Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the Philippines, second only to football by many. Dozens of major events attract the interest of the public every year. So inevitably this has an impact on the betting “players”, with basketball betting being at the forefront of their preferences.
Basketball games today have a plethora of options, with the “player” placing a basketball bet on the winner of a game, right down to betting on which team will take the jump ball. In the guide below, we will briefly look at some of the basic and specific options available and how to play basketball betting.
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Basketball betting in the Philippines
In the Philippines basketball is one of the most popular sports along with baseball and boxing, and basketball is one of the top betting sports. It’s not just the fact that the Philippines has the first professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest in the world after the NBA – it’s the number of equally likely outcomes that the basketball line offers.
Also there are many experienced bettors in Philippines who prefer to play on “half” outcomes for the most consistent profits over a long period of time. When it comes to betting on basketball in Philippines, there are two equally likely events to bet on – the handicap and the total. It is this property of basketball that makes it a popular choice for big bets among bettors. Therefore, whether you are an experienced player or a beginner, basketball betting can be a lucrative choice for you. Don’t miss out on this action!
The best basketball betting sites in the Philippines
In order not to make a mistake and register with an unreliable online bookmaker, we advise you to use only betting sites verified by our experts. They have provided specifically for you a list of online bookmakers, the reliability and services of which correspond to a high level. Basketball betting on these sites will be for you not only enjoyable, but also safe.
- OkBet
- NestBet
- PNXBet
- Bet365
- 1xBet
- 22Bet
- 20Bet
- Melbet
- Betwinner
- 747live
- Rivalry
- Sportph
- BetSo88
- Betway
- 888sport
- Inplay
- Fastwin
- Mega Sports World (MSW)
- Jade Sportsbet
- CrazyWin
- Bet88
- Buesnas
- FilBet
- Winzir
- Fairplay
- SG8
How to Bet on Basketball ?
Our introduction to the guide will be a first “introduction” to the three basic bets that we will find on all betting platforms and how to bet on each of these markets (with examples). We refer to the win bet, the win handicap (and alternate-additional handicap) and the points line (over/under) (and alternate-additional line).
Basketball Winning bet
The basic choice in every basketball game is the win bet, and as you can see, it is on the team that will win the game. Unlike football, in basketball when we mention win bets we are referring to a double option (1-2) and not a triple option (1-X-2). Of course, in some bookmakers you will find the option of a draw (1-X-2, but not in the basic bets), while in others the draw is offered as an alternative to overtime (detailed below).
We saw above that the win bet is on the winner of a basketball game. Suppose we have the same example. We see that the odds of the Warriors winning are priced at 1.44 and the odds of the Raptors winning are priced at 2.90. If we bet 10 euros on the Warriors and they win, the bet will return 14.4 euros back (4.4 euros profit), while if we bet on the Raptors and they win, we will get 29 euros back (19 euros profit).
Does overtime count in basketball betting?
In all double option bets, such as the win bet (basketball handicap, line bet, etc.), overtime counts as a normal part of the bet placed. So, if we in the example above buy a win for one of the two teams the bet still stands even if the game goes into overtime (one or more).
Let’s say we decide to buy our win of either team in the following -three- choice.
In this case, since the tie (therefore overtime) is in the options given by the book, this practically means that overtime does NOT count in the basketball bet (Betting on basket, extra time) we placed. So, if we bet on one of the two teams to win and the game in regulation time ends in a tie, the bet is considered a loser. Note that the triple option (1-X-2) is given by some platforms because win bets (1-2) are offered at better odds.
Basketball handicap
An equally basic option in basketball (perhaps the one that is bet on more than the win bet) is the win handicap. In simpler terms, it is the advantage – disadvantage, in points, that a team has, depending on whether it is considered by the book as a favorite or an underdog, before the start of the game. In basketball betting slang, the basic handicap for a game is the one given at odds of 1.80-1.95 (approximate)
Alternative (or extra) handicap bet (extra)
In almost all games and most bookmakers nowadays, in addition to the basic basketball handicap, there is also the possibility to choose different handicaps, with fluctuations in the odds (depending on the choice we make).
What does the handicap in basketball betting mean and how is it bet?
Although it is, as mentioned, the main betting point in a basketball game, there are many “players” who are not clear on how it “works”, do not understand what a basketball handicap is and are often confused with the + and – that points have on a team. Let’s say we’re playing in the example below.
We can see that there are two options at HANDICAP: -5.5 for the home team (Warriors) at 1.83 odds and +5.5 for the away team (Raptors) at 1.97 odds.
- 5.5 points is the basic handicap in this game.
- The -5.5 is for the team the book considers the favorite, the +5.5 goes to the underdog.
- The – and + for each team has nothing to do with who is home or away.
So in practice, this – and + handicap in basketball means that the team with the – (in this case -5.5) starts with a 5.5 point handicap in the game, or that the team with the +5.5 starts with a 5.5 point advantage in the game.
So:
- If we bet EUR 10 on the Warriors’ -5.5 option @ 1.83, we will win the bet (we will be refunded EUR 18.3, or EUR 8.3 profit) if the Warriors win by 6 points or more. If the Warriors win by 1-5 points or lose, then the bet is considered a loser.
- If we bet 10 euros on the Raptors’ +5.5 option @1.97, we will win the bet (19.7 euros will be returned, or 9.7 euros profit) if the Raptors win by any margin or lose by 1-5 points. If the Raptors lose by 6 points or more, the bet is a loser.
And in the handicap bet (basic and alternative), overtime applies as in the win bet. That is, if the game in this example ends in a tie and the Warriors win by 6 points or more in overtime, the Warriors’ -5.5 will be confirmed and the Raptors’ +5.5 bet will be considered a loser.
Exactly what applies to betting on the basic handicap in basketball, still applies to the selection of an alternative (additional) handicap. It goes without saying that depending on the change in the handicap we choose to bet on, the requirement needed to win the bet changes. If I choose the -9.5 handicap of the Warriors, as shown in the image below, the Warriors must win by at least 10 points for the bet to be considered a winning bet.
We should note, although it is easy to understand, that the odds for this handicap (-9.5) are higher (@2.60) (compared to the basic handicap), because we are increasing the risk, if you will, and the disadvantage that the Warriors have. On the flip side, since the Raptors’ base handicap (in this case, advantage) is +5.5 (@1.90~1.97 depending on the platform), the +9.5 we have here is given at a lower price because their advantage in the game has also increased.
Under over basketball bet
Third and last (as we list them) option for basketball, is the line. It refers to the total points scored by both teams in a game. And here we have the basic line in a basketball game and it is the limit given by the betting companies, at odds of 1.80-1.95 (roughly).
Alternative (or extra) points bet (extra)
Just as with the win handicap, we have the alternative – extra line options that the platforms give us.
How is basketball over/under betting played?
Continuing on the same game, we move on to see how we place a bet on the line (betting basket over/under). We see (image below) that there is a baseline (point limit) at 212.5 with O212.5 priced at 1.90 and U212.5 at 1.91. Here if we bet €10 on the over, both teams must score 213 or more in the game to return €19 (€9 profit), while for the under both teams must score 212 points or less to be considered a winning bet.
In this case too, the overtime counts as normal. That is, if both teams score 210 points at the end of the game, the game is tied (105-105) and we have bet on U212.5, we have not won the bet, since it will still apply in overtime (below is a good tip to avoid depending on overtime and risk losing a bet on the under). On the other hand, as you can see, for the same example, if we have bet on over212.5 and the game is tied at the end of 48 minutes, but 213 points have not been scored (e.g. 104-104), we have not lost the bet, as it continues to count normally in overtime.
For betting on an alternative (extra) line, exactly the same applies as in the case of the alternative handicap (as mentioned above). We increase the risk, and therefore the line, by buying a bet at different odds than those given by the baseline.
Special basketball bets
Apart from the basic basketball bets seen above, we also have special bets such as individual player and team performances, tie (overtime), alternative (extra) handicap and line bets, half-time/final, quarter/half-time markets etc. The classification of a bet as “special” differs at different betting companies.
Basketball first scorer bet
Among the most popular now in basketball betting, are those that deal with players. The key in most betting is the first scorer in a game. Apart from that we also have bets that deal with the individual performances of the players in terms of points, rebounds, assists and cumulative combinations of these.
It is worth mentioning that in major sporting events (such as the NBA Finals, or the Euroleague Final 4 etc.) platforms open many markets regarding player performance, such as total three-pointers, turnovers, H2H between players for points, assists, rebounds etc.
Special bets on teams are following the same logic and have to do with their performance in a game in the various statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, 3-pointers, turnovers, etc.)
Betting on special bets on players & teams
Most basketball special bets are mostly double option, so the same applies as in the case of the main bets. Player and team special bets involving performance are mostly defined by line (over/under), so the same applies as in line betting. Let’s assume we are moving in the following markets.
We see that he has several options in specials, both individual and group/s. Let’s say we choose the over 13.5 for Cousins’ points, betting 10 euros. This means that we need Cousins to score at least 14 points, so that the bet will return us 16.7 euros (profit 6.70 euros).
In all player and team special bets, as long as they are double option (and also in bets that are not, as below), the bet is also valid in overtime. Please note that in case we place a special on a player, but the player does not play at all, then the bet is considered void and the stake placed is refunded.
In addition to the markets on the performance of the teams in statistical categories (assists, points, etc.), there are other special bets for the teams. A typical example (now available on several platforms) is the win differential.
Let’s say we choose to play from the first option “Win Margin”, Toronto Raptors win 1-5 @6.00 and bet 10 euros. So we need the Raptors to win the game by 1-5 points for the bet to be considered a winning bet and return 60 euros (50 euros profit). If the Raptors lose or win by 6 points or more, the bet is a loser.
Approximately the same markets are also in the “Winning Margin” in the second option, if no team is mentioned in the options, the bets are counted as won if either team wins by the winning margin we have chosen. So, if we bet 10 euros on the 6-10 option, we get back 29.5 euros (19.5 profit), either if the Warriors win or if the Raptors win by 6-10 points. These bets also apply if the game goes to overtime.
Basketball tie bet
The experts’ picks include the tie, which as mentioned above is given in some betting shops with the option of overtime. A special bet that is on the borderline of funbet and requires, apart from statistical study, a dose of luck, hence it is mostly given at high odds.
The stake on the tie, either in the first or second betting option, is the same and the market is completed at the end of the regular time of the match. If we place €10 on the tie or “Yes” in the second market, the match must end in a draw at the end of 48 minutes (in this case because we are talking about an NBA match) in order to get €130 (€120 win) or €100 (€90 win) back, depending on which platform we bet on.
Worth noting that here we see a significant difference in the return on the same market. A tip on this is given below, regarding the fact that it is good to have an account with more than one betting platform in order to get the best odds on a market.
Season bets, Half Time/Final
We are referring to bets on each of the four periods of a basketball game, separately. It mainly involves point bets, and there is a basic win handicap (for the period in question) and a basic point line, but no alternatives. It should be noted here that markets on period bets are not among the main choices of “players” in the pre-game bet, but are mainly chosen in basketball betting live.
The Half Time/Final, as is the case in football, refers to the winner in half time and final. It is worth mentioning that this particular basketball bet is shown with six options on some platforms and nine on others, due to the non-option of a draw in the final result.
And from the same match, on a different platform and with the draw option for the final.
Υπεύθυνο Παιχνίδι
How to win at basketball betting ?
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee 100% profit in basketball betting. Sure, we can, in various ways, increase the percentage of success we have, but no one can guarantee you 100% profit.
Tips For basketball betting tips
✅ We bet where a bet has value (value bet)
✅ We start betting on teams and leagues we know well
✅ We prefer (for starters) betting on markets we are familiar with
✅ Keep statistics on our bets (win/loss)
✅ If we follow a tipster(s), we do it to the end
✅ We have an account on more than one platform (for better odds)
➜ Euroleague and NBA basketball betting
Generally in the “world” of betting it is true that when we are looking for a market in a minor or unknown league, it is better because just as we don’t have full knowledge of the league, the same applies to the book. But this has the risk of us also being caught unaware and failing to increase the chance of profit that we may have. Something similar but which reduces this risk, with regard to basketball betting (since that’s what we’re talking about) is to get involved in big events when we have some major events that open up the markets. The two most prominent examples are the Euroleague Final 4 and the NBA during the finals. In these two cases, apart from the basic or some special bets we saw above, there are many more markets. Again, as long as the book “opens up” his picks, it means that somewhere we might… catch him “unread”. Our weapon in this regard is the fact that these sporting events are not unknown to the general public, and therefore to the bettor, and he can be “equipped” with more “knowledge” in his study to enable him to have a better chance of winning.
➜ A tip 💡 for overtime
We mentioned above that overtime in an over bet is an “ally”, but it does not favour us when we have bet under. A good tip to prevent overtime from “burning” an under bet (on a point or player limit, etc) is to keep 10% of the original bet you intended to make, to bet on overtime as well. So, if we intended to bet 10 euros on an under (odds close to 2.00), we bet 9 euros on the under and 1 euro on overtime, which at worst would be at 10.00 odds. So if the game goes to overtime, the line may go out of bounds, but we will have caught the overtime which will return some or all of our stake and may even give us a profit
This tip, if we don’t want to apply it from the beginning, we can watch the game unfold and bet on the game going to overtime and during the game. A game where the two teams are tied at 20 points with a few minutes left, it is practically impossible for the game to go to overtime, so that’s where we know that betting the game on the under is not at risk from this factor. Of course, before you decide on a bet for any market check the terms and conditions that apply on each platform, especially regarding overtime.
➜ Alternative handicap and line bet
The extra possibilities that betting companies give us in line and handicap betting are often…life-saving. The book, as much as we’d like to deny it, are the ones who are more well-read than any of us and there are more than a few times when the results
in handicap and point limits expire so close that they are at variance with the base handicap and line, 1 and 2 points. So, many times, choosing an extra handicap can save us from a “betting” half-point loss. If we consider a handicap or line to be marginal, based on the “reading” we have done (or the opinion of a tipster we have read), we choose to reduce the risk (lower odds) on one of the extra options.
We “close” the bet on the over, but we are “afraid” of 212.5 because it seems marginally high. We settle for Over211.5 or Over209.5 at lower odds, reducing the risk we take, but now to win the bet we don’t need at least 213 points, but less. Again, as small as that three-point difference may seem, there are too many times when a basketball bet is decided on such small differences and can cost us many times the bet.
This of course is something we have to monitor over time, in terms of the bets we make and how they are lost or won. Because on the flip side, we may choose handicaps and lines in basketball betting that are easily confirmed (because we are more “read” than the book and find their “mistakes”), so that’s where it pays to go backwards and make picks that give us great odds.
Basketball betting types
Main outcomes
When it comes to basketball betting, the number of major outcomes available can vary depending on the online bookmaker you choose. While some bookmakers offer three outcomes – W1, X and W2 – and include overtime in the spread, others offer only two outcomes – W1 and W2 – with overtime determining the winner in case of a tie. It is important to choose a betting site that offers outcomes that match your betting strategy and preferences. Keep in mind that different companies may have different odds and limits for each outcome, so it is always a good idea to store around and compare them before betting.
To make the most out of your basketball betting experience, it’s crucial to understand which positions in a particular betting website include overtime and which do not. You don’t want to be caught off guard when the handicap and total are calculated differently from the main outcomes. Therefore, it’s vital to clarify this before placing any bets. By doing so, you can increase your chances of winning and avoid any unnecessary losses. So, take the time to do your research and make informed decisions when betting on basketball.
Handicap
Handicaps play a significant role in basketball as they indicate the final score difference between two teams. When placing your bet, you must predict if the final score will be more or less than the specified value. For instance, if you bet on a team with a handicap of -6.5, you must ensure that the team wins by at least 7 points. Conversely, if you place a bet on a team with a handicap of +6.5, you must hope that the team loses by no less than 6 points. While handicaps in basketball resemble those in other sports, most bookmakers offer the option to purchase additional handicaps, with each point purchased causing the odds to drop by 8-10 points. Typically, handicaps allow for an extra 4 to 12 points, but the exact value varies among bookmakers.
Total
A Total bet involves predicting whether the game’s final score will be higher or lower than the proposed value. Typically, the odds for “more” and “less” are equal. Totals and handicaps can be adjusted up or down, with odds fluctuating similarly to quotes. So, if you’re looking for a dynamic betting option, Totals might be the way to go. Keep in mind that successful betting requires careful analysis and research.
It’s worth noting that online bookmakers accept bets on both the total score during regular time and the total score during overtime in basketball games. It’s important to understand that when calculating these bets, different time periods of the game will be taken into account. For instance, the calculation of the total score in basketball during the main time is based on the results of the 4 quarters. So, if you’re planning on placing bets on basketball games, it’s crucial to keep these factors in mind to increase your chances of winning.
Strategy and tips for betting on basketball totals:
At first glance, the strategy for betting on the total score in basketball may appear straightforward. All one has to do is look at the previous results of the teams and analyze how many points they score per game. However, this approach oversimplifies the task at hand. The outcome of any given game is subject to a multitude of factors, ranging from the psychological state of the players to their physical condition. As a result, a more subtle and complex analysis is required to make a reasonable bet. By considering all relevant factors, one can increase the likelihood of making a successful bet on the total score.
Betting on quarters
Fans of basketball betting are attracted to a special type of betting known as quarter betting. This type of betting allows them to participate in mini-matches as the game progresses. Since the head coach uses different tactics and game combinations, and players are constantly being replaced on the court, the outcome of each quarter can be greatly affected by factors such as fatigue and accumulated stress from previous quarters. Experienced bettors can not only bet on the outcome, handicap and total of each quarter, but also make comparisons between quarters, such as which quarter scored more points or committed more fouls. With all of these variables in mind, betting on quarters adds an exciting level of complexity to basketball betting.
Strategy and tips for betting on basketball quarters:
Betting on quarters in basketball requires a special strategy that takes into account the team’s performance in both the first and second half of the game, as well as their actions and differences in each quarter. To improve your betting success, it is crucial to closely analyze the previous quarter’s performance and take note of any noteworthy trends or patterns. Understanding these nuances can provide valuable insights into predicting the outcome of future quarters and ultimately, the game. By following this approach, you can increase your chances of making more accurate and profitable bets.
Additional betting offers
Online bookmakers offer a plethora of betting options beyond the standard ones. These additional options provide a wider range of betting opportunities for customers, including bets on handicaps, the total score of each quarter, the total score of individual teams, and even the individual performance of basketball players. Moreover, bookmakers also offer the “odd and even” bet, which is based purely on guessing whether the final score or the score at the end of a quarter will be odd or even. This type of bet does not require any prior knowledge of the game from the player, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to try their luck. So, if you’re looking for a simple yet exciting way to place a bet on a basketball game, give the “odd and even” bet a shot!
Pre-match analysis of basketball teams
Analyzing basketball games before they start is a much easier task compared to soccer or cricket. This is due to the fact that basketball teams have much smaller lineups, usually 2-3 times smaller, and play more often, which provides more opportunities to gather valuable information about opponents. With that in mind, what exactly does basketball analytics entail? Let’s look at it in more detail…
Table position and motivation of the teams
Motivation is an important element to consider when it comes to basketball, a sport that requires toughness and willpower. It is very important to assess the needs of both teams before placing a bet. You don’t want to bet on a team that has nothing to gain against a highly motivated opponent. Therefore, it is very important to consider motivation when making predictions. Remember the importance of motivation and adjust your prediction accordingly to ensure a successful outcome.
History of face-offs between the teams
Another very important aspect to consider when analyzing basketball games is not to lose sight of the historical context of the rivalry between the teams. In fact, the stats of recent games between opponents can often show more than just looking at their recent games. But it is important to remember that stats for home and away games can be very different, so it is important to evaluate them separately. By taking this differentiated approach, you can get valuable information about the teams’ results and make more informed predictions about their future matches. So don’t forget to consider the history of the rivalry and evaluate the stats with an astute eye for the best results.
The current form of basketball players
Basketball has a unique advantage over other sports, such as tennis and soccer, in that it has fewer downturns, making it easier to monitor current form. In addition, because each team plays two to three games a week, it is easier to get up-to-date information on their physical condition and current level of play. By taking advantage of these factors, basketball fans can stay well informed and stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, keeping up with your favorite team’s progress has never been easier!
Before placing a bet on basketball games, it is very important to analyze the results of the last 4-5 games of each team. It is also important to pay attention to their results in home and away games, since home court advantage can significantly affect the outcome of the game. Therefore, when evaluating the statistics, it is recommended to separate the analysis of home and away games. Considering these factors will help you better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each team and make more informed predictions about the outcome of the game. Thus, whether you are an avid fan or just want to place a bet, taking the time to analyze these key factors can greatly increase your chances of success.
Number of Disqualified and Injured Players
Injuries and disqualifications are all too common in the fast-paced world of basketball, where games are played frequently. To ensure that your bet is a smart one, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the latest updates from the press and stay up-to-date on any personnel changes that may occur in the lineups of the teams you’re interested in. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions when placing your bets, which will increase your chances of coming out on top. So, stay tuned to the latest news and stay ahead of the game!
Advantages of basketball betting
As we mentioned above basketball betting is very popular with Filipino punters and especially the PBA – the national championship in this sport. To explain this popularity we will give you an example of the main advantages of basketball betting in the Philippines.
The frequency of basketball matches
Basketball is a sport that draws in statistical enthusiasts due to the frequency of games played by most teams. With two to four games played each week, the sample size for analysis is significant, allowing for more accurate predictions in both PBA and NBA. Furthermore, the NBA is one of the few competitions that offer games on a daily basis, even during holidays. Whether it’s December 31st or January 1st, the league always has at least two or three games available for betting. This consistent schedule makes basketball an attractive option for those who enjoy analyzing data and making informed decisions.
High betting limits on the PBA and the NBA
In the Philippines, a large number of bettors engage in NBA and PBA betting, with a tendency towards placing high-value bets. To attract these bettors, top online betting websites strive to provide the best possible experience by offering ample betting limits on major outcomes, handicaps, and totals. The aim is to create an environment that is both convenient and rewarding for basketball fans. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual bettor, these sites ensure that your betting experience is as enjoyable as possible. So why wait? Head to these online betting sites and start making your NBA and PBA bets today!
Low margins on PBA and NBA
Online bookmakers all around the world are constantly competing to attract the biggest players, and as a result, the margin on PBA and NBA matches is now lower than for any other sport or competition offered. This means that if you’re a fan of basketball and enjoy betting on games, you’re more likely to get better odds and potentially win more money by choosing NBA and PBA matches over other sports.
A high number of equal probability matches
Basketball is an ideal sport for betting when it comes to equal probability events. With a level playing field and fair odds, basketball betting can provide ample opportunities to make money. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, basketball is a great option to consider. Its fast-paced gameplay and unpredictable outcomes make the game exciting, and the sport’s popularity means there’s always plenty to choose from.
