Having a punt on basketball is one of the more popular betting markets available in the USA. NBA Bettors can stake their money on rewarding markets in the NBA, WNBA, G League, NCAA, and international basketball competitions.
But to get the most out of your basketball bets, you must first find the best NBA betting site available in the US. For beginners, this can be challenging, considering the sheer number of options in the US market. Thankfully, BestGamblingSites is here to help you pick the best NBA betting sites for NBA games.
On this page, we’ll introduce you to the best US basketball betting sites. We consider vital features like state regulation, odds quality, support, banking, and more.
Best NBA Betting Sites in the US
Name | Score | Play Now | Welcome Bonus | Payment Methods | Sports | Payout Speed | Disclaimer | |
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9.8 | Claim OfferBetMGM.com | Bet $5 Get $158 in Bonus Bets | Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Apple Pay, Play+ | 20+ | 3-8 Days | Gambling problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ and present in the state you're wagering in. T&C Apply. | ||
9.2 | Claim Offerbet365.com | Bet $5 Get $150 | PayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, PayNearMe, Visa, Mastercard | 20+ | Hours - 5 Days | Gambling problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ and present in CO. T&C Apply. | ||
9.6 | Claim OfferFanDuel.com | Bet $5 Get $200 In Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, ACH Transfer, Visa, Mastercard | 18+ | Hours - 5 Days | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. Gamblinghelplinema.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY). | ||
9.4 | Claim OfferDraftKings.com | Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly! | Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Play+, ACH Transfer, Visa, Mastercard | 25+ | Hours - 5 Days | Gambling problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ and present in CO. T&C Apply. | ||
8.6 | Claim OfferBetway.com | Up to $250 Back In Bonus Bets If Your First Bet Loses | PayPal, PayNearMe, Play+, ACH Transfer, Visa, Mastercard | 16+ | Up to 7 Days | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. Gamblinghelplinema.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY). | ||
8.8 | Claim OfferCaesars.com | Get Your First Bet Back If It Loses - up to $1,000 | Cash, Venmo, PayPal, PayNearMe, Play+, ACH Transfer, Visa, Mastercard | Hours - 5 Days | Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). |
What We Look For in NBA Betting Sites
Before we review the US basketball betting apps at BestGamblingSites, we first sign up to determine the quality of service for NBA online betting sites. Below are our main subjects of concern:
US State Licensing & Regulation
Every bookie featured on this page is approved to operate in the US market. These days, states formulate their own betting laws for NBA online betting sites, opening the US market to the top NBA betting sites in the game. We check if the bookie has a license to operate in Colorado, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and other states. And, of course, international licensing is a welcome addition.
Reputation
The reputation of an NBA betting app is another feature that NBA bettors shouldn't overlook. US bettors often find themselves stuck in bookies with non-payment or delayed payment of winnings, unfriendly terms and conditions, low NBA betting odds, and other unpleasant features. To help you avoid these scenarios, we run thorough background checks on all casinos listed on this page.
Safety & Security
Besides licensing and security, top basketball betting apps in the US use SSL encryption to protect player funds and data. At the bare minimum, we look for 128-bit encryption. To check if the NBA betting site is encrypted, confirm if the URL link has a "lock" sign. Click it to view the SSL encryption certificate.
Customer Service
For a US bookmaker to make it to our reliable list, it must offer players quality support. Customer service should be reachable via live chat, phone, email, or social media. Also, we ensure that the FAQ section is detailed enough with clear answers to questions regarding withdrawals, bonuses, odds, account verification, and more.
Range of NBA Betting Markets & Methods
What are the available NBA betting markets and opportunities? The best basketball betting apps in the US offer markets such as totals, money lines, props, and parlays. You'll also find future bets, where players can predict an occurrence at the end of the tournament or competition. And most importantly, live NBA betting with live streaming should be available. In fact, basketball fans can find NCAAB betting sites which are a popular subset of basketball betting sites, offering a range of betting options and competitive odds for college basketball fans and bettors alike.
Bonuses & Promos
Almost all bookmakers in the US have welcome and loyalty programs. But all bonuses are not the same. Some bookies offer bigger rewards than others. The best bookmakers also offer more bonus promotions with player-friendly terms. At BestGamblingSites, we ensure that only bookmakers with the best offers feature in our list.
User Experience – Design and Speed
All the US basketball betting sites we tested and listed here offer ergonomic user interfaces with clearly marked tabs and buttons. Players can quickly and easily navigate between pages using standalone apps or browser-based versions. The apps are available to download from App Store and Play Store.
Payment methods available
Whether you're the most experienced bettor or a greenhorn, chances are that you'll win a withdrawable amount at the NBA sportsbook. For this reason, it's paramount to join a bookie that supports a range of banking methods. The most popular payment options in the US include PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, ACH and wire transfers, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard.
Payout Speeds
Who would like to join a gambling site that takes a week or more to process withdrawals? Certainly not us! We only review US bookies with instant deposits. As for withdrawal, it should only be a matter of hours before players get their funds. However, the processing duration may vary between NBA betting sites. So, take your time to read the payment terms and ascertain that you're using the right option.
Mobile Compatibility
According to stats, 85% of American adults have a smartphone. This statistic means that the larger population is more likely to bet on the move using their phones. So, we only list bookies that offer a smooth mobile betting experience. Note that some bookies only support app betting on mobile. But the great news is that these apps provide everything you'll find on the desktop version.
Is It Legal to Bet on Basketball in the United States?
Basketball betting falls under the sports betting category in the US. It dates back to the 19th century when horse racing betting was commonplace. However, the sports betting business only started flourishing in the 70s. As a result, most states legalized sports betting during this period, with the Congress lowering sports betting tax by 10%.
However, concerns started building up as more states continued legalizing sports. This prompted Congress to pass the PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in 1992. This act outlawed sports betting in the US except in Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.
After unsuccessful challenges over the years, the Supreme Court finally outlawed this act in 2018. Now this means sports betting is legal on the federal level. Therefore, member states can legalize or illegalize the activity as they deem fit. As it stands now, sports betting is legal in over 18 states, with more considering this option in the near future.
It also goes without saying that bettors in states where sports betting is illegal can participate in the activity via some offshore betting sites. However, you'll pay a hefty fine if found guilty. Also, you won't have anywhere to seek redress if the NBA betting site misbehaves. So, stick to using NBA betting sites with local licenses.
Which States Is It Legal to Bet on Basketball in the US?
As said initially, sports betting is currently legal in more than 18 states. That's partly because of pressure from residents to participate in this entertaining and sometimes rewarding activity. But the main driving force behind the legalization of sports betting in the US is revenue. As states continue to look for additional revenue streams without increasing taxes on their citizens, legalizing sports betting becomes an attractive option.
Currently, New York is the largest sports betting market in the US, surpassing Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada. This activity was legalized in January this year, and the state has made over $80 million in revenue so far. Interestingly, almost 25% of mobile bets in the Super Bowl are from New Yorkers. So, it's a win-win for all parties involved.
But before you start betting on sports, it's vital to confirm the legal betting age in your state. This can be 18 years in some states, with other states opting for the more mature age of 21 years. Also, the minimum betting age may vary depending on the activity. For example, in Colorado, you must be 21 years to bet on casinos or sports and 18 years old on bingo, lottery, or horse racing.
If you'd like to explore more, here are the premier betting sites available in the legal states:
How to Bet on Basketball in the US?
Before you start betting on NBA games, it's essential to learn about the potential NBA betting markets in this sport. Basketball's fast-paced nature allows you to place multiple bets. So, apart from the straightforward moneyline and total bets, which other basketball bet types do you know?
Point Spread
Point spread or spread betting is one of the most popular bet types in basketball. In this market, the bookie levels the playing field despite the glaring mismatch between the two sides. In other words, the NBA odds are set on the margin of the win or loss. This bet loses if the favorite team loses the contest. Most bookies also offer -110 odds in spread betting.
For example, the bookie can offer +2.5 and -2.5 spreads on Miami Heat to beat the Boston Celtics. In this example, the team with the plus (+) sign is the favorite, and the one with the minus (-) sign is the underdog. This means Miami Heat must win by a 3-point margin, or Boston Celtics to lose by less than 3 points. Don't confuse this bet with Asian handicaps in soccer.
Moneylines
Moneyline is the most common and straightforward bet in any sporting competition. In this wager, bettors simply need to predict the outright winner of the match. The team with a - sign is the favorite, and the + sign is for the underdog. Also, the winning margin doesn't have anything to do with this bet.
Staying with the example above, the NBA sportsbook may offer -150 for Miami Heat and +135 for Boston Celtics. This means you just need to stick your neck out for either team to win the bet. Moneyline can also include a tie bet in sports like soccer, where draws are common.
Totals (Over/Under)
NBA Betting on moneyline and point spreads is fantastic in basketball. But wagering on totals or simply overs/unders is way more exciting. It's a safe bet where you wager on the total score at the end of the game or each quarter. If you back a high-scoring team, you might want to go with Overs. Choose Unders if you're a more conservative bettor.
Here's an example; the total for the Miami Heat vs Celtics duel is 200. In that case, expect a combined score of 200 points or fewer in Under and 201 points or more in Over. Remember, there's nothing like 0.5 scores in basketball. Also, the winning team and the winning margin don't affect this bet.
Parlay Betting
Are you a fan of those small but multiple bets? Then basketball parlay betting should appeal to you. Parlays involve betting on the result of more than one event or match. Often, the bookie will add all the NBA odds on each leg to give bettors bigger overall odds.
But note that this wager only wins if all the selected teams in all the legs win. In case of a push, postponement, or a canceled match, the parlay will only pay for the remaining successful games. Also, the best basketball NBA betting sites in the US can offer parlay insurance if the whole parlay bet is lost.
Player Prop
Player props or proposition betting is an exciting bet type that doesn't depend on the game's outcome. Instead, it focuses more on individual player performances during the match. Although they may look simple on paper, player props require lots of skill and knowledge to predict the outcome correctly.
For example, you can predict the number of dribbles David Booker of the Suns will make during the match or NBA season. You can also predict the number of blocks Jayson Tatum will make during the game. Sometimes it can also be as easy as "the first player to score" or the number of fouls committed by a player in the second quarter.
Futures
Another way to bet on basketball competitions in the US is to predict the NBA championship winner or player's performance before the season starts. The best NBA betting sites in the US typically release odds for this bet weeks before the NBA season begins. You'll basically wager on how well the team or individual player will perform throughout the campaign instead of a single game. This way you could bet on who will win the NBA championship.
Let's assume a sportsbook gives the Brooklyn Nets +700 odds to win the NBA Finals. Alternatively, you can bet on LeBron James to dominate the Western Conference and move to the NBA Finals. Whichever bet you choose, the prize is usually life-changing if you're a risk-taker. Typically, the odds can be anything between +250 and +1,100.
Double Chance
All the other bets come with substantial financial risks because they hinge on a single result. That's not to say that double-chance bets are any safer. But at least they offer bettors a chance to predict dual outcomes in a single match. This type of bet is prevalent in soccer, where punters can predict a win or a draw for a specific team. And yes, it applies in any half of the match.
An excellent example of how the double chance bet works in basketball is backing a team to lead in the first two quarters. As you can see, it's a great way to add more excitement to your betting sessions. But because predicting two results can be challenging, the payout in this wager can be handsome, depending on the bookie.
Live Betting
If a US bookie doesn't offer live basketball betting, there's no point in signing up. Live betting has become prevalent in the last decade, especially now that it's easy to make a live bet on the best basketball betting apps US. In a nutshell, Live betting involves placing a wager on an event that has already started. This, of course, gives you an upper hand, thanks to the live line movements.
Some bookmakers also offer live streaming with in-depth match flow and analysis to make live betting more attractive. How best this feature works depends on your device and internet connection, though. In addition, the best NBA betting sites allow "Cash Out" during live basketball events.
Best Offers from US Basketball Betting Sites
The best basketball bookies in the US offer incentives to new and loyal players. Although bonuses are more of marketing gimmicks, intelligent players can use them to improve their winning odds. The most popular welcome rewards are risk-free bets, available on the first wager only. At FanDuel, you can bet anything between $1 and $1,000 and keep the cash if you win. But if the bet loses, the bookie credits your account with bonus money equal to the lost stake.
Some bookies can also give new bettors a deposit match, although this is more common with offshore betting sites. As the name suggests, the bookie will multiply your first deposit by a particular percentage. For example, a 100% deposit match bonus means getting an extra $100. Don't skip these offers!
Basketball Betting Tips for US Bettors
Being a sharp bettor in basketball goes beyond gambling at the best basketball betting sites. Here are some tried and tested basketball betting tips:
Watch moving lines: Successful basketball bettors know how to follow the moving lines in basketball or any other sport. The lines can move up or down based on public opinions, changes in team staff, or training injuries to star players. But don't be afraid to move in the opposite direction with the public.
Home underdogs: No one likes to bet on the underdogs. And equally, no underdog likes losing on their home turf. In basketball, underdogs commonly cover the point spreads when playing at home. It's all about emotions here.
Team schedule: Unlike soccer teams, the number of NBA games played by basketball teams during a particular duration may vary. This means a team with fewer NBA games has fresher and sharper legs. Also, look at the travel distance and the last opponents.
Shop for the best odds: The odds quality varies depending on the NBA betting site. So, it's probably a good idea to sign up on multiple bookies and compare the odds.
Sportsbook features: The best basketball betting apps offer game-changing features. For example, the "Cashout" feature allows you to request a payout in the middle of the match from the NBA betting apps. Some NBA betting sites also offer "Odds Boost" on specific wagers.
Bankroll management: No matter the strategy at hand, it's vital to remember that any form of betting is like a coin toss – you either win or lose. Therefore, create a betting budget and stick to it. Don't bet with money you can't afford to lose.
Practice Responsible Gambling
At BestGamblingSites we want our readers to enjoy betting on sports and stay safe when doing so. To stay safe when betting we advise you to:
Establish a budget: Set yourself a financial limit before you start betting. Adhere to this budget strictly and do not chase losses.
Manage time wisely: Set specific time boundaries for betting. If you're betting a lot, then take a break. Most US betting platforms offer timeout options to assist with this.
Emotionless decision-making: To ensure responsible gambling, it is crucial to detach emotions from the betting process. Recognize that luck plays a role, and that heightened emotions can lead to poor choices. Take a pause.
Avoid pursuing losses: Although betting losses are undesirable, resist the urge to chase them. Doing so can exacerbate errors in judgment. Most US betting platforms offer payment caps to assist with this.
Understand the risks: Gain comprehensive knowledge about the potential risks associated with betting. Acknowledge that the odds generally favor the house and approach sportsbetting as entertainment, rather than a reliable source of income.
Do not borrow to bet: Refrain from borrowing funds for betting purposes. This practice can lead to financial distress and a cycle of debt. Only utilize disposable income for betting.
Seek assistance when necessary: If you or someone you know is grappling with gambling addiction, do not hesitate to seek support from dedicated organizations or helplines. These resources provide valuable assistance, guidance, and access to relevant tools for overcoming gambling-related challenges.
Organization | Description | Website |
---|---|---|
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) | Advocates for individuals and families affected by problem gambling and provides resources and helpline services. | www.ncpgambling.org |
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) | Offers support groups for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. | www.gamblersanonymous.org |