US Basketball Betting
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and now that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) has been repealed, it is legal to bet on basketball in some US states. This means basketball fans can now enjoy betting on the National Basketball Association (NBA)—the most popular basketball league on the planet—as well as other leagues such as NCAA basketball, Euroleague, and the FIBA Americas League.
Our recommended basketball betting sites have everything a basketball fan could want, including the most generous sportsbook bonuses, fast payouts, live NBA betting markets, and more. We’ve done the research for you, so picking the best site for NBA or WNBA betting should be simple. And, if you’re looking for a general overview of how to bet on NBA games, this guide has you covered too.
We’ve got a line up of the best sports betting sites available to bettors in the US. Compare the best basketball betting sites with our expert reviews, scores and the bonuses on offer to pick out the bookie that suits you best. All of our featured sportsbooks are legal and regulated in the US. All that’s left for you to do is make your pick, sign up, claim your bonus, and start betting.
Latest Basketball Betting News
The Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans are also contenders to finish atop the Western Conference.
Breaking down the best bets as LeBron chases the scoring record.
San Antonio has roster cuts to make, and their trade deadline addition is on the bubble.
San Antonio should eventually move on from their win-now players, but not right now.
How We Review Basketball Betting Sites
The best basketball betting sites tend to have a few things in common. These are some of the features we watch out for before recommending a sportsbook to our visitors here at Compare.bet.
-
Licensed and regulated
An NBA betting website must be licensed and regulated by the gaming authority of the state in which it operates. It’s that simple a non-negotiable for us.
-
Competitive odds
Uncompetitive betting odds spoil the fun for sports bettors. We only recommend NBA betting sites that can be relied on to offer well-priced odds, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on bigger returns elsewhere.
-
Variety of betting markets
We like to see an NBA betting site go above and beyond in its market offering, which is why we select sportsbooks that provide more than just back-the-winner moneyline bets.
-
Easy deposits and withdrawals
You shouldn’t have to set up an unfamiliar banking method in order to manage your sportsbook funds. The best NBA betting sites offer a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options so you can pick the one you’re happy with.
-
Fast payouts
Nobody enjoys waiting around for winnings. The best sportsbooks for NBA betting process payout requests quickly by including instant withdrawal options.
-
Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs are nice-to-have rather than an absolute must, but we do like to recommend sites that offer bettors the chance to earn points and rewards from their wagers.
-
Bonuses and promotions
The best betting sites offer bonuses like free NBA bets, matched deposits, odds boosts, and parlay insurance for new and existing bettors.
-
Additional features
Cool features like bet builders, in-play betting, and early cash out make us take notice. The best betting sites often have something unique to offer.
US States with Legal Basketball Betting
Even though the federal ban on sports betting was overturned in 2018, not every state has legalized the activity yet. Here are the states that offer legal and regulated basketball betting:
Each of these states has its own rules and regulations around sports betting, so it’s wise to check out what you can and can’t do in your state. While some of the states above permit online mobile sports betting, others only permit land-based sports betting at commercial or tribal casinos. You can always contact the customer support staff if you’re unclear on any details.
The rapidly changing landscape of legal sports betting in the US means that the list above is a work in progress. With legal sports betting also set to arrive in the likes of Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio, we recommend checking our state tracker for the latest updates.
Major Basketball Events
With so many basketball events in the calendar, it’s always a great time to fire up one of the top NBA betting apps or gambling sites, claim a welcome bonus, and see which markets are on offer. The best basketball sportsbooks will offer betting options for both the NBA and international events, so let’s look at some of the big ticket leagues and tournaments you can expect to see.
NBA Regular Season
Basketball sportsbook users are likely to be avid followers of the NBA’s regular season, which runs from October to April. The NBA is made up of 30 teams: 15 from the Eastern Conference and 15 from the Western Conference. Each conference organizes its 15 teams into three divisions, with five teams in each. The regular season sees each of the 30 NBA teams play 41 games at home and 41 away, making up a total of 82 exciting matchups and plenty of NBA betting options along the way. The top teams from each NBA Conference meet again in the Playoffs.
NBA All-Star Game
Regular season games are put on hold in February to celebrate the NBA All-Star Game, a basketball exhibition match that’s been held annually since 1951. A fan vote helps to decide the line-up, with the top vote-getting players from each conference serving as team captains. All-Star games offer many options for basketball betting online, and not just because only the best athletes take part. The game rounds off the All-Star Weekend, a three-day extravaganza offering betting lines on the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, the All-Star Game’s MVP, and more.
NBA Playoffs
Once the regular season concludes, the top 16 teams — the eight best from each conference — face off against each other in a three-round postseason tournament called the NBA Playoffs. Running over about two months, the playoffs use a best-of-seven elimination format to determine which teams compete in the third-round NBA Conference Finals and, ultimately, the NBA Finals. Most teams qualify for the Playoffs with their win record, though some spots are up for grabs in a play-in tournament before the main event.
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is one of the most popular events in the basketball betting calendar. Here the two remaining teams from the playoffs will compete in a best-of-seven game series to determine the league champion. The winners of the Finals are awarded the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. There’ll be a wealth of markets, including NBA prop bets, for the finals. Plus, you’ll find some of the best online sportsbooks awash with sign-up bonuses and promo codes for free NBA bets.
NBA Draft
The NBA Draft takes place during the NBA offseason — usually around the end of June. This annual event allows NBA teams to sign up eligible basketball players from US colleges and an international pool. With 60 picks over two rounds, the NBA Draft is a particularly busy time for NBA bets. You might, for example, bet on the first pick of the overall draft or on which player a particular team will pick first. The ensuing NBA Summer League is the ideal time for sports bettors to brush up on all the new NBA talent and make informed wagers when the regular season commences.
NCAA Basketball
College sports make for some of the most exciting sporting events in the world and college basketball is no exception. Just like the NBA, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball provides a wide range of betting opportunities. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness, is an annual elimination tournament featuring the 68 college basketball teams in the Division I level of the NCAA. March Madness has become so popular since its inception that all games are now broadcast live across the nation. Now that sports betting is legal, you too can get in on the action and place a bet on some college basketball.
Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA)
The best basketball sportsbooks don’t limit themselves to NBA games and college basketball clashes. Armed with your deposit bonus, or other welcome offer, you may be able to look a little further afield to international leagues such as the Basketball Champions League Americas. Replacing the FIBA Americas League back in 2019, it sees 12 top teams from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Canada do battle. Each season opens with group stage clashes, before the strongest teams move through the playoffs to the grand final.
EuroLeague
Europe’s top-tier basketball league comprises 18 teams from across the continent, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and 2022 champions Anadolu Efes. Dating back to 1958, the EuroLeague may be overshadowed by the NBA in the world of basketball, but it’s undoubtedly a major deal across the pond, and the most successful team in its history is Real Madrid. Featuring a structure similar to the NBA’s, complete with playoffs and the EuroLeague Finals, it provides a variety of bet types at the top online sportsbooks.
Basketball Betting Markets
When it comes to betting on basketball, you must always remember that there is no such thing as a guaranteed winner. While it doesn’t hurt to listen to what a reputable tipster has to say, you should always remember that they can be wrong. As statistics play a huge part in basketball you may benefit from taking a statistical approach when placing bets. We suggest taking a quick look at player and team stats available on the NBA’s official stats page. Here you can view a variety of statistics such as points per game, points allowed per game and point differential can help you make an informed and educated bet.
In states that permit legal sports betting, the best sportsbooks offer a wide selection of basketball betting markets. You can currently place bets on the following markets:
Moneyline
Moneyline bets are straight bets where you wager on who will win a basketball game. Remember there are no draws in basketball, so all you need to do is pick who you think will come out on top.
Outright Bets
Outright bets involve betting on who you think will win a league or tournament, such as the NBA Finals or the NCAA March Madness tournament.
Parlay Bets
A parlay wager is a single bet that is linked with two or more wagers. In order to win a parlay bet, the bettor must win every wager in it. The maximum number of wagers in a parlay varies between sportsbooks, with some allowing up to 20 bet parlays.
Over/Under
The over/under bet is also referred to as total points and involves betting on the total points that a team will score during a game. The over/under line will be set by the bookie, so all you have to do is predict if a team will end the game with more or less than the number of points set by the bookie.
Spread Betting
Spread betting involves putting money on a team to win and either maintain a points advantage or overcome a disadvantage. These advantages and disadvantages will be displayed with plus (+) and minus (-) symbols and are set by the bookie. Your team must win, or lose, according to this margin for your bet to pay out. So if you bet on a team with -2 handicap, they’ll need to win the match by three clear points.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets, also known as prop bets are wagers on the chance of a certain event occurring during a game. In basketball these can vary from points scored to the first team to score a free throw. These bets usually have a higher pay out due to how precise your prediction has to be, but be warned – they carry a much higher level of risk than other bets.
Player Prop Bets
In basketball, prop bets can also apply to individual players. You can wager on a number of different player actions such as total rebounds, points scored, free throws made and assists.
Quarters and Half Bets
As a standard basketball game is made up of four quarters you can place wagers on which team will have the point lead at the end of a quarter or a half.
Futures Bets
Futures bets are wagers on sporting events where the outcome is decided in the future, usually at the end of a tournament or season. For example, you might bet that the Brooklyn Nets will make it to the 2023 NBA Finals and win their first NBA Championship, or that Lakers star LeBron James will land a fifth reign as the NBA’s MVP.
Oddsmakers at the best NBA betting sites release NBA futures betting lines nice and early, so sports bettors have plenty of time to check out all the relevant betting tips and place their wagers. Remember that NBA odds will change as the season marches forward and players and teams show their hands, so you’ll need to use sporting instinct to decide the optimal time to place your bets.
Basketball Betting Odds
Before betting on a basketball game, it is essential that you understand how betting odds work. While the majority of US sports betting sites display odds in the American format, you might also see them displayed as a fraction or a decimal format.
Remember, odds are essentially a sportsbook’s prediction of what could happen during a basketball game. Although these can help you predict what would make a successful winning bet, betting on a bookie’s favorite won’t guarantee you a profit. You should also bear in mind that basketball odds can vary between sportsbooks, so we recommend shopping around to find the best odds for your chosen market.
Here is a real-world example of basketball odds in action:
In a regular NBA season game between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics, a sportsbook could set odds of +110 for the Warriors to win. Remember, positive odds (+) indicate the underdog while negative odds (-) indicate the bookies favorite.
If you were to make a $100 bet on the Warriors to win, you would see a return of $210 if they were victorious. You will win back your initial $100 wager, as well as $110 for the successful bet.
When it comes to negative odds, a successful $100 bet on the Celtics winning at odds of -110 would net you your initial $100 wager, along with a smaller profit of $90.91.
For a closer look at the different pricing formats and how to understand them, check out our guide to reading betting odds.
NBA History and Teams
Founded in New York City in 1946, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of North America’s major professional sports leagues and boasts the world’s most celebrated and iconic basketball players, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
The structure of the NBA is easy to understand. The league is split into the Eastern and Western Conferences, which are in turn divided up into three divisions. Each of these six divisions features five teams, so there are 30 teams in total. A regular NBA season gets underway in October and runs through to mid-April, with the NBA All-Star Game — an exhibition event featuring the NBA’s top players — breaking things up in February.
Each NBA team plays 82 games in the regular season, including a mix of home and away clashes against teams in their division and from both conferences. A Play-In tournament at the end of the regular season sees the teams with the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth-highest winning percentages in each conference fight it out for the right to join the top six teams in the NBA Playoffs.
The winners of the Play-Ins will be seeded seventh and eighth in the Playoffs, an elimination tournament where the teams embark on best-of-seven rounds in the hope of making it to the NBA Finals. There, the last teams standing from each conference do battle for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Want to find out a bit more about the current NBA teams before you enjoy basketball betting online? Below, you’ll find a few snippets about each of the teams on the NBA roster, including a roundup of legendary past players and a count of how many times teams have reigned supreme as champions of the NBA.
Eastern Conference – Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics – 17 Championships
- Arena: TD Garden, Boston
- General Manager: Brad Stevens
- Players to Watch: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart
- Legendary Past Players: Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Paul Pierce
Brooklyn Nets – 0 Championships
- Arena: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
- General Manager: Sean Marks
- Players to Watch: Ben Simmons, Kessler Edwards, David Duke Jr.
- Legendary Past Players: Drazen Petrovic, Jason Kidd, Julius Erving
New York Knicks – 2 Championships
- Arena: Madison Square Garden, New York
- General Manager: Leon Rose
- Players to Watch: Cam Reddish, Miles McBride, Quentin Grimes
- Legendary Past Players: Dave DeBusschere, Dick McGuire, Patrick Ewing
Philadelphia 76ers – 3 Championships
- Arena: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
- General Manager: Elton Brand
- Players to Watch: Charles Bassey, Jaden Springer, Tyrese Maxey
- Legendary Past Players: Dolph Schayes, Hal Greer, Maurice Cheeks
Toronto Raptors – 1 Championship
- Arena: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
- General Manager: Masai Ujiri
- Players to Watch: Dalano Banton, David Johnson, Scottie Barnes
- Legendary Past Players: Chris Bosh, Tracy McGrady, Hakeem Olajuwon
Eastern Conference – Central Division
Chicago Bulls – 6 Championships
- Arena: United Center, Chicago
- General Manager: Arturas Karnisovas
- Players to Watch: Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, Dalen Terry
- Legendary Past Players: Artis Gilmore, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen
Cleveland Cavaliers – 1 Championship
- Arena: Rocket Mortgage Field House, Cleveland
- General Manager: Koby Altman
- Players to Watch: Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Luke Travers
- Legendary Past Players: Nate Thurmond, Shaquille O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Detroit Pistons – 3 Championships
- Arena: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- General Manager: Ed Stefanski
- Players to Watch: Cade Cunningham, Luka Garza, Saben Lee
- Legendary Past Players: Ben Wallace, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas
Indiana Pacers – 0 Championships
- Arena: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana
- General Manager: Kevin Pritchard
- Players to Watch: Jalen Smith, Kendall Brown, Terry Taylor
- Legendary Past Players: George McGinnis, Mel Daniels, Reggie Miller
Milwaukee Bucks – 2 Championships
- Arena: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
- General Manager: Jon Horst
- Players to Watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lindell Wigginton, Rayjon Tucker
- Legendary Past Players: Bob Dandridge, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sidney Moncrief
Eastern Conference – Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks – 1 Championship
- Arena: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
- General Manager: Travis Schlenk
- Players to Watch: Jalen Johnson, Sharife Cooper, Skylar Mays
- Legendary Past Players: Bob Pettit, Dominique Wilkins, Pete Maravich
Charlotte Hornets – 0 Championships
- Arena: Spectrum Center, Charlotte
- General Manager: Mitch Kupchak
- Players to Watch: James Bouknight, Kai Jones, LaMelo Ball,
- Legendary Past Players: Alonzo Mourning, Robert Parish, Vlade Divac
Miami Heat – 3 Championships
- Arena: FTX Arena, Miami
- General Manager: Pat Riley
- Players to Watch: Nikola Jovic, Orlando Robinson, Tyler Herro
- Legendary Past Players: Alonzo Mourning, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh
Orlando Magic – 0 Championships
- Arena: Amway Center, Orlando
- General Manager: John Hammond
- Players to Watch: Franz Wagner, Ignas Brazdeikis, Paolo Banchero
- Legendary Past Players: Grant Hill, Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady
Washington Wizards – 1 Championship
- Arena: Capital One Arena, Washington
- General Manager: Tommy Sheppard
- Players to Watch: Cory Kissbert, Jordan Schakel, Vernon Carey Jr.
- Legendary Past Players: Earl Monroe, Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld
Western Conference – Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets – 0 Championships
- Arena: Ball Arena, Denver
- General Manager: Tim Connelly
- Players to Watch: Bones Hyland, Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji
- Legendary Past Players: Alex English, Dan Issel, Dikembe Mutombo
Minnesota Timberwolves – 0 Championships
- Arena: Target Center, Minnesota
- General Manager: Tim Connelly
- Players to Watch: Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid
- Legendary Past Players: Kevin Garnett, Kevin Love, Malik Sealy
Oklahoma City Thunder – 1 Championship
- Arena: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- General Manager: Sam Presti
- Players to Watch: Chet Holmgren, Theo Maledon, Tre Mann
- Legendary Past Players: Gary Payton, Ray Allen, Spencer Haywood
Portland Trail Blazers – 1 Championship
- Arena: Moda Center, Portland
- General Manager: Neil Olshey
- Players to Watch: CJ Elleby, Keon Johnson, Trendon Watford
- Legendary Past Players: Arvydas Sabonis, Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler
Utah Jazz – 0 Championships
- Arena: Vivint Arena, Utah
- General Manager: Dennis Lindsey
- Players to Watch: Jarred Vanderbilt, Johnny Juzang, Leandro Bolmaro
- Legendary Past Players: John Stockton, Karl Malone, Pete Maravich
Western Conference – Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors – 7 Championships
- Arena: Chase Center, Golden State
- General Manager: Bob Myers
- Players to Watch: Gui Santos, Moses Moody, Ryan Rollins
- Legendary Past Players: Nate Thurmond, Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain
LA Clippers – 0 Championships
- Arena: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- General Manager: Michael Winger
- Players to Watch: Brandon Boston, Jason Preston, Moussa Diabaté
- Legendary Past Players: Bill Walton, Bob McAdoo, Grant Hill
Los Angeles Lakers – 17 Championships
- Arena: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- General Manager: Rob Pelinka
- Players to Watch: Cole Swider, Mac McClung, Mason Jones
- Legendary Past Players: Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal
Phoenix Suns – 0 Championships
- Arena: Footprint Center, Phoenix
- General Manager: James Jones
- Players to Watch: Cameron Johnson, Josh Okogie, Landry Shamet
- Legendary Past Players: Charles Barkley, Connie Hawkins, Steve Nash
Sacramento Kings – 1 Championship
- Arena: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
- General Manager: Monte McNair
- Players to Watch: Davion Mitchell, Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk
- Legendary Past Players: Chris Webber, Oscar Robertson, Sam Lacey
Western Conference – Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks – 1 Championship
- Arena: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- General Manager: Nico Harrison
- Players to Watch: Jaden Hardy, Josh Green, Luka Doncic
- Legendary Past Players: Dennis Rodman, Derek Harper, Dirk Nowitzki
Houston Rockets – 2 Championships
- Arena: Toyota Center, Houston
- General Manager: Rafael Stone
- Players to Watch: Anthony Lamb, Jaylen Green, Josh Christopher
- Legendary Past Players: Clyde Drexler, Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming
Memphis Grizzlies – 0 Championships
- Arena: FedEx Forum, Memphis
- General Manager: Zach Kleiman
- Players to Watch: Santi Aldama, Ja Morant, Ziaire Williams
- Legendary Past Players: Allen Iverson, Hakim Warrick, Zach Randolph
New Orleans Pelicans – 0 Championships
- Arena: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
- General Manager: Trajan Langdon
- Players to Watch: Jaxson Hayes, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson
- Legendary Past Players: Chris Paul, Pete Maravich, Spencer Haywood
San Antonio Spurs – 5 Championships
- Arena: AT&T Center, San Antonio
- General Manager: Brian Wright
- Players to Watch: Devin Vassell, Romeo Langford, Tre Jones
- Legendary Past Players: Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker
2022’s Best NBA Betting Sites
There are a range of great betting sites you can use to bet on the NBA. Let’s have a look at our top selections.
-
Draftkings - In-play betting innovators
Having previously established itself as a major player in daily fantasy sports (DFS), DraftKings has grown its fan base by moving into sports betting. DraftKings also keeps bettors up to date with the latest NBA news and offers plenty of ways to bet, including futures and in-play betting markets. In fact, DraftKings’ Flash Betting system allows you to place bets in between points, offering more flexibility than other sites’ in-play options. What’s more, there are up to $1,000 in matched deposit bonus funds on offer when you sign up, as well as a ‘Bet $5 Get $200 in free bets’ promotion if your chosen College Basketball team wins, not to mention regular NBA odds boosts offers.
What we like:
- Flash betting in-play
- Large matched deposit welcome offer
- Wide range of NBA markets
- Options to play fantasy with friends
What we don't:
- High playthrough requirements
-
Fanduel - DFS industry leaders
FanDuel is another big name in DFS gaming that has effectively taken to sports betting. This popular bookmaker offers new bettors $150 after placing their first bet of at least $5. Plus, you can even get an instant free entry to a fantasy contest when you sign up. Once you’re registered, you can also claim same game NBA parlays and promotions like TNT Tuesdays, which gives you a $10 bonus when you place a $10 same game parlay with 3+ legs on any NBA on TNT game.
What we like:
- FanDuel contests for beginner players
- Excellent range of promotions
- Clean site aesthetic
What we don't:
- Could be easier to browse promotions
-
Bet Rivers - A player-friendly sportsbook
A 100% matched deposit bonus worth up to $250 means that you can really boost your bankroll with BetRivers. What’s more, this sportsbook offers a well-designed NBA betting page, where you can quickly hop between live, upcoming, and future events. NBA promotions are also a common occurrence at this site. You can currently log in each Tuesday to claim a 20% profit boost on any live NBA game taking place in the next 24 hours.
What we like:
- Mobile app available
- Weekly NBA profit boosts
- Low playthrough requirements of just 1x
What we don't:
- Live chat not available 24/7
How NCAA Basketball Works
It’s always good to have a working knowledge of a particular sport before diving into the betting odds and markets available, so let’s take a closer look at college basketball.
College Basketball Conferences
At the time of writing, there are 358 men’s teams and 356 women’s teams playing NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I basketball. The teams are divided up into the following 32 conferences:
- America East Conference
- American Athletic Conference
- Atlantic 10 Conference
- Atlantic Coast Conference
- ASUN Conference
- Big 12 Conference
- Big East Conference
- Big Sky Conference
- Big South Conference
- Big Ten Conference
- Big West Conference
- Colonial Athletic Association
- Conference USA
- Horizon League
- Ivy League
- Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
- Mid-American Conference
- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
- Missouri Valley Conference
- Mountain West Conference
- Northeast Conference
- Ohio Valley Conference
- Pac-12 Conference
- Patriot League
- Southeastern Conference
- Southern Conference
- Southland Conference
- Southwestern Athletic Conference
- Sun Belt Conference
- Summit League
- West Coast Conference
- Western Athletic Conference
Season Structure
The regular college basketball season begins in November, with teams taking on opponents in their own and other conferences. At the end of the regular season, each conference holds an elimination tournament which determines the overall conference champion. In both men’s and women’s college basketball, the 32 conference champions are automatically sent through to a much-hyped annual Division I Basketball Tournament known as March Madness. Another 36 teams are picked out for March Madness by a selection committee made up of college basketball commissioners and athletic directors.
Hugely popular with sports bettors, March Madness is an elimination tournament. The teams are whittled down to the ‘Sweet Sixteen’, the ‘Elite Eight’ and the ‘Final Four’, before the last two remaining teams face off to see who’ll be crowned the Division I national champions. In the men’s game, recent champions have included the Baylor Bears from Baylor University, Texas, and the University of Virginia’s Virginia Cavaliers. In women’s college basketball, recent March Madness winners have included the Stanford Cardinals of Stanford University, while Baylor University have seen more success with their Lady Bears team.
2022’s Best College Basketball Betting Sites
Check out these fantastic options for NCAA basketball betting.
Bet on Basketball as the Game Plays Out
Basketball betting sites don’t stop accepting wagers when a game gets underway. In-play markets allow you to bet throughout the game and there may even be better prices on offer than before the game started. You can expect prop bets to take center stage when games are unfolding, giving you the chance to put money down on which player will be the next to score or make a steal, for example.
In-play betting usually comes with some delays. For example, you might need to wait until after the next point is scored for your bet to become live. Or, you might not be able to bet on the player to make the next basket, but the one after that instead.
However, this is beginning to change. DraftKings’ Flash Betting is an innovative example of live betting in action and gives punters more in-game control. With Flash Betting, you can place bets in between points, with no delays. If the bet comes in, you’ll get your payout moments after the play concludes.
Boost Your Bankroll with a Bonus
Bonuses are an important factor when choosing a basketball betting site. Here are some of the most common incentives that sportsbooks make available to both new and existing members.
No Deposit Bonuses
Some sportsbooks may offer you a bonus just for signing up. It probably won’t amount to a lot – perhaps a $25 free bet – but it means you can try out a new sports betting site without risking your own money. Larger no deposit bonuses often appear when a site is in the pre-launch phase, so if your state has only recently legalized sports betting, they’re worth looking out for.
Matched Deposit Bonuses
Matched deposit bonuses allow you to claim bonus funds worth a percentage of your first deposit. If, for example, there’s a ‘100% up to $1,000’ offer and you pay $100 into your account, you’ll have a total of $200 to bet with. The percentage match and max bonus sizes will vary between operators, so remember to compare offers before signing up.
Free Bets
You can claim a free bet promotion just for signing up, but often you will need to make a prior deposit. For example, you might have to place a $25 pre-game wager to earn a $10 in-play bet. Sportsbooks may also run bet clubs, where you can earn free NBA bets by staking a certain amount per week.
Existing Bettor Bonuses
Alongside free bets, NBA betting sites can offer various other promotions for loyal bettors. These include things like enhanced price offers, cashback bonuses, and reload bonuses. Parlay bettors should also look out for promotions like profit boots on winning parlays, and parlay insurance offers that will refund you some of your stake if your parlay loses by one leg.
Terms and Conditions
Before you claim any bonus offer, we recommend reading the fine print carefully. You may find that certain payment methods will make you ineligible for a welcome bonus, for example. You should also check what the expiry date is for your chosen promotion are and whether there are playthrough requirements you will need to fulfil.
Mobile Basketball Betting
There was once a time when only a handful of US states allowed NBA betting site operators to take real money wagers, but a flurry of activity in the past few years has seen a big shift in the landscape. There are now numerous states where you can join a basketball betting site or download NBA betting apps for Android or iOS, complete with sign up bonus deals. Here’s where you can enjoy mobile and online sports betting:
Most of these states allow you to sign up for new betting accounts online and place bets from anywhere inside state lines, but that’s not always the case. It’s important that you are aware of the state-specific gambling laws before choosing a sportsbook. For instance, in Nevada, you will need to visit a land-based sportsbook to verify your identity and register your account before you can place a basketball wager online via a mobile betting app. Meanwhile, over in Montana, you must be physically present at a Sports Bet Montana retail location to use the state’s single mobile betting app.
For more information when it comes to picking the sports betting app that’s right for you, check out our mobile betting apps guide.
Options by State
Online Basketball Betting in New Jersey
| Sportsbook |
Website |
iOS App |
Android App |
| 888Sport NJ |
us.888sport.com |
Yes |
Yes |
| BetStars NJ |
BetStarsNJ.com |
Yes |
Yes |
| Caesars Sportsbook |
caesarscasino.com/sports
|
Yes |
Yes |
| DraftKings Sportsbook |
draftkings.com/sportsbook
|
Yes |
Yes |
| FanDuel Sportsbook |
sportsbook.fanduel.com/sports |
Yes |
Yes |
| PlayMGM |
nj.playmgm.com/en/p/sports |
Yes |
Yes |
| PointsBet |
pointsbet.com |
Yes |
Yes |
| SugarHouse Sportsbook |
playsugarhouse.com |
Yes |
Yes |
| William Hill Sportsbook |
nj.us.williamhill.com |
Yes |
Yes |
| Hard Rock Atlantic City |
hardrockcasino.com/sportsbook |
Yes |
Yes |
| Golden Nugget |
nj-casino.goldennuggetcasino.com/sports |
Yes |
Yes |
| BetAmerica |
nj.betamerica.com/sports |
Yes |
Yes |
| Resorts |
resortscasino.com/sports |
Yes |
Yes |
Online Basketball Betting in Nevada
| Sportsbook app |
Operator |
iOS |
Android |
Where can I sign up? |
| B-Connected (Sports and Horses) |
Boyd Gaming |
Yes |
Yes |
Cannery
The California
Suncoast
Sam’s Town
The Orleans
Gold Coast
Fremont
Main Street
Jokers Wild
Eldorado
Eastside Cannery |
| Caesars |
Caesars Entertainment |
Yes |
Yes |
Planet Hollywood
Bally’s
Paris
The Cromwell
Flamingo
The LINQ
Rio
Caesar’s Palace
Harrah’s |
| Golden Nugget |
Golden Nugget |
Yes |
Yes |
Golden Nugget, Laughlin
Golden Nugget, Las Vegas |
| PlayMGM |
MGM Resorts International |
Yes |
Yes |
Aria
Bellagio
Circus Circus
Excalibur
Luxor
The Mirage
Monte Carlo
MGM Grand
New York-New York
Mandalay Bay |
| NV Sports |
South Point Casino |
Yes |
Yes |
South Point Casino
Rampart Casino |
| CG Sports |
CG Technology |
Yes |
Yes |
Cosmopolitan
Hard Rock
The Venetian
The Palazzo
The M
Palms
Tropicana
Silverton |
| Station Casinos |
Station Casinos |
Yes |
Yes |
El Cortez
Fiesta Henderson
Fiesta
Rancho
Greer’s
Barley’s Casino
Wild Wild West
Wildfire Casinos
Red Rock
Green Valley Ranch
Sunset Station
Texas Station
Boulder Station
Palace Station
Santa Fe Station |
| TI Mobile Sports |
Treasure Island |
Yes |
Yes |
Treasure Island |
| Westgate Superbook |
Westgate Las Vegas |
Yes |
Yes |
Westgate Las Vegas Casino SuperBook |
| Wynn |
Wynn Resorts |
Yes |
Yes |
Wynn Las Vegas |
| William Hill |
William Hill US |
Yes |
Yes |
The D
SLS
Hooters
Plaza
Downtown Grand
Tuscany
Binion’s
Four Queens
Ellis Island
Silver Sevens |
Online Basketball Betting in West Virginia
| Sportsbook |
Website |
iOS app |
Android App |
| BetLucky |
betlucky.com |
Yes |
Yes |
Get Started at One of the Best Basketball Betting Sites
Now that we’ve covered the basics of basketball betting, it’s over to you to get out there and have a go yourself at betting on basketball.
Want to know more about legal sports betting and where you can bet on basketball in your state?
Here at Compare.bet, we are tracking the rapid legalization of sports betting in American and will continue to provide our readers with the latest legal developments and sports betting news.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Despite what many tipsters and guides may tell you, there is no winning formula when it comes to betting on basketball. Just like any other gambling activity, you could win, or you could lose – nothing is guaranteed. You should always remember that different types of bets carry different levels of risk. For instance, a straight money line bet on the outcome of a single game would carry far less risk than a 6-bet parlay. If you are new to basketball betting, we recommend placing a low risk bet to get a feel for how it all works.
Yes. The best US sportsbooks offer a wide range of offers and promotions across several sports markets, including basketball betting markets. Bonuses and promotions vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, though free bets and matched deposits are some of the most common deals.
In states with legal and regulated sports betting, sportsbooks take bets on a variety of professional and amateur sports including major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. You’ll also be able to bet on top European soccer leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1 and Serie A.
Yes, as long as you are betting with a licensed and regulated sportsbook. All state regulatory bodies require sportsbooks to comply with laws and regulations that are moulded around player safety. Bettors should also avoid gambling with offshore betting sites, because they don’t hold licenses to serve the US market, they are not bound by the same regulatory standards that regulated sportsbooks are.
Yes, several US sportsbooks offer live in-play sports betting allowing you to bet along with the action as it unfolds. In states with mobile and online sports betting you can either place in-play bets via a computer or mobile betting apps. Be sure to check out what is available in your state.
Basketball betting sites are perfectly safe as long as you avoid offshore sportsbooks and stick to those that are licensed and regulated by the gaming authority in your state.
Check its homepage as the sportsbook should state whether it’s licensed and authorized by the state. You will also be able to look up the list of licensees at your state’s gaming authority’s website. Alternatively, you can simply stick to the sites we recommend here at Compare.bet as we’ll only ever point you towards legitimate operators.
Top NBA betting sites offer a range of deposit methods. Expect to see options like online banking, e-wallets, debit and credit cards, and Play+ cards, as well as in-person deposits at retail sportsbooks.
It never hurts to get an expert opinion before you place NBA, WNBA, or NCAA bets online. Just remember that even the most trusted betting tips sites won’t always be correct. There are never any guarantees with gambling, and it’s always worth doing your own research into the recent form of teams and players.
That depends. Some states bar betting on in-state college teams, on college events taking place inside their borders, or on college sports entirely. You may also find that prop bets aren’t allowed on individual college players. As such, we always recommend you read up on your state’s individual gambling legislation if you are interested in betting on college basketball.
Yes, several states will limit the betting markets for college sports in general. Depending on where you’re based, you may not be allowed to place bets on events featuring in-state college teams, or on any college sports events that happen to be taking place within the state. There may also be restrictions on prop bets on individual athletes.
The cashier pages at top basketball betting sites come well-equipped with deposit options. You’ll often be able to pay money into your account using debit and credit cards, e-wallets, PayNearMe, Play+ cards, and ACH/eCheck transfers. Depending on your location, you may also be able to make an in-person deposit at a casino or sportsbook linked with the betting site.
Seeking out a few pointers from betting tips sites certainly won’t do any harm, so long as you realize that even the best tipsters can be off the mark with their predictions. It can often be better to build up your knowledge of the sport by reading college basketball news sites and blogs, and researching the recent form of teams in contention. That way, you can make well-informed wagers on your own.
The cash out feature is offered by many top US sportsbooks, and it lets you close a wager before the outcome is known. Say you’ve backed the Michigan Wolverines to win, but they’re only marginally ahead at halftime. You may want to play it safe and cash out at this point, which will secure a profit – albeit a smaller one than if they were to win the game. Similarly, cash outs can be used to limit your loss if your bet looks almost certain to crash and burn.
Yes, providing you stick to sportsbooks that are licensed to operate in your state. Having this authorization from the state regulator will ensure the site will payout fairly and provide a safe, secure environment for bettors.
