Last Updated May 6, 2022, 03:28 PM ET
The biggest NBA betting opportunities surface during the postseason. Near-nightly action fuels the online basketball betting sites, but navigating the NBA betting landscape can be more complex than guarding the pick and roll.
We've compiled a list of the best legal basketball betting sites, packed with unbiased sportsbook reviews, the best bonuses, up-to-date NBA game odds, and more.
Scouting basketball betting websites should be a layup. However, too many people are overwhelmed by the possible betting action and often overlook critical features. We've outlined what to look for and how to choose an online sportsbook to place your basketball bets.
Trust and integrityNBA coaches keep their playbooks under lock and key, which is not too dissimilar from basketball betting sites. These sites boast state-of-the-art security measures like SSL data encryption, and each holds a legal operating license from registered authorities.
Banking optionsThe recommended sites highlighted earlier provide you with standard sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods, so choose the one you are most comfortable using. Securing your bets before tip-off and recouping your winnings post-game is essential.
The best oddsLocating and locking in the best price for your basketball bets is key to a successful betting strategy. Oddsmakers are not always willing or likely, to take on the inherent risk of paying out at big betting odds. However, the top 10 sports betting sites on our list offer fair odds. Monitoring NBA odds from a wide variety of sites can yield the best price.
You may come across slogans like “best odds guaranteed,” which is a benefit to bettors since improved odds translate to more profits when you win your wagers.
League coverageNBA games are played over four quarters, and you want a sportsbook that can go the distance. Choosing a site that covers the most games and the type of bets available is key to success. Most sportsbooks will offer odds on the bigger leagues such as the NBA and college basketball, but some delve into the Chinese, Spanish, and French leagues, too.
Bonuses and promotionsWhile not as lucrative as an NBA player signing bonus, most sportsbooks will offer you a welcome bonus following the initial registration. Other special offers and promotions, like deposit bonuses or a risk-free bet, will follow as you become more engaged. Read the terms and conditions before claiming any of these offers.
Live bettingThe NBA is a fast-paced league and gaining the ability to compare live odds from several online sports betting sites makes a significant difference to your bankroll. Watching line movements in real-time and comparing statistics allows you, the bettor, to jump in at the right moment of the game.
Customer supportCalling a timeout can help your team regroup, and that applies to betting sites, too. Betting sites that offer 24/7 customer service help via live chat, email, or phone will significantly enhance your sports betting experience.
Mobile betting appsToday's trusted basketball betting sites are mobile-friendly, meaning they either have a dedicated app for your iOS or Android devices or a website optimized for mobile browsing and betting. Whether you're betting live from the arena or your couch, you can rely on an intuitive user interface and secure connectivity.
Now that you've familiarized yourself with our list of the best NBA betting sites, you're nearly ready to wager. Follow our step-by-step process of how to create an account and start betting:
Locate, then tap the sign-up or create an account button. Here, you will share personal information, including full name, date of birth, and address.
Adding real money funds to your new account is required before placing any basketball bets. Identify a 'deposit' or 'cashier' button within the account or profile section to complete this step and place a minimum deposit. Processing times at online betting sites vary and each offer a variety of payment options.
Your newly funded account unlocks access to available betting markets. Line up the wager you are willing to stake and confirm the transaction. All selections are viewed on your betting slip, which will disclose the potential payout for playoff games.
Accessing your winnings quickly should be your top priority. Any winnings can be withdrawn from your account or kept there for future wagers. The payment option used for the initial deposit — including via credit cards or debit cards — will be used for withdrawals.
The NBA season, and serious betting opportunities, come into play during the playoffs and NBA Finals. Identify the best prices by scouting the latest NBA betting odds.
Picking a preferred NBA betting site often comes down to which one can offer you the best odds. Look for odds that offer a nice mix of variety and value. Our how to bet on basketball guide dives into each type, but here’s a quick overview of the popular types:
MoneylineThe moneyline represents a set of odds where you back one basketball team to win the game outright. Oddsmakers set the moneylines based on each side's probability of winning the matchup.
Point SpreadNBA teams boast a lot of star power but aren't always matched equally in terms of their skill. When betting the point spread, you must identify by how many points the team you are backing will win or lose by to qualify.
Over/Under (totals)To make an Over/Under wager, you need to identify whether the number of points scored will be — you guessed it — Over or Under the number set by oddsmakers.
Props betYou can wager on a team or player-specific outcomes with a prop bet – also known as proposition bets. This type can include the number of points scored by individual players or how many rebounds a specific player will pull in during a game.
FuturesTypes of bets decided by longer-term results and outcomes are known as futures. These bets are placed on outcomes, including which team will win the NBA championship or which player will win the Finals MVP.
U.S. betting sites typically display odds in American format, but others choose to show decimal and fractional. We created an odds converter that allows you to customize your selections and toggle between each type.
The NBA has become one of the globe's most popular sports, embraced by basketball fans in large part because of its star key players. Here’s how you can become a basketball betting expert and take advantage of available betting opportunities:
Yes. Sports betting legislation has been passed in several U.S. states.
The moneyline, Over/Under, point spread, and prop bets are among the most popular basketball bet types.
Yes. The Top 10 list of trusted basketball betting sites all post odds on the most popular sports and leagues.
Matchups are very important. Several variables are in play including the posted odds, home-court advantage, injuries, and trends.
Betting on this player prop drives a lot of action. Each of the top 10 NBA betting sites will display odds for NBA Finals MVP.
Michael Duchesne is a senior commercial content editor at Covers, who has been researching and reviewing products for more than a decade. The former travel publisher is all in on sports betting. When he's not supporting Covers' broad array of betting experts in making smarter sports bettors, you can find him by the BBQ, perfecting his cross-hatch marks.
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