The ABCs Behind Online Sports Betting on Basketball: A Beginner's Guide to a Massive Market

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Sports betting is one of the biggest markets within the digital entertainment world. In fact, if you look at betting and gambling together, sports betting is the largest niche by far. In the US, revenue generated from sports betting increased from around 400 million dollars in 2018 to over 11 billion US dollars in 2023, so you can just imagine where that's at now in 2025. The amounts are staggering and because of this, many people are trying to get a piece of the pie.

However, to get a piece of the pie, you need to know what you're doing. This means that you have to spend some of your time doing research, so that you know what all of the terms mean. It's not easy and it takes a lot of time, which is why you're in luck because below you'll find the most important elements. 

Why Basketball Betting Is So Popular?

Is this even a fair question? Isn't the answer obvious? It's one of the most entertaining sports on the globe. The sport itself is beautiful to watch but the league in charge, like the NBA in the USA, is doing an excellent job at marketing the game well. Just think about all the NBA series you've seen over the last years, such as "The Last Dance" featuring the mighty Michael Jordan. You see, the sport has been smart, they've created more interest than just watching the games, now you want to know the players personally too.

Also, social media has had a big role in this. Every athlete is now able to post things about their life online and as a fan, you get to follow this. This makes you feel more engaged and it means that you're likely to place a bet on the person or the game because you feel a greater connection to all of it. 

Getting Set Up to Bet Online

When it comes to sports betting, you first need to find a site that you like and is reputable. You see, for sports betting in Missouri you have to think of three things: authority, reputation and excellence. If you can find an operating platform that features those three things, then go for it. 

Once you have the site, here’s what you’ll typically need to do:

  • Create an account with your basic info
  • Deposit funds using a secure payment method (safety is key)
  • Browse the basketball section and find a game you’re interested in
  • Choose your bet, enter your stake and confirm (in the beginning, try to use funds that come from demo versions so that it's not your personal funds)

Once that’s done, you’re good to go.

Common Basketball Betting Options

One thing you’ll notice right away is that there are several ways to bet on a basketball game .If you're not familiar with the lingo, it can feel overwhelming at first but it’s easier than it seems once you get the hang of it.

Here are the most common bet types you'll see:

  • Moneyline: This is the simplest kind of bet. Here, you’re just picking who you think will win the game.
  • Point spread: The sportsbook gives one team a points advantage or disadvantage. You’re betting on whether a team will “cover the spread,” which means winning by a certain margin or keeping the game close.
  • Over/under (totals): This bet has nothing to do with who wins. You’re just guessing whether the combined total score of both teams will go over or under a set number.
  • Prop bets: These focus on specific events within the game, like a player’s total points or the number of three-pointers made.
  • Parlays: This is when you combine multiple bets into one wager. All the selections must win for you to cash in but the payout is higher.
  • Live betting: This allows you to place bets while the game is happening. Odds change in real time, which adds a whole new level of excitement.

Key Basketball Betting Terms to Know

Yes, there is a difference between betting options and betting terms. You can see the betting options as the bigger umbrella and betting terms as the things that fall under that umbrella:

  • Spread: The point difference used to even the odds between two teams.
  • Cover: When a team beats the spread.
  • Favorite: The team expected to win, usually with a minus sign in front of the odds.
  • Underdog: The team expected to lose, shown with a plus sign in the odds.
  • Push: When the game outcome lands exactly on the spread or total and your bet is refunded.
  • Juice/Vig: This is the commission the sportsbook takes on a bet.
  • Bankroll: The amount of money you’ve set aside for betting.
  • Handle: The total amount of money wagered on a game or event.
  • Unit: A standardized way to measure your bet size, often used to manage your bankroll more responsibly.

Knowing these terms makes it easier to understand what people are talking about when discussing bets, odds and results. Another key term is NIL, which refers to the name, image and likeness rights of the game.

Wrapping It Up

Getting into basketball betting doesn’t have to be intimidating. Once you understand the basic bet types, know the key terms and get familiar with how to place a bet online, you’ll be ready to jump in. Never invest more than what you have readily available and try to keep things light and fun.