Key markets for basketball betting explained
There are two main types of this bet: three-way and two-way.
For the first, you bet on the result of the match in regular time, and a draw is also a possibility — a thing bookmakers like to rate highly. You can also bet on 1X or X2, as in football. Your ticket remains valid even if the match is a draw after regular time. Naturally, overtime does not come into play with this type of wager. For a closer look at how it all plays out in college hoops, check out the NCAAB betting review.
The second type is a bet on the winner with overtime included. In this case, a tie is not possible.
Wagering on the result of a quarter or half
These wagers are almost identical to the ones outlined above, but in this case, one is wagering on the outcome of a specific quarter or half. These are usually three-way wagers, although there are bookmakers that provide a two-way alternative, in which the wager is graded as a push should the period finish tied.
Handicap betting
Handicap betting on basketball is one of the most thrilling options. The idea is to bet on a team to win or lose with a handicap in the shape of a quantity of points. This is especially useful when there is a clear favourite. Handicaps even out the odds and give players a great deal more options at decent prices.
In basketball, handicaps can be applied to:
- The outcome of a specific quarter
- The outcome of a half
- The result of the entire game
While handicaps for the entire game are always a possibility, the other two are event and bookmaker dependent.
Total points (over/under)
This bet is basketball's equivalent of the total goals market in football. The task is to predict the number of points scored by one or both teams in a quarter, half, or entire game in over/under format. In some cases, bets can also include overtime. Along with handicaps, this is one of the most popular basketball betting markets.
For larger events, you can even get up to fifteen different over/under options for the final outcome. For quarters or halves, the option is usually a bit smaller.
Half-time / full-time result
This is a bet that can sometimes offer very high odds. The player has to predict the result at half-time and at full-time. Examples include 1/2, 2/1, 1/1, or X/2. The possibilities are many, but picking the right one is tricky — even with in-depth knowledge of the game, you’ll still need plenty of luck.
Will there be overtime?
This is a bet on whether the game will be a tie at the conclusion of regulation time. For someone who is used to betting on soccer, where ties are a common result, this might seem appealing. You have to keep in mind, however, that ties in basketball are extremely rare, and the statistics hammer this fact home very emphatically.
Player performance
This is a bet on one player's statistics. You predict how many points, rebounds, assists, and occasionally even blocks an individual player will get. As tempting as it may be to bet on stars like LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard, the most valuable ones tend to be on lesser-known players.
Common basketball betting errors
Mistakes are an element of sports betting. Novices and veterans make them. Our advice will keep you out of the most obvious pitfalls and improve your long-term record.
Don't bet on sports you're not familiar with
To win consistently, you need to specialize in at least one sport. If you have chosen basketball, don't get distracted with big bets on other sports just because a big event is occurring, i.e., the Champions League final or Stanley Cup playoffs.
Of course, it's alright to put a modest bet on football, hockey, or tennis for the fun of it, but it's inadvisable to put a large portion of your bankroll on a sport you know nothing about. And don't rely on naked statistics either — blind reliance on numbers will drain your wallet faster than a skilled thief.
Don't ignore team form and player injuries
Player form matters in basketball betting. The season is long, especially in the NBA. Fatigue, injuries, and even mental fatigue set in as the season goes on.
The same applies to a team's form at any given time. Just because the Phoenix Suns tend to do well against the New York Knicks doesn't mean you should blindly use the statistics if the Suns are in terrible form this season.
Manage your bankroll well
Think of betting as an investment. Just like in finance, money management is the path to success. Research bankroll management plans and stick to one that suits your style.
Never bet all after a loss, and never bet emotionally. Divide your bankroll into portions so that losing one or two bets doesn't ruin your entire budget.
Don't bet on your favorite team
When betting, emotions are your enemy. Supporting a team is fine, but never bet on games involving them. Bias clouds judgment, and without clear, rational analysis, you’ll never win consistently.