Are you looking for a way to turn your basketball expertise into real winnings? Betting on basketball can be a great way to put your knowledge to work and add excitement to every game — but only if you’re using the right platform. That’s where we come in. We carefully screen basketball betting sites to ensure they hold appropriate local licenses so you can start betting freely without any concerns. Our experts rate them based on various criteria and with high standards in mind to provide the ultimate basketball betting experience for US players. Check out our top picks and find the perfect site for you.
Finding the best sportsbooks for basketball betting isn’t easy — it’s a layered and thorough evaluation that we take seriously. It requires looking through a set of important features that can make or break a platform. Have a look at the most important factors we consider, and you’ll know why these betting sites stand out:
Bonuses and Promotions
The best sportsbooks have a balanced offer. They help new bettors get started and reward returning ones through regular bonuses and promotions. Hefty welcome bonuses are eye-catching, but the terms must be fair for easy access to the bonus funds. A solid offer includes various types of promotions that suit different styles of bettors, including free bets, cashback, and reload bonuses.
Betting Features
To make the most out of your payout opportunities, you’ll need a sportsbook that offers an array of betting features. These tools provide the best way to use your sports knowledge and improve your betting decisions. We rank sites based on how accessible and comprehensive their features are. For example, live streaming is crucial for successful in-play bets, while bet builders allow you to make multiple wagers on a single match, helping you make the most of your knowledge of the teams.
Payment Methods
Fast and secure transactions matter to players, and we make it a point to recommend basketball betting sites that offer just that. These sites offer convenient options like Venmo, PayPal, ACH transfer, and Visa/Mastercard for a smooth experience, whether depositing funds or withdrawing your winnings.
Security
There’s no compromise with top-tier betting sites because security measures must be airtight. We only support sites with valid US licenses and advanced SSL technology for data protection. Only with these safeguards in place can you be worry-free when making your bets.
Competitive Odds
Betting odds make all the difference between sites competing for the top spot. To bring you bet offers from only the best betting sites, we constantly compare betting platforms to see which site has the best odds, which translates into better value for your money and larger potential winnings.
What Makes a Great Basketball Betting Site
For a well-rounded betting experience, players look for a site offering more than security and a smooth user experience. A great basketball betting site excels in key areas, providing everything you need for successful wagering. While we don’t expect every betting site to excel in all areas, it’s crucial that they still cover the essentials. So, let’s see what separates the best online sportsbooks from the rest.
Coverage
When it comes to basketball coverage, more options are always better. A top online betting platform will feature all the major basketball leagues in the US, including the NBA, NCAA, and the WNBA. Moreover, basketball fans like to wager on international leagues like the EuroLeague, the Spanish Liga ACB, or the Australian NBL.
Not all sites have extensive coverage, so we make a point to single out those with the full package. Moneylines, point spreads, and totals are the most popular among bettors, but there are also futures and player prop bets that garner much attention and that we like to see included.
Live Betting
There isn’t anything more fun in betting than placing your wagers during play, which is why it has become a standard feature on top sports betting sites. However, while many platforms offer live basketball betting, not all provide the same options. Betting in real-time and with shifting odds is a major draw for US players, but to keep the players engaged, these sites need to provide a diverse selection of live betting markets.
Mobile Apps
With the rise of online betting, mobile apps have been at the forefront of this trend. Basketball bettors embraced sports betting apps, enjoying the opportunity to place wagers on the go.
Top sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM offer iOS and Android apps optimized for a user-friendly experience. Many of these platforms also offer state-specific apps, so if you’re in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or some other state where sports betting is legal, you can immediately access markets tailored to your location.
It shows that the greatest strength of basketball betting apps is their convenience, allowing you to place bets from anywhere, with all of the necessary information readily available.
How to Bet on Basketball
Basketball betting is a simple process, even for new players, as it can be broken down into essential and easy-to-follow steps. Here’s what you need to pay attention to as you get ready to place your first wagers:
Choose a basketball betting site: Start by selecting one of the top sportsbooks carefully chosen by our online sports betting experts.
Create an account: The next step is creating an account. You’ll need to provide personal information, and legal sports betting requires standard KYC procedures, so all the information needs to be verified before your account becomes active.
Evaluate the bonus offers: Take a moment to check the bonus terms and see if they’re worth the investment. You’ll find some of the best US betting promos with our recommended betting sites, and it’s up to you to select those best suited for you.
Make a deposit: Before you claim your bonus, you have to deposit some funds. Top basketball betting sites have a diverse range of convenient methods for deposits and withdrawals, including Venmo, bank transfers, and credit and debit cards, providing quick and safe transactions.
Decide the leagues and games to bet on: Picking teams and leagues you’re knowledgeable about gives you more chance of success with your wagers. Major events like the NBA playoffs or the NCAA March Madness are a great start for most and provide excellent betting opportunities.
Choose your type of bet: Decide the type of bet you want to place. Moneyline bets are a simple and popular choice, but you also might feel comfortable with player props or point spread. Eventually, it will be worth your while if you try different betting markets and put your knowledge to the test.
Place your bet: The next step is to confirm the betting market you have selected. Always double-check the odds, especially if you’re betting on live matches.
Collect your winnings: If your bet was successful, your account will be credited automatically. From there, you have the choice of cashing out your winnings or investing in further betting opportunities.
Most Popular Types of Basketball Bets
There are several types of basketball bets, which provide different levels of involvement and strategy. New and experienced bettors can equally benefit from these bets, and understanding these bet types helps you make the right decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the most important bet types to get you started:
Moneyline: One of the simplest wagers in basketball betting, it is also the most popular. With moneyline bets, you are betting on which team will come out on top, regardless of the point difference. For example, if the Mavericks are playing the Celtics, you’ll choose the outright winner with this bet.
Point spread: Also referred to as a handicap bet, this bet levels the playing field by giving the underdog a point margin. If a team is an underdog, they will get a point spread. For example, if the Chicago Bulls are the favorites against the Atlanta Hawks, the Hawks might receive a +6.5 spread. This means the Hawks can lose the game by up to 6 points but still be counted as winners on the betting line. Consider it a “point boost” for the underdog to even the odds.
Totals or overs/unders: With this bet, you’re wagering on the combined score of both teams. In fact, you’re betting that the combined score will be over or under the number provided by the sportsbook. Therefore, if the sportsbook sets the total number of points at 210.5, any combined score of 211 or more is a win for the over, while a score of 210 or less wins for the under.
Quarters or halftime betting: If you feel more comfortable betting on a portion of the game than the overall result, halftime or quarters betting could be the right choice. You can bet who’ll have the point advantage at halftime or which team will score more in the final quarter. This type of dynamic bet works great for those who enjoy live betting.
Winning margin: A winning margin bet will require predicting the score more precisely, as you bet on the exact point range by which a team will win. You’re right; it is similar to the point spread. However, this bet brings a bigger challenge and higher potential payouts when successful. For example, if the Bucks are playing the Pacers, you might have several ranges available to bet if the Bucks will beat the Pacers with 1-5 points or 6-10, and so on.
Props: Props betting involves betting on a specific player’s performance or an in-game event rather than the game’s outcome. Player props are among the most popular, with various bet options available. You can place a bet if a particular player will score more than 25.5 points, how many rebounds a player will collect, or if he’ll accomplish a triple-double during the match.
Futures: With future bets, you’ll be putting wagers on long-term events that go well beyond a single game,like who will be the NBA MVP player or which teams will win the NBA Championship. You can make these bets during the season and rekindle the excitement when the time comes for the results.
Popular Basketball Tournaments to Bet on
Basketball betting doesn’t necessarily begin and end with NBA games. While the biggest league in the world offers some of the best action year-round, there are still loads of options to be found elsewhere. If you’re a basketball fan but haven’t ventured outside the most familiar option, here are some of the best basketball tournaments to bet on.
NBA – National Basketball Association
The NBA is the most popular professional basketball competition for a reason. Its fast-paced action and incredible star-studded roster keep fans entertained and engaged. There will be plenty of opportunities for NBA betting with 30 teams, including iconic franchises like the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics. With each team playing 82 games during the regular season, there’s no stopping the action.
After the regular NBA season comes to a close, it’s time for the real action to start—the playoffs and everything culminating with the NBA Finals. In mid-season, the NBA All-Star game represents a special opportunity for NBA bettors when the best players from the West and East Conference step out on the court for an unsurpassed evening of sports entertainment every February. If you’re looking for opportunities to bet on the NBA, you’ll be able to find the best NBA odds on our recommended sportsbook list.
NCAA (March Madness)
College basketball and the annual March Madness tournament are on a different level, attracting more and more basketball betting enthusiasts. Unlike the annual leagues that engage sports fans during the regular season, this tournament packs 68 games in a single month, and the NCAA final tops the NBA final in terms of viewers. No wonder March Madness betting brings unrivaled action to sports betting as well.
Our list has the best college basketball betting sites in America, but be aware there are specific restrictions when it comes to college basketball betting, depending on the state where you place your bets. To maintain a clear distinction between amateur and professional sports, specific basketball bets, like player props, might be off the table in some states. So, check your local regulations before you get consumed by the betting frenzy.
FIBA World Cup – International Basketball Federation World Cup
The International Basketball Federation, or FIBA, is the governing body for international basketball. It is responsible for organizing the Basketball World Cup. Second only to the Olympics, the FIBA World Cup is held every four years, and it brings together the strongest teams from around the globe, including the United States, France, Argentina, and Spain.
This tournament is an incredible opportunity for basketball fans and bettors to follow and place wagers on some of the best teams and players in the world. With a format that includes both group stages and exciting knockout rounds, it is a must-watch event for basketball enthusiasts across the globe.
Other Basketball Leagues and Events for US Bettors
Basketball fans aren’t limited to just NBA betting. Nor are they confined to specific seasons, countries, or teams. The best basketball betting sites offer year-round opportunities, from domestic leagues to international competitions.
US bettors can legally wager on some of the strongest European competitions, like the Spanish League, or place player prop bets in the Chinese CBA league, where former NBA players often dominate the action. Here’s a short list of the most popular basketball competitions for bettors:
Event
Location
Frequency
Euroleague
Europe
Annual
Australian NBL
Australia
Annual
Olympic Games
Global
Every four years
FIBA World Cup
Global
Every four years
Spanish Liga ACB
Spain
Annual
Chinese CBA
China
Annual
These competitions give basketball fans many options to bet throughout the year, beyond just the NBA basketball calendar.
Basketball Betting Bonuses and Promotions
With the best basketball betting sites, there is a constant flow of bonuses and promotions designed to boost your betting. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of basketball betting bonuses and how they can benefit both new and seasoned bettors:
Welcome offers: These are typically deposit match offers given to new users. You can double your initial deposit and get extra funds to wager on various basketball events and markets.
No deposit bonus: Some online betting sites offer a no-deposit bonus, allowing you to place bets without risking your money. This is a great way to test your betting strategy without risk, giving you free funds to bet on anything from the NBA props to the Olympics.
Free bets: These bets are another way to get free funds for betting. They are often part of promotional offers, allowing you to place a bet without spending money. This is great for placing live NBA bets or testing your luck on international basketball games.
Our recommended basketball betting sites and apps offer frequent promotions for new and returning players to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Basketball Betting Regulation in the US
In recent years, significant changes have been made to basketball betting in the US. When the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was enacted in 1992, sports betting was banned in most states, with only a few exceptions, such as Delaware and Montana, and most notably, Nevada, which was the only state that offered full-scale sports betting before PASPA.
Since the appeal of PASPA, states have been allowed to decide whether to legalize sports betting. Currently, 38 states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, have legalized sports betting, with 30 states offering online betting options for basketball wagering.
Today, US bettors in many parts of the country can place bets on the NBA, NCAA, and a long list of the best international leagues available through legal basketball betting sites.
Slam Dunk Your Bets with the Best Basketball Betting Sites
With mobile betting becoming legal across the US, basketball markets have never been more accessible. US bettors have no shortage of options, and now you can place your bets on the spot, from anywhere, using your mobile device.
The betting sites we recommend go through a strict selection process so that we can confidently say they are the best in the industry. From secure transactions and proper licensing to offering the best odds and a range of betting options, these sites provide great opportunities to bet legally all year.
NBA and NCAA fans will find extensive betting market coverage, but there are also opportunities like the Spanish League ACB or the FIBA World Cup. Check out our list and get started with the best basketball betting sites and your favorite leagues and tournaments!
Basketball Betting Sites FAQs
Yes, basketball betting is legal in 38 states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, with 30 states offering online betting sites and apps for basketball betting.
Top sites include DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. These sportsbooks consistently offer great user experience, the best bonuses, betting options for leagues like the NBA and NCAA, and international competitions like the EuroLeague.
Yes, college basketball betting is available on most US sportsbooks, especially during major tournaments like March Madness. You can bet on individual games or futures, but some bets, such as player props, could be limited, depending on the state where you’re betting.
Yes, many online sportsbooks offer live basketball betting. This allows you to place bets in real-time as the game unfolds, adjusting to shifts in momentum and odds. Live betting is available for major events like the NBA Finals, March Madness, and regular-season games.
Yes, many sportsbooks offer betting options for international basketball leagues like the EuroLeague, Spanish Liga ACB, and Chinese CBA. These leagues provide year-round opportunities for betting beyond the NBA and NCAA.
Typically, basketball betting bonuses include welcome offers, no-deposit bonuses, and free bets. These promotions give new and returning players extra funds or risk-free opportunities to bet on games.
Placing a bet on basketball is simple. First, choose a basketball betting site, create an account, and make a deposit. Then, select the league or game you want to bet on, choose your preferred bet type (e.g., moneyline or point spread), and place your wager. If your bet wins, your account will be credited with the winnings.
Most online basketball betting sites offer a variety of secure payment methods, including PayPal, Venmo, ACH transfers, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers. Deposits are usually processed instantly, while withdrawals may take longer, depending on the method used.
