Best Basketball Betting Sites for UK Punters (2024)

Given the scope of NBA coverage available on your TV screens, it is perhaps surprising that wagering on basketball is not eminently more popular.

While basketball betting sites aren’t hard to come by, a damning report showed that only 3% of respondents bet on the NBA in the UK, however, it still beat other US sports counterparts, such as baseball.

We’ve road tested some of the finest basketball betting sites UK offers, and we will give you the inside track on the best sites for online basketball betting, so make sure you don’t go anywhere.

basketball betting
Charles Perrin
|
Author, Betting enthusiast

July 11, 2023

Charles Perrin is a self-employed betting expert working with various gambling brands. Prior to that, he was the overnight digital sports editor for the Daily Express. Specialises in contributing tips on a multitude of sports, including football, golf, and tennis.

Our Pick – 7 Best Basketball Betting Sites (2024)

It’s now time to take a closer look at the top basketball betting sites in the UK — we have assessed them across a wide range of criteria, including bonuses, quality of odds available, and the strength of their respective mobile platforms.

  1. 888Sport
  2. Unibet
  3. Coral
  4. Bet365
  5. Betway
  6. Ladbrokes
  7. BetVictor

888Sport Basketball Betting

Heading our list of best basketball betting sites in the UK, is 888Sport. It has its fingers in many pies on the basketball front, and once the NBA season finishes, the site doesn’t neglect the sport.

Rather, you will find comprehensive coverage of other competitions, such as the European Basketball Championship and the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association).

For some competitions, you might be restricted to the spread or moneyline (match winner), but it is easy to locate lines. 888Sport is distinctive for its orange and black hue, and filling in a betting slip is easy.

The Made for You betting feature is intriguing, as there are well-crafted odds and the basketball prices in general are quite competitive.

Sportsbook Welcome Offer In-Play Betting (Yes/No) App (Yes/No) Live Streaming (Yes/No) Other Features
888Sport £30 in Free Bets Yes Yes No Made for You, Cash Out

Pros

  • Exciting welcome offer.
  • Good basketball betting app UK platform.
  • Comprehensive coverage of the biggest basketball competitions

Cons

  • Site design needs a bit of an upgrade.
  • Could have more lines for some basketball markets.
  • No live streaming available.

Unibet Basketball Betting

With a firm handling of basketball, you won’t go too far wrong if you sign up for Unibet. The NBA, like its rivals, is its staple, but it also comes alive for the NCAA’s flagship event — March Madness.

For the NBA, you will find multiple specials during the offseason, and these are player focussed, such as which franchise Russell Westbrook might join next.

Odds are pretty reasonable, and the odds boost will be a handy companion, as you can win bigger with inflated prices.

Unibet has been streamlined for mobile operation, and it has a brilliant mobile app that is well supported for iOS and Android devices.

Perhaps Unibet could do with more banking options, but depositing and withdrawing is seamless. And the welcome offer is £40 money back if your first bet loses which is appealing.

Sportsbook Welcome Offer In-Play Betting (Yes/No) App (Yes/No) Live Streaming (Yes/No) Other Features
Unibet £40 Money Back if your first bet loses Yes Yes No Cash Out, Odds Boost

Pros

  • Odds boost, so you can win more at inflated prices.
  • Well streamlined for mobile operation.
  • Healthy coverage of basketball in general.

Cons

  • Could do with a few more banking options for deposits and withdrawals.
  • Not many basketball-specific promos for existing players.
  • Lack of customer support for those with online basketball betting inquiries.

Coral Basketball Betting

Coral also features as one of the top basketball betting sites, and for any given game, you can find 20+ markets.

Although there is no live streaming, there is a virtual basketball section that will stage NBA matches, which offers something a bit different from its competitors.

The native app is available for iOS and Android users, and you can find a variety of payment methods, including debit cards and e-wallets, such as PayPal.

Coral has an extensive FAQs section for customers with pressing concerns, but they have a heavy social media presence, so you can send a DM via Twitter for any problems.

The new customer welcome offer is decent, as you can tap into a £20 free bet when you place a bet with £5, and there are other ongoing promotions, such as odds boosters to sink your teeth into.

Sportsbook Welcome Offer In-Play Betting (Yes/No) App (Yes/No) Live Streaming (Yes/No) Other Features
Unibet Free £20 Bet when you bet £5 Yes Yes No Odds Boost, bet builder, Cash Out

Pros

  • Extensive FAQs section to help those with basketball betting issues.
  • Claims to have best odds guaranteed.
  • Free £20 bet when you bet £5 welcome offer.

Cons

  • No traditional live streaming available.
  • Could have more futures prices.
  • Bet builder more football focussed.

Bet365 Basketball Betting

One of the most complete basketball betting sites UK around, there is few things that bet365 can’t do. Basketball is prominent on the A-Z list of sports, and it has an extensive range of markets per game.

These will be split into Player Props, such as X player to hit 30.5 points or more, as well as half props, which will be good fun to play.

The range of leagues are extensive, covering Australian men’s and women’s basketball, and what helps set bet365 apart from its competitors, is the quality of its live streaming.

There is a healthy choice of banking options, including debit cards and e-wallets, and there are no additional fees passed on. The same applies to withdrawals, and they will usually be processed within 24 hours.

On the promotion side, a free £30 bet will be waiting for new players.

Sportsbook Welcome Offer In-Play Betting (Yes/No) App (Yes/No) Live Streaming (Yes/No) Other Features
bet365 Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets Yes Yes Yes Odds Boost, Cash Out, Live Streaming

Pros

  • Reliable live stream for online basketball betting.
  • Solid basketball bet builder function.
  • Superb mobile betting platform for basketball bettors.

Cons

  • Could have more basketball-specific offers.
  • Needs more banking options.
  • Needs a live chat facility for customer support.

Betway Basketball Betting

Designed with the modern bettor in mind, Betway is pretty well versed when it comes to covering basketball. It is clean cut and easy to navigate your way to your preferred markets.

Tabs are clearly split into areas, such as ‘Popular’ and ‘Live Now’, and for the WNBA, for example, you will find 30+ markets per game, including props and other specials to keep your betting line occupied.

When you open the in-play section, it will bring up a series of stats, including offensive and defensive stats that will prove to be useful.

Like some of its competitors, you will find special Betway boosts, and the flagship promotion consists of free bets. You can also join the Free Bet Club, and maximise offers there.

Sportsbook Welcome Offer In-Play Betting (Yes/No) App (Yes/No) Live Streaming (Yes/No) Other Features
Betway £10 in Free Bets Yes Yes Yes Odds Boost, Cash Out, Free Bet Club

Pros

  • Free bet club for existing players.
  • Superb basketball betting app UK offering.
  • In-play element of site is very immersive.

Cons

  •  No live streaming.
  • Welcome offer could be stronger.
  • Needs a few more features.

Ladbrokes Basketball Betting

Ladbrokes is a solid all-rounder, and it is one of the most competent basketball betting sites in the industry. Basketball betting tips are readily available in the news and blogs section, which will be handled by the site’s army of in-house writers.

For some leagues, you will find 25+ markets available, and the scope of coverage is pretty comprehensive.

Although live streaming is yet to be introduced to Ladbrokes, the welcome promotion meets industry expectations, as new players can tap into free bets worth £20 if they wager £5.

Ladbrokes has a small selection of payment methods, but with Visa fast funds, for example, you will be given the green light to make withdrawals within four hours.

Sportsbook Welcome Offer In-Play Betting (Yes/No) App (Yes/No) Live Streaming (Yes/No) Other Features
Ladbrokes £20 in Free Bets Yes Yes No Request A Price, Cash Out, Odds Boosts, Best Bets, News blog

Pros

  •  Up-to-date blog featuring the latest basketball betting tips.
  • Industry standard welcome offer.
  • Comprehensive coverage of major basketball leagues.

 Cons

  •  No live streaming available.
  • Small range of banking options for making deposits and withdrawals.
  • Could have more markets for cash out.

BetVictor Basketball Betting

Wrapping up our list of best basketball betting sites UK, is BetVictor. With its simplistic design, BetVictor is user-friendly, and you can play your preferred markets in a matter of a couple of clicks.

There are usually over 100 in-play betting markets, and like its competitors, the live betting section is rather engaging. It bears resemblances to the classic video game Football Manager.

Like Ladbrokes, BetVictor excels with basketball betting tips. The main welcome promotion consists of a free bet worth £20 when you wager £5, but it would have been nice to see basketball get more prominence.

Unlike some of its rivals, it has a responsive live chat service, usually replying within a few minutes.

And on the banking side of things, there are a few more e-wallets available compared to other sites, such as Skrill and Neteller. This will be pleasing if you prefer to avoid traditional options.

Sportsbook Welcome Offer In-Play Betting (Yes/No) App (Yes/No) Live Streaming (Yes/No) Other Features
BetVictor £20 in Free Bets Yes Yes No Cash Out, Odds, Best Odds Guaranteed, Bet builder, News blog

 

How to Choose the Best Basketball Betting site?

Finding a great site for online basketball betting requires time and research. To keep you on the right path, we have selected several fundamental factors that you should bear in mind before signing up:

#1 – Competitive odds

The odds should be displayed promptly, but ultimately, they should be fair, so that you stand a good chance of winning. Odds boosts will also be popular as they come with inflated prices.

#2 – Betting markets

For variety and enjoyment, there should be tons of markets available to suit new and experienced bettors.

#3 – User experience

From the moment you enter the site, everything should be simple and pages should load quickly, so you can enjoy basketball betting.

#4 – Payment options

The top basketball betting sites will have a raft of payment options for you to make deposits and withdrawals, and there will usually be minimal fees passed on.

#5 -Customer support

Bettors should be able to count on a basketball betting site if they run into trouble. Reputable sportsbooks will have a live chat facility, email, or even telephone number to contact.

#6 – Licensing

You should only join a site that is fully licensed or regulated, as they will also be among the most secure.

#7 -Live streaming

More importance has been placed on live streaming, especially as you want to watch a match if on the go. The live stream should be crisp along with good audio features if commentary is provided.

#8 -Mobile platform

Aside from a world-class desktop product, sites should be well optimised for mobile. Ideally, they will have a betting native app for iOS and Android users.

#9 – Bonuses

This should entail strong offers for new players, as well as existing users to keep them on side. Free bets, for example, usually go down well.

Basketball is a high-octane sport that is also high scoring, and throws up myriad ways for you to make money. We have illustrated five key types of markets that are worth exploring further.

  • Moneyline – A basic starting point for bettors, and it requires you to predict who will win the match. So, if the LA Lakers were facing the LA Clippers in a regular season NBA game, and you backed the Clippers, then you would return a successful wager if the Clippers came out on top.
  • Over/Under – This selection comes with two parts – the over and under. You could have an NBA line between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks with Total Over 240.5 points. If you went for this, 241 points or more would need to be scored for you to win.
  • Player props – These are centred around player performances and they are intriguing. So, you could bet on Steph Curry to make a certain number of three-pointers for the Golden State Warriors during a given game, and they provide good value for money.
  • Accumulator – On the other side of the pond, they are known as parlays, but this is where you can combine multiple selections, usually two or more onto one betting slip, and you can scoop big wins if you are lucky.
  • Futures – These take a much longer-term perspective of things. So, for example, you can bet on who will win the NBA title or March Madness in 2024, and you might get longer odds. Sometimes, it can be a test of nerve to hold out until the market closes.

Major Basketball Tournaments

The basketball calendar is brimming with prestigious events, and there is never a dull moment in sport.

With that in mind, we have outlined a few of the ones you should mark in your calendar.

NBA

 The NBA is pulsating and a marathon for all teams involved who play week in and week out in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Usually starting in October, the regular season runs through until April before the playoffs get underway. These will entail a series of knockout matches, with the Finals being a best-of-seven series affair.

The NBA is also the richest league in the world, and features a phalanx of incredible stars, such as LeBron James, Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Official site: https://www.nba.com/

Olympics

Taking place once every four years, the Olympics features some of the best teams on the planet.

The US have traditionally dominated, and they will be hoping to shine once again in Paris in 2024.

March Madness

College basketball betting is a big deal in the US. Every year, millions of fans will tune in to watch the NCAA Division I tournament, which incorporates the best 64 teams on the collegiate scene.

It is quite literally a month of madness, but whether you are a seasoned or casual basketball bettor, it makes for compelling viewing.

Official site: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/march-madness 

EuroLeague Final Four

Away from the NBA, the EuroLeague is arguably one of the most prestigious competitions. It is a semi-closed league with 16 permanent members out of 18 teams.

The league is divided into two phases — a regular season with a knockout phase and the Final Four. The EuroLeague Final Four is structured in a similar way to March Madness.

official site: https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/

Tips and Insights for Successful Basketball Betting

If you want to perfect online basketball betting, then we have highlighted six tips that will help you reap the rewards.

  • Keep an eye on the latest news – This is particularly important when it comes to roster selection. If a player pulls out of a game injured or withdraws for another reason, you will want to make a quick change, so your bet doesn’t go to waste.
  • Analyse team performances – Team performances can influence basketball betting selections. If a team has struggled on the road, then they may well be worth avoiding.
  • Pick good value odds – There is little value in siding with the favourite at a short price. Instead, go for a team that is at a longer price or outsiders, as they can help you generate big wins if they pull through.
  • Establish a budget – Before you begin to bet, work out your bankroll and figure out how much you can afford to place on wagers. Once the fun stops, stop!
  • Look for special offers – Promotions always make your time spent at an online basketball betting site more worthwhile, so look out for intriguing offers, especially if you intend to stick to one site.
  • Fade the Public – While people are happy to give an opinion on a betting selection, sometimes it is better to cut out the noise and go with your head if you feel confident.

Bottom Line On Basketball Betting

Basketball betting, when done properly, can be fun, and you should follow our tips suggested in the guide to maximise your winning potential.

Of course, there are factors which have been underlined, such as bonuses and odds that will ultimately sway your thinking in terms of which site to join. That said, if you are after a reliable operator, then 888Sport should be your first port of call, and you will be impressed with the scope of coverage found there.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence to approach a wide array of basketball markets, and in particular, competitions like the NBA and March Madness are worth paying attention to.

FAQ

The schedule is filled with tons of basketball competitions, but the most prestigious are the NBA, the Olympics, and March Madness.

Basketball markets are wide ranging, and will test novice and more seasoned bettors. However, the moneyline, which is a basic match winner line and player props drums up a lot of interest.

Read more about the popular basketball markets>>

You will be spoilt for choice, but 888Sport and Unibet are great starting points as they are well covered for basketball, and they are well optimised for mobile betting.

Read our review:

Our research has determined that many of the top basketball betting sites will have free bets available for new players, while existing users can claim odds boosts at other sportsbooks.

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