NBA Betting Sites - Top Sportsbooks for 2024
If you are eager to join the excitement and dynamism of basketball, we have you covered. We guide you through the various NBA basketball betting markets and give you the best promo codes so you can maximize your winnings.
Before you dive into the NBA market, it’s important to understand all the necessary fundamentals, including the various betting markets available and the best sportsbooks to place your NBA wagers. This guide should answer all of those questions.
Top NBA Betting Sites
BetMGM
For lovers of player props and team props, BetMGM is the place to go. The sportsbook includes more detailed propositions than its competitors, and bettors can then combine these choices into a Same Game Parlay, which elevates their payouts.
For new players, BetMGM also offers a lucrative welcome bonus, reimbursing your initial stake up to $1,000. BetMGM also runs NBA-specific promotions when the season is underway.
BetMGM also offers live streaming of NBA games, a considerable variety of live betting options, and the ability to cash out early. It also has several options for deposits and withdrawals, which ensures that you don’t miss out on the exciting NBA betting action.
Related: Check out what our analysts have to say in our NBA Predictions."
Caesars Sportsbook
Many features make Caesars Sportsbook one of the top choices available in the market right now. One of them–and perhaps the most attractive one–is the number of promotions that it offers.
To begin with, Caesars grants new customers an initial risk-free bet up to $1,250. So once you place your first bet after making an initial deposit, Caesars will refund your stake up to $1,250 in Bonus Bets if that bet loses.
In addition to the risk-free offer, Caesars also gives credits for its attractive Caesars Rewards program. Caesars’ parent company owns and operates hotels and other venues worldwide, and these points can be redeemed for accommodation or other travel experiences at those properties.
Moreover, Caesars features several odds-boosting promotions on a daily basis. For example, through Caesars’ NBA Parlay Profit Boost promo, bettors can boost their winnings by up to 33%. Another aspect that makes Caesars a fan favorite is that they handle large bets efficiently.
FanDuel
FanDuel is, by market share, the No. 1 sportsbook in the United States, which makes it a natural choice as one of the top NBA betting sites. FanDuel boasts the top-rated mobile sports betting app on both the App Store and Google Play, as well as an impressive desktop site which provides bettors with a polished user experience.
One of the features that make FanDuel an enticing platform is its extensive live betting coverage, permitting bettors to wager on score combinations, team props, and halftime props. This is in addition to permitting same-game parlay bets as a part of its live offerings.
FanDuel offers a plethora of NBA futures betting markets, and combined with its exhilarating DFS contests, ensures a gratifying experience for all.
Last but not least, FanDuel welcomes new customers with a No Sweat First Bet. If you create an account on FanDuel and your first bet loses, FanDuel will reimburse your stake up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
BetRivers
BetRivers offers an extensive selection of prop bets and invaluable features like displaying pre-game and in-play statistics. This helps you make informed betting decisions. Another aspect of BetRivers that users have heavily favored is its swift withdrawal procedure, which goes through an automated processing system. It is estimated that over 80% of users’ withdrawal requests are approved this way.
For new customers, BetRivers offers a Second Chance welcome bonus. During the NBA season, the sportsbook also offers profit boost tokens in addition to the ongoing odds boost promotions available on the platform.
WynnBET
For new customers, WynnBET offers a $100 bet credit opportunity following an initial bet of $100. While this is not nearly as high as the welcome bonus offered by Caesars and FanDuel, the advantage is that you get the bonus whether you win or lose.
WynnBET runs the Win Hour promotion every Thursday. For bettors who are able to place their wagers while Win Hour is taking place, WynnBET offers improved odds that lead to enhanced payouts.
DraftKings
Backed by legendary star Michael Jordan–who acts as an investor and advisor–it is no surprise that DraftKings has become one of the most sought-after sportsbooks in the United States, especially for bettors who like to wager on the NBA.
DraftKings’ platform and mobile betting app are top-notch, largely due to its acquisition of SBTech, which helped to substantially improve the user experience. Also, DraftKings has a low deposit threshold, allowing you to place a bet for as low as $0.10.
DraftKings has a Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets welcome promotion. The sportsbook also has free-to-play pools, which give you the opportunity to make predictions and earn bonus bets.
Bet365
Founded in the United Kingdom, bet365 is making strides in the burgeoning U.S. betting market. Operating now in the states of New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, Iowa, and Virginia, bet365 offers an attractive welcome bonus for new clients. If you bet $1 on bet365, you will get $200 in bet credits, whether you win or lose your initial bet.
Bet365 has specific promotions geared towards basketball bettors, the most enticing one being the NBA Early Payout Offer. If you place a pre-game moneyline bet on any NBA game and your team takes the lead by 20 points or more, bet365 will honor your bet as a winner, even if your team ends up losing.
How NBA Betting Sites Work
In general, NBA betting sites operate through a straightforward process that involves registration, account setup, and various deposit and withdrawal options.
To get started, you need to create an account with your sportsbook of choice. You will be prompted to provide personal information–such as full name, date of birth, last four digits of SSN, address, and phone number–as a part of the Know Your Customer requirements that sportsbooks are obligated to fulfill.
After that, you will create your login credentials, which include your username and your password. If you are planning on using a promo code, this is the stage where you will need to provide it.
Once your account is set up and verified, you can explore deposit options such as credit/debit cards, cash deposits–generally powered by PayNearMe or available at physical locations operated by the sportsbook–bank transfers, digital wallets (such as PayPal and Venmo), and other accepted methods, such as prepaid cards.
Having completed your deposit, navigate to the NBA betting section of the site, where you will find a range of betting markets, including game outcomes, point spreads, player props, and more. Each betting market will have associated odds–this is how you determine the potential payout if your wager is successful.
Once you settle on a bet, make your selection and add your stake amount. Your selection will be added to your betslip, and from there you can input your stake. The potential winnings will then appear on the betslip. After submitting the bet, you will see the stake amount has now been deducted from your account balance.
If your bet is a winner, then your account will be credited with the payout. You can choose to keep the balance in your betting account or withdraw it. In many states, sportsbooks have a regulation that you need to withdraw the money to the same payment method that you used to deposit. This means that if you used a debit card, the withdrawal will be processed to that same debit card. However, consult with your sportsbook about the available withdrawal mechanisms. Most of them will offer various options, such as bank transfers, digital wallets, and more.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an NBA Betting Site
Since sports betting was legalized in the United States, the number of available sportsbooks has skyrocketed. As the market becomes more competitive, sportsbooks are intensifying their pursuit of new customers. To do this, they are improving their platforms and offering attractive bonuses and promotions.
At Lines, we strongly suggest that you look around for the best sportsbook. Each site typically offers different odds, and navigating across various bookmakers can help boost your winnings.
Here are a few factors to consider…
Live Betting and Streaming
Live betting is an exciting proposition for basketball fans, especially considering the nature of the sport. Having the opportunity to bet during live action can enhance the betting experience for all NBA fans.
Furthermore, live betting is not restricted to choosing the team that will win the match. There are sportsbooks that offer several unique live betting opportunities. For example, you might be able to wager on the team or the player that will make the next three-pointer or win the next quarter. Especially if you are watching the game, these bets are enticing.
In addition to live betting, many platforms also offer live streaming. One that has gained significant traction for streaming NBA games is BetMGM. The combination of live betting and streaming is a unique value combination.
Safety and Security
Since sportsbooks handle sensitive information and financial details, it is critical to ensure that solid security measures are in place. An important feature to look out for is SSL encryption, which, as its name states, encrypts data transmission to safeguard it from unauthorized access by third parties.
Betting Options and Odds
We recommend choosing a sportsbook that can match the level of detail with which you would like to place your wager. If you are planning on placing the most common wagers–like moneylines, spreads, or totals–then likely any sportsbook will be able to cater to you.
On the other hand, if you are the type of bettor who likes to go into detail and make more thorough wagers, ensure the markets you are looking for are available.
In basketball, some exciting opportunities can come from wagering on prop bets. Examples include: Who will score the first basket of the game? Will any player record a double-double or a triple-double?
You can also bet on players head-to-head (i.e., which player will record more rebounds), or predict the exact margin of victory for each quarter. If these are the bets that appeal to you, shop around to see which sportsbook has them available.
Furthermore, shopping around is important because it will help you scout for the best odds. This is another area where sportsbooks are constantly competing. Remember that odds will vary, and scouting the market can give your payout a boost. Even if the difference seems minimal from one sportsbook to another, in the long run, those slight margins add up.
Bonuses and Promotions
With the rapid growth of sports betting in America, more states within the U.S. are expected to legalize it, which will lead to a further increase in the number of active bettors. In order to keep attracting sports enthusiasts to their platforms, sportsbooks are offering enticing bonus programs. When selecting a sportsbook, consider the following…
Welcome Bonuses: FanDuel provides a $1,000 No Sweat First Bet bonus, refunding your first stake if it is not a winner, up to $1,000. Similarly, Caesars Sportsbook reimburses your first wager up to $1,250, and BetMGM up to $1,000. Typically, the refund is granted in the form of bonus bets, which means it cannot be withdrawn as cash–it needs to be used as an additional bet.
Free Bets: Sportsbooks often offer free bets as bonuses, giving you a specific amount of money to place wagers without placing your own funds at risk. These free bet credits are normally given after making an initial deposit. If your free bet wins, you receive the winnings but not the original stake.
Loyalty Programs and Promotional Offers: Some sportsbooks have loyalty programs to reward customers. The most famous of these programs are Caesars Rewards and MGM Rewards, which provide bettors with the opportunity of redeeming their loyalty points for accommodation or other travel experiences. In addition to this, promotional offers like odds boosts–where sportsbooks increase potential payouts for specific sports or events–are common.
User Interface and Mobile Compatibility
When choosing a basketball sportsbook, it is crucial to consider the mobile experience and user interface. Here are some key factors to keep in mind that can influence your decision…
Mobile Compatibility: Given the prevalence of mobile devices in our daily lives, sportsbooks have invested a lot of resources in developing cutting-edge mobile apps. If you plan on betting from your phone, make sure that you are able to navigate the mobile platform and that the app is compatible with your device.
User-Friendly Interface: We like sportsbooks that offer an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface. We value a clutter-free display with clear and transparent information that allows us to swiftly find our desired leagues, matches, and betting markets. Pay attention to the design of the betslip and the bet placement process. We prioritize sportsbooks that provide a clear and accessible betting slip, where we can review our selections, confirm our stake amount, and make the overall betting process hassle-free.
Deposits and Withdrawals
No one wants to experience delays in receiving their payout after winning a bet or face difficulties making a last-minute deposit before a game that results in missed wagering opportunities. To address these concerns, sportsbooks have prioritized speed and agility as crucial aspects of their operations, recognizing the importance of offering multiple deposit and withdrawal options to accommodate bettors’ preferences.
Common payment methods include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, digital wallets like PayPal and Venmo, and prepaid cards. Additionally, sportsbooks provide estimated processing times for deposits and withdrawals, which we strongly advise checking before signing up. It is advisable to avoid sportsbooks with overly restrictive withdrawal policies or prolonged processing times.
Also, pay attention to payout limits. Certain sportsbooks might limit the amount of money they can pay out or cap your wagers to a maximum amount–whether on a single bet or over a specific time period.
Customer Support
When evaluating sportsbooks, we take customer support seriously. Customer support plays a vital role in creating a positive and fulfilling betting experience.
Sportsbooks with the best customer support offer a 24/7 live chat feature, ensuring prompt assistance for any inquiries you may have. However, it is equally important that they provide alternative communication channels, such as a customer support number for account-related issues and an email address for non-urgent matters that require a human response.
Look for sportsbooks that strive to optimize their response time, as extended waiting periods can be frustrating and hinder the overall betting experience. Ultimately, the best sportsbooks in terms of customer support are those that swiftly resolve issues and provide customers with guidance, helping them feel seen throughout the resolution process.
Types of NBA Bets Available
As mentioned before, there are many betting markets within the NBA. Here are some of the most popular ones…
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a wager on a team to win a game outright.
For example, if the Denver Nuggets are playing against the Phoenix Suns, a moneyline bet on the Nuggets would be successful if they win the game. Pretty straightforward for even the most novice NBA bettor.
Point Spread
The point spread is a margin or handicap given to level the playing field.
Using the same match as an example, a point spread bet would look like this:
- Denver Nuggets, -6.5 points
- Phoenix Suns, +6.5 points
Taking this spread into consideration, if the Suns lose by 6 points or less, your bet would be successful. Conversely, the Nuggets would need to win by at least 7 points for the bet to be a winner.
Since the spread levels the field by giving a handicap to the underdog team, the odds change when compared to the moneyline. The odds for a spread are typically between +100 and -120, since the spread is doing the heavy lifting as far as making both sides even.
Over/Under
Also known as a totals bet, by betting on the over/under you are predicting whether the combined points scored in the game will be above or below a certain number determined by the sportsbook. This number is referred to as the “line.”
Prop Bets
Prop bets are a popular way to wager on basketball by predicting specific events independent of the overall result. Bettors can wager on individual player performances, team statistics, and even unique occurrences.
In the NBA, there are many unique prop bets that can add excitement to the game. These bets are particularly attractive for those that have a deeper knowledge of the game and its individual matchups. Examples include: Who will score the first basket? How many assists will a player record?
Some sportsbooks like to offer detailed prop bets, so shop around and see the ones that fit your preferences.
Parlays
A parlay involves combining multiple bets into a single wager. For a parlay to win, all the bets must be successful. Any losing legs within the parlay result in a loss for the parlay.
The main advantage of parlay is the potential for higher payouts, as additional bets increase the odds for the wager.
You can combine practically any bet, except for those that have opposing outcomes. Some sportsbooks may also exclude bets that are closely correlated.
Parlays initially involved outcomes from different games, but sportsbooks have added a same-game parlay function allowing you to combine multiple outcomes from a single matchup. For example, Nuggets to win on the moneyline and Nikola Jokic to score over 30 points.
Teasers
A teaser bet is similar to a parlay, but with specific rules. In a teaser, you are combining different NBA point spreads or totals based on a designated line adjustment. For example, a five-point teaser would work out like this:
- Phoenix Suns -8 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves moves to Phoenix Suns -3.
- New York Knicks +4.5 vs. Milwaukee Bucks moves to New York Knicks +9.5.
- Los Angeles Clippers +7 vs. Los Angeles Lakers moves down to Clippers +12.
The purpose of a teaser is to increase the chance your side will cover the spread or total. Of course, the odds will be adjusted to reflect the movement.
Futures
Futures bets are wagers that predict the outcome of a distant event or outcome.
For example, when betting on the NBA, you can predict:
- Which team will win the NBA championship?
- Which teams will participate in the NBA finals?
- Who will be the regular season MVP?
Given the extended timeline of these bets, you can secure favorable odds if you get in at the right time.
Sportsbooks have already released the odds for the 2023-2024 season. If you believe you have what it takes to predict the winner outright, here are the NBA title favorites.
Team | Odds |
Boston Celtics | +460 |
Denver Nuggets | +470 |
Milwaukee Bucks | +550 |
Phoenix Suns | +650 |
Golden State Warriors | +1200 |
Los Angeles Lakers | +1500 |
Miami Heat | +1700 |
To stay up to date with the latest futures odds, visit our NBA Futures hub here.
NBA Betting Odds & Betting Markets
We’ve outlined some of the main NBA betting markets, how they work, and which ones tend to have the highest payout rates. To succeed as a sports bettor, it is also important to become familiar with how odds are determined and how to read them.
If you are in the United States, you are most likely looking at a dashboard displaying American odds. This is one of three formats in which sportsbooks list their odds, the other two being decimal odds and fractional odds.
An important consideration to keep in mind is that American odds show favorites by using negative odds and underdogs with positive odds.
To help you estimate your winnings when looking at American odds, these formulas are useful. When using the formula for negative odds, leave the minus sign aside.
- Payout with negative American odds = (100/Odds)*Wager
- Payout with positive American odds = (Odds/100)*Wager
To illustrate further, here is an example.
The Charlotte Hornets are playing the New Orleans Pelicans, and you have placed a $50 bet on the Pelicans.
The moneyline odds are:
- New Orleans Pelicans -140
- Charlotte Hornets +115
Profits for a $50 bet on the New Orleans Pelicans = (100/140)*50 = $35.71
In addition to your $35.71 profit, you would recover the $50 you wagered. This means that the total payout for a $50 bet on the New Orleans Pelicans, if successful, would be $85.71.
NBA Betting Picks
We offer an extensive selection of picks throughout the season. Our picks cover every NBA game and all available betting markets.
We deliver picks and analysis exclusively through our NBA Picks Hub. Stay tuned for the best bet suggestions to help maximize your winnings!
Top Bonuses for NBA Betting in 2023
FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM offer some of the most attractive welcome bonuses in the market right now. FanDuel’s No Sweat First Bet reimburses your first stake, up to $1,000, in case your bet is not successful. BetMGM does the same, and Caesars Sportsbook takes it one step further, refunding your first bet up to $1,250 if it fails.
Other sportsbooks like bet365, DraftKings, and WynnBet offer bonuses regardless of whether you win or lose, and in the case of bet365, you only need to bet $1 to get $200. DraftKings sets the bar equally low, with a wager of $5 needed to unlock $150 in Bonus Bets. BetRivers, on the other hand, offers a second chance bonus of up to $500.
While these bets apply to any sport, we highly recommend that you check the offerings these platforms have once the season gets started. Whether it is through odds boosts, early payout offers, parlay insurances, or many more promotions, sportsbooks are guaranteed to keep crafting lucrative opportunities to retain their users and attract new ones.
Top NBA Betting Apps
All of these platforms also have apps that you can download, both from the Apple Store and from Google Play Store.
Recognizing the growing significance of mobile internet usage, sportsbooks have heavily invested in developing user-friendly mobile applications. For the end user, this makes betting more convenient and accessible, eliminating the need to visit physical locations.
Our top-ranked mobile apps are easy to use and intuitive to navigate, allowing users to view live odds, manage their accounts, and even watch games through live streaming.
Overview
When choosing the best sportsbook to place your NBA bets, there are many factors to take into consideration. First and foremost, it is important to make sure that the platform is legally authorized to conduct operations in your state, as this will safeguard the integrity of your funds and your wagers. There are plenty of legal books available for NBA betting, don’t get mislead by offshore books or anything that isn’t easily recognizable.
Second, look at the variety of betting markets that the sportsbook offers, and determine whether it meets your needs, especially if you are the type of bettor who loves to dive deep into wagers like player props.
Other features to factor into your decision are the availability of live betting options, the user-friendliness of the main interface, customer support availability, and deposit and withdrawal functionality. Last but not least, welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions are well-received perks that are guaranteed to enhance your betting experience, maximizing both your enjoyment and your payouts.
NBA Betting Sites FAQs
How do I place an NBA bet online?
To bet on the NBA in the United States, ensure that you are in a jurisdiction where sports betting is legal. Create an account with a sportsbook authorized to operate in your state, select the NBA market, and start betting!
What is the best NBA betting site?
It depends on what you are looking for. At Lines, we are partnered with the top legal sportsbooks in America. Some of the most popular sportsbooks for betting on the NBA include FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
Can I get a bonus when I sign up to bet on NBA games online?
Yes, most sportsbooks offer a welcome bonus upon signing up. For a more detailed guide, go here.
Are NBA betting sites safe to use?
Yes, any sportsbook that is legally authorized to operate in your state is a safe betting option. To know if a sportsbook is legal in your state, go here.
Can I join more than one NBA betting site?
Yes, and we recommend shopping around at different sportsbooks to ensure that you find the best odds and are able to take advantage of every signup offer.
Our editorial content strives to be highly informative and educational to our audience, especially for visitors who are new or relatively new to analyzing and predicting sporting event results. All of our content is created by informed writers with backgrounds in their subject area and reviewed for omissions or mistakes.
Our editorial team is run by individuals with many years of experience in digital publishing, editorial, and content production. Our editorial content is always marked clearly in any instances where it may be sponsored by a third party, though it is still reviewed by our staff to ensure it remains consistent with our company mission.
- Popular
- Latest