Basketball wagers use much the same procedure as betting
on football - point spreads are used to handicap the favorites
and underdogs for any given game. Over and under totals are
popular for basketball wagering as well. Online sportsbooks
usually require 43 minutes of play for wagering to take place
at the NBA while at the NCAA, 35 minutes are needed.
A full discussion of the different kinds of basketball wagers
is presented below.
» Point Spread Wagers
(Straight Wagers)
The team wagered on must win by the point spread given
at the time of the wager. 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 Wagers
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 wager is the money
line kept regardless of any line movement.
For example, a bettor could choose one of two wagers on
the following 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 wager 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
it is otherwise indicated.
For example, in a Magic-Sixers game, the over/under total
is given as 187. For the bettor who wagers 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 wagers 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 wager is returned.
» Half-time
All wagers must go the full half for action (first-half
and second-half). All half-time wagers are calculated the
same as a straight wager unless otherwise indicated. There
are no teaser plays or buying of points on half-times. On
half time wagers, 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 wager
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" wager. A "Tie"
or a "No Action" and a "Loss" on a two
team teaser shall constitute a "Losing" wager.
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
Future wagers are based on the outcome of events that happen
each year. All wagers are final. There will be no payouts
until the conclusion of the specified season.
Proposition plays are wagers based on the outcome of events.
Odds change daily and all wagers are considered action for
the odds quoted at the time of the wager.
In the event that the selection (person, team, or other)
the wagerer bets upon does not participate in the game/event
due to injury, etc., no refunds are usually made.
Now that you know the basics of basketball wagers, why don't you put your newly-acquired knowledge to the test?
