NBA spread betting is one of the most popular wagers used in professional gambling. In this article we’re going to explain it, as well as give you a few tips along the way about where to do it.
Our top pick for NBA spread betting is BetOnline – if you want to know why, you’ll have to keep reading. But don’t worry, we’ve got a whole lot more to offer to make it worth your while.
Don’t forget – all of our content is vetted and approved by experts. Think of it as a hard and fast betting education, with a little NBA game flavor.
Ready to talk NBA betting? Let’s go.
Best NBA Spread Betting Sites
- BetOnline: Best overall
- Bovada: Most betting markets
- BUSR: Most generous bonuses
- MyBookie: Best for props betting
- MyStake: Top pick for crypto bettors
1. BetOnline — Best NBA Spread Betting Site Overall
Pros
- 50% welcome bonus
- Risk-free bets
- Early NBA lines
- 25+ years online
Cons
- Banking fees for traditional methods
NBA Betting Content 5/5
First and foremost, BetOnline prides itself on a player-centric approach. They’ve been in business for over 25 years, and it is demonstrated within a feature-rich sportsbook that caters directly to you.
This is reflected within the extensive NBA markets on offer here. One of the ways BetOnline sets itself apart from the competition is by providing early NBA betting lines, allowing you to get ahead of the competition and find better value in your bets.
Bonuses & Promotions 5/5
After opening an account at BetOnline, you’ll be given the opportunity to amp up your bankroll with a 50% welcome bonus worth up to $1000. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $55 to trigger this promotion, and it comes with wagering requirements of 10x.
For the more risk-averse bettors amongst you, BetOnline offers you two essentially free bets on key NBA markets. The first one is live betting, and the second is a player prop. Both of them are worth up to $25. The only catch is that they have to be your first time doing each. Make sure you don’t miss out on those ones.
Crypto players aren’t left behind here either. On the contrary, BetOnline offers a first-time crypto deposit bonus that can be used on top of the traditional one that’s again worth up to $1000, or whatever your chosen digital currency equivalent is. The wagering requirements are a smidge higher though, clocking in at 14x.
Misc 5/5
As briefly mentioned earlier, BetOnline has been online and serving players for over 25 years. That’s no mean feat, especially in the industry of online gambling. Its particular player-centric approach means its customer service remains exceptional, boasting a 24/7 live chat service, dedicated phone line, email address, and comprehensive help center.
>> Register at BetOnline now and claim your $1000 welcome bonus
2. Bovada — Best Variety of NBA Spread Betting Markets
Pros
- NBA daily specials
- $250 regular welcome bonus
- $750 crypto welcome bonus
- Rewards Program
Cons
- Bonuses could do with expansion
NBA Betting Content 5/5
Since Bovada’s inception in 2011, it has quickly risen to become one of the best online betting sites available. So then, it goes without saying that its NBA spread betting and related markets are of the highest quality.
One of our favorite features available at Bovada for NBA fans is the ‘NBA Daily Specials’. Each day, Bovada hand-picks out a range of self-curated parlay bets that vary in terms of value and payout. Some odds reach as high as +750000. Feeling lucky?
Bonuses & Promotions 4/5
Bovada features two main bonuses. The first is a regular welcome bonus that’s worth a modest $250 in matched funds. This is achieved via a deposit using traditional methods such as credit cards.
The second welcome bonus is for cryptocurrency users only. It boosts the funds available up to a more substantial $750. Both promotions come with wagering requirements of 5x, which is lower than average.
In truth, we’d like to see more promotions available here from Bovada. Although what’s here is of excellent quality, it wouldn’t hurt to push the boat out a little further.
Misc 5/5
One of Bovada’s most prominent features is its loyalty and rewards program. If you did plan on making the platform your regular go-to for NBA spread betting and beyond, you can rest assured you’ll be rewarded handsomely for your patronage.
The system works based on points earned by wagers made. All the points you accumulate can be exchanged for cash and other special features. You can also move up in tiers to get greater rewards, such as unlocking unique payment methods.
>> Sign-up at Bovada today to unlock a $250 or $750 welcome bonus
3. BUSR — Best Bonuses to Place NBA Spread Bets
Pros
- $1500 sign-up bonus
- $500 reload bonus
- Top NBA playoff odds
Cons
- Dated design
- Stiff wagering requirements
NBA Betting Content 4/5
It’s true that BUSR is more well-known for its racebook and horse racing offerings, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t enough here to recommend to an NBA bettor. On the contrary, there’s a lot to like.
One of the key advantages it holds for NBA bettors is its playoff odds. Throughout this pivotal point of the season, BUSR endeavors to provide competitive spread opportunities and moneyline bets that you’ll struggle to match anywhere else. It’s the business end of the season, and these are certainly business odds. Make sure you get involved.
Bonuses & Promotions 4/5
As already alluded to, BUSR has a focus on the world of horse racing, and that’s where much of its betting promotions lay. However, there’s still plenty here for regular sports, including NBA bettors.
The top promotion is the $1500 sign-up bonus. This is available to all newly registered users as long as you opt in and follow the appropriate instructions. The wagering requirements are set at 20x, which is double the usual industry standard. While that’s not ideal, it’s far from a lost cause – it’ll just take a bit of extra time and luck to cash out.
Another notable promotion available is the $500 sports reload. When you top up your account you can opt-in to this bonus which can add another potential $500 to your bankroll. The wagering requirements are much lower than the standard welcome bonus, coming in at a generous 5x.
Misc 5/5
Overall, BUSR is an excellent choice for sports bettors, but it really excels in providing options for horse racing fans. Not only do you get an 8% rebate on all your daily horse racing action, but they also feature tracks from around the world – not just domestically. We’re just saying, if you’re an NBA fan who enjoys a bit of horse racing on the side – this bookmaker could be the one for you.
>> Sign-up to BUSR today to claim your $1500 welcome bonus
4. MyBookie — Top NBA Spread Betting Site for Props
Pros
- Unique welcome bonus
- Low wagering requirements
- New V.I.P. program
- Top NBA prop bet options
Cons
- Lack of banking methods
NBA Betting Content 4/5
Last but certainly not least is MyBookie. A solid betting platform that caters to a wide variety of American sports, including the NBA.
If you’re looking for a wide variety of prop bets to make use of then we’d recommend giving MyBookie a look. It features NBA action daily, with a typical game featuring over 600 different props to choose from and bet on.
Bonuses & Promotions 5/5
MyBookie features two main welcome bonuses with very distinct differences. We’re going to take a look at both so you can decide which may work best for you.
The first and more traditional welcome bonus is the 50% promotion worth up to $1000 in bonus funds. This comes with standard wagering requirements of 10x, just around the industry average.
The second more unique welcome bonus is worth a lot less but is arguably the much better deal. In this promo, you’re only given $200 worth of bonus funds. However, the major difference is there is only a wagering requirement of 1x. That means you only need to wager the funds once before they become withdrawable. We like those odds, don’t you?
Misc 4/5
Overall MyBookie is a solid choice for most NBA betting enthusiasts. Its recent addition of a V.I.P. program will further bolster its appeal to those of you who are looking for a long-term option to place your NBA bets.
>> Register at MyBookie now to claim a $1000 or $200 welcome bonus
What is NBA Spread Betting?
So, you want to learn how to bet the spread on NBA games? Well, first it’s probably handy if you know exactly what spread betting entails. We’ve done our best to give an explanation of it below. Strap in tight for some of that hard and fast betting education we were talking about earlier, folks.
In spread betting, bookmakers set a point spread based on what they believe will be an accurate representation of the difference in points scored by each team. Then, bettors like yourself choose whether they think the favorite will exceed the set point spread, also known as ‘covering the spread’, or whether the underdog will lose by less than the spread, or in a further upset – win outright.
Still confused? Let’s wheel a hypothetical.
Imagine a matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. The bookmaker may set a point spread of 7.5 points in favor of the Lakers. (Obviously) If you bet on the Lakers, they must win by more than 7.5 points for your bet to be settled as a winner. If, for some godforsaken reason you bet on the Celtics, they can either win the game or lose by 7 points or fewer for you to win your bet.
So what’s the appeal here? Well, it’s yet another layer of strategy upon just predicting a team will win or not. Shades of gray, if you will. Perhaps a team is going to catch a beatdown, but not that much of a beatdown. Correctly guessing this is the art of betting the spread.
>> Check out the best NBA spreads today
Check out the following articles if you’re interested in NBA spreads:
Other Types of NBA Bets
NBA point spreads is merely one blade of grass in a meadow of potential NBA bets. We’ve covered some of the more popular ones you can also enjoy below.
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a type of wager where you pick a team or individual to win, sans point spread. It’s also sometimes known as a ‘straight win’ bet for obvious reasons.
The favorite is represented by a minus number, while the favorite has a positive number. In a hypothetical NBA match-up, this might be expressed by the Los Angeles Lakers (-200) versus the San Antonio Spurs (+200).
Some bettors prefer the moneyline due to its simplicity. There are no caveats or special terms, just a simple win or no-win outcome. However, this is a subjective matter and depends on how you’d prefer to gamble.
Parlay
A parlay bet is a type of wager that involves combining two or more individual bets, typically point spreads, moneylines, or totals (over/under), into a single accumulative bet.
A successful parlay bet means each leg must settle as a win. If any one of the bets within the parlay loses, the entire bet is lost. Let’s draw up a quick example in NBA terms.
- Los Angeles Lakers moneyline +200
- Toronto Raptors point spread -6 +100
- Utah Jazz @ Philadelphia 76ers O 180 points +100
- Combined odds total: +1100
So, why would you risk three bets to potentially lose off just one? The allure is in chasing the bigger payout. Individually the winnings at stake here may be modest, but combined they can be lucrative.
>> Create your own NBA parlay bet slip
Same Game Parlay
A same-game parlay is self-explanatory. It’s the same as a parlay, but all the bets within it come from the same game, instead of different match-ups.
The same rules apply as a regular parlay. Each leg of the bet must win for the overall bet to be settled as a winner. If it’s successful, there’s usually a high payout to be had.
Here’s an example of a same-game parlay in NBA terms:
- D’Angelo Russell to register 6 or more assists +100
- LeBron James to score 25 points or more +100
- Anthony Davis to record 10+ rebounds +100
- The Los Angeles Lakers Moneyline -100
Player Props and More
A proposition bet is a sports wager that is independent of the final outcome of the match-up. In other words, it’s not a win-or-lose bet. Typically you’ll find prop bets in the NBA to be based on a statistic.
For example, you might make a player prop bet on Joel Embiid to score a certain amount of points. You might also opt for a game prop, such as an over/under guess on how many points will be scored overall by both teams.
There are also what’s known as ‘novelty prop’ bets. These range from reasonable to absurd, and can even encompass the flavor of Gatorade consumed by different players on the sidelines. There’s probably not much money to be made here, but fun? Yes.
>> Explore the best NBA props today
NBA Futures Bet
A futures bet is defined as a wager on something that isn’t going to take place for at least 24 hours or more. In terms of the NBA, futures bets may include betting on the NBA championship, or even conference winners early on in the season – or before it’s even started.
Futures can be popular as it’s a technique of locking in value early. If you’ve noticed something about a player that makes you think they’re about to have a hot season – why not lock in a futures bet on them to win the MVP award?
The earlier you do it, the more value you’ll have. The more it appears you were potentially right, the more the odds will drop throughout the season. In some cases, this can lead to you receiving an early cash-out offer from the bookmakers. But that depends on whether that particular platform holds that function.
Guide to NBA Spread Betting
Is it Safe to Bet on the NBA Point Spread?
Yes, betting on the NBA is a completely safe endeavor, provided you use the right websites. We don’t recommend straying away from what’s been recommended here. If you do decide to do so, please ensure you do your research first – as there are potentially shady operators out there.
Is NBA Spread Betting Profitable?
Any type of bet is potentially profitable. It depends on how you use it and your own expertise that’s at play. There’s no reason you can’t be profitable engaging in NBA spread betting, but we’d hesitate to think of it that way. Betting should be a fun and recreational activity first and foremost.
What’s the Best Way to Bet on the NBA?
This is an entirely subjective question. Some people prefer spread betting as it can afford better value. Others prefer the moneyline as bigger upsets may occur, thus providing more lucrative payouts.
How Do You Read NBA Point Spread Odds?
NBA odds are the same as odds on other sports. Using American odds conventions (not fractions, as we’re not commies) the plus sign is used to indicate an underdog while the minus refers to the favored team.
The number in front dictates the money you’ll win if the bet lands. For example, for a +200 bet using a stake of $100, you’ll get $200 winnings plus your $100 stake back. Conversely, for a -200 bet with a unit stake of $100 will net you winnings of $50, plus your original stake of $100.
Is It Better to Bet the Moneyline or the Spread?
Again, this is a subjective conversation. Different bettors prefer different angles and exploitations. Some prefer to bet regularly on low odds to make consistent and small profits, while others prefer to bet sparingly on high odds to make larger payouts that are fewer and far between.
Where’s the Best Place to Bet NBA Spreads?
Our number one choice is BetOnline, for more in-depth information and a chance to lock in a sweet bonus, check out our mini-review. Don’t let that put you off checking out what else is available here too, though. There’s a wealth of great NBA betting content to enjoy.
How to Create an Account at an NBA Spread Betting Site
Below is a quick guide to registering at our top choice for NBA spread betting – BetOnline.
Step 1 – Register
- Click here to join BetOnline
- Fill out your details
- Wait for a validation link to arrive
Step 2 – Validate your account
- Check your email inbox for the validation link
- If it’s not there, check your spam box
- Once you’ve located it, click the link to complete the account validation
Step 3 – Deposit and play
- Deposit using your chosen payment method
- Use a bonus if you wish
- Navigate to the NBA section and start planning your bets
Benchmarks for a Top NBA Spread Betting Website
NBA Betting Content
Unsurprisingly, in a review of what’s important about an online bookmaker that provides NBA betting – the NBA betting content is top of the pile. Although we do much of our analysis through the lens of spread betting, we’re also interested in other aspects here too.
For example, the depth of NBA markets available is important. All websites will have the spread available to bet, but perhaps what will make you stick around is the supporting content that’s also available to NBA bettors.
Bonuses & Promotions
We expect bonuses to be of the highest quality, which usually translates to low wagering requirements and very few pertinent terms and conditions that may make things unnecessarily complicated.
Oftentimes you’ll see high numbers that look lucrative, even exceptional. But don’t be fooled. These aren’t always the glamorous bonuses they’re cracked up to be. Luckily for you, we’re here to steer you straight and true.
Misc
Anything else that doesn’t quite fit in the above we’ll discuss here. This could be anything really. From the website’s general reputation to the design and aesthetics it uses. We may also talk briefly about the payment methods available, it all depends on which platform it is that we’re discussing.
Top 5 NBA Spread Betting Site Comparison
- BetOnline: Our top choice. Register and get early NBA lines at BetOnline. Register now to claim your 50% welcome bonus.
- Bovada: Enjoy NBA daily specials with this excellent online sportsbook platform. Sign-up today to secure a $250 to $750 welcome bonus.
- BUSR: It’s not just horse racing that you’ll love and enjoy here at BUSR. Register now to claim your $1500 welcome bonus.
- MyBookie: MyBookie’s low wagering requirement bonus sets it apart – as well as its NBA props offering. Register now to claim your $1000 or $200 welcome promotion.
Related betting guides:
Ready to Make Some NBA Spread Bets?
NBA spread betting offers an exciting, engaging, and potentially rewarding way to elevate your basketball-watching experience.
Not only does it add an extra layer of thrill to each game you watch, but it also provides an opportunity to utilize your knowledge and understanding of the sport. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to impress some of your buddies along the way, would it?
Our top choice for your NBA spread bets is BetOnline – but we heartily recommend you check out the other options on display here too. The only person who will lose out if you don’t is you!
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While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffer from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend that you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are only for people who are 18+. Also, check with local laws to find out if online gambling is legal in your area.
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