Bet Types in Basketball: A Comprehensive Guide to Sports Betting

Overview

Unlike football, basketball is a much simpler game to bet on. The draw result is not an option; no matter what, there are clear winners and losers. This, naturally, simplifies the betting process.

This simplification forces the bookies to alter their bet types and get down to the details. That is why we'll see bets regarding the number of points scored in total, the number of points scored by a player, the number of fouls committed in a game, and soon. As we said before - there is no limit on the bet types, as the bookie can open a line for whatever he sees fit. We will focus on the more common bet types when visiting an online bookie.

Did You Know? Basketball is one of the few sports where betting volumes increase during the game itself. In-play or live betting allows bettors to wager on the action as it unfolds, with odds adjusting rapidly based on the game's progress. This dynamic form of betting offers a unique excitement and has become especially popular among NBA fans, contributing to a significant portion of all basketball bets placed.

Before we start, we state that unlike football, in basketball, overtime is taken into account. This means that the final score applies after as many overtimes as needed, while the final score of regular time is obsolete.

Let's check the three major bet types:

Money Line

We start with this bet, even though it is not commrareones that will follow. We're doing this because it's time simplest one. In "Money Line," you need to try and hit on the winner of the match. The margin between the teams is unimportant; the number of points scored is irrelevant. Just pick the winner and keep your fingers crossed.

Upside: It is relatively easy to hit on the winner.

Downside: This is rare, and the odds for this bet will generally be relatively low.

Over/Under

You should be aware that some bookies prefer to call this bet "Totals."

At first glance, this looks like an easy bet. All you need is to determine whether the total points that will be scored in the match will be higher or lower than the amount set by the bookie. Still - it is a tricky bet which you must think twice before placing your money on the line.

The reason for that is not gambling-related but sports-related. In most cases, the bookie will set the total amount of points to be relatively high, so you will need a high-scoring game with both teams scoring high. True, you will find bets where a 75-73 score will suffice, but these are rare and will be seen only when the two teams are well-known for their inability to make the shot... Therefore, you must look at a list of statistical information regarding the teams involved. Sounds easy?

Well, let's start counting - You need to check the teams' rosters; look into the injured players list; check their current form; and even look at past meetings between the two(to learn if one team finds it hard to cope with the defensive methods of the other).In other words - many variants affect this bet, and you have to take them all into account. There are cases when it is just not worth it.

You don't have to check this list, but we assume that your goal is to reduce the risk as much as possible, and we elaborate accordingly.

Upside: A straightforward bet. No "I didn't understand the rules" excuses will be accepted.

Downside: You need both teams to perform. If just one of them plays poorly - your chances of winning this one are slim.

Point Spread

The "Point Spread" is a different way to say "Handicap." In this type of bet, the bookie chooses to give one of the teams an advantage before the match starts.

We have an example: Let's say the Los Angeles Lakers play the Boston Celtics. Since the Celtics are favorites for the match, the bookie gives the man 8 point handicap. Therefore:

Los Angeles Lakers(+8) vs. Boston Celtics (-8)

If you choose to place your on Boston, you will win the bet only if Boston wins the match by more than 8 points. Betting on the Lakers would be successful if they win or, alternatively, lose by 7 points or less.

What happens if The Celtics win by 8? In this case, the handicap is canceled, the bet is declared void, and the stakes are refunded. In other words - you neither win nor lose.

You should be aware that in many cases, the handicap will come in the form of a half-point (Lakers-8.5). The consequence of this minor change is eliminating the last option, where the stakes are refunded. You can either win or lose. That's it.

Special Bets

These three types make up the majority of basketball bet types. As we said - this is a more straightforward game than football. Nevertheless, you can find many more bet types, some more common than others. Still, we saw no point in elaborating on bet types such as"Will the game get to overtime? Yes/No" or "In which quarter will the highest score be recorded?" because there's nothing to explain here. If you're into these kinds of bets, search for the "Special" section on your online bookie's website.