Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the country, and thanks to this, it has also gained a lot of attention on online betting platforms. Whether it is on the ACB League, the Euroleague or the NBA, punters have a wealth of betting options, with various types of bets that make basketball an exciting sport to both watch and bet on.
Below, we briefly explain the main types of basketball bets that can be found on online platforms in Spain.
1. Match Winner Bet (Moneyline)
The match winner bet is the most basic bet in basketball and is known as the moneyline. It simply involves choosing which team will win the game. Bookmakers assign odds based on the probability of each team winning. The favorite team has lower odds, while the underdog team offers higher odds.
This type of bet is simple and perfect for punters looking for a direct way to participate in the game. However, in many cases, the odds may not be very attractive if the favorite team is clear. To get better odds, many punters combine this bet with other bets in a more complex strategy.
2. Handicap bets
Handicap bets are very popular in basketball, especially in games where there is a big difference between the teams. In this type of bet, a handicap in points is assigned to one of the teams to level the odds.
For example, if a strong team faces a weaker one, the bookmaker may assign a handicap of -10.5 points to the favorite. This means that, for the bet to be a winner, the favorite team must win by at least 11 points. Similarly, the underdog team would have a positive handicap of +10.5, meaning that even losing by 10 points or less, the bet could still win.
This type of bet is ideal for lopsided games and adds an extra challenge for punters, as they are not only betting on the winner, but on the difference in the score.
3. Total Points (Over/Under) Bet
In total points or over/under bets, the bettor is not betting on the winner of the match, but on the total number of points that both teams will score in the game. The bookmaker sets a points line, and the bettor must decide whether the total points will be over or under that figure.
For example, if the line is at 180.5 points, one can bet that the total score of the match will be over 181 points (over) or under 180 (under). This type of bet is ideal for those who prefer to analyze the pace of play and the offensive or defensive style of the teams.
4. Quarter or Halftime Exact Score Bets
Another interesting option in basketball betting is to bet on the exact score of a quarter or the first half. Here, the bettor can focus on a specific segment of the game, such as the first quarter, the second quarter, or the first half, and predict which team will be leading at the end of that period.
This type of bet is ideal for bettors who prefer to focus on a team’s fast start or defensive strength during a portion of the game. The odds can be more attractive than traditional match winner bets, but they are also more difficult to predict accurately.
5. Parlays
Parlays allow bettors to combine several bets into one. In basketball, this can include the match winner, total points, and handicap bet on a single betting slip. In order to win a parlay bet, all selections must be correct.
This type of bet offers a chance for higher returns because the odds are multiplied by each other. However, it also carries a higher risk, as missing a single selection will result in the entire bet being lost.
6. In-Play Betting
In-play betting is very popular in basketball due to the fast-paced and changing nature of the game. During the match, punters can place bets while the game is in progress. The odds are constantly changing based on the development of the match, adding excitement to each play.
Live betting includes a variety of markets, such as who will win the next quarter, whether a team will be able to come back, or the number of points that will be scored in the next period. This type of bet requires punters to make quick decisions based on the performance of the teams during the game.
7. Outright Bets
Outright bets are bets on the outcome of an entire competition rather than a single game. In basketball, this includes betting on which team will win the ACB League, the Euroleague, or the NBA. These bets can be made before the season starts or during the season.
While these bets can offer big payouts, especially if you bet on a team that is not a favorite from the start, they are also harder to predict due to the number of variables that can influence the development of a season.
Conclusion
Basketball offers a wide variety of betting options on online platforms in Spain. From traditional match-winner bets to live bets and future bets, basketball fans have many ways to participate and enjoy the sport. To be successful, it is important to thoroughly analyze the teams, their statistics, and the context of the game before placing a bet.
