Betting.us Editor-in-Chief Blake Roberts skillfully uses his background in statistics and sports knowledge base to create insightful betting guides. Blake was born in Morgantown, WV, and he has a community college degree in Statistics. His stamping grounds are the live betting platforms of West Virginia.
Best Basketball Betting Sites in the USA for 2024
By Blake Roberts
Founder & Editor in Chief at Betting.us
Updated: March 19, 2024
Best Basketball Betting Sites & Apps for 2024
You'll find basketball bets at nearly every sportsbook in the US, giving you lots of options to pick from. To make your decision easier, we've rated the best basketball betting sites and apps for 2023.
| Basketball Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Best Features | Site Rating | Secure Link1 | Legal In | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Great NBA markets | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | CO, IN, IA, KS, MI, NV, NJ, OH, PA, VA, WV | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | Up to $1000 On First Deposit | Not Needed | Basketball betting & DFS | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | NJ, NY, VA | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetRivers | Up to $500 Free Bet | SPORTS | Great basketball bonus | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | IGAMING1000 | Variety of basketball promos | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, TN, VA, WV | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| bet365 | Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Top-notch basketball live steams | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | NJ | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Betway | Bet $25, Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Best Basketball moneylines | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | CO, IN, IA, NJ, PA | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Hard Rock Sport | Up to $100 In Free Bets | Not Needed | Best basketball free bet offer | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | NJ | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Borgata Sport | Up to $100 In Free Bets | Not Needed | Top basketball parlays | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | NJ | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
Depending on the state, sportsbooks have loads of college and NBA basketball online betting markets. Note that at the best NBA betting sites you'll find numerous year-round offers on this sport's events. Other than that, the operators on this page hold valid licenses, and you can cash in on several offers.
Best Basketball Gambling Sites by Category
Of course, knowing the type of bets you wish to do is key to finding the best basketball sportsbook for your tastes. That's why we broke down the top basketball betting sites by category, so you can quickly find what you're looking for.
| 🥇 #1 Basketball Sportsbook US | BetMGM |
|---|---|
| 🎁 Top Basketball Betting Bonus | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🆕 New Basketball Sportsbook | BetMGM |
| 🔝 Most Basketball Markets | bet365 |
| 🎰 Best Gambling Site | DraftKings |
| 🏅 Best Types of Basketball Bets | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 📱 Best Basketball Betting App | Betway |
| 💸 Best PayPal Casino | Hard Rock Sport |
There are several criteria you can use to find the best basketball online betting site for your style. However, your safety is paramount, so security is always on top of the list in every one of the US betting sites. Each state has its own gambling authority, which oversees all the basketball betting website licenses in its jurisdiction.
Online Basketball Betting Guide
There are several ways to bet on basketball. The best gamblers in the world refine their processes over time until they find something that works, and they are happy with. If they find something within their wagering doesn't work, they change it, test it, and repeat it until they figure it out.
How to Bet on Basketball for Real Money Online
- Choose a Basketball Betting Site Pick a legal basketball betting site off our list.
- Open an account Create an account.
- Make a deposit Choose a payment method to deposit with.
- Consider the bonus offer Think about claiming one of the many basketball betting bonuses.
- Decide Which Game to Bet On Pick a game from your chosen sportsbooks's list.
- Choose a Market Look into the basketball prop bets and standard markets.
- Place your bet Decide how much to stake and make your wager.
- Watch the Game Watch the game and maybe do some live basketball betting.
- Collect Your Winnings Cash out early or let it ride if you're confident.
Popular Types of Basketball Bets
The best basketball gambling sites offer odds on several markets, different wager types, and high betting limits. There are common ones like the spread and money line, but also less common ones like joint player specials. You need to be familiar with all the betting markets so you know where to look for value in the odds.
Finding value in the odds offered for specific markets is the entire premise of profitable basketball betting. Knowing when to wager and when to lay off is the number one differentiator between professional gamblers and average joes. Here are the most common bet types typically found at sportsbooks with basketball markets:
-
Moneyline
The simplest form of basketball betting on the NBA[5] and other leagues as well. Choose one of the teams to win the game straight up. Not often used in high-scoring sports.
-
Point Spread
A bet on the margin of victory in a basketball game. Underdogs must lose by less than the spread, and favorites must win by more for a winning bet.
-
Props
Proposition bets are wagers not related to the outcome of the game. Often involve totals for player- or team-based statistics.
-
Live Betting
Live betting lets you gamble on games already in progress. It also has unique props unavailable before tip-off like who scores the next basket or draws the next foul.
-
Parlays
Parlays are two or more individual wagers (singles) combined into one bet and dependent on all the wagers winning together for an increased payout.
-
Futures
Futures are exactly how they sound, a wager on a future outcome. With wagers on the NBA Finals, March Madness play in tournament winners, or NBA Champions available at most sportsbooks, futures are a popular choice for gamblers.
Almost every sportsbook in the US offers these types of wagers for basketball betting. Point spread bets are by far the most common, but totals, parlays, and live betting are exploding in popularity all over the country. You can make these bets and more at any of the top sportsbooks in the country.
Of course, some wager types are more suitable for experienced players. Basketball prop betting becomes extraordinarily complex depending on the market. The same is true for live betting and parlays. Beginners who want to try their hands at these bet types should start with smaller than normal stakes.
Popular Basketball Leagues
The best basketball betting sites supply odds and markets for several basketball leagues around the world but focus primarily on the US ones. You can bet on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA men's and women's games, the NBA G-League, and various other international organizations if you wish.
Here are the most common leagues to bet on in the United States:
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
- National Collegiate Athletics Association Men's (NCAAM) Basketball
- National Collegiate Athletics Association Women's (NCAAW) Basketball
- International Basketball Federation (FIBA)
- EuroLeague
You can wager on all these leagues at most sportsbooks in the US. The exception to this rule regards college basketball betting in states where it's restricted. Some states allow all bets, others do not allow wagers on in-state teams or games, while still others only restrict proposition bets.
Within these leagues there are several popular teams the public likes to wager on more than others. These teams are usually in big markets, have a lot of history, or have a famous player on them. In some cases, all three are true.
Popular NBA Teams to Bet on in 2024
As the upcoming NBA season approaches, the landscape is buzzing with excitement around certain teams that have made significant moves in the off-season. Los Angeles Lakers are always in the spotlight despite a disappointing performance last year, missing the playoffs. They've made notable trades to bolster their roster, aiming for a strong comeback.- Los Angeles Lakers
- Golden State Warriors
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Denver Nuggets
- Boston Celtics
The Brooklyn Nets had a turbulent last season, culminating in a first-round playoff exit. Nevertheless, with their star players staying put and some strategic additions, they're expected to be major contenders. The Milwaukee Bucks, with their core team intact and a few key additions, they're likely to be a formidable force again.
The Golden State Warriors, the reigning champions, enter the season as favorites. Their ability to retain core players while integrating new talent makes them a top contender for back-to-back championships. The NBA betting season consists of the preseason, regular season, and postseason. The NBA regular season is comprised of 1,230 games, 82 games for every team, after which the top eight teams from each conference move on to the playoffs.
NCAA Teams
- Duke Blue Devils
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Michigan State Spartans
- Kansas Jayhawks
- Kentucky Wildcats
These college teams are historically the most successful in the country and have a rabid following all over the 50 states and DC. College basketball betting is quite different from NBA betting, so it can be hard to bet against these teams straight up. Consider their records against the spread (ATS) if you want to fade the college betting public.
The NCAA basketball betting season also has a preseason, regular season, and postseason, but there are several tournaments within these broader schedules. Most teams take part in preseason tournaments, then kick the regular season off with one as well.
At the end of the regular season, each team goes to its conference tournament. Conference Champions automatically advance to the "Big Dance" as the NCAA Tournament is known, while the eliminated teams hope to get a call about March Madness on Selection Sunday. When it comes to betting on the NCAA Tournament, most sportsbooks offer a wide variety of markets. Though it must be noted that not all states with legal online betting permit wagering on the NCAA Tournament due to a number of reasons.
Best Odds
When looking for the best basketball gambling sites, key factors include competitive odds and low margins. These sites offer extensive coverage of leagues, from the NBA to international tournaments. These sites provide real-time odds updates, making sure gamblers get the most current information. Apart from traditional bets, these basketball betting website platforms often feature in-play betting, allowing wagers during live games.
DraftKings
Up to $1000 On First Deposit
$0.10
Not Needed
CO,
CT,
+15
Bet Now!Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
The best basketball gambling sites stand out by offering competitive odds, maximizing potential returns for players. These sites have a reputation for low margins, meaning they take a smaller cut from each bet compared to others, resulting in better odds for users. This competitive edge is particularly evident in popular leagues like the NBA, where slight differences in odds can significantly impact potential winnings.
How to Choose the Best Basketball Online Betting Sites
To find the best basketball sportsbook platforms in the US, we considered several factors important for judging sportsbooks’ quality. Since our readers’ safety is paramount, we check the licensing status of each operator we contemplate including in our reviews.
Once we confirm a site’s legality, we move on to reviewing other aspects more pertinent to the act of wagering itself, like the operator's live betting platform, the available bonus deals, its app, and how quickly it pays out withdrawal requests. Here are the main criteria we use:
Security & Licensing
Live Basketball Betting
Basketball Betting Bonuses
Basketball Betting Apps
Payments and Payout Times
Of course, what’s important for another gambler might not be a sticking point for you. Regardless of what you find indispensable in a sportsbook, most operators offer a wide variety of perks and bonus offers for their customers.
Licensing in the US — Choosing a Legal Sportsbook
Finding licensed operators should be your number one priority irrespective of other factors you find important. Each state has a gambling authority responsible for overseeing and regulating sports betting. These government agencies supply information on licenses, responsible gambling, and revenues, among several other things.
American Gaming Association
Colorado Department of Revenue - Division of Gaming
Department of Consumer Protection – Gaming Division
Illinois Gaming Board
Indiana Gaming Commission
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Michigan Gaming Control Board
Nevada Gaming Control Board
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
New York Gaming Commission
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council
Virginia Lottery
West Virginia Lottery Commission
You can easily verify each site's security by clicking on the padlock in the left-hand corner of your browser's address bar. This will tell you if your connection is secure, and if it is, you can view the web security certificate cybersecurity companies issue to betting operators.
Live Betting on Basketball
Live basketball betting is becoming more popular by the day. In-play betting platforms let you wager bets on games already in progress. This innovation is found at almost all sports betting brands and it provides you with an interactive gambling and sports watching experience that's hard to replicate.
Most Popular Types of Live Bets:
- Money Line
- Point Spread
- Total
- Team Total
- Half Time Total
- Half Time Team Total
- Quarter Point Spread
- Quarter Money Line
- Player Performance
You can find live betting markets and odds on the homepage of most major basketball betting sites. The following operator has the most comprehensive live betting console on the market. It offers bet types that other operators wouldn't even consider, like live player game props and alternate spreads. Cash in on your live betting bonus below:
Here is the most popular US sportsbook that offer live betting on Basketball:
BetMGM
Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets
$0.50
Not Needed
CO,
IN,
+7
Bet Now!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Though live betting is immensely popular, it's difficult for those new to basketball betting to do successfully. Experienced gamblers who can predict individual game flows and predict runs are the most profitable live handicappers because they can correctly guess how the games play out and overcome the increased margins found on in-play markets.
Basketball Betting Props
Proposition bets, or "prop bets" as they're more commonly called, are a fun way to gamble on basketball. Prop bets are markets on outcomes not directly affecting the game's final score. Basketball prop betting is one of the most popular ways to gamble on the sport. You can wager on player performances[2], team statistics, or even who wins the first tip-off of the game.
Over state lines, though, online Pennsylvania sportsbooks aren't allowed to offer prop bets on college games at all. If this is your preferred way to bet on basketball, make sure you're in a state that allows it. Here are the distinct types of props available at the best basketball betting sites:
Skill-Based Player Performance Props
- Total points
- First-half assists
- To score a double-double
Skill-Based Team Performance Props
- Total points
- Total rebounds
- Total free-throws made
If you enjoy college basketball betting, you need to be aware of the different rules about player props in each state with legal sports wagering. For instance, New Jersey betting sites cannot offer odds for any college games taking place in the state or involving in-state teams.
Basketball betting often features two types of skill-based props. There are those based on individual player statistics and those based on joint team statistics. Generally, team-based statistics are easier to predict because there is less variance on a per-game basis when considering team performances.
Individual player performance is much harder to predict because of changes in minutes, matchups, and overall form. Coaches deploy players in different situations depending on the flow of the game and how they're performing. This leads to more volatility in the final box scores.
Luck-Based Player Performance Props
- First Player to Score
- Total Minutes Played
- First Free-Throw Scorer
Luck-Based Team Performance Props
- Team to Score First
- Team to Win the Tip-off
- Team to Score Last Free Throw
Some coaches like to "ride the hot hand" on a nightly basis, while others are much more predictable in how they use their players. Understanding coaching tendencies and team matchups is crucial for skill-based player props, and best left to experienced gamblers.
Luck-based player performance props are completely random occurrences. It's impossible to predict who scores the first free throw in a game because there's no way to know who will be fouled first, other than it will likely be one of the 10 players starting the game.
Likewise, there is no way to know which team scores first because tip-offs are 50/50, and even if a team does have an advantage, they could easily miss their first shot. These luck-based props are purely for entertainment, and you should not consider them a long-term "beatable" market.
DraftKings
Up to $1000 On First Deposit
$0.10
Not Needed
CO,
CT,
+15
Bet Now!Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Ultimately, proposition bets are great for people who like to delve deep into data and analysis, or for casual gamblers who want a change of pace. Plus, it's common for online basketball sportsbooks to offer odds on exclusive props you won't find anywhere else.
In recent years, many basketball gamblers started making same-game parlays or even same-player parlays using strictly player props. This is because there are many similarities to DFS, and on our guide to sports betting in the US. you can get to know more about this.
Consider also that DFS pioneered the legal sports gambling movement in the country and is something many sports gamblers have experience with, and it's easy to see why basketball props are a popular type of sports betting in America.
Best Bonus Offer
To get you started on the right foot, online sportsbooks offer bonuses for first-time depositors. These new customer offers usually come in the form of deposit matches or risk-free bets and can be a nice boost to your betting bankroll. Here is best online basketball betting offer based on its amount, market validity and overall T&Cs:
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | IGAMING1000 | N/A | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NV, NJ, NY, PA, RI, TN, VA, WV | Claim Bonus!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
This bonus offer has the fairest terms and conditions out of all the sportsbooks. It's attainable for smaller bankrolls but still appealing enough to high rollers. Plus, this basketball betting site features ongoing promotions for existing members you can take advantage of after you cash in on your initial welcome bonus.
Top Basketball Betting App for US Players
Most operators offer apps so you can gamble from anywhere. Almost every basketball betting app has intuitive interfaces, streamlined designs, and attractive bonuses, but the main criteria is how well an app performs on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Without further ado, let's see the best one:
| Basketball Betting Apps | Basketball Betting Bonus | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betway - | Bet $25, Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Android iOS | AZ, CO, IN, IA, NJ, PA | START BETTING!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
It's no surprise that the betting app above is the best for NCAA basketball and the NBA playoffs[3][4]. Plus, it makes finding odds for other leagues like the WNBA, Euroleague, and 3x3 basketball a breeze. We tried the platform on the dedicated app and on several internet browsers, and it works seamlessly. It features countless promos, futures bets, and in-play markets.
Payment Methods for Deposits and Withdrawals
There are several payment methods operators accept. These include plastic options like debit cards and credit cards, eWallets like Skrill, prepaid options like Vanilla and paysafecard, and point-of-sale banking options like PayNearMe.
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- American Express
- Discover
- PayPal
- PayNearMe
- Vanilla
- Bank Transfer
- eChecks
- Skrill
- paysafecard
- Cash
- Play+
- Apple Pay
Before you choose one to deposit with, make sure to look through the cashier at your chosen basketball sportsbook. Some payment options like credit cards and prepaid cards are only available for deposits, so make sure you are ok withdrawing via alternative payment methods before using these choices.
Fastest Paying Basketball Gambling Site
When you hit big parlays or any other win, we know you want your money fast. Legal basketball gambling sites payout relatively quickly, but some exceed expectations in this area. Of course, payout speed depends on many factors, like the payment method you withdraw with. Based on the recommended payment methods, average payout times, and much more, we've found the top sportsbook in this regard:
| Basketball Gambling Site | Min. Deposit | Payout Times | Recommended Payment Method | All Deposit Options | Eligible States | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $10 | 1-5 Days |
|
7 | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY | BET NOW!Valid only for new IN players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Bonus offers can also affect payout times, at least in terms when can you actually withdraw your money. Furthermore, pperators with eWallets like Skrill and PayPal tend to facilitate the fastest withdrawals with some of the betting sites that take Mastercard close to them in terms of speed.
Betting on Basketball - Laws and Legality
For a long time, the only place you could find legal basketball betting was in Las Vegas sportsbooks. This changed when the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. This decision paved the way for states to decide if they wanted to legalize online basketball betting.
In the following years, several states decided to do so. The driving force behind the wave of legal sportsbooks sweeping the nation is the increase in tax revenues they generate. The Urban Institute found that states with legal sportsbooks raised over $200 million in joint revenue for their states.
With more states considering legislation every month, this number is expected to grow significantly. In the next 10 to 20 years, over 40 of the 50 states may legalize either in-person or online sports betting. DFS is already legal in over 40 states.
There are several other legal forms of gambling in the US depending on your location. DFS sites are legal in most places, while online casinos are legal in only a few. The only way to be certain an activity is legal in your state is to visit its gambling authority website.
If you find a sportsbook offering a form of online gambling you know is illegal in your location, it's likely a black-market operator. These illegal gambling sites claim to be licensed, but they usually hold permits from offshore agencies and have no legal standing in the United States.
All US States with Legal Basketball Gambling Sites
Online vs. Land-Based Basketball Sportsbooks
If you previously bet on a land-based sportsbook but haven't tried your hand at online betting yet, there are several differences to be aware of. The main advantage of online basketball gambling is that the margins tend to be lower, with more markets available. Here are the main pros and cons for land-based vs. online basketball sportsbooks in the US:
Online Basketball Betting
- Better odds
- More markets
- Bet from home
- Easy live betting
- No social aspect
- No cash transactions
- Mostly self service
Land-Based Basketball Betting
- Full-service cashiers
- Food & drink available
- Watch all the games
- Winnings paid instantly
- Travel required
- Harder to live wager
- Higher margins
Problem Gambling Help
Betting on basketball is fun and engaging, but you've got to know how to gamble responsibly for your own good. There is a point where your gambling can be a problem. If gambling affects you or someone you know negatively, it may be time to reach out for some help.
There are several national resources dedicated to compulsive gambling prevention, plus many more in the individual states where online basketball gambling is legal. Apart from that, even the NBA,NHL and more have teamed up on the new "Never Know What's Next" campaign for responsible gambling[1] You can contact any one of these organizations to get the help you need, or even self-exclude yourself from making deposits with both online and in-person sportsbooks.
Here is a list of resources for problem gamblers:
FAQ
Before wrapping up this guide about basketball betting, we have included a few frequently asked questions. They are really useful to solve any pending doubts you may have, so we recommend having a look at them. We hope that you find them helpful, see them below.
Is basketball online betting legal in the US?
If you are to select one of the online sportsbooks listed on this guide, you can rest assured. Since each of the best basketball online betting platforms are accordingly licensed by the main state gambling regulator, they are fully legal and secure.
What are the best basketball betting sites in the US?
A wide range of features, competitive odds, and live betting options is what you can expect at the best basketball betting sites & apps for 2024. Other than that, leagues such as NBA, WNBA, and college basketball are covered. You won’t be missing plenty of enticing promotions, and diverse payment methods available.
How to choose a basketball betting app?
Nowadays, operators must create their own mobile apps to be able to compete in the iGaming market. When choosing one of the top basketball betting apps for US players, several factors should be taken into consideration. Having an intuitive interface, streamlined designs, and enticing promotions are just a few of them.
What is the minimum age to bet on basketball online in the US?
The minimum age to be able to bet on basketball sportsbooks online according to betting laws and legality is 21 years old. Keep in mind that proof of identity, income, and other personal details must be shown to the betting site before being able to wager. Therefore, there is harsh control against crime.
What are the payment options at the legal online basketball sportsbooks?
PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are just a few of the payment methods available at the best basketball gambling sites. Most payment options are available for deposits and withdrawals, but it’s recommendable to utilize the same payment method for both transactions.
Conclusion - Best Basketball Betting Sites for 2024
The operators we included in our list of the best sportsbooks with basketball are safe, licensed, and legal options run by big-time gambling companies. Most US gambling firms are Wall Street traded and must offer complete transparency for their shareholders.
Blake Roberts, a Morgantown native with a background in statistics, takes the position of Editor in Chief at Betting.us. He combines his love for sports and his knowledge of statistics to produce high-quality sports betting reviews. Blake enjoys evaluating online betting sites and believes that keeping a professional mindset in gambling is of utmost importance.
The sites listed here are safe to play at, feature great bonuses, quality basketball betting apps, and are licensed in the states in which they operate. Plus, they offer other sports like football, baseball, ice hockey, and golf. You can also take advantage of great basketball-specific bonuses, so get started now and lock in your bets before tonight's tip-off.