Betting on Basketball
You’re already watching your favorite team. Why not make it a more interesting by putting some money on it? That’s the feeling behind basketball betting. Making some extra money on a winning bet makes a win by your favorite team even sweeter (or cushions the loss if you have to bet against them).
Playing the point spread in basketball is the most common bet. Point spreads even out the chances so even a bet on the underdog can give big winnings. Here’s how point spread betting in basketball works:
The New York Knicks are expected to win tonight’s basketball game and have a point spread of -5. Their rivals the Detroit Pistons are the underdog and get a point spread of +5. A bet on the New York Knicks wins if they win by more than 5 points. If they win by less than 5, you lose even if they win. Betting on the Pistons wins if they lose by less than 5 points. So while they’re talking about how they almost won the game, you can go collect your cash. If the Pistons happen to win, you still win! Tying the point spread results in a push with money returned.
Betting the over/under total is another popular bet. It’s a bet that your picked total will be either under/over the final total. If the over/under number is 202, bet on the over and you win if the total from both teams is over 202. Bet on the under and you’ll win if the score is under 202. Ties, like with point spreads, are pushes and you get your money back. Since the score is in the theoretical middle, there’s no real advantage to betting under or over. The Casino sports book will pay even money on these bets, less a commission on winners.
Besides the above bets, nearly any other type of wager can be made (depending on the venue you are in). You can bet on the most free throws, a team scoring the most over a weekend, or even if the team will make the playoffs. You can bet on who will dunk first, who will score first, and if a certain player will score more than another player. If it’s listed at the sports book, it’s a valid bet (we have to admit – some bets get a little crazy).
Betting on Basketball makes an exciting game even more exciting. If you ever find yourself in a sports book, place a bet on your favorite hoops team. Good luck!
