The legality of NBA betting sites in the USA
Put simply, the answer to whether or not you can enjoy
basketball betting
in your state depends on where you live. Since the overturning of PASPA in 2018 (this was the law which created a nationwide ban on sports betting and casino sites), individual states have been able to decide for themselves whether they want to legalize betting. You can check out the table below to see whether your state is one of the many that now offers legalized gambling.
It’s important to note that it’s not just a blanket case of ‘legal’ or ‘illegal’, as there are additional state-specific rules to take into account. For instance, some states ban betting on in-state college sports teams, and others even require you to register in person before signing up.
However, I’m not aware of any states which specifically ban the NBA because it’s a professional league. That means that right now, any legal sports betting state can offer legal betting sites for NBA gambling – and considering the popularity of the sport, they pretty much all do. In fact, so common is it to bet on basketball on sportsbooks, that the best NBA betting sites may as well be shorthand for the finest sportsbooks generally.
| States with legal sports betting | States without legal sports betting |
| Arizona | Alabama |
| Askansas | Alaska |
| Colorado | California |
| Connecticut | Georgia |
| Delaware | Hawaii |
| Florida | Idaho |
| Illinois | Mississippi |
| Indiana | Missouri |
| Iowa | Montana |
| Kansas | Nebraska |
| Kentucky | North Dakota |
| Louisiana | |
| Maine | |
| Maryland | |
| Massachusetts | |
| Michigan | |
| Nevada | |
| New Jersey | |
| New York | |
| North Carolina | |
| Ohio | |
| Oregon | |
| Pennsylvania | |
| Rhode Island | |
| Tennessee | |
| Vermont | |
| Virginia | |
| Washington D.C. | |
| West Virginia | |
| Wyoming | |
In terms of practicalities, there’s not much you need to know about
NBA betting promos
compared to those offered on other sports. Generally, it works like this:
- Discover a promo:
These may be on their bonus page, or via an offer sent to your email.
- Activate the offer:
This might be via a promo code or by depositing and betting on your pick for best NBA betting sites.
- Use your offer:
Usually, whether it’s a free bet or a bet boost, this will require you to place a bet which may be discounted depending on the promo.
- Meet any remaining terms and conditions:
Often, bonuses require you to meet wagering requirements within a certain time limit before your promotional winnings can be withdrawn.
In fact, in many cases, NBA betting sites’ finest bonuses are those which are available generally on sports betting markets. In other words, they’re not specifically an NBA promotion at all, but rather a sports bonus which can be used on NBA matches if that’s what you prefer. Many of the biggest bonus offers, from huge newcomer offers to generous loyalty offers, fall under this category.
There are also, of course, those promotions which are meant for a specific NBA market or event. This is more common on the best NBA sports betting sites where the sport is a top priority. This is especially common on
live betting sites
during big games like the NBA Finals.
Top bonus offers for NBA betting
1.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $5
3.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets IF YOU WIN
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
5.
Bet $5 and Get $200in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: 5
The best online betting sites for NBA gambling
The actual number of NBA betting sites – that is, any site which offers odds on NBA events – is many thousands strong. And a lot of those sportsbooks will range from good to excellent.
However, what I’m looking for is those which I think will have the most appeal to Americans reading this page. That’s why I’ve selected five which I not only think represent the finest NBA sports betting sites around, but also are widely available in much of the US.
BetMGM: Superb state-specific experience
BetMGM Pros & Cons
- Great seasonal offers
- Regionalised experience
- Technically reliable
It didn’t require much research for me to figure out that BetMGM would be a good fit if I’m looking for my best NBA sports betting sites to be as broadly available to as many Americans as possible. They’re one of the few which provide a localized version for each state they’re available in, meaning that you can bet with confidence that every promo or market you’re interested in isn’t restricted by local laws.
This is great, because there’s a massive amount of markets to choose from, as this is not just among legal betting sites for NBA wagering, but is also one of the most focused on basketball specifically. You can enjoy the fantastic mobile options, ease of use, quality payment methods and great customer service like everyone, but those specific NBA promotions are more likely than on most competitors.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
bet365: For a little bit of everything
bet365 Pros & Cons
- Amazing all rounder
- Excellent NBA live stats
- Creative player markets
I’m well aware that many of you reading this won’t just be looking for the best NBA sportsbooks. Many will be looking for a great new sportsbook – possibly even a casino in relevant states – that has a big emphasis on basketball betting. If that’s the case, and if the best NBA betting sites for you would also have a delicious selection of sports side orders from all over the world, then bet365 is a tough choice to beat.
The sports and events covered and the variety of the markets all round is simply sublime. And that’s not to say they can’t stand up to the absolute best NBA betting sites – far from it. From pre-match to live, the experience and the consistent quality of the odds shows why bet365 is an industry leader. And their promotional quality and stats can also help you make the most of your strategy, whether that’s on desktop or via their fantastic mobile betting apps.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
FanDuel: Beyond user-friendly
FanDuel Pros & Cons
- Fantastic fantasy betting
- Top pick for newcomers
- Excellent traditional sportsbook
When I talk about betting sites being accessible and user-friendly, generally what I mean is that I think almost anyone could get started with that site and have little trouble using all it has to offer. It means that terms are transparent, for instance, that everything responds smoothly and is well-structured so you can figure out where everything is. This is especially impressive if that’s the case on mobile as well as desktop.
FanDuel is all of these things, but what puts it above even the best NBA betting sites for newcomers is that it actively teaches them how to bet. That’s right, FanDuel educates you on all elements of fantasy betting so anyone can get started. This includes the NBA season, with tons of interesting contests with fun predictions to enjoy.
And they’re just as impressive as a traditional sportsbook, with bonus offers, market variety and odds quality to compete with the very finest NBA betting sites of any kind.
Caesars: All hail this international juggernaut
Caesars Pros & Cons
- Established reputation
- Sound fundamentals
- Generous promotions
The idea many people have of Caesars online is quite far from the reality. They are, of course, best known as one of America’s most iconic land-based casinos. So, what are they doing on this list of NBA betting sites?
Well, they long since partnered with the mighty William Hill, which has provided them with one of the greatest online betting platforms around. There are no gimmicks here – just sound fundamentals. The design of the site is classic and smartly structured. There’s a reason this style still works. Customer service is ever-present and helpful, and payment methods are varied and easy, custom-made for an American audience. Promotions are a nice mix of sport-specific options, great for the NBA season, and more general offers, all with excellent terms.
This is all backed with a very strong market selection – comprehensive and always in the conversation for best odds. They also offer a fantastic live experience, with great statistical detail and graphics to follow the action. It keeps things simple, focuses on what makes a difference, and delivers.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
DraftKings: A staggering level of NBA betting variety
DraftKings Pros & Cons
- Huge promotions
- Fantasy, pool & social betting
- Creative predictions
There might not be a more versatile nor creative option amongst NBA gambling sites. When you consider the excellence that’s available among the top options, that’s no small compliment.
I’ll start with what they’re famous for. DraftKings are indeed known amongst the best NBA sportsbooks as a top choice for fantasy betting. For my money, they’re the only serious competition to the crown which would otherwise sit easily upon the head of FanDuel. But their sensational contests – some of which are free to enter – constantly amaze with the variety of predictions they offer. It’s not just the potential to win big for minimum amounts, but it also adds to your enjoyment, which is what all NBA betting sites should be about.
Again, like FanDuel, they’re also among the best NBA sports betting sites in terms of traditional markets, with fantastic odds and coverage. All of these are backed with mammoth promotions, which again put them among the elite options. Finally, there’s some really terrific pool betting options, on which NBA features very heavily, with social options if you just want to have fun with no cash on the line. It’s a staggering, world-beating display of variety and quality.
20% up to $500
Deposit Bonus
|
18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply.
Seven magnificent steps for choosing between the best NBA betting sites
Interested in my recommendations for the best NBA sportsbooks? Even if you’re not 100% sure just yet, I really do think they represent the best place to start exploring your
NBA betting strategy. With that in mind, I’m going to provide you with a step-by-step guide of everything you should do next to ensure that you have the best chance of finding your ideal place to maximize your enjoyment of NBA betting markets.
Check which of these operators are available in your area
Actually, the step before step one is that you should generally make sure that sports betting is legal in your area before you do anything – and you can check that on the table above. But, just because there are legal betting sites for NBA markets where you live, that doesn’t necessarily mean that every site is available.
Each state provides its own licenses and there’s a huge difference in regional availability. So, the first step is to check which of my five recommendations are available specifically to you. This should be made clear when you enter the site but if not, you can always check the terms or contact customer service if the answer remains elusive.
Make a list of everything you want from NBA gambling sites
While we’re all NBA fans, what we want specifically out of our betting sites is very personal. We all play different ways and have our own unique tastes. That’s why I think it’s a good idea at this point to actually write down what you want from a site beyond the basics, as I can assure you all sites that I recommend meet a high baseline of standards. It could be a certain type of promotion, fantasy betting, or statistical analysis, for instance.
Compare what the remaining sportsbooks offer with your list
You should now have a list of the best NBA betting sites available in your area and what you want from them. Now it’s time to do a little research to see which one best meets your criteria.
If you have a dead heat, spend a little time navigating each site
Sometimes – especially among the absolute best NBA betting sites – you end up with two that seem inseparable. Perhaps two (or more) hit all your list points. In that case, I think the best thing to do is head on over to the site or app and simply spend a little time checking it out for yourself. There might be one that just suits you better. Go with whichever you think will be most enjoyable.
Sign up and make a deposit
With your choice made, it’s time to sign up. This generally just requires you to fill in a simple registration form which will ask for things like your name, address, password, email, and so on. After that, you can add your banking details and deposit an initial amount. Keep any minimums for the welcome offers that interest you in mind at this point.
I’d still consider this the trial period, so I think it’s a good idea at this point to actually make some smaller bets to try out various markets and get a feel for how everything works. This way, if you actually decide you’d have a better time elsewhere, you shouldn’t have lost too much money even if your bets don’t come in.
Make your longer-term decision
Everything is now set for you to decide if this is the one for you or if other NBA betting sites might suit you better. Remember too that you can also sign up for as many sites as you wish and take advantage of multiple odds and promotions if you want.
Conclusion: If sports are legal, your ideal NBA site is out there
If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the many states in which sports betting is legal, then you have no reason to compromise on what you want from NBA betting sites. Indeed, the finest basketball betting options out there can compete with any international alternatives with enough variety for everyone to enjoy. Start with my recommendations, follow the steps, and I’m confident you’ll find a favorite among them.
Our top picks for NBA betting
1.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet now
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets IF YOU WIN
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
Bet $5 and Get $200in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Players from Virginia accepted
NBA betting sites FAQ
🏀How do I know if a basketball betting site is available where I live?
First and foremost, you’ll want to check that sports betting in general is available in your home state. Because if betting on sports is generally unavailable, then it’s only logical that basketball betting will also not be allowed. On top of that, you’ll want to check with the individual site you’re interested in, as they may have their own unique georestrictions.
👍What are the best basketball betting sites?
There are many fantastic betting sites that provide markets on the NBA and beyond. In fact, the popularity of the sport means that the finest in general can usually be considered NBA bookmakers. In other words, there are a lot of excellent options. I’ve gone for bet365, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM for my picks for the best NBA betting sites for American readers. This is because of their quality, diversity, and availability.
Well, most of them do. In fact, if you suspect they don’t and they’re a top option, it’s very likely that they don’t have promotions specifically advertised for basketball but rather sports in general, and they can be enjoyed when used with NBA markets. How to find out what’s available is simple. Just head on over to the relevant promotional page, see what’s there, and check out the terms and conditions of whatever you’re interested in.
