Basketball is one of the most popular sports to bet on, with tons of games to choose from and lots of ways to play. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your strategy, this guide will walk you through the basics of basketball betting and offer tips to help put the odds in your favour.
Understanding the Basics
When betting basketball, there are a few key terms and concepts to understand:
- Handicap – This is the projected margin of victory set by the bookmaker. The favourite has to win by more than the handicap, while the underdog can lose by less but still cover the spread. For example, if the Lakers are -6.5 against the Celtics, LA has to win by 7 or more to cover.
- Odds-on – With odds-on bets, you simply pick which team you think will win straight up. Favourites have fractional odds (e.g. 1/2) while underdogs have bigger fractional odds (e.g. 7/4).
- Over/Under – Also called the total, this is the combined number of points scored projected by bookies. Bet whether you think the final score will be over or under that number.
- Prop bets – These bets are on outcomes other than the final score, like player performance props (ex: LeBron over/under 30 points).
| Bet Type | Example | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| Handicap | Lakers -6.5 vs Celtics | Lakers must win by 7+ to cover |
| Odds-on | Lakers 1/2 vs Celtics 7/4 | Lakers must win; Celtics can lose by 6 or less and still win the bet |
| Over/Under | O/U 225 total points | Both teams combined must score over 225 points to hit the over |
| Prop Bet | LeBron over/under 30 points | LeBron must score over 30 points to hit the over |
Getting familiar with these basic terms and types of bets will provide a solid foundation as you get started betting basketball.
Choosing What to Bet On
With so many games and options, it’s important to be selective with your bets. Here are some factors to consider:
- Stick to the major leagues – Focus on the NBA and top NCAA conferences where there is a wealth of data and analysis available. Avoid obscure leagues where information is limited.
- Understand pace of play – Faster paced teams tend to score more points, which is useful for totals betting. Be aware of each team’s style.
- Examine home/away splits – Most teams perform better at home. Road weary teams or East coast teams travelling West are spots to fade.
- Study recent trends – Teams going through hot or cold streaks or suffering injuries can see their performance affected. Ride the streaks and fade the struggles.
- Know the matchups – Stylistic matchups between teams can influence the odds and outcomes. Certain teams match up better against others.
- Stay current on news/injuries – Late scratches and injuries to key players can significantly impact odds and performance. Keep tabs on injury reports.
Doing your homework by digging into these factors on upcoming games will help sniff out the best values to target with your bets.
Betting Strategies and Tips
Implementing sound betting habits and strategies is critical for long-term success. Here are some tips and approaches:
- Shop for the best odds – Getting an extra half-point might not seem like much, but it adds up. Compare prices across multiple bookmakers.
- Bet underdogs and take points – Handicap and odds-on dogs win against the spread more often than favourites. Take the points when you bet dogs.
- Fade heavily backed teams – Heavily bet on public teams must not only win, but cover big spreads. Fade these inflated lines.
- Bet home dogs – Home underdogs play inspired ball and often keep games tight or pull upsets. Grab the points at home.
- Buy low, sell high – Zig when others zag by betting teams when they’re out of favour and fading them when hype is high.
- Play small accumulators – Combining 2-3 picks in an accumulator can pay nice dividends. Stick to safe legs at short odds for the best chance to hit.
By being patient, shopping for value, and keeping bet sizes reasonable relative to your bankroll, you’ll set yourself up nicely in basketball betting.
Common Basketball Betting Mistakes to Avoid
As a beginner, it’s important to be aware of these frequent pitfalls:
- Betting too many games – Stick to selective bets you feel strongly about.
- Chasing losses – Don’t double down after losses trying to make it back. Have a short memory.
- Getting emotional – Don’t bet on favourite teams or against rival teams. Detach yourself.
- Forcing big accumulators – Accept that long accumulators are lottery tickets. Keep legs and payouts reasonable.
- Neglecting bankroll management – Size your bets properly as a percentage of your total bankroll. Don’t risk too much on one wager.
- Not shopping for the best odds – Getting the most favourable line is critical, so always compare prices.
- Lacking patience – Basketball is a game of runs. Don’t react to single game fluctuations. Stick to process over results.
Avoiding these pitfalls and keeping a level head will position you for success betting basketball. Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint – don’t let emotions or greed dictate your approach.
So, while basketball betting offers plenty of avenues to explore, following key strategic fundamentals gives you the best shot at building your bankroll. Do your homework on teams and matchups, be patient identifying opportunities, manage your finances wisely, and the wins will follow. There are no guarantees, but entering with discipline and reasonable expectations aligns you for success. Overall, basketball betting should be viewed as entertainment – keeping stakes sensible allows you to enjoy the games with added fan engagement.