Basketball is one of the biggest sports in the world. It attracts fans from all corners of the planet. As a result, it has become one of the most popular to bet on.
Many like to engage in sports betting. It has become a way to enhance the viewing experience. Many use it to gain extra entertainment, knowing there is a little more at stake.
When it comes to wagering, knowing what you’re doing is always a good idea. You don’t want to waste money on a bet you don’t understand. You’ll have no idea what to expect, and, likely, you’re just throwing it away.
What basketball bets are the most common?
If you’re approaching basketball betting for the first time, looking at some of the most common markets can be beneficial. These are the bets that most bettors will often place. Reasons for this include being easy to follow and understand, simple to place, or potentially offering value other bets don’t provide.
Handicap betting
Handicap betting has always been a popular type of bet across sports markets. They are very common across American sports, as they often have to have a winner. Unlike soccer, basketball rarely features a draw. If a tie is recorded at the end of regular time, then overtime will be played.
A handicap bet can come in many forms. The most common across basketball is the ‘Point Spread’. This type of bet is where teams will be provided with either a + or – next to their name. It can be looked at in the way that the team with a – will have negative points of this value to their score. To win the bet, the would need to win the match by eight points or more. Alternatively, the team with a + value can lose by up to the amount that has been set for the bet to win if wagered on.
Money Line betting
Money Line betting are very popular basketball bets for newbies and those looking for a simplistic wagering experience. These are the bets that are placed on a winner. They don’t take into account anything else.
All you need to do when making a bet on the Money Line is picking the winning outcome. For instance, if you watch a match between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, all you’d need to do is pick which team you believe will win the contest. You’ll win if you pick the right one.
The biggest issue that advanced bettors might claim with this type of bet is that they may not have value. Matches can often be one-sided, which may mean that there isn’t a lot of value in the odds that are being offered.
Totals Betting
Another option that has proven to be easy to understand and popular among bettors are totals markets. Due to the availability of prop bets, several options can be explored, each being very simple to read.
Let’s take a total number of points as an example:
- Over 200.5
- Under 200.5
The scenario above is based on the combined total points scored by both teams in a single match. It can be based on literally anything, such as points scored by one team, number of three-point baskets, turnovers, interceptions, etc.
In this type of bet, you’re betting on whether you believe the outcome will be greater or lower than the predetermined number that has been set by the sportsbook. For instance, whether you think the two teams will combine for 201+ or 200-. The inclusion of the half-decimal point means an actual outcome can be made, as the score will be either side of this number. If it finished on the exact predicted number, it could create confusion.
Stick to common bets
It’s always best practice to stick to the common bets, especially if you’re new to the activity. Basketball betting features many simple wagers that can be placed, and it’s always a good idea not to try and overcomplicate things.
Remember, it’s about adding entertainment and fun to your viewing experiences. The best way to achieve this is to be informed about the bets being made so you can stay in control at all times.
