How to Bet on NBA Basketball: A Beginner’s Guide 

$\text{NBA}$ Common Bet Types Explained

$\text{NBA}$ markets primarily revolve around the final score, player performance, and long-term season outcomes.

1. Moneyline

• What It Is: A straight bet on which team will win the game outright. No point spread is involved.
• Odds: The favorite has negative odds ($\text{e.g.,}\text{-150}$), meaning you risk $\text{\$150}$ to win $\text{\$100}$ profit. The underdog has positive odds ($\text{e.g.,}\text{+130}$), meaning $\text{\$100}$ wins $\text{\$130}$ profit.

2. Point Spread

• What It Is: A handicap designed to make the game a near $\text{50/50}$ proposition. The favored team must win by more than the set margin.
• Example: If the Nets are $\text{-5.5}$, they must win by $\text{6}$ or more to “cover.” If the opponent is $\text{+5.5}$, they win the bet by winning outright or losing by $\text{5}$ or fewer points.
• Push: If the final margin equals the whole-number spread ($\text{e.g.,}$ winning by $\text{7}$ on a $\text{-7.0}$ line), the result is a push, and all wagers are refunded.

3. Over/Under (Totals)

• What It Is: A wager on whether the $\text{total combined score}$ of both teams will be $\text{Over}$ or $\text{Under}$ a line set by oddsmakers ($\text{e.g.,}\text{222.5}$ points).
• Push: If the final combined score equals the whole-number line, all bets push and stakes are returned.

4. Prop Bets (Proposition Bets)

• What They Are: Wagers on specific events or statistics not directly tied to the final score.
• Player Props: Focus on individual stats ($\text{e.g.,}$ “LeBron James $\text{Over 28.5}$ points” or “Player $\text{X}$ to record a triple-double”). Sportsbooks will void player props if the player does not play.
• Team/Game Props: Focus on team performance ($\text{e.g.,}$ total team points, whether the game goes to overtime, which team scores first).

5. Futures & Parlays

• Futures: Long-term wagers on season-long outcomes ($\text{e.g.,}$ $\text{NBA}$ Champion, $\text{MVP}$). These are placed before or early in the season, and odds change with news.
• Parlays: A single bet linking multiple selections (legs). $\text{ALL}$ legs must win to cash the ticket, which provides a high multiplicative payout. Same-Game Parlays ($\text{SGPs}$) combine multiple bets from one specific game. Beginners should use parlays sparingly due to their low probability of success and high house edge.

How to Place Your First $\text{NBA}$ Bet

Most modern betting occurs through licensed online apps and websites.

Placing a Bet Online

1. Sign Up & Deposit: Choose a $\text{state-licensed}$ sportsbook ($\text{e.g.,}\text{FanDuel}$ or $\text{DraftKings}$), verify your identity, and deposit funds (via $\text{PayPal}$, credit card, etc.).
2. Navigate: Go to the $\text{NBA}$ section and find the game/market you want.
3. Create Slip: Click on the odds for your desired side ($\text{e.g.,}\text{Celtics -6.5}$) to add the selection to your betslip.
4. Wager: Enter the stake amount on the slip. The potential payout will be calculated for you.
5. Submit: Review all details and confirm the bet. Once submitted, the wager is binding.

Placing a Bet In-Person

1. Gather Info: Note the game $\text{ID}$ number and your desired bet type from the betting sheet.
2. Window: At the retail sportsbook window, state the game $\text{ID}$, bet type ($\text{spread}$, $\text{moneyline}$, $\text{total}$), and your wager amount.
3. Collect Ticket: Verify that the printed ticket accurately shows the team and amount before leaving the window. You must keep the ticket to collect any winnings.

Beginner Strategies and Key $\text{NBA}$ Factors

Successful $\text{NBA}$ betting requires discipline and an understanding of advanced metrics.

1. Financial Discipline

• Bankroll Management: Set a fixed budget (bankroll) you can afford to lose. Never wager more than a small percentage ($\text{2-5\%}$) of your bankroll per bet (unit). This protects you during inevitable losing streaks.
• Shop Lines: Open accounts at $\text{2}$ to $\text{3}$ top sportsbooks. A half-point difference on the spread or a slightly better moneyline ($\text{e.g.,}\text{-7}$ vs. $\text{-6.5}$) is called $\text{value}$ and pays off significantly over time.
• Do Not Chase: Never increase bet size after a loss to “recover” funds. This is a common beginner mistake that destroys bankroll and discipline.

2. Key Statistical Factors

Legal Landscape and Responsible Gambling

• Status: Sports betting is legalized in $\text{39}$ states plus $\text{D.C.}$ and $\text{Puerto Rico}$ (most allowing mobile betting).
• Age: Most states require bettors to be $21\text{ or older}$. A few states permit age $\text{18}$ ($\text{e.g.,}\text{KY, MT, WY}$).
• Rule: You $\text{must}$ use a $\text{state-licensed}$ sportsbook; offshore or unlicensed betting is illegal.

Responsible Gambling

Betting is a form of entertainment and should never feel out of control.

• Set Limits: Use the deposit, loss, and time limits provided by your sportsbook. $\text{Stop}$ when those limits are reached.
• Use Resources: If betting causes stress or anxiety, seek help immediately. The National Council on Problem Gambling ($\text{800-522-4700}$) provides free, confidential support $\text{24/7}$.
• Avoid Emotional Bets: Never bet when you are intoxicated, depressed, or upset. Stick only to your disciplined plan and analysis.

$\text{NBA}$ Betting Glossary