Best NBA Betting Sites UK

How we rank the best basketball betting sites

Basketball isn’t just big in the US. It’s an always-growing popular sport among punters worldwide, including in the UK. It’s such an exciting sport with many things that can happen in a single tournament, game, or quarter, which is why it’s an attractive prospect for bettors hoping to secure some profits. We’ve assessed the best basketball betting sites using a thorough and fair process, taking myriad things into consideration. Below are the key factors we consider so we are recommending the best of the best in the UK.

Event coverage	The diversity of basketball betting markets is crucial. Sites offering bets on NBA, NCAA, EuroLeague, and various international leagues and tournaments receive higher rankings. Major and minor tournaments need to be hosted by the betting site if they want to be best-in-class for basketball bets.
Betting markets and types	Basketball has a few popular types of bet that every punter will expect to see. Those include moneyline (outright winner) bets, spread bets, first basket, and stat leaders. There are plenty more ways to bet as well. Maybe you love an acca, or prefer a prop bet – either way, bookies that cater for this diversity will be looked upon favourably.
App and site experience	The majority of betting now takes place via the trusty smartphone. A great, frictionless experience – with widespread compatibility – is essential for basketball betting sites to rank high. Apps and sites need have easy-to-use navigation, while mobile apps should cater for all markets, events, and features found on the site. We consider all of this before we recommend anything.
Sign up offers	The cream of the crop will offer generous and achievable sign up offers, most typically welcome bonuses, that they grant punters before joining. We look for the best ones that are either basketball-specific, or general ones that can be applied on basketball anyway.
Bonuses and promotions	Similarly, bookies that provide ongoing bonuses and promotions like free bets, cashback or acca insurance, price boosts and more, will be looked upon favourably. Basketball betting sites always have bonuses to grab, but they’re not always as generous and not always as easy to achieve. That’s why we look at the terms and conditions to make sure they’re reasonable and fair before they will be recommended by us.
Live streaming	Basketball is a highly watchable sport. The ability to watch live basketball games on the betting platform is a significant advantage and enhances the whole experience for bettors. It enables them to follow the action in real-time and make informed in-play wagers based on the ongoing events. Plus, it keeps them playing on the site rather than switching screens.
Live betting	Just like watching the games live, bettors want to bet on the game live as well. Coupled with cash out, this is a bettor’s best friend as they can watch the basketball unfold and make decisions in real-time.
Features and tools	Betting calculators, live betting, stats and insights, and plenty more features should be at a punter’s fingertips to enhance their experience. These are high in demand and we’ll review them to make sure they’re easy-to-use and reliable, suggesting the best and most versatile ones.
Reviews	We take into consideration customer reviews to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a basketball betting site. We’ll scour online reviews to really get a detailed insight into what punters think of a particular UK bookies. They’re the ones in the best position to tell us what works and what doesn’t.
Security and fair play	Ensuring a safe and fair betting environment is paramount to making sure everyone stays happy. Betting sites in the UK should employ security measures like SSL encryption, anti-fraud measures, and the latest cybersecurity best practices, if they want to rank high. Additionally, they should promote responsible gaming through self-exclusion options and limits on deposits and bets.
Payment methods and payouts	We expect to see a varied number of payment options for bettors to deposit funds. This doesn’t just mean debit card and credit cards, but e-wallet solutions like Apple Pay or Google Pay, or other payment platforms such as PayPal or Skrill. Similarly, withdrawing any winnings should be a smooth and fast experience. Punters with funds to take out shouldn’t have to wait ages to receive their winnings.

Best NBA Betting Sites in the UK

Here are our picks for the top ten basketball betting sites. All of our picks are licenced with the strictest regulators, including Gibraltar and the UK Gambling Commission.

888sport

Pros

• Basketball live streaming is available.
• NBA stats centre
• Basketball bet builder.

Cons

• Live streaming is only available if you have money in your account or have made a recent bet.

888sport has been up and running for nearly fifteen years now, and its longevity is a testament to its popularity. They have various licences covering Ireland, the UK, and the USA, amongst others. While their regular promotions tend to favour football, they have a generous welcome bonus that covers all sports betting. 888sport tends to offer good odds, and they also have a wealth of instructional and informative articles to help those new to betting on basketball. The site is intuitive, and it’s easy to find a specific game as well as browse through upcoming matches.

Boylesports

Pros

• Select basketball livestreaming available.
• Offers in-play betting.
• Good odds

Cons

• The website needs some improvements (but the betting app is great!)

Boylesports have been around since before bookmakers started going online, so it’s fair to say that they are a safe and reliable sportsbook. Their licence is regulated by the Government of Gibraltar, but they also hold a UK Gambling Commission licence, ensuring a fair and safe service. Boylesports have an outstanding reputation and is one of Ireland’s top bookies. They have generous welcome offers and a broad selection of basketball games to bet on. Their promotions aren’t necessarily basketball specific, but the welcome bonus and regular promotions can still be used for basketball. They also boast the best odds, guaranteed, so they are defiantly one to check out.

10bet

Pros

• Great basketball promotions
• Wide range of basketball markets
• Popular with punters

Cons

• Livestreaming is no longer available.

10bet might not be the most well-known bookies out there, but it has started to rise in popularity due to its great promotions and offers. It has a great signup offer that gets you plenty of bonus money to use, and it covers plenty of basketball leagues. 10bet keeps customers interested with lots of regular promotions, including a weekly chance to win a free bet. While a lot of the promotions are for football rather than basketball, there is still plenty to keep basketball punters interested.

Betvictor

Pros

• NBA Price Boots
• In-play betting service
• Wide range of basketball markets

Cons

• No basketball tips on BetVictor blog

BetVictor is one of Europe’s largest online sportsbooks and, as such, is a popular choice for basketball betting. BetVictor began offline in 1946 and has built a solid and reliable reputation. Livestreaming is available for those with money in their accounts, but even if you haven’t logged in, you can access their live statistics feature. This feature has gamed statistics updated in real-time and a screen that displays current game info and player stats. It is a great addition, as you can keep up with the action and use it for research even if you choose not to sign up.

Betfred

Pros

• Select live basketball streaming available.
• Trustworthy reputation
• Live basketball match stats

Cons

• Sports bonuses are usually for football and racing.

Betfred is just as popular on the high street as online, and its reputation keeps players coming back time and again. It offers live streams of basketball games, although you do have to have money in your account to watch. It does also offer live match stats that are updated in real-time that and are free for anyone to view. While the bonuses and promotions aren’t basketball specific – instead, focusing on racing and football – they still offer plenty of free bet bonuses that you can use.

LeoVegas sports

Pros

• Select basketball live streaming available.
• Informative basketball match stats
• Live basketball betting is available.

Cons

• Not all games are covered by live stream.

LeoVegas is an extremely popular sports book. While its site can look a little sparse compared to some, many punters find this simplicity easier to work with. Its bonuses might not be as plentiful as other sites, but it is currently running a very generous welcome offer of a 100% profit boost on your winnings up to €100. Although LeoVegas do offer live streaming, not all basketball matches covered are available to watch, and in-play betting is only available for select games.

NetBet

Pros

• In-play basketball betting is available
• Live updates for games and stats
• Highly reputable site

Cons

• Livestreaming may not be available for basketball.

NetBet has an impeccable reputation and even has a high rating on TrustPilot, which is no mean feat! NetBet offers in-game betting and has stats updated in real-time, as well as a running commentary on play displayed. Reviews mention that there is a live-streaming option for players who have money in their account or have placed a bet, but I couldn’t see that option for some of the basketball games that were currently running. If live-streaming basketball games are what you’re after, I recommend contacting their incredible customer service team before you make a deposit.

Parimatch

Pros

• In-play basketball betting is available
• Basketball game stats are updated in real-time.

Cons

• Livestreaming isn’t available for basketball.

While the Parimatch brand is a Ukrainian company founded in 1994, it only came online in 2000. Parimatch now operates in many countries and has been able to obtain all the relevant licences proving that it is well regulated. While Parimatch has live betting, game animation, and statistics updated in real-time, it does not offer live streaming for basketball. However, it is still a very popular sportsbook and is becoming a recognisable brand in the world of basketball betting sites. The signup offer is pretty generous, and although it is not basketball specific, you can still use it to bet on whatever game you want.

Ladbrokes

Pros

• Select basketball live streaming available.
• In-play basketball betting is available
• Respected sportsbook

Cons

• Sign up bonus is not as generous as other sites.

Basketball is one of the top sports on Ladbrokes. It has a wide range of markets and covers numerous leagues and competitions, so you’ll find plenty of games to bet on. The live streaming feature is available to anyone with an account, and basketball games are listed in terms of present and future, making it easy to find a live match on which you can place a bet. Ladbrokes also have plenty of promotions for basketball punters to take advantage of, but you should check the current offers before you sign up. They also have a cash-out option, which means you can withdraw your stake before the game ends. Ladbrokes also give live statistics and game analytics to help you make informed betting decisions.

Coral

Pros

• Select basketball live streaming available.
• In-play basketball betting is available
• Basketball odds boost

Cons

• Customer service isn’t 24/7

Coral is a well-known and respected high-street brand as well as a popular choice with online punters. It has a live stream function as well as live stats and game analytics. Where Coral really stands out is its promotions. As well as giving away weekly free bets, Coral has an Odds Boost bonus which allows you to boost a market of your choice daily. While Coral offers some pretty good odds as standard, the Odds Boost can increase the odds of your chosen market by around 10%, and this feature makes Coral an immensely popular choice.

A Brief History of Basketball

Traditionally, basketball is an all-American sport. It was created by chance in 1891 by physical education graduate James Naismith. The first game was played at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, during a storm that forced the students to stay indoors. After inventing rudimentary rules for an indoor sports game, Naismith tasked the janitor with finding two boxes that could be used as “goals.” However, the janitor could only find a couple of peach baskets that Naismith then nailed to the lower rail of the balconies in the gymnasium. After these impromptu and humble beginnings, basketball quickly caught on. The first public basketball game was played on March 12, 1892, and soon schools and colleges across America were initiating their own games. The game was popular with both men and women, and in 1904 it was demonstrated at the Olympic Games in St. Louis, giving the game its worldwide debut. In 1932 the International Basketball Federation was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, and the game’s popularity has only increased since then.

In 1949 the NBA, arguably the most recognisable basketball league, was formed. It was created by the merger of two rival organisations, the National Basketball League, and the Basketball Association of America. Then, in 1976, four teams from the soon-to-be disbanded Basketball Association of America also joined the NBA. Despite a brief decline in the early 80s, the NBA remains the best and most famous basketball league in the world.

That being said, basketball is truly a global sport, and there is plenty on offer when it comes to betting on the game.

Using a Basketball Betting Site

Most basketball betting sites cover games from different leagues, such as the EuroLeague, Liga ACB, LNB Pro A, the Greek Basketball league, and – of course – the NBA. Some sites may offer college basketball fixtures, which are popular with hard-core basketball bettors and fans.

As with a lot of sports betting, odds play a big part in how much you will receive from a successful bet as well as how likely you are to win. Most basketball odds can differ depending on the basketball betting site and the betting market. While NBA odds can be pretty competitive, Outrights or Futures are high-risk and therefore have higher odds.

Betting using a basketball betting site has become increasingly popular in recent years. As most top sites will live stream games, offer analytics that is updated in real-time, and have in-play betting available, basketball betting sites have truly become a one-stop shop for all your basketball betting needs.

Betting online has become so easy and convenient it’s hard to imagine a time without it. Later in this article, we will take you through signing up and betting on a basketball game using an online betting site, but there are some real advantaged to using a basketball betting site. The main one, of course, is convenience. You don’t have to go anywhere; you don’t even have to get dressed if you don’t want to! Also, with the live analytical animations that are available on most sites, you can keep up with the odds and the action and learn a bit more about the game as you do. The top basketball betting sites will also offer live streaming of games that allow you to enjoy the sport while you make your bets and hopefully win a bit of cash!

Types of Basketball Bets

There is a wide range of betting terms for basketball, and so if you’re new to basketball betting, here is the lowdown of the most common types of basketball bet.

Type of bet	Brief explanation
Moneylines	You bet which team will win
Race to Points	You bet which team will reach a certain number of points first
Handicaps/Spread betting	The superior team will be “handicapped” to give the inferior team a better chance to win the bet
Winner Margin	You predict the difference between the winning and losing score
Over/Under markets	You predict the combined score of both teams
Quarter Bets	You predict which team will lead in each quarter of the game
Futures	You bet on who will be the outright winner of a competition
Specials	Bets that are made on events that are not necessarily in the game

 

Moneylines

This is one of the most common betting types and the most straightforward. You simply predict which team will win the game. If your chosen team wins, then so do you. Simple. These single bets can be made on multiple games and amalgamated into one bet, called an accumulator, which means every bet you place will have to win for you to see a return. Odds for accumulators are much higher than single bets because you have less chance that all of your picks will win.

Race to Points

Race to points is another pretty common type of bet. To place a race-to-points bet, you need to predict which team will be the first to reach a certain number of points. For example, you could bet that your chosen team will be the first to reach 20 points; if they are, then you win (regardless of who wins the game.)

Handicaps/Spread betting.

This betting option spreads points and is most common in NBA games where an inferior team plays a superior team. The sportsbook will add a disadvantage to the better team that the team must overcome for a bet on them to be won. The handicap will usually be indicated by a minus figure next to their name (-5.5, for example.) If you bet on that team to win, they will need to overcome the handicap and then still have a final score greater than the opposing team for you to win your bet.

Winner Margin

This betting option requires you to bet on the margin between the winning and losing team rather than just bet on who wins. For example, you would bet that your chosen team will win with a 10-point difference, and to see a return on your bet, the team would have to beat the opposition by 10 points.

Over/Under markets

This type of bet is commonly known as a totals bet. To place this bet, you predict the combined score of both teams playing (regardless of who wins or loses.) you can also choose if the score will be over or under that predicted by the sportsbook. In this instance, the actual score won’t matter, just that the total point scored in the match is either under or over the predicted score.

Quarter Bets

This type of bet is usually only available for professional basketball league games. For this type of bet, you predict who will be leading in each quarter. For example, you could bet who will be winning by the end of the first quarter. This type of bet can also be made during play, but keep an eye on the odds as they will fluctuate throughout the match.

Futures

Futures bets can be placed months before the outcome is expected. Also called long-term bets, they typically have high odds as so much can happen between the placing of the bet and the outcome. Futures bets can be Game Outright bets placed on the final games of a competition. You can also bet on the outright winner of a competition.

Specials

Specials, also called proposition bets, are often placed on events outside the game. For example, you can bet on who will be the next basketball club manager or on player statistics for a game.

Live vs. pre-match betting

While pre-match betting is the most traditional form of betting, live betting on basketball games is becoming more popular in recent years. Live betting allows you to continue to place bets during the game. While some betting options won’t be open during matches, plenty are, although they are subject to fluctuating odds throughout the game. Most basketball betting sites will offer live betting features, including cash-out and other live betting services. Top sires will also provide live streaming so you can keep up with the action as it occurs. Live betting can be really engaging and adds another dimension to basketball betting.

What To Look for in a Basketball Betting Site

If you’re looking to bet on a basketball game, choosing an online site can be tricky. There are so many sites out there you will need to whittle it down, but how do you choose the right one? We have reviewed our top ten basketball betting sites at the end of this article, but here are some tips to help you choose which site will be best for you.

Check the Basketball Odds

While odds on basketball games can vary, as there are so many markets, it can be hard to find the best prices. However, some sites do offer price boosts, and finding these sites is a lot easier than comparing all the odds.

Check the Basketball Markets

The top basketball sites will feature a good selection of competitions. As basketball is not as mainstream as horse racing or football, some sites have a more limited selection than others.

Check the Basketball Promotions and Bonuses

All basketball betting sites will offer some sort of promotion, be it a welcome bonus or a special offer for customers. Occasionally you will be offered free bets, but we recommend you look out for matched betting. This is a unique betting system that is popular amongst expert punters, and offers of this type are defiantly ones to exploit. Matched bets are usually given to new players or as a special bonus and basically cover opposing bets. This cancels out any risk, as it means you have a much better chance of getting a pay-out. Matched betting increases your chances of winning as it pretty much cancels out any risk with the multiple bets.

Check the Reviews

While reviews for basketball betting sites can be mixed (no one likes to lose!), by checking the player reviews, you can get a good idea of whether or not you would like the site. Player reviews will often point you in the direction of trustworthy and user-friendly sites, giving you information on pay-outs, customer service, and useability.

Check the Basketball Features

Different sites will have different features, but the best sites will usually offer live streaming of basketball games and in-play betting. Another handy feature that is often offered is basketball betting predictions, so it’s good to check the site’s blogs to see if they have the relevant information.

Check if You Like it!

Most sites will allow you to go on and take a look around before you sign up. Navigating a site can be a great determiner to see if you actually like the site. Even if it has excellent features and bonuses, if you don’t enjoy navigating the site, then you probably won’t enjoy the betting experience. Remember, it’s just as important that you like the feel and look of the site.

 

What to look for	Why?
The best odds	Depending on the game, odds can vary, so you may increase your winnings by shopping around
Relevant promotions	Some sites will offer more basketball betting-related promotions
Positive player reviews	Some sites are more user-friendly than others
Relevant licence	Gambling laws vary depending on the region
Features	Find sites that offer live streaming

 

Tips for Betting on Basketball

Betting on basketball is pretty much like betting on any other sport in that it is equal measures of skill and luck. Not just yours wither, but that of every player on the court. With so many variables, betting can be a little intimidating. While some people will bet with their heart or gut, if you want to stand a better chance of winning, there are some things that you can do to increase the odds in your favour.

Do Your Research

This seems like a no-brainer, but many people may skip this step because of the figurative legwork involved. Researching the past performance of the players and teams can give you an advantage when it comes to what bets to place and in making sure you have good odds that will get you a decent return. Research will also turn up any player injuries or other issues that may affect the standard of play.

Check out Tips.

Betting on any sport can take a lot of research (especially if you want to win!) So, why not let other people do some of the legwork for you? Tipsters and online tip sites are abundant, and it’s always a good idea to take their thoughts on board, even if it is only a yardstick for your research. These tipsters don’t just deal in tips but will also give you information on betting markets and guide you on which bets to place.

Track your Betting.

Not only is this good for keeping an eye on what you’re spending vs. what you’re winning. By keeping a record of your bets, you will be able to glean an insight into what works and what doesn’t. The more elaborate the notes, the more you will get out of it, as you will build up information about major games, teams, and players that you can incorporate into your future research.

A Win is a Win

It’s natural to want to chase the big wins and dream of that life-changing amount that will catapult you into the life that you wish for. However, focusing on the big wins could ultimately do more damage to your bank account than good! Betting should be fun, and if you happen to win a small profit, so much the better. Remember, a small win is better than no win at all! This seems like a good point to remind you that, no matter how good the tip or the research, betting is never a sure thing. You should only ever wager as much as you can afford to lose and always gamble responsibly.

Familiarise Yourself with Basketball Rules

If you have never watched basketball before, or you don’t fully understand the game, its best to not place a bet just yet. Having some background knowledge will make placing a bet a lot easier and increase your chance of winning.

Use Your Head

While some people who bet will do so to support their favourite team, your chances of winning will increase if you use your head instead of your heart. Try to steer away from playing favourites and concentrate on performance over preference.

 

Do	Don’t
Research the players and teams	Place a bet before you know a little bit about basketball rules and betting
Check tipsters	Ignore player injuries and team form
Track your betting	Chase the big win
Use your head	Always go with your heart

 

Popular Basketball Bets

Ante-post	Bet on the winner of a particular basketball competition before the competition begins
End-of-season awards	Bet on which player will win awards like Most Valuable Player or Rookie of the Year
Game Winner	Bet on who will win a particular game
Total Points	Bet on the total points of a game. This type of bet entails the bookie working out what they think the total combined points of both teams will be, and then you decide if the total number of points will be over or under the bookie’s guess.
Team Total Points	Bet whether a team will score over or under a selected number of points
Individual Points Total	This is the same as the above bets, but you bet on the points scored by an individual player
Quarter & Half Markets	Bet on the points of the team or players in the first quarter of the first half of the game
Special bets	The top basketball sites sometimes offer special bets before certain games, which are generally related to certain players

 

How To Place a Basketball Bet

Here is our guide to placing a bet using a basketball betting site. For this article, I signed up to 888sport to demonstrate placing a bet. While other sites can differ in layout and features, the process is much the same. The first step to placing a bet on a basketball betting site is to find one and sign up.

Most sites will have a “sign up” or “join now” button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Simply press this button to begin the signup process.

You will then be required to fill in the information, in this case, your name, country of residence, email, and date of birth.

Next, you can choose your username and set a password and security question.

Finally, you’ll have to provide an address, mobile number, your occupation, and choose your currency. While it might be tempting for some to try and withhold this personal information, this info is sometimes checked before a withdrawal is allowed. These checks can entail verifying this information, and any discrepancies can result in the withholding of funds. These checks may seem extraneous, but they are there for multiple reasons, from making sure players are in the right jurisdiction to preventing fraud.

While some sites let you change your currency after you have registered, 888sport locks in your currency at this stage, so make sure you get it right!

Once you have successfully completed the registration process, you can now make a deposit. The “deposit” button is located in the top right-hand corner, where the signup button was previously. Here you can choose your banking method and make your deposit. Sites will sometimes give a welcome bonus based on your initial deposit, so be sure to check that out to get most of the deal.

Once you’ve signed in and deposited, you’re free to start betting. 888Sport show two tabs, Matches and Competitions. Here you can see all of the upcoming live matches.

By clicking on the Competitions tab, you will be able to choose which league and competition you wish to bet on.

Once you’ve selected the competition you want, you will then get two more tabs; Matches and Outrights. Here you can bet on individual matches or on the outright winner of the competition.

Now you can start placing your bets. Find the team you want to bet on, then on the right-hand side of the screen, you can choose Spread, Total, or Moneyline. All the odds are displayed, and when you have decided which bet to place, click on the box displaying the odds. Your bet will then appear in the right-hand column. You then enter the amount you want to bet, and your return, should the bet be successful, is displayed.

888sport also has an excellent feature that allows you to see what bets other people are making. By clicking the drop-down, you will see what other bets are popular with people who made the same bet as you.

If you make more than one bet, you will have the option to place an accumulator bet.

Three or more selections open up the multiples tab, which gives you more betting options.

Once you have placed your bet, you just have to wait for the result. A win will see funds deposited in your site account, waiting to be withdrawn or used. 888sport do live stream games, although some games can be restricted in certain areas. In order to access the live streaming feature, you must either have money in your account or have wagered a small minimum amount in the previous 24 hours.

Conclusion

Online basketball betting sites make betting on basketball easier and more exciting than ever. As a worldwide sport, there are plenty of markets to choose from, and lots of the top sites offer basketball streaming and in-game betting. If you’re new to basketball betting, researching the game and the betting options before you start is essential, but it’s never been easier to give it a go.

Some of the best NBA betting sites UK;