Best NBA Betting Sites
Here are the top NBA betting sites in Canada as recommended by the Gambling Zone experts. Our team has rigorously tested and reviewed these sites to bring you a list of the best options for NBA betting in Canada.
Note: If based in Ontario, any content mentioning bonuses, promotions, wagering or free spins is not intended for you, following Ontario regulations. If located in that province, please go to Ontario Casinos
Mr. Play Sport
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Zet Bet Sport
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Luckster Sport
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Vegas Land Sport
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How we choose the best NBA betting sites
With so many NBA betting sites available, it can be tough to determine which ones are legitimate, safe, and offer the best features. At Gambling Zone, we take this process seriously and have developed a strict set of criteria to determine which sites are the best. As a trusted review site, we have scoured the internet to find the top NBA betting sites in Canada that offer the best odds, promotions, and overall user experience.
In this section, we will explain our selection process and what to look for when choosing a betting site.
Legitimacy and Licencing
When assessing an NBA online betting site in Canada, Gambling Zone partners only with authorised and fully licensed platforms, prioritising regulatory compliance. We verify the legitimacy through reputable licences, such as those from the Malta Gaming Authority or AGCO & iGaming Ontario for Ontario operations. Furthermore, we stress the importance of operational transparency, including clear terms, privacy policies, and responsible gambling guidelines.
Betting Markets and Odds
In the context of NBA betting in Canada, a diverse range of betting markets, encompassing moneylines, spreads, totals, props, and futures, is essential. This variety allows bettors to align their selections with their strategies and preferences. Competitive odds are equally vital to maximise potential returns on successful bets. By comparing odds across various platforms, bettors can make informed choices and select a Canadian betting site that offers the most favourable odds, ensuring an advantageous betting experience.
Live Betting & Live Streaming
Live betting, or in-play betting, is a feature that allows users to place bets on a game while it is in progress. Top NBA betting sites should provide an array of in-play betting options, including the ability to bet on the next game action, amounts of points scored, and whatever else is happening on the court. Some sites offer live stats and visualisations to help players make informed live betting decisions. The best sites will also offer free live basketball streams that you can use to watch any games as long as you have money in your account or placed a bet on a specific game.
Mobile Experience and Betting Apps
In the modern betting landscape, a user-friendly mobile app is a crucial consideration for sports bettors. Recent data shows that an easy-to-use mobile app is one of the primary factors Canadian sports bettors consider when choosing a betting site. Therefore, NBA betting sites must offer a seamless mobile experience or provide a dedicated mobile app. Our Gambling Zone site reviewers assess the compatibility of these platforms with various mobile devices and operating systems, ensuring that players can engage in trouble-free betting, regardless of their preferred device.
Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses and promotions encompass a variety of incentives, notably welcome bonuses designed to enhance initial deposits. Free bets are also common, allowing bettors to place wagers without using their own funds. Our reviewers also examine promotions tailored to existing bettors, such as cashback offers, odds boosts, or loyalty programs. We assess different aspects of bonuses, such as bonus amounts and the associated terms, to ensure they comply with Canadian betting regulations and offer fairness to the players.
Customer Support
While encountering issues is never enjoyable, they can occur. When they do, reliable and responsive customer support services become essential. Gambling Zone reviewers will evaluate the responsiveness of customer support teams to inquiries or concerns. We take note of the time required to receive a response, as timely assistance is crucial during critical betting moments. Furthermore, we assess the support team's knowledge and helpfulness. Additionally, we examine the different communication channels available to players, such as live chat, email, or phone, to ensure users can seek assistance conveniently under Canadian jurisdiction.
Betting on Popular NBA Events
The popularity of basketball betting has surged, thanks to the abundance of NBA games and the continuous regulation of sports betting in various Canadian provinces and territories. Throughout the year, numerous NBA events capture the attention of bettors. Here are some of the most popular NBA events to bet on:
NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs mark a thrilling period for bettors, with numerous games and series providing extensive betting opportunities. From series winner bets to individual game bets, the NBA Playoffs offer an array of exciting betting options.
NBA Finals
The ultimate championship series where two teams battle for the prestigious NBA championship, attracting substantial betting action from fans and bettors alike.
NBA Regular Season Games
Every regular season game offers a multitude of betting opportunities, from simple moneyline bets to prop bets on specific player performances, making it a constant draw for NBA bettors.
NBA All-Star Game
An exhibition match where the league's best players compete, often offering various special bets and prop bets due to the star-studded nature of the event, making it a favored choice among bettors.
NBA Christmas Day Games
A special lineup of games on Christmas Day that draws significant betting interest, as fans and bettors gather to enjoy the holiday with some NBA action.
Basketball Betting outside the NBA
Outside the NBA, there are also a couple of events that are very popular for basketball betting.
NCAA March Madness: The annual NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is one of the most significant events in college basketball. It features a large number of games, bracket-style betting competitions, and tons of betting action.
FIBA Basketball World Cup: The FIBA Basketball World Cup is an international competition that brings together the best basketball teams from around the world. It offers a unique betting experience with national teams and global matchups.
These events showcase high-level basketball beyond the NBA and attract a global audience of bettors looking to add excitement to the competition through wagering.
NBA Odds and how to understand the numbers
NBA odds are used to determine the potential payouts for various bets on NBA games. These odds are typically expressed in three main formats: American odds, fractional odds, and decimal odds. Fractional odds are used mostly in the UK, while decimal odds are used in Europe and some parts of North America. The numbers associated with NBA odds convey important information to bettors.
American Odds (Moneyline)
Positive (+) numbers indicate the potential profit for a $100 bet. For example, +200 means you could win $200 on a $100 bet. Negative (-) numbers represent the amount you need to wager to profit $100. For instance, -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100. Positive numbers highlight who is the underdog, while negative numbers show you who the favourite is.
Fractional Odds
These odds are presented in fractions like 2/1, 3/2, or 1/2. The first number (numerator) indicates potential profit, while the second number (denominator) represents the amount wagered. For example, 2/1 means you can win $2 for every $1 wagered.
Decimal Odds
Decimal odds are expressed as numerical values like 2.00, 3.50, or 1.25. To calculate your potential winnings, simply multiply your bet amount by the decimal odds. For instance, a $50 bet at odds of 2.00 would yield a $100 payout ($50 x 2.00). This higher the number, the less probable the outcome is.
Understanding these odds helps bettors assess potential payouts and make informed betting decisions. Different odds formats may be more familiar or comfortable for different bettors, so it is essential to be able to interpret odds in the preferred format for making successful NBA bets.
NBA Betting Market Types
NBA betting provides various ways for you to bet on games. Many of these betting options are similar to what you would find in other sports, but the NBA has some unique options. Here are the most popular NBA betting choices.
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting in the NBA is simple. You are just picking the team you think will win the game. There are no ties in this type of bet and it does not matter what the point difference is.
Point Spread Betting
Point spread betting involves predicting the margin of victory for a specific team. The sportsbook sets a point spread, which means the favourite needs to win by a certain number of points to "cover the spread." It is like saying how much a team will win by, not just whether they will win or lose. If you bet on the favoured team to cover the spread, they must win by more points than the specified spread. On the other hand, if you wager on the underdog to cover the spread, they can either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for your bet to be successful. This is called betting "against the spread".
NBA Totals (Over/Under) Betting
Betting on NBA totals, or Over/Under betting, means you must predict whether the total amount of points scored by both teams will be over or under a certain amount. The sportsbook sets a specific figure, and you bet whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
NBA Player Props
Prop bets, or proposition bets, allow you to bet on individual player performances, team statistics, or specific events during the game. Examples include betting on a player's total points scored in a game, or how many three pointers they will get, or how many rebounds.
NBA Parlays
In NBA betting, a parlay is a type of bet that involves combining two or more individual bets into a single bet. To win a parlay, all the bets included in the parlay must be correct. If any of the individual bets within the parlay loses, the entire parlay is lost. Parlays can be enticing because they offer the potential for higher payouts compared to individual bets. However, they are also riskier due to the requirement of getting every bet correct. Some betting sites also offer promos around parlays where you can get an increased win, or get parlay insurance where you can still get some return even if one of your bets loses.
NBA Live Betting (In-Play Betting)
Live betting, often referred to as in-play betting, is all about adding excitement to your sports viewing experience. It allows you to bet on different outcomes while the game is happening right in front of your eyes.
Imagine watching an NBA game, and as the action unfolds on the court, you can place bets on things like which team will score next, the total points scored in a quarter, or whether your favourite player will make a three-pointer.
The key to live betting is that you need to watch the game in real-time and make quick decisions based on what's happening. These bets are thrilling and dynamic, offering you a chance to react to the ever-changing course of the game. The outcomes of your live bets can be decided in a matter of minutes or even seconds, making it an adrenaline-pumping way to engage with your favourite NBA matchups.
NBA Betting Site Bonuses and Promos
When it comes to NBA betting in Canada, fans are drawn to enticing promotions and bonuses. In relation to NBA betting, these can include free bets, cashback deals, and matched deposits. Explore these popular NBA bonus types:
- Matched deposit bonus: This is usually a new player bonus where the betting site will match a percentage of the player's first deposit, up to a certain amount. For example, if you deposit $100 you will then get $100 in bonus money. This means you will have a total of $200 in your wallet to place your first bet.
- Free bets or bonus bets: Sportsbooks may offer free bets, allowing you to place wagers without risking your own money. You will receive these after meeting specific requirements, such as placing a qualifying bet. It’s important to note that when you win a free bet you will only receive the winnings and not the free bet stake.
- Cashback bonus: Some betting sites will offer cashback on your losses, either daily, weekly, or monthly. This bonus refunds a portion of your losses up to a certain amount. This is defined as a percentage, for example, a 15% Cashback bonus up to $100.
- Enhanced odds: Sportsbooks occasionally boost the odds on specific NBA games or outcomes, providing the opportunity for larger potential winnings. They might limit the max bet amount on enhanced odds bets.
- Parlay Bonuses: You may receive additional winnings or bonuses when placing parlay bets. These bonuses increase with the number of selections in your parlay.
- No Betting Limits: Many betting sites will place a limit on how much you can bet on a certain sports markets but some sites will remove these limits and allow you to place bets without any limits on the amount.
- Promo Codes: It is important to check whether a site requires you to input a certain promo code in order to claim a bonus. Another important thing to check is when you need to insert the code. Sometimes you will need to do it before you deposit, sometimes after, and sometimes when you are claiming the bonus.
Be sure to check out our reviews to find the best NBA betting sites with the most generous promotions and bonus offers.
Online NBA Betting Tips
To place the best bets on NBA and other basketball games, it is essential to have a good grasp of the game and the different betting markets. At Gambling Zone we provide betting tips on the biggest NBA games on our blog, The Zone. All our predictions and betting tip articles are written by experienced bettors and sports journalists. Here are our top tips on what to do to maximise your betting experience.
Compare Odds
Check odds comparison sites to always find value when placing a bet. There will also be slight variations in the odds offered and some sites will also offer the best odds guaranteed as a special promo. Assess odds for different bet types, such as moneyline, point spread, and over/under, as even slight differences can result in significant gains.
Gamble Responsibly
Responsible gambling is the most important aspect to practise. Always set clear limits and budgets for your betting activities. Sports betting should be for entertainment rather than profit. Avoid chasing losses and take plenty of breaks. Seek support and resources if you find it challenging to manage your gambling habits. You can get more information about different gambling self-help resources on our Responsible Gambling page.
Use Parlays to combine short prices
Parlays are a popular form of betting on NBA games since they allow you to combine the odds of multiple short-priced selections into a single bet. This allows you to get a higher potential payout, at the higher risk of losing out if just one of your selections loses. All your selections need to win for you to win the bet.
Try Live Betting while watching the game
Live betting, also known as in-play or in-game betting, is popular because it offers real-time action during sports events. It provides additional betting opportunities with markets for in-game events, allowing bettors to react to dynamic changes and adjust their strategies as the game unfolds. To really get the most out of Live betting you need to have a good knowledge of teams and players. Here at Gambling Zone we only recommend sites that have a robust live betting platform.
Read Team News and Stats
Before placing a bet you should take a look at current team news and statistics. This includes looking at injuries, suspensions, loss of form and other factors that could influence a team's performance. In fact, this is also why most betting tip articles are only published a couple of days before the game. Check out The Zone to read our latest betting tips.
NBA Betting Sites FAQs
In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about NBA betting sites. We will cover everything from the legality of online betting to the best live NBA betting tips.
