Basketball is a fast-paced sport that has been enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. It became popular in part because of its accessibility – all children need to play is a ball and a hoop. In recent years, it has also become a popular choice for sports betting enthusiasts, in part because of its high scoring and exciting nature when watching.
If you’re new to basketball betting, this guide will provide you with some of the basics in basketball betting. If you’re wondering which bookmaker to use when getting started, expert analysis and ratings of your options are found on a site that operates in many countries, including PH and AU.
Understanding the Basics of Basketball
Before diving into basketball betting, it’s important to know the rules of the sport. You should already know this, here’s a brief outline: two teams of five players each play on a rectangular court with the goal of putting a ball through a hoop that is 10 feet high. Points are scored by shooting the ball through the hoop, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Popular Types of Basketball Bets
There are many different types of bets you can place, but the most popular include:
- Moneyline Bets: This is the simplest type of bet, where you simply pick the team you think will win the game. For this, look at momentum, team news, and how the teams match up stylistically (and historically).
- Point Spread Bets: In this type of bet, the favorite team must win by a certain number of points (the “spread”) in order for the bettor to win. Essentially, you think one team will comfortably beat the other.
- Total Bets: Also known as over/under bets, these wagers allow you to bet on the total number of points that will be scored in the game. So, this is ideal when you can’t predict who will win, but rather what kind of a match it will be.
- Prop Bets: These are unique bets that allow you to wager on specific events or milestones within a game, such as the number of points a particular player will score or the number of rebounds a team will grab. Sometimes you can find great value bets here.
How to Choose the Best Basketball Bet
With so many different betting options available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. To make the best choice, consider the following factors:
- Current Form: Look at each team’s recent performance, including their wins and losses, point differential, and other relevant statistics. However, place more weight on recent events.
- Injury Reports: Make sure to keep up to date on any key players who may be out due to injury, as this can have a big impact on a team’s performance.
- Motivation: Consider each team’s motivations for the game, such as playoff positioning, rivalries, or simply the desire to win. Sometimes, a game can be ‘bigger’ for one team than the other, as well as whether they are at home or away.
Tips for Successful Basketball Betting
While there’s no guarantee of success in any type of betting, there are a few strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning. It’s important to stick by a strategy long enough to see if it’s working, but equally to know when to adapt it if it isn’t. Here are some tips on improving your chances.
- Shop Around: Don’t just take the first odds you see. Check multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds for your bet. Some bookies have better odds in only some markets (i.e. different national leagues)
- Stick to Your Budget: Set a budget for yourself and stick to it, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing. This can help keep emotion out of the equation.
- Don’t Chase Losses: It can be tempting to try to make up for lost bets by risking more money, but this is a surefire way to lose even more. Humans are risk-taking when losing and risk-averse when winning.
- Keep Records: Keep track of your bets and their outcomes so you can identify any patterns or areas where you may need to improve your strategy.
Conclusion
Basketball betting offers a wide range of options and the potential for big payouts, but it’s important to treat carefully. Treat it as a fun pastime, not a serious money-making endeavor. Perhaps the most important aspect isn’t the basketball at all, but knowing how to responsibly manage your bankroll and stakes.
