The Ultimate Guide to Betting on Basketball

Looking to get involved in basketball betting, or a long-time fan of the game? You’ve got the chance to score at Bally Casino.

We’ve got opportunities to wager on matches and leagues from around the world, and here’s your chance to join us.

Read on to learn more about one of the most popular sports in the U.S. and how you can get involved by betting on basketball online.

What is basketball betting? 

Basketball betting offers the chance to place bets on incredible matches, including the famous National Basketball Association (NBA).

See, there are more ways to get involved in the basketball action than just watching a game! Whether you’re keen to experience in-play betting or create some pre-match bet builders, there’s something for everyone.

How does basketball scoring work? 

In basketball, players have two ways of scoring: field goals and free throws. Field goals are worth either two points from inside the three-point line, and three points from outside the line. So, the further away a player scores, the more points they get – and the more epic the shot, of course!

The match officials can award free throws after a foul or an accumulation of offences by the defence. They give a player unopposed shots at the basket, each worth one point. Between one and three free throws can be handed out depending on the foul.

How can I bet on basketball? 

Bally Casino is the perfect arena for you to enjoy basketball betting online. To get involved, just hit the ‘JOIN NOW button and sign up, then click the ‘Sports’ tab to find all our awesome sports betting odds.

From there, head to the Basketball section and click a game from one of the many leagues we have available. Add a selection to your betslip, enter a stake and press ‘Place Bet’, and you’re on!

Once you’re in, explore all the thrilling ways you can get involved with online basketball betting. We’ve got outright wagers on the NBA season, pre-match markets and live betting opportunities.

Heading out? We got you. The Bally Casino mobile app is a great way to wager on basketball, especially with the NBA Finals coming up. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and you can place bets whether you’re at home or on the go.

What basketball leagues can I bet on? 

What basketball leagues can’t you bet on? Jump in at Bally Casino and you’ll find basketball betting odds on more than 20 countries. Pretty neat, huh?

Check out some of the other top leagues from around the globe, including the WNBA, the FIBA Championship, and the Euroleague, which features the names y’all will know from the football world like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Know your stuff? We’ve also got odds on the NCAAB, where college students stake their claim for a place in the NBA.

And we’ve got plenty of NBA basketball betting options too.  We’re talking player specials, assists, rebounds and more. Why not combine a few of them and create an awesome bet builder before the tip-off?

Log in and head to our Sportsbook to find the basketball section, where our full list of basketball leagues is available.

Popular basketball betting markets available

Need a few pointers to get started? No problem. Here’s a quick overview of some of the top basketball betting types y’all can take aim at, and what these sports terms mean.

• Moneyline - Pick a team to win the match. If the game goes to overtime, your wager is still in-play.
• Handicap - Level the playing field. Handicaps, also known as spreads, give each side a virtual points deduction or head start to make it an even game. A -5.5 spread means the team must win by at least six points.
• Total points - Fancy a high-scoring game or a dull matchup? Wager on the total amount of points you think will be scored.
• First field goal scorer - Blink and you might miss it. Pick the player you think will score a two or three-point field goal first.      Free throws don’t count for this market.
• Top point scorer - Find the marksman. Top point scorer bets pay out if your player nets more points than anyone else on the court.
• Player points - Got an eye for the basket, or is the aim slightly off? Wager on the total number of points one player will get during the match.
• Player threes - Distance shooters. This market allows you to bet on how many three-point baskets a player will make in the game.
• Player assists - Alley-oop. An assist is the pass that leads directly to points being scored by the offensive team, and you can bet on how many one of the players will achieve.
• Player rebounds - Fast reactions. Rebounds either retain or win back possession of the ball after a missed shot, so you’re looking for a player who’s always in the right place with this wager.
• Player defence - Three different betting options in this market: blocks, steals, plus a combination of the two. Blocks deny a shot, while steals get the defensive team the ball back.

Basketball betting tips just for you 

Don’t sweat it if you’re a basketball rookie. Before placing a wager, read up on some of our best basketball betting strategies and tips so you’re ready to get involved in the action.

Stats matter

It’s important to do the research before betting on sports. Whether it’s a lopsided head-to-head record or a team that’s on a hot streak at home, it might give you a better idea of who to bet on.

The same goes for any player-specific markets. Shooters sometimes feel like they can’t miss, while in other periods they’re struggling to find the net.

Building up your knowledge is never a bad thing. So, check all the facts and figures before adding a selection to your betslip.

Check the injury report

It’s unfortunate, but injuries can happen to all players - even the best ones. Like in American football, NBA teams have to report injuries, illness or rest days for all players the day before a game. Before putting any money down, make sure you read the status of each team’s key players.

Check court dimensions

Thought all basketball courts are the same size? Nuh uh. Different leagues permit different dimensions, which can impact how the game plays out.

In the NBA, courts have to be 28.7m by 15.2m, while those used in FIBA matches are slightly smaller at 28m by 15m. This may not seem like a lot, but it means players have to cover less distance and could have some extra energy at the end of the game. Think about that when it comes to point spreads.

Manage your bankroll

Sports betting all about fun entertainment. Set a budget every time you wager on basketball or any other sports, which can help to only risk what you can afford to lose.

Take a look at all our responsible gambling tools too. We’ve got deposit limits to control your spend, while session reminders can give you a nudge after playing for a set amount of time.

Basketball betting FAQs 

Got even more questions about online sports betting rookie?  Check out the answers to some of our most popular questions before placing wagers on your NBA predictions.

How long is a basketball quarter?

Each quarter in an NBA basketball game lasts 12 minutes, but we can guarantee it won’t feel like that to y’all watching. Its fast-paced, relentless action will have you wondering where the time went.

How long is a basketball game?

NBA games have four 12-minute quarters plus a 15-minute half time. Add on injuries, timeouts, fouls and free throws, and the average time it takes to play a full match is two and a half hours.

WNBA rules are a little different, as they play 10-minute quarters rather than 12. Half time remains at 15 minutes, and a game can take between two and two and a half hours to complete.

What is a triple double in basketball?

To land a triple double, a player must hit double digits in three of the five statistical categories in basketball. These are points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks, which are player props in online basketball betting.

What is a rebound in basketball?

Rebounds are a huge part of the game. Any player who catches the ball after a missed shot is awarded a rebound. Offensive rebounds mean another chance to score, defensive rebounds reclaim possession for the team.

What is a field goal in basketball?

Field goals are scoring shots in basketball worth either two or three points, depending on where the attempt was taken. Free throws don’t count as field goals, which are awarded for defensive fouls or penalties.

Do basketball bets include overtime?

Heading to overtime? Don’t sweat it - all bets remain in play until the end of the game! So, if you’re waiting on some points to be scored or number of points to hit, you still have a chance.

Start betting today with Bally Casino

Ready to play? Bet on sports online at Bally Casino, with a range of awesome events to get involved in on both sides of the pond. From basketball and American football, to cricket and horse racing, we’ve got it covered.

Head over to the Bally Casino blog to learn more about wagering on sports. Discover the types of bets available and how to get started in our guide to sports betting in the UK.