In the past few years, online sports betting has become more widespread in the U.S., with over half of the states legalising it since 2018. That means there’s a good chance you can bet online or at least live close to a state where it’s allowed.
You’re in the right place if you’re curious about basketball betting. We’ll break down the top five options you should know about, making them easy to understand and helping you get the most out of your betting experience.
Table of Contents
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting is a straightforward way to get in on the action. For example, when you place a moneyline bet on basketball in New Zealand, you choose the team you believe will win the game outright. Unlike other types of bets, the margin of victory doesn’t matter – all that matters is which team emerges victorious.
Sportsbooks assign Each team moneyline odds, reflecting their perceived chances of winning. A team with minus odds is considered the favourite, while plus odds indicate the underdog. Whether it’s a thrilling overtime finish or a dominant blowout, a win in moneyline betting is an accessible and exciting option for basketball fans of all levels.
Futures Betting
Futures betting injects an element of anticipation and foresight into basketball wagering. It’s all about predicting events that will unfold in the near or distant future.
For instance, you can wager on individual accolades such as the Sixth Man of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, or Most Valuable Player awards. These bets allow you to showcase your insight into player performance and potential breakout stars.
Alternatively, you can place futures bets on a team’s overall performance throughout the season. Will they clinch their conference? Dominate their division? Secure the coveted championship title? The possibilities are endless, and the stakes are high.
Future odds can change as the season goes on. Trades, injuries, and how well teams play can all shake things up. It adds a fun twist to betting, keeping you hooked on the season’s ups and downs. So, if you like thinking ahead and taking a shot at big wins, futures betting is worth a try.
Spread Betting
Spread betting is popular among basketball fans for its added excitement and strategy. Rather than choosing the outright winner, spread betting challenges you to predict not only who will win but also by how much.
Here’s how it works: sportsbooks set a “spread,” which is a certain number of points the favoured team is expected to win. The goal is for the favourite to “cover” the spread, meaning they need to win by that margin or more for their bet to pay out. On the flip side, if you bet on the underdog, they can lose the game but still “cover” the spread if they keep it close or win outright.
Spread betting evens the playing field by balancing the odds for both teams, even if one is heavily favoured to win. It adds an extra layer of excitement to every game, as you’re not just rooting for a win but for your team to meet or exceed expectations.
One of the great things about spread betting is the availability of alternate spreads. It allows bettors to customise their bets based on their predictions of the game’s outcome. Whether you think the favourite will win even more points or the underdog will put up a more vigorous fight, there’s a spread bet for every strategy.
Player Props
Player props add an exciting layer of personalisation to basketball betting, allowing you to focus on the individual performances of your favourite players. Instead of betting on the game’s outcome, player props let you wager on specific statistical achievements within the game.
You can bet on a wide range of player stats, including points scored, rebounds grabbed, assists dished out, steals made, and even more niche categories like three-pointers made or blocks accumulated. This extensive selection of options lets you tailor your bets to your knowledge of the players and their playing styles.
Moreover, some sportsbooks offer combination bets where you can bet on multiple-player stats in the same game, allowing for even more strategic and intricate betting opportunities.
Analysing player statistics, past performances, and matchups can provide valuable insights when making informed prop bets. For example, if a player is known for their sharpshooting from beyond the arc and faces a team with weak perimeter defence, you might consider betting on them to make a certain number of three-pointers in the game.
First Basket Betting
First-basket betting offers an exhilarating rush for basketball fans craving instant action and the allure of high odds. It’s a simple yet thrilling wager that revolves around predicting which player will score the very first basket of the game.
At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward proposition—after all, there are only two teams and a limited number of players likely to score early in the game. However, first-basket bets can become more intricate, allowing bettors to pick the players and speculate on how they’ll score.
Will it be a thunderous dunk, a smooth layup, or a clutch three-pointer? The possibilities add an extra layer of excitement to this fast-paced betting option.
Despite its immediate appeal, it’s important to note that first-basket betting is highly speculative. While it can undoubtedly enhance the excitement of watching a game unfold, it’s not typically recommended for those seeking to build a consistent bankroll through sports betting.
Instead, first-basket betting is best enjoyed as a fun and thrilling addition to your basketball viewing experience. It offers a shot of adrenaline and the chance to root for your favourite players from the opening tip-off.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the top five basketball betting options can enhance your wagering experience and potentially lead to tremendous success. Whether you prefer the simplicity of moneyline betting, the anticipation of future bets, the strategy of spread betting, the personalisation of player props, or the excitement of first-basket betting, there’s something for every basketball enthusiast in sports wagering.
