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DunkOrThree > Basketball Betting Guide 2024

Basketball Betting Guide 2024: Essential Tips & Strategies for Successful Wagering

Last Updated on 29.08.2024
Fact checked by: Emily Carter

From October through June, the basketball betting action heats up as the NBA season takes place. Looking for the best places to lay your bets? Check out BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars.

They’ve all got diverse betting options, generous bonuses, and some of the best odds in the game. In this guide, I’m diving deep into why these sites are the best for basketball betting. Plus, I’ll walk you through the steps on how to get started.

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Compare the best basketball betting sites for 2024

Bet365
Recommended
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Over 35 sports.available
  • Competitive odds
  • Sports news and statistics
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Go to Bet365
Bet now
Payment Methods
Find out more on Bet365.
Withdrawal
0 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
EGR – Operator of the year (2017)
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Show less
BetMGM
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Excellent variety of sports
  • Live streaming available
  • Cash Out feature
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetMGM
Bet now
Payment Methods
PayNearMe
Skrill
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
0 – 3 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
GGA – Digital Operator of the Year (2023)
Show less
FanDuel
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Great choice of sports.
  • SGPs, live streaming and Cash Out.
  • Outstanding mobile experience.
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket + Boost or Bonus every day in the Summer
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to FanDuel
Bet now
Payment Methods
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
Global Gaming Awards (2022)
Show less
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Good choice of major sports
  • Live streaming and Cash Out available
  • Prop bets and Same Game Parlays
Caesars Bonus
100% up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Copy
Bet now
Payment Methods
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
0 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
BetRivers.com
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Live betting available
  • House specials on certain markets
  • Niche sports like lacrosse and Jai Alai available
BetRivers.com Bonus
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Copy
Bet now
Payment Methods
PayNearMe
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
+
Withdrawal
0 – 3 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
DraftKings
6.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Great choice of sports available
  • Top option for parlay bets
  • DKN news and picks
DraftKings Bonus
Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to DraftKings
Bet now
Payment Methods
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
+
Withdrawal
0 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
EGR – Operator of the year (2023)
Show More
BetFanatics
7.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • FanCash rewards when you wager
  • Betting on leagues like the NHL, NBA, and NFL
  • Live betting available
BetFanatics Bonus
Bet $100, Get $100 in Bonus Bets Every Day for 10 Days!
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetFanatics
Bet now
Payment Methods
Skrill
Venmo
PayPal
+
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More

How to use basketball betting sites

Even if you’re a complete rookie when it comes to basketball betting, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with some super user-friendly recommendations. From signing up to cashing out, all of our top recommendations have streamlined the whole process for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Sign up

First thing’s first, you need to create an account. Visit your chosen basketball sportsbook and hunt down the “sign up” or “create an account” button. A registration form will pop up, asking for info like your full name, date of birth, and address. Once you’ve filled in all the deets and agreed to the terms and conditions, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Make a deposit

Now, it’s time to add some cash to your account. Don’t forget to check out the promotions page first, as you’ll usually be able to score a welcome bonus. When you’re ready to make a deposit, head to the banking or cashier section and choose your preferred payment method. A quick tip: Skip e-wallets for your first deposit, as most sites won’t let you claim the welcome bonus using them.

Step 3: Place your bets

With cash in your account, head over to the sportsbook. Find “basketball” or even “NBA” in the sports list, and then you’ll be able to browse the full range of betting markets. Once you’re happy with your selections and the amount you want to bet, go ahead and place those bets.

Step 4: Cash out your winnings

If you hit it big and meet the wagering requirements for a basketball betting bonus that you claim as a new player, it’s time to cash out. Usually, you can use the same payment method for withdrawals as you did for deposits. However, if you want the speediest withdrawals, it’s best to use e-wallets because they’re usually completed in under 24 hours. If you opt for credit or debit card, you may have to wait a few days.

Our top bonus picks for 2024

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to Bet365
Get bonus now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
2.
Favicon
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
Go to BetMGM
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
3.
Favicon
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket + Boost or Bonus every day in the Summer
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to FanDuel
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
100% up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
BetRivers.com
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+

What to look for in basketball betting sites

I only recommend the very best betting sites for basketball like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars. This is not only due to the fact that they’re safe and secure but also that they excel in other key areas too. If you’re on the hunt for sites that can keep up with these industry leaders, here’s what you should keep an eye out for.

πŸ” Licensing and security

First things first: the non-negotiables. Any basketball betting site worth its salt needs to have a license from the official authority in your area. Think of it as a stamp of approval – it’s an absolute must to ensure everything is on the up and up.

This will go to show that the site is safe, secure, and trustworthy. For example, all licensed sites should have advanced security measures like SSL encryption to keep your personal and financial info safe and private.

πŸ‘€ Diverse bet types

Now, let’s talk variety – because who doesn’t love options? Once you’ve ticked off the licensing and security boxes, dive into the range of betting markets. All sites should give you the usual bet types like money lines and totals for NBA games.

But the best of the best? They go all out. We’re talking a buffet of bet types – props, parlays, teasers – you name it. That’s what really sets some of the best basketball betting sites apart from the crowd.

πŸ’΅ Payments and fees

Ever signed up for a betting site, only to find out they don’t take your go-to payment method? Or worse, they hit you with crazy fees? Total bummer, right? That’s why it’s super important to check out the payment options first.

Look for a site that’s not just flexible with the types of payments they accept, but also one that’s quick on processing and easy on your wallet with little to no fees. Whether you’re a credit card kind of person or a digital wallet fan, the right site should have you covered with instant deposits, fast withdrawals, and little to no fees.

🏈 League coverage

The NBA isn’t just any league – it’s one of the biggest leagues in all of sports by revenue. It managed to generate over $10.5 billion in the 2022-23 season alone, which is a testament to its popularity.

Because of this, it’s no surprise that there are so many NBA betting sites to choose from. But the real MVPs? They’re the sites that go beyond, covering not just the NBA, but also NCAAB, EuroLeague, BSL, NBL, and plenty more.

πŸ† Competitive odds

When you’re betting on basketball, you want the best possible returns on your successful wagers, right? If so, you’ve got to find sites that offer highly competitive odds. Plus, some sites have something called ‘odds boosts’. I recommend looking out for these to make your possible wins even bigger. BetMGM and DraftKings are two places that are great for this. They are known for their great odds and even better boosts.

πŸ“Ά Live betting and streaming

Missed the tip-off? No problem. With live betting, you can dive right into the action whenever you want. You’re not just limited to basic bets either. Sure, most sites only offer money lines or totals, but some places like BetMGM let you spice things up with live event parlays, props, and much more.

Plus, here’s the cool part: top recommended sites like BetMGM take the live betting experience to the next level with live streaming. Because of this, you can watch the game and place your bets at the same time. How cool is that?

πŸ”₯ Bonuses and promotions

Who doesn’t love a bonus to use on basketball betting? Sure, they’re not the most important thing to look for, because almost every site has them. However, when you find the ones that have generous bonus amounts and fair terms and conditions, it’s a game changer. Sites like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars are totally nailing it in this department, offering plenty of impressive bonuses to use for basketball betting.

πŸ“ž Reliable customer support

Issues pop up when you least expect them. That’s why having reliable customer support is essential. You want a betting website that’s got your back, right? So, aim for sites like Bet365 and BetMGM. They’ve got 24/7 live chat, meaning help is always just a click away, any time, day or night.

The best basketball betting sites

From what I’ve mentioned about what to look for in a basketball betting siteβ€”like having the right licenses, offering lots of bet types, having great odds, and providing additional features like live bettingβ€”I’ve picked out a few sites that really stand out: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars. They don’t just meet all the important criteria; they go above and beyond. Let’s dive into what these basketball gambling sites bring to the table.

Betting siteBet typesLive betting?Bet builder?Basketball bonuses?
BetMGMMoney lines, over/unders, prop bets, parlays, and futures.YesYesYes
DraftKingsMoney lines, over/unders, prop bets, parlays, and futures.YesYesYes
FanDuelMoney lines, over/unders, prop bets, parlays, and futures.YesYesYes
Bet365Money lines, over/unders, prop bets, parlays, and futures.YesYesYes
CaesarsMoney lines, over/unders, prop bets, parlays, and futures.YesNoYes

BetMGM

BetMGM sportsbook and casino
BetMGM Pros & Cons
  • Varied betting options
  • Live betting and streaming
  • Parlay builder feature
  • Early cashout option
  • Some bonuses don’t last long

BetMGM Sportsbook, also referred to as the “King of Sportsbooks,” is our top recommended site for basketball betting. Why? It’s got everything and more! Various betting options? Yep. Super sharp odds? You bet. Live betting and streaming? Absolutely. Top-notch customer service? For sure. But wait, there’s more…

This platform is changing the game with cool extras like a parlay builder, a bet editor, and the option for early cashouts. Finding all these features in one place is rare, which is why BetMGM is scoring big in the ratings. Plus, you can get in on the action from anywhere in the US where sports betting is legal. The fact that it’s got licenses in every legal state is a testament to its legitimacy, making it one of the most accessible sportsbooks in the US.

Sports Bonus
4.6/5
BetMGM
Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Welcome Bonus
|
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetMGM
Get Bonus

DraftKings

draftkings main
DraftKings Pros & Cons
  • Huge basketball league selection
  • Excellent parlay betting options
  • Great for NBA and international leagues
  • User-friendly and responsive design
  • Could offer more odds boosts

DraftKings is undoubtedly one of the best basketball gambling sites out there. Why? Because they’ve got an insanely huge lineup of basketball betting options. Whether you’re into March Madness college gambling or the main leagues like the NBA, EuroLeague, BSL, NBL, or something else, they’ve got it all. Imagine this: 19 different leagues under one roof!

You’ll definitely struggle to find such deep league coverage anywhere else. And the variety of bets? This is just as impressive. From singles to parlays, teasers, round robins, props, and more – they’ve got everything you could ask for. Plus, there’s a live betting section where things get really exciting. This is where you can throw down bets on moneylines, spreads, and over/unders while the action unfolds. So if you miss the tip-off, it’s no worries.

DFS Bonus
4.5/5
DraftKings Fantasy
DFS Bonus
4.5/5
20% up to $500
Deposit Bonus
|
18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply.
Go to DraftKings Fantasy
Get Bonus

FanDuel

Fanduel Feature Image
FanDuel Pros & Cons
  • Some of the best basketball odds
  • Intuitive parlay builder tool
  • Year-round NBA futures
  • Innovative ‘The Pulse’ feature
  • Not legal in all states

FanDuel Sportsbook is where it’s at for NBA and basketball betting, no joke! All season long, from October to April, they’re serving up some of the best basketball betting odds you’ll find anywhere. We’re talking about some of the best possible returns on pre-game and in-play bets. This includes everything from moneylines to over/unders, player and game props, and yes, even parlays. And with their nifty parlay builder tool, you can craft your own winning combos.

And even when it’s not the NBA season, you can still get in on the action. FanDuel keeps the ball rolling with all the NBA futures you can dream of – championship odds, award odds, conference and division winners, you name it. Sure, other top sportsbooks might have similar bets, but FanDuel brings something extra to the court. Enter: The Pulse. This is an innovative feature that can take your live betting experience to the next level. You get the latest updates, betting tips, and insider insights, all while the action unfolds.

DFS Bonus
4.5/5
FanDuel Fantasy
DFS Bonus
4.5/5
$65 value with just a $10+ deposit
Welcome Bonus
|
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to FanDuel Fantasy
Get Bonus

Bet365

Bet365 Sports Feature Image
Bet365 Pros & Cons
  • Extensive prop betting options
  • Early cashouts available
  • Bet builder feature
  • NBA/NCAAB early payout offers
  • Streaming is only for select events

Bet365 is taking the basketball betting scene by storm. They’ve got highly competitive odds on the NFL, and let me tell you, their NCAAB and EuroLeague odds are just as impressive. And when it comes to the bet types, I was particularly impressed with the prop betting options. From main props to player props, team props, quarter props, and game props – they’ve got them all.

I was also impressed with the additional features, as these go a long way in enhancing the user experience. Early cashouts? Check. An easy-to-use bet builder? Yep. Live betting and streaming on major events all year? Absolutely.

And the cherry on top? Their generous basketball-specific bonuses. Take the NBA and NCAAB early payouts, for example – if your NBA team leads by 20 points, you instantly get the payout, just like that. For college basketball betting on the NCAAB, it’s an 18-point lead. Plus, they throw in odds boosts and parlay boosts that can increase your wins by up to a whopping 70%. It’s no wonder Bet365 is a favorite among basketball betting fans.

Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet365
Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Welcome Bonus
|
Go to Bet365
Get Bonus
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+

Caesars

caesars main
Caesars Pros & Cons
  • Diverse betting options
  • Competitive odds
  • Quick picks with boosted odds
  • Daily odds boosts on various bets
  • Bonuses can expire quickly

At Caesars, you’re in for a treat with their massive lineup of basketball betting options, highly competitive odds, and basketball-specific bonuses. Dive into the action with money lines, totals, props, parlays, teasers, and a whole lot more. One of my favorite features is their quick picks section.

This is where you’ll see prebuilt parlays with boosted odds, giving your potential returns a major upgrade. And that’s not the only way to score odds boosts. Every single day of the season, Caesars serves up a feast of basketball betting markets with boosted odds, including same-game parlays, props, and your standard parlays.

Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet365
Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Welcome Bonus
|
Go to Bet365
Get Bonus
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+

Experience the best that basketball betting has to offer

Basketball is, without question, one of the biggest sports in the world, so it’s no wonder that basketball betting sites are so popular. There may be tons of sites to place bets on, but I’ve come to the conclusion that the best ones are BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars. These sites have everything you could want and more!

Looking for coverage on lots of basketball leagues? Head to DraftKings; they cover 19 different leagues. If you’re into innovative features like parlay builders, bet editors, and early cash-out options, check out BetMGM, FanDuel, and Bet365. And for a variety of bet types, top-notch odds, and generous bonuses, any of my recommended sites will do the trick.

Top sportsbooks for 2024

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
2.
Favicon
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
PayNearMe
Skrill
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
3.
Favicon
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket + Boost or Bonus every day in the Summer
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
100% up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+
BetRivers.com
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
PayNearMe
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+

Basketball betting FAQ

πŸ‘€ What is the best betting site for basketball?

If I could only recommend one basketball betting site, it would be BetMGM. With a comprehensive coverage of basketball games, including the NBA, NCAAB, and international leagues, alongside its variety of bet types, competitive odds, and innovative features like live betting and streaming, BetMGM is hard to beat.

πŸ€ How do I find the best betting sites for basketball betting?

Finding the best betting sites for basketball betting involves researching and comparing key features like licensing, security, bet variety, competitive odds, bonuses, and customer support. To save yourself the time and hassle of doing this yourself, feel free to check my top picks. These meet the criteria and even bring additional features to the table.

πŸ‘· Which sites have a bet builder for basketball?

Bet builders are readily available at top-rated sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, Bet365, and FanDuel. These tools make it easy for you to create your bet by selecting multiple selections for the same event. For example, you might predict that Jayson Tatum will score a three-pointer and that the game will have more than 110 points.

Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Bet365
Bet365
Bet365 Review
4.6/5
BetMGM
BetMGM
BetMGM Review
4.6/5
FanDuel
FanDuel
FanDuel Review
4.5/5
Caesars
Caesars
Caesars Review
4.5/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Review
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Caesars
Caesars Bonus
100% up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Bonus
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Our Team
Emily CarterJackson T. PierceJP ZhangBrendan HeffernanEric Winkler
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Emily Carter
Gambling Editor
Jackson T. Pierce
Gambling & DFS Editor
JP Zhang
JP Zhang
Founder
Brendan Heffernan
Editor
Eric Winkler
Editor
Ian Johnson
Editor

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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