Basketball is actually one of the world’s most popular sports. For many, it is more than just a game – it is a passion. And while some people may enjoy basketball purely as a spectator sport, others may want to try their hand at betting on games. Whether you are truly new to basketball betting or are looking for ways to improve your strategy, this guide will help you get started. It will cover the basics of how to bet on basketball games, how to read odds and handicaps, and some tips for increasing your chances. So whether you are a seasoned gambler or a beginner, read on for everything you need to know about betting on basketball!
Do your research
One of the most truly important things to do when betting on any sport is to make sure you are actually as informed as possible about the teams, players, and league. This means doing your research and keeping up-to-date with the latest news and developments. In basketball, it can be helpful to know not just about the star players but also the role players and bench players.
If a team is currently missing one of its key players, this can have a big impact on how they perform. It is also actually quite important to be aware of any injuries or suspensions that could affect a team’s performance. The more you truly know about the teams involved in a game, the better your chances of making a successful bet.
Use sports betting sites
When it actually comes to sports betting picks, there are a lot of sites out there that claim to have the inside scoop on who will win. While it is always important to do your own research, using a betting site can be a helpful way to get started.
Most betting sites will always allow you to sign up for an account and then place bets using their platform. Many of these sites also offer bonuses or promotions that can give you extra to have fun with.
Just be actually sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for anything, as some offers may have wagering requirements or other restrictions attached.
Understand odds and handicaps
One of the most fundamentally common ways to bet on basketball is by betting against the spread. The spread is the number of points that a team is expected to win or lose by, and odds are set based on this. For example, if the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Charlotte Hornets and the spread is 5.5 points, this means that the Lakers are expected to win by 5.5 points.
If you bet on the Lakers, they would need to win by more than 5.5 points for you to win your bet; if they only won by five or less, or if they lost the game, then you would lose your bet.
Similarly, if you bet on the Hornets, they could lose by up to 5.5 points, and you would still win your bet.
One thing to keep in mind when betting against the spread is that odds are not always 50/50. The sportsbook will take a cut of the winnings, so the actual odds maybe something like 48% for the Lakers and 52% for the Hornets.
This is why it is actually quite important to shop around for the best odds before placing a bet. You can also bet on other things besides who will win or lose, such as how many points will be scored in a game. Handicaps are set based on these kinds of bets, and they work in a similar way to spreads.
