BASKETBALL BETby: Marc Jerbs

Basketball bets are easy to make. With over 12,000 professional and college games each season, basketball betting lines are available daily for regular season games, tournaments and playoff action.

Basketball bets are similar to football bets - point spreads are used to handicap the favorites and underdogs for each game. Over and under totals are popular in basketball betting as well. Sportsbooks usually require 43 minutes of play for action in the NBA while for college basketball, 35 minutes is needed.

A full discussion of the different kinds of basketball bets is presented below.

Kinds of Basketball Bets

Point Spread Bets (Straight Bets)
The team wagered on must win by the point spread given at the time the bet is placed. The odds are $1.10 to win $1.00 (-110) unless otherwise indicated. Due to changing events, the point spread may fluctuate at any time.

Money Line Bets
The team wagered on just has to win the game. The amount that bettors lay or take for each game may vary. The money line that is read at the time of the bet is the money line kept regardless of any line movement.

For example, a bettor could choose one of two bets on the following NBA match-up: L.A. Lakers -200 at Portland Trailblazers +180. If the Lakers win, the bettor who laid $200.00 wins $100.00. If Portland wins, the bettor who bet $100.00 wins $180.00.

Totals
In a totals bet, bettors must bet on whether the actual combined scores of the two teams will either be over or under a certain pre-determined number, called the total for the game. All totals lay $1.10 to win $1.00, unless otherwise indicated.

For example, in an NBA game featuring the Magic and the Sixers, the over/under total is given as 187. For the bettor who bets on the total points of this contest by both teams to be "over" 187, the combined final score of both teams must exceed 187. For the bettor who bets on the total points of this contest by both teams to be "under" 187, the combined final score of both teams must be less than 187. If the combined score equals 187 the game is considered "No Action" and the original bet is returned.

Half-time
All bets must go the full half for action (first-half and second-half). All half-time bets are calculated the same as a straight bet unless otherwise indicated. There are no teaser plays or buying of points on half-times. On half time bets, the overtime period is included as part of the 2nd half.

Parlays (also known as Multiples)
A parlay is a bet of 2 or more teams (selections) or propositions in no particular order. All teams wagered on in a parlay must win. If there is a tie, the parlay reverts down to the next lowest number for payoff. For example if a player selects 4 teams, and one ties, the parlay becomes a three team parlay. For a 2 team parlay -- a tie and win becomes a straight bet (-110) payout.

Teasers
A teaser is a selection of two or more teams in one bet in which the point spread is adjusted in the bettor's favor. The number of teams selected and the number of points selected determines the payout odds. A "Tie" or "No Action" and a "Win" on a two team teaser shall constitute a "No Action" bet. A "Tie" or a "No Action" and a "Loss" on a two team teaser shall constitute a "Losing" bet. Ties on a three or more team teaser shall revert to the next lowest betting bracket. For example a tie on a three team teaser becomes a two team teaser.

Futures and Propositions
Basketball Future bets are based on the outcome of events that happen each year, like the outcome of the NBA Finals or the conference champions. All bets are final. There will be no payouts until the conclusion of the specified season.

Basketball proposition bets are based on the outcome of events. Odds change daily and all bets are considered action for the odds quoted at the time of the bet.

In the event that the selection (person, team, or other) the bettor bets upon does not participate in the game/event due to injury, etc., no refunds are usually made.

---

Learn to bet on popular European events