If you’re new to basketball betting or just need some help understanding the scoring system then this article is for you. We’ll cover everything from the basics of point-keeping to more complex issues such as whether teams should win by 3 or 2 points, if overtime is worth it and which team is currently the best in the NBA.
Point-Keeping
One of the most important things to understand about Basketball betting is point-keeping. Essentially, this is how the scoring system works. To explain it simply, each team is awarded 2 points for a basket (made or miss), 3 points for a made field goal, and 5 points for an overtime period (yes, there’s also an OT value in basketball). Now, some people may argue that the game isn’t very exciting without instant replays and multiple reviews, but it’s still somewhat enjoyable to watch the ball roll towards the rim and hope that it drops in.
As a rule of thumb, if the score is close then your best bet is to go with the favorite. If the score is still within 15 points after 3 quarters then you can be more adventurous and take a chance on the underdog.
Scoring Systems
Over the years, countless bettors have gotten trapped in the scoring system. They’ll put money on a game and forget about it, thinking that nothing more needs to be done. As it turns out, there is more to it than meets the eye. In reality, the bookmaker has already taken care of the points and odds for you. Now, they just need you to validate your bet by checking the winner.
One of the neatest things about basketball betting is that the various scoring systems used around the world are all somewhat compatible. For example, a point-spread in American football is very similar to a ‘power rating’ in ice hockey or a ‘goal difference’ in soccer. This makes it much easier to find a place to wager and know that your money is safe. Regardless of the sport or game, you can be sure that the point-spread or power rating will be applied consistently throughout the entire league.
Complex Issues
So, you’ve picked your team, made your wager and now you’re watching the game. Suddenly, the score gets close and you have a feeling that the underdog is going to pull off an incredible victory. In this situation, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, if the underdog wins by more than 2 points then your bet is automatically refunded (in most places). Second, if the score is still within 2 points after 4 quarters then the game ends in a tie and you have nothing to worry about. Third, if the underdogs win by less than 2 points then you have a problem because, in this case, your bet won’t be compensated.
Aside from those three scenarios, there are a number of other complications that you need to be aware of. For example, what should your wager be? Should it be on the total points scored or should you just bet on your favorite team? Furthermore, should you wait for the end of the game to learn the outcome, or should you try to place your wager as soon as the 4th quarter begins? All of these are important questions and there are complicated answers to them. Basically, the key to successful basketball betting is to find a reliable source of information and then use that as a roadmap for taking part in this exciting sport. Also, make sure to read the sportsbook’s FAQ section because, quite often, people ask questions about this topic and the bookmakers try to avoid them as much as possible. This way, they reduce the chance of getting sued for taking part in illegal wagering. Last but not least, make sure to join a reliable bookmaker’s forum where you can get advice from experienced bettors. There is no substitution for good old-fashioned experience when it comes to sports betting. So, if you want to learn, be ready to put in the work and make some mistakes. This is a common route to eventual success though, as long as you keep on trying.