Basketball betting: Odds, markets and how to bet

Leap into the excitement of basketball betting at Betway Sports, where we offer a wide range of odds and markets for basketball games worldwide. From the NBA and WNBA to the EuroLeague, NCAA to the Champions League, we cover it all. With thousands of season-long, pre-game and in-play betting markets, you'll find everything you need to bet on basketball at the tap of a finger.

At Betway, we provide competitive basketball odds across our website, mobile site, and iOS and Android apps, allowing you to bet wherever and whenever you want. Whether you're a veteran hoops fans or new to basketball betting, our user-friendly platform makes it easy to place bets.

You can also stay informed with our basketball betting tips and predictions on the Betway Insider blog. Our experts provide insightful analysis to help you make informed betting decisions.

How to bet on basketball online (step-by-step)

Betting on basketball online can seem a bit daunting at first. But once you get the hang of it, it can be a thrilling experience. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

• Create a Betway account: You will need to provide a few personal details and then verify your account to get started. 
• Explore basketball betting markets: Head to the basketball section of the sportsbook to find various markets, odds and fixtures and familiarise yourself with the different types of bets available.
• Place your bet: Once you've selected your bet, enter your stake and confirm your wager - you can follow along with our mobile app and live stats. 

Understanding basketball odds: Moneyline, spread, totals

When betting on basketball, understanding the odds is essential. Basketball betting odds show both the likelihood of an outcome and the potential return on your stake. Whether you're betting on the NBA, EuroLeague or other major leagues, knowing how the main markets work can help you make more informed decisions.

Moneyline

The Moneyline (match winner) market is the simplest basketball bet. You simply choose which team will win the game. The odds indicate the potential return from your stake, making it an ideal market for both new and experienced basketball bettors. For example, if the Boston Celtics are at +150, a £100 bet would yield £150 profit if they win.

Points spread

A Points spread bet gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to create a more balanced market. For example, if a team is priced at -5.5, they must win by six points or more for the bet to be successful. If the opposing team is +5.5, they can either win the game outright or lose by five points or fewer. Spread betting is one of the most popular basketball betting markets, particularly for closely matched NBA fixtures.

Total points (Over/Under)

The Total Points market, often known as Over/Under betting, focuses on the combined score of both teams. If the line is set at 220.5 points, you can back either Over or Under that total. The final result of the match determines whether your selection wins.

Common bet types explained: props, accumulators & futures

While moneyline, handicap and total points bets are among the most popular basketball markets, there are plenty of other options available if you're looking to add variety to your betting.

Player Markets

Player markets allow you to bet on the performance of individual players rather than the outcome of the game itself. These markets can cover a wide range of statistics, including points scored, rebounds, assists, three-pointers made and more. For example, you might back a player to score over 20.5 points during a game or predict that a particular star player will record a double-double. Player markets are particularly popular in the NBA, where detailed player statistics provide plenty of betting opportunities.

Accumulators

An accumulator combines multiple selections into a single bet. Rather than backing just one outcome, you can include selections from several games to increase the potential return. For example, you could combine three Match Winner selections from different basketball fixtures into one bet. If all three selections are successful, the accumulator wins. However, if just one selection loses, the entire bet is unsuccessful.

Outright betting

Outright betting involves predicting the winner of a competition before the outcome has been decided. These markets are available throughout the season and often cover events such as NBA Championship winner, EuroLeague winner, NBA Conference winners and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.

Outright bets can be placed before a season starts or during the campaign as odds fluctuate based on team performances, injuries and league standings.

In-play betting: How live markets differ and how to use cash out

In-play betting adds an exciting twist to basketball betting. You're not just placing your bets before the game starts; you can bet while the game is happening and the action unfolds. Here's how it differs:

• Live Odds: The odds change dynamically based on what’s happening in the game. If a team goes on a scoring run, their odds might shorten while the trailing team's odds lengthen.
• Cash Out Options: Some betting sites let you cash out early, meaning you can settle your bet before the game's finished. This is useful if you're unsure about the final outcome but want to secure some profit or cut losses.

How to choose a basketball betting site: Key factors

Choosing the right basketball betting site can play an important role in your overall betting experience. Whether you're following the NBA, EuroLeague or other major competitions, there are several factors worth considering before placing a bet. Some of the factors to consider include:

• Licensing and security: Licensed betting sites are required to meet strict standards relating to player protection, fairness and responsible gambling. It's also important to look for secure payment methods before making any deposits or withdrawals.
• Range of basketball markets: Betway offers a broad selection of markets that can give bettors more ways to get involved. The availability of live betting and in-play markets may also be important for those who enjoy placing wagers while a game is in progress.
• Mobile betting options: With many basketball fans following games on the go, mobile compatibility has become increasingly important. Betway's app or mobile website allows you to access markets, place bets and manage your account from a smartphone or tablet, adding convenience to the betting experience.
• Responsible gambling tools: Responsible gambling features are an important part of any licensed betting platform. Tools such as deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion options can help customers manage their betting activity and stay in control.

Responsible betting tools and managing your bankroll

Responsible betting is key to having an enjoyable experience. At Betway, we're committed to offering a reliable and responsible platform where all bettors can bet responsibly and manage their bankroll effectively. Important things to consider include:

• Setting a budget: Decide how much money you want to bet, and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford.
• Use betting tools: Our site offers tools to help you manage your betting. Look for features that allow you to set deposit limits or cooling-off periods.
• Keep records: Track your bets and outcomes. This will help you understand your betting patterns and make informed decisions in the future.

FAQ: Quick answers to common basketball betting questions

How do you bet in basketball?

Choose a market (moneyline, spread, or totals), decide your stake, and place the bet through your bookmaker's website or app. Check pre-game and in-play odds, confirm the bet slip, and monitor the event, cash-out lets you settle early when available.

How to bet on basketball safely?

Use a licensed, reputable site with secure payments, set a staking plan, and use responsible-gambling tools (limits, self-exclusion). Learn basic bet types and check odds comparison before staking to make informed decisions.

What is +7.5 in basketball betting?

+7.5 is a points spread giving the underdog 7.5 points. If you back the underdog +7.5 your bet wins if they lose by seven points or fewer, draw, or win the match outright.

What does +5.5 mean in basketball?

+5.5 is a spread; the team given +5.5 can lose by five or fewer and still cover the spread. A win, tie against the spread, or losing by less than six points means a winning bet on +5.5.

What are common basketball bet types I should know?

Common bets include Moneyline (match winner), Point Spread (handicap), Total/Over-Under, Player props, Parlays/accumulators, and Futures. each has different risk and payout profiles - learn the rules for each before wagering.