What is a Referee Betting on the NBA?

Whether you’re a seasoned sports fan or newer to the world of online betting, you may be unsure of what exactly a referee betting event is. Let’s dive into the specifics.

What Is A Referee Betting Event?

A referee betting event, simply put, is when two or more referees officiate the conclusion of an NBA game and accept wagers on the outcome. The number of referees used will vary by event, but on average, around two to three NBA games will involve at least one betting event each week.

As the name suggests, these are events where referees officiate the game and decide the outcome, accepting wagers on the outcome of the game. In other words, your favorite team will most likely win the game, but you can place a wager on the outcome and try to win some cash if your team wins by more than a certain amount.

These events are commonly referred to as “point shaving” events because a referee’s job is to officiate the game and determine the outcome, not to keep track of score and hand out penalties. In this sense, point shaving is where the referees take the points off the board so that the final score is closer to what they want. Essentially, the point shaving activity is where the action is, so to speak.

How Do I Bet On A Referee NBA Game?

If you’re new to online betting and wondering how exactly to place a bet on a referee game, follow these steps:

  • Log on to a reputable sportsbook website—If you’re using a mobile device, make sure to tap the “mobile menu” button and log on to a mobile-friendly website;
  • Find the NBA schedule for the week—This will include both home and away games as well as any potential playoff matchups;
  • Locate the game that you want to bet on—There will be a “Referee” game icon adjacent to the matchup, or you can click on the “Referee” link within the schedule to be taken to a list of games that involve referees;
  • Choose the right season—You should bet on the NBA during the regular season, not during the playoffs;
  • Find the appropriate betting format—There are four basic betting formats: 
    • Heads –> The favorite will win;
    • Tails –> The underdog will win;
    • Moneyline –> The winner will be determined by the total (for example: Toronto Raptors –> New York Knicks, the money line would be “NYK -110” indicating that New York Knicks are currently -110 points favorite against the Toronto Raptors);
    • Total –> The total is the sum of the points scored by both teams;
  • Verify your bet—After you’ve chosen the right season and the right format, you’ll need to verify your bet by clicking on the “Verify” link next to it;
  • Research the best odds—It is strongly recommended that you check out the odds for each NBA game before you place a wager on it. Doing this will give you an idea of what the current odds are and whether or not it’s a good fit for you.

Why Do People Bet On NBA Referees?

There are several reasons why people bet on NBA referees. First and foremost, it’s the action—it’s where the action is, so to speak. Also, people like to wager on sporting events where they think they stand a chance at winning some cash. In the case of referee betting, that means you’re likely going to be wagering on a close game, with the favorite having a good chance of winning. Finally, people like to bet on the officials, and when it comes to the NBA, people know that the officials are often the stars of the show. It’s not uncommon to see an NBA game turned into a total brawl, with many instances of players going at it physically and a lot of flagrant fouls being called. It’s always fun to watch the officials get involved in a fight, especially when it’s with a bunch of NBA players.

The 2017-18 NBA Regular Season Is Upon Us—How Will This Year’s Referee Betting Season Go?

With the 2017-18 NBA season now upon us, it’s time to get ready to bet on the referees again. The last couple of years have featured increasingly more gambling-related incidents involving NBA referees, so it’s only natural that fans would start taking notice and want to bet on the outcome of the games.

However, with the increased supervision by the league and the referees’ unions, there have been fewer incidents of foul play and more instances of players and officials getting into brawls. This, in turn, has led to fewer betting events and more people staying away from online betting. Even though there aren’t as many gambling-related problems this year, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s still a popular activity among fans, especially given the physical nature of the sport and the fact that it’s fairly easy to place a wager. If you’re looking for an easy way to make a quick buck, you could consider placing a bet on the NBA referees during the 2017-18 season.