Basketball betting has grown in popularity due to the fast-paced nature of the game and the variety of betting options available. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a beginner, knowing the types of bets in a basketball game is essential for maximising your betting potential. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common types of basketball bets to help you place smarter wagers.
1. Moneyline Bets
One of the simplest types of bets is the moneyline bet, where you simply pick which team will win the game. The odds are set based on each team’s likelihood of winning.
- If a team has positive odds (e.g., +200), they are considered the underdog, meaning you’ll earn more if they win.
- If a team has negative odds (e.g., -150), they are the favourite, meaning you’ll need to bet more to win a smaller amount.
This type of bet is ideal for those looking for straightforward bets without worrying about point margins.
2. Point Spread Bets
Point spread betting is one of the most popular forms of basketball betting. In this bet, a spread is established to level the playing field between the favourite and the underdog. The favourite has to win by a certain margin, while the underdog has to lose by fewer points than the spread or win the game outright for your bet to be successful.
For example, if the spread is set at -5.5 for Team A, they need to win by 6 or more points for your bet to win. If you bet on Team B with a spread of +5.5, they need to lose by 5 points or fewer, or win the game.
3. Over/Under Bets (Totals)
Another popular betting option is the over/under bet, also known as the totals bet. In this type of bet, the sportsbook sets a predicted total score for the game, and you have to decide whether the actual total score will be over or under that number.
For example, if the over/under for a game is set at 210.5, you can bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be more than 210 points (over) or less than 210 points (under).
4. Prop Bets (Proposition Bets)
Prop bets focus on individual player or team performances rather than the outcome of the game. These bets are fun and offer a wide range of options, such as:
- Player points: Betting on how many points a specific player will score.
- Assists or rebounds: Betting on whether a player will have over or under a certain number of assists or rebounds.
- First team to score: Wagering on which team will score the first point of the game.
Prop bets are popular in basketball because of the game’s fast pace and the availability of real-time stats.
5. Parlay Bets
A parlay bet combines multiple bets into a single wager for a higher payout. You can combine different types of bets, such as moneyline, point spread, or over/under bets, into one ticket. The catch is that all the individual bets must win for the parlay to payout. While parlays offer bigger potential winnings, they also come with greater risk.
For example, if you bet on the moneyline for Team A, the point spread for Team B, and the total points in another game, all three bets must win for you to receive the payout.
6. Futures Bets
Futures bets are long-term wagers that are placed on events that will happen later in the season, such as betting on the winner of the NBA Championship or a team’s regular-season win total. Because these bets are placed in advance, they typically offer higher odds, making them more lucrative if you make a successful pick.
For example, you could place a futures bet at the start of the season on a particular team to win the championship, with higher odds than if you bet closer to the finals.
7. Live Betting (In-Play Bets)
Live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows you to place bets during the game as the action unfolds. This type of betting is perfect for those who like to follow the flow of the game and make quick decisions based on momentum shifts, player performance, and other in-game factors.
Some common live betting options include:
- Next team to score
- Updated point spreads
- Real-time over/under totals
Live betting offers an exciting way to enhance your basketball viewing experience.
8. Halftime and Quarter Bets
With halftime and quarter bets, you can wager on the outcome of a specific half or quarter rather than the entire game. These bets allow for more flexible betting options, especially if you believe one team will dominate a particular part of the game.
For instance, if you expect Team A to come out strong in the first quarter, you can bet on them to win the quarter even if you’re unsure about the full-game result.
Conclusion
With the variety of basketball bets available, there’s something for every type of bettor. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a moneyline bet or the complexity of a parlay bet, understanding the different types of bets in basketball will help you make more informed decisions and potentially increase your winnings. Always remember to manage your bankroll wisely and bet responsibly.
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