How To Bet on Basketball | Proven Strategies

Basketball, a sport full of intensity and excitement, also offers a thrilling avenue for sports betting enthusiasts. Whether it’s the NBA, NCAA, or international games, betting on basketball can be as riveting as the game itself. 

This guide is designed to help you understand the basics of basketball betting, the different types of bets, and strategies to increase your chances of winning. With Ladbrokes and other online sportsbooks, you can get in on all the action from the comfort of your home. 

Types of Basketball Bets

There are several different types of bets you can make when it comes to basketball. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular: 

Moneyline Betting 

This is one of the most popular basketball bets and is also known as a “straight-up” or “win-loss” bet. Moneyline betting involves placing a wager on one team to win outright without any point spread. In order to place a successful moneyline bet, you will need to accurately pick the winner of the game. 

Point Spread Betting 

Point spread betting is one of the most popular basketball bets. This involves placing a wager on whether a team will win by more or less than a certain number of points. The favorite is always given a negative handicap, and the underdog is given a positive one. If you bet on the favorite, they must win by more than the point spread in order for you to win the bet. If you bet on the underdog, they must lose by fewer than the point spread for you to win your wager. 

Over/Under Betting 

Over/under betting is another popular basketball bet. This involves placing a wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a certain number. The sportsbook will set a betting line that you must choose from; if you think the total score of both teams will be over the set number, you would bet on the “over”, and if you think it’ll be under, you will bet on the “under”. 

Basketball Betting Strategies 

Now that you understand the different types of basketball bets, let’s take a look at some strategies to increase your chances of success. 

Research Your Team 

The most important thing is to do your research and be informed about the team you are betting on. Pay attention to their previous performances in order to get an idea of how they will perform in the upcoming game. Read up on their injuries, suspensions, and any other news that could impact the outcome of the game. 

Pay Attention to Motivation 

Motivation is a key factor when it comes to sports betting. Teams with something to prove or teams who are playing for pride can be especially dangerous and unpredictable. Make sure you pay close attention to the motivation of each team before placing your bets. 

Bet on Home Teams 

Home teams tend to have an edge over away teams, so it can be beneficial to bet on them. This is because home teams can rely on their crowd and familiarity with the arena to give them an added boost. However, make sure you do your research and don’t blindly bet on the home team. 

Consider Injury Reports 

Injuries can drastically affect a team’s performance, so make sure you do your due diligence and check the injury report of each team before betting. In some cases, teams may be without their star players, which can influence the outcome of the game. Make sure to take this into account when placing your bets. 

Know the Weather 

The weather can have a significant impact on a game, so make sure you’re aware of the forecast before betting. Colder temperatures and heavy rain or snow can affect the performance of teams, so be mindful of how these conditions could influence a team’s performance. 

Understanding Betting Odds

Understanding the odds is crucial when it comes to basketball betting. The odds represent the likelihood of an event happening and determine the potential return on your wager. They can be displayed in different formats, including decimal, fractional, or American, depending on the betting site or geographical location. Familiarizing yourself with how these odds work can give you a better understanding of possible betting outcomes and potential profits. 

Value Betting 

Value betting is a strategy where you find instances where the sportsbook’s odds are different from your own calculated odds for an event. In these situations, you see a value that others don’t. This strategy requires a good understanding of basketball and some statistical skills to calculate your own odds. 

Hedging Your Bets

Hedging is a strategy that involves placing bets on different outcomes to guarantee a profit or minimize potential losses. This is often done in live betting, where you can place bets while the game is underway. It’s a more advanced betting strategy that can increase your chances of maintaining a positive balance but requires a deep understanding of the game and betting principles.

Following a Tipster

A tipster is an individual or group that provides betting advice, often for a fee. Following a reputable and successful tipster can save you time on research and increase your chances of placing successful bets. However, it’s important to remember that even the best tipsters can’t guarantee a win, and it’s still crucial to do your own research.

Conclusion

Basketball betting, when approached with a strategic mindset and adequate knowledge, can add an exhilarating dimension to the sports experience. Understanding the different types of bets and employing effective strategies, such as researching teams, considering motivational factors, and understanding betting odds, can significantly enhance the likelihood of successfully predicting game outcomes. However, always remember that it’s never guaranteed to win and that betting should be undertaken responsibly and as a form of entertainment.