds
Even a small difference in odds can affect your profit in the long run. Some sportsbooks consistently offer better lines or lower juice on basketball bets.
Pro Tip: Sign up at more than one sportsbook so you can shop around for the best odds. It’s like comparing prices before you buy something onlin..
Look for Basketball Betting Variety
A good sportsbook should offer:
- NBA, NCAA, WNBA, Euroleague, and more
- Moneyline, point spreads, totals, props, futures, parlays
- Live betting options (so you can bet while the game is happening)
If a site only offers basic bets on one or two leagues, you’re missing out on opportunities.
Check the Bonuses (but Read the Fine Print!)
Welcome bonuses, free bets, and cashback offers can be a great boost when you’re starting out. But always check:
- Wagering requirements
- Minimum odds
- Expiry dates
Some offers sound great but are tough to cash out. A solid sportsbook gives you reasonable terms on their promos.
Mobile Experience & Ease of Use
If you’re betting during a game or checking your bets on the go, the sportsbook’s app or mobile site needs to be smooth and fast. You want:
- Quick loading
- Easy-to-find betting markets
- Fast deposit and withdrawal access
A clunky site can ruin your vibe (and your timing).
Fast & Reliable Payouts
You win a bet, you obviously want your cash as soon as possible, right? Look for sportsbooks known for:
- Fast withdrawals
- Fair banking limits
- Multiple payout options (PayPal, crypto, bank transfer, etc.)
If a sportsbook takes weeks to pay or has vague payout rules, skip it.
Customer Support That Actually Helps
Even errors and mistakes can happen at the best online sportsbook. But what differentiates a good sportsbook from a greaty sportsbook is how they respond to you when you need help.
With that in mind, make sure the sportsbook has:
- Live chat
- Email or phone support
- 24/7 availability (especially during big events)
Good customer service = peace of mind.
We recommend takin a look at our honest sportsbook reviews for insightful and comprehensive information on sportsbooks. Our reviews will give you the right information you need to make an informational decision as to which sportsbook to choose to bet on basketball.
Wrapping It Up: You Got This!
Betting on basketball isn’t all about luck. It’s also about learning, researching, and managing your bankroll like a pro. You’ve just taken your first step, and now you’re better equipped than most people out there.
Whether you’re betting on the NBA, NCAA, or WNBA, always remember: Smart bets + discipline = long-term success.
So go ahead, go to a top online sportsbook, check the lines, and place your first bet with confidence. The game just got a whole lot more exciting.
