How do I bet on NBA Moneylines? Basic rules needed!

Although not as popular as point-spread wagering, sportsbooks will offer moneyline wagering and nearly all NBA basketball games. Only the most lopsided of point-spread games may not receive an assigned moneyline by the oddsmakers.

Betting an NBA moneyline requires risking more money on a favored team to receive the desired amount.

On the contrary, bettors will receive more than the risk amount in return when betting on an NBA moneyline underdog.

For example, if the Warriors are -250 to win a particular game straight-up (outright winner), a bettor would have to risk $250 to win $100. The return would be $350, the $250 stake amount plus the $100 win.

An underdog in that scenario may return +200 (or better depending on the given oddsmakers’ margins which can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook) to win the game straight-up (outright winner). A bettor would have to risk $100 to win $200. The return would be $300, the $100 stake amoung plus the $200 win).

The separation of the bookmakers’ margin will increase as the margin of favoritism grows.

For example, while a closely rated game may have a favorite of -130 with an underdog takeback (win) of +110, a more lopsided contest may show a favorite of -500 with a takeback (win) of +400. These margins can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook.

Moneyline wagers are often offered on NBA basketball games for first- and second-half results.