There are seven main NBA bet types you will encounter at any licensed US sportsbook: moneyline, point spread, over/under totals, parlays, same-game parlays, prop bets, and futures. Knowing how each one works — and what it costs in vig — makes you a sharper bettor before you put a dollar down.
What Is the Simplest NBA Bet Type for Beginners?
The moneyline is as simple as it gets: pick a team to win the game outright. No spread, no total, just win or lose. If the Lakers are listed at −160 and you want to back them, you need to wager $160 to profit $100. The underdog at +140 returns $140 profit on a $100 bet. For a full breakdown with worked examples, read NBA Moneyline Betting Explained for Beginners.
Understanding what those plus and minus numbers actually mean is its own skill. How to Read NBA Odds in American Format walks through every scenario in plain terms.
How Does the NBA Point Spread Work?
A point spread levels the field between mismatched teams. If the Celtics are −5.5 (−110), they must win by six or more points for spread bettors to cash. Both sides of the spread are almost always priced at −110, meaning you wager $110 to win $100. That −110/−110 structure gives the house a built-in edge of roughly 4.5%. See How the NBA Point Spread Works — And How to Read It for a detailed look.
What Is an Over/Under (Totals) Bet on an NBA Game?
Instead of betting on a winner, you bet on whether both teams' combined score finishes over or under a number set by the sportsbook — say, 224.5 points. Like spreads, totals are nearly always priced at −110 on each side. The full mechanics are covered in NBA Over/Under Betting: How Totals Lines Work.
What Are NBA Parlays and Same-Game Parlays?
A parlay strings two or more individual bets into one ticket; all legs must win for the parlay to pay. A standard two-team parlay at −110/−110 pays approximately +260 — but the mathematically fair payout would be +300, which illustrates how the house edge inflates in multi-leg bets. Same-game parlays (SGPs) combine props and outcomes from a single NBA game, amplifying both the appeal and the risk. Before you build one, check NBA Parlays: Payouts, House Edge, and Same-Game Parlay Rules.
What Are NBA Prop Bets and Futures?
Prop bets focus on individual events inside a game — a player's points total, assists, or whether a team scores first. Futures are long-range wagers such as NBA Championship winner or regular-season MVP; they carry a higher vig than standard game lines, though exact hold percentages are not publicly disclosed by operators.
Quick NBA Bet-Type Comparison
| Bet Type | What You're Betting On | Typical Pricing | Approx. House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Outright game winner | Varies (e.g., −160 / +140) | Varies by line |
| Point Spread | Win by more/fewer than spread | −110 / −110 | ~4.5% |
| Over/Under Total | Combined score over or under | −110 / −110 | ~4.5% |
| Parlay (2-team) | Both legs win | ~+260 payout | Higher than single bets |
| Futures | Season-long outcomes | Wide range | Higher than game lines |
Where Can You Legally Place These NBA Bets?
Online sports betting is legal in states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Virginia, and Tennessee, among others. Utah and Hawaii prohibit all gambling. California, Texas, and Florida still lack legal online sportsbooks as of early 2025. Operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars cover most legal states — find the right one for your location at Best NBA Betting Apps in the US for 2026, and confirm your state's status at Which States Allow Legal Online NBA Betting in 2026.
Must be 21+ in most legal states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.