Basketball is now a sport enjoyed on a global level and while the NBA dominates stateside, a host of other competitive leagues are beginning to make an impact too. Basketball betting sites are also increasing in popularity.
This page will outline our recommended basketball betting sites, as well as how to wager on the sport. If you are looking to place real money wagers on your favourite teams and players, our basketball betting strategy guide has you covered. Whether you follow the NBA religiously or are a fan of the EuroLeague, keep reading to learn more about this ever-growing market.
Contents
- 1 Our Recommended Basketball Betting Sites
- 2 How We Rank The Best Basketball Betting Sites
- 3 Most Popular Basketball Betting Markets
- 4 How to Succeed at Basketball Betting: Strategy & Tips
- 5 Sign up with UK's Favourite Basketball Betting Site Today
- 6 Most Popular Basketball Leagues & Competitions to Bet On
- 7 Bottom Line
- 8 Sports Betting Guides
- 9 Basketball Betting Sites FAQ’s
Our Recommended Basketball Betting Sites
- Bookmaker
- Features
- Claim Free Bet
- All professional basketball leagues covered
- Basketball-specific promotions on offer
- Mobile betting app for iOS and Android users
- Range of European basketball leagues covered
- 77% additional winnings on acca bets
- Easy to use sportsbook on desktop and mobile
- Variety of basketball leagues and events covered
- Live streaming on selected basketball matches
- Fantastic in-play opportunities
- Large number of pre-match and in-play basketball markets
- Unique welcome offer
- Regularly offers market leading odds
- Different basketball-specific promotions available
- Hugely competitive odds
- Live streaming of selected basketball games*
How We Rank The Best Basketball Betting Sites
Any online bookie worth its weight in gold today must cover basketball. However, the best basketball betting sites go the extra mile. As a result, punters can rest assured that our recommended basketball betting sites deliver in all areas, because when ranking our favourites, the following criteria is taken into consideration:
Safety, Markets & Odds
- Safety – First and foremost, basketball betting sites must be licensed and regulated in the UK. This means that they have already passed strict testing by the Gambling Commission. Safety is always our first priority, with features including Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption and firewalls being important. We also look at feedback from former or existing customers in this area, as this is normally a good indicator.
- Markets – While betting on the NBA remains the most popular basketball market, other leagues and events are available with our recommended bookies. The EuroLeague and Spanish Liga ACB are examples. Meanwhile, it is possible for punters to bet on markets such as 1st quarter, handicaps and overtime.
- Odds – Our recommended basketball betting sites all score highly when it comes to odds. Basketball betting prices will determine how much you earn when placing a winning bet. As such, punters should be able to find value, with odds being calculated by those with a good grasp of the sport. Basketball odds are generally available in fractional, decimal and American formats too.
Features, Promo’s, Mobile & Support
- Features – Additional features found at basketball betting sites can undoubtedly make the experience more enjoyable for punters. Live streaming and cash out are perhaps the two most in-demand features for basketball fans today. Those who are able to offer live streaming of games are already one-up on their competitors.
- Promotions – Let’s start by saying that promotions are not the most important thing when it comes to basketball betting sites. Odds and available markets will be more beneficial in the long run. However, bonuses, free bets and price boosts available to basketball punters can potentially help you in reaching your goals.
- Mobile – A large proportion of basketball bets are now placed using a mobile device. As such, bookies must ensure that markets are easily accessible to punters on the go. Some may go as far as offering a specialist app, however basketball betting sites will generally have been optimised for mobile use.
- Support – The high performance of our recommended basketball betting sites means that customer support is unlikely to be needed regularly. However, when it is required, support should ideally be available 24/7, via telephone, email and live chat.
Most Popular Basketball Betting Markets
There are now a large number of markets available when it comes to basketball betting sites. However, it is the following that generally attract the greatest attention from punters:
Game Winner
Game Winner – Popular due to its simplicity, punters here are betting on the team they believe will win an individual basketball game. Both teams involved are given a pre-game price, based on their form, league position and player availability, among other factors. Using an example from Betway below, you will see that the Los Angeles Lakers were the favourites to beat the Miami Heat.
Total Points & Handicap
- Total Points – Here, a bet is placed on the total number of points scored during a basketball game. Generally speaking, punters must wager on this being over or under a set figure. Using Betway as an example again, punters can bet on there being over or under 219.5 points scored. This market will not normally take into account points scored during overtime.
- Handicap – Also referred to as the point spread at some basketball betting sites, bookies will set a margin for the teams involved. If you believe your fancied team will overcome this margin and win, you may consider betting on this. However, if you fancy the underdog to come out on top or the favourite to win by less than the spread, you will alter your bet accordingly. You will see from the example below, punters can bet on the Lakers to win with a -2.5 spread, meaning that they must win by more than this number of points for your bet to win. Basketball spread betting or handicap basketball betting is now hugely popular.
Outright
- Outrights – Some basketball betting sites will accept bets on the outright winner of leagues and events. For example, punters looking to back their favourite team to win the NBA Championship. Odds are available from the start of the season, with many placing long-term bets in the hope of winning big.
Quarter & Half
- Quarter Betting – If you know that one team normally starts quickly or is known for their prowess in the latter stages of games, quarter betting could well be worth utilising. Here, punters can bet on the winner of each quarter, as well as potentially the total points scored.
- Half Betting – Basketball games are divided into four quarters and two halves. As such, some basketball betting sites also offer markets surrounding each half. Which teams will score the most points is the most popular option here.
Overtime & Margin
- Overtime – With many basketball games going down to the wire, betting on the possibility of overtime has become increasingly popular. This results when the score is level after four quarters. Most basketball betting sites simply offer a “Yes” or “No” option here.
- Winning Margin – Betting on the margin of victory of a basketball game is another popular market. As you will see from the example at Betway below, a host of different points options are available.
Player
- Player Betting – Wish to bet on Lebron James being the highest points scorer in an upcoming game? Most basketball betting sites also offer markets surrounding specific players.
How to Succeed at Basketball Betting: Strategy & Tips
As with any sport, there are no guarantees when it comes to operating on basketball betting sites. Having a clear basketball betting strategy is important. Your strategy should be formed based on your budget and objectives, with a number of options being available to punters.
Be sure to use a small amount of your disposable income when betting on basketball. Meanwhile, keep track of your bets in order to see where you have both won and lost in the past. Finally, stick to what you know! Do not bet on teams of which you have little prior knowledge, as this will, more often than not, lead to losses. Meanwhile, the following basketball betting tips take a closer look at how punters should bet on teams and players:
Basketball Betting Tips
- Look at the stats – Basketball games can be broken down into shooting, turnovers, rebounds and free throws. So, be sure to look at such stats before placing bets. While this involves some investment of time, it will be well worth it.
- Check the schedule – Momentum is everything in basketball. Teams will often go on extended winning or losing streaks. So, be sure to take a look at the recent results of the teams involved.
- Rosters – The players available could well have a significant bearing on the result of a basketball game. Injuries and suspensions occur regularly. So, do your research beforehand.
- Travel – Whether it be the NBA or EuroLeague, basketball teams often have to travel great distances to take on opponents. Travelling can be tiresome, meaning that players are not in tip-top condition to play.
- Motivation – Also consider the motivation for victory for the teams involved. If a team has already qualified for the season ending playoffs, they may take their foot off the gas and not play to their maximum. Similarly, a team may well raise their game if they need to win.
Sign up with UK's Favourite Basketball Betting Site Today
- Bookmaker
- Features
- Claim Free Bet
- All professional basketball leagues covered
- Basketball-specific promotions on offer
- Mobile betting app for iOS and Android users
Most Popular Basketball Leagues & Competitions to Bet On
There are a large number of professional basketball leagues across the globe today and an increasing number feature at basketball betting sites, with the following being the most popular to bet on:
NBA
The National Basketball Association has long been the biggest and best league in the world. Comprising of 30 teams from the United States and Canada, the NBA dates back to 1946. Each team plays 82 games during the regular season, with the playoffs determining who will be crowned champions. Ahead of even the National Football League, the NBA is the biggest franchise in the US today.
EuroLeague
Known as the Champions League of basketball, the EuroLeague involves the best club teams from around Europe. Involving 16 different teams, the EuroLeague season takes place between October and April annually. Founded in 1958, Real Madrid have 10 titles to their name, the most in the league’s history.
Spain’s Liga ACB
Founded in 1957, the Liga ACB is the top basketball league in Spain. Real Madrid and Barcelona have dominated over the years. Teams finishing in the bottom two positions are relegated. The league runs from October to May each year, with 17 teams being involved.
German Bundesliga
Long regarded as one of Europe’s best basketball leagues, the Bundesliga involves 18 clubs. Running from September to May, the majority of basketball betting sites cover this league.
Australian National Basketball League
Involving teams from both Australia and New Zealand, the NBL runs from October to February. A merger with Chinese teams has long been discussed, with just 8 teams currently being involved.
Chinese Basketball Association
Formed only in 1995, the CBA involves 20 different teams, each of which are allowed a maximum of two foreign players. Running from October to February, many players from this league move on to the NBA.
NCAA
College basketball is now hugely popular with punters too. Founded in 1906, the NCAA Involves colleges from both the US and Canada and is divided into three divisions, I, II and III. Many college players earn contracts with NBA teams because of their performances in the NCAA.
Bottom Line
It is not just the NBA that features at basketball betting sites today. With a host of leagues and events being available to bet on, there has never been a better time to sign up. All of our recommended basketball betting sites are 100%, while they also offer a host of markets and additional features. So, be sure to check them out and pick your favourite, before backing your favourite teams and players in games from around the world.
Sports Betting Guides
It is not just basketball in which we provide an expert betting guide on. We cater for the needs of other punters too. So be sure to check out the following guides, because they will improve your understanding of such markets and help you in developing a clear strategy.
Basketball Betting Sites FAQ’s
Which basketball leagues and events are available to bet on online?
Our recommended basketball betting sites cover a host of leagues and events. The most popular include the NBA, EuroLeague and NCAA, because games take place on an almost daily basis throughout the year.
What is the best basketball betting strategy?
There is no strategy that guarantees success. However, it is generally best to focus on one or a smaller number of leagues. Looking to win across all basketball events is very difficult.
Which are the most popular basketball betting markets?
The most popular basketball betting market is moneyline, which simply means betting on the winner of an individual game. However, total points, handicaps, quarter, half and player markets are also available.
Can I watch basketball games live online?
Some basketball betting sites offer live streaming. Available on selected games, this means that games can be watched live on desktop and mobile.
Are basketball betting sites safe?
Our recommended basketball betting sites are 100% safe. However, it is vital to register with a bookie that is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Be sure to check out reviews from former customers too.
