2024-25 NBA Betting Guide: Bet Legally, Smartly, Responsibly
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Oct 17, 2024
,
09:27 p.m.
ET
Entering the 2024-25 season, betting on the NBA has firmly become one of the most popular ways for fans to engage with the game. With a plethora of legal sports betting platforms across 38 United States, it’s never been easier to wager on a league in a current state of competitive parity at the top that features a mix of young and old superstars. However if you are to bet on the NBA, it's crucial to understand how to do so legally and responsibly.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started, this guide will help you navigate the world of NBA betting with insights on legal requirements, smart betting strategies and tips for avoiding gambling pitfalls.
Who can bet on the NBA in the United States?
In the U.S., the legal landscape for NBA betting varies by state. After the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), each state gained the authority to set its own laws regarding sports betting. Entering the 2024-25 season, NBA betting is legal in many states, but there are some important factors to keep in mind.
Location Considerations
Where you can bet on the NBA depends on the state you’re in. Most states offer both online and retail (in-person) betting options, while others restrict betting to physical sportsbooks.
Online Sports Betting: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada (requires in-person registration), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee (online only, no retail), Vermont (online only, no retail), Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming offer both online and retail (in-person) betting options.
Retail Only: States such as Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin require you to visit a physical sportsbook to place bets.
No Betting Allowed: In 12 states, including California, Texas and Georgia, sports betting is not yet legalized, meaning fans in those areas will need to wait for potential future legislation.
Age Considerations
The legal betting age is another factor to consider. While most states set the minimum age for sports betting at 21, locations like Kentucky, Montana, Rhode Island, Washington D.C. and Wyoming allow individuals as young as 18 to place legal bets. Always ensure you're following the legal age requirements in the state where you're placing your bet. Even if you're from a state that allows younger bettors, you must follow the laws of the state you're in at the time of your wager.
Restricted Persons
Not everyone is allowed to bet on NBA games, even if they meet the legal age and location requirements. According to NBA policy, players, coaches, referees and other league employees are strictly prohibited from betting on NBA games or related leagues such as the WNBA, G-League or Summer League. Violating this policy can lead to severe consequences, including fines, suspensions or permanent bans.
Offshore sportsbooks and bookies
While legal NBA betting is widely available, some bettors are tempted by offshore sportsbooks and modern bookies that offer services outside the U.S. regulatory framework. These platforms may seem attractive due to flashy promotions and easy access (plus some are attracted by betting on credit and trying to avoid taxes on potential profits), but they come with significant risks.
The Dangers of Offshore Sportsbooks and Bookies
Offshore sportsbooks operate without U.S. oversight, meaning they don’t adhere to the strict regulations that protect bettors in legal markets. This lack of regulation means that offshore sportsbooks can refuse to pay out winnings, engage in unfair practices and leave bettors with little recourse if something goes wrong. Additionally, engaging with these platforms can lead to legal consequences, as betting with unlicensed operators is illegal in the United States.
How to bet on the 2025 NBA season smartly and responsibly
While betting can incentivize emotional investment in the upcoming NBA season, it’s important to approach it with a sound strategy. Here are some tips to help you bet smartly and responsibly:
1. Don’t Place Too Many Bets
It’s easy to get carried away with betting on every game, especially when there are multiple NBA matchups each night. However, overextending yourself can lead to unnecessary losses. Focus on a few well-researched bets rather than spreading your bankroll too thin.
2. Be Wary of Big Games
Major events like the NBA Finals or rivalry games draw a lot of attention, which can lead to impulsive betting decisions. While it’s exciting to bet on these marquee matchups, remember to stick to your strategy and avoid overcommitting.
3. Avoid Parlays
While parlays offer the allure of bigger payouts, they are significantly harder to turn a profit with long term. A parlay requires every pick in the bet to win, making it a far riskier option than placing single bets. Keep it simple, and stick to individual wagers to maximize your chances of success.
4. Watch the Juice/Vig
The "juice" or "vig" refers to the commission that sportsbooks take from your bet. This can vary, especially on player prop bets. For example, consistently betting at odds of -120 instead of -110 may seem like a small difference, but it adds up over time, cutting into your potential profits (or increasing losses). Always beware of the vig when placing bets.
5. Don’t Chase Losses
It’s tempting to try and win back money after a losing bet, but this approach often leads to even larger losses. Instead, accept losses as part of the process and stick to your betting plan.
Gambling Addiction Help and Treatment for NBA bettors
Over the course of an 82-game regular season with games almost every night, avid NBA fans can get caught up in the excitement of so many betting opportunities, trying to research and spin up multiple daily bets. For some, this approach can turn into a serious gambling problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with their gambling activity, help is available. Birches Health offers online treatment options designed to meet individual needs, ensuring you get the support you need from the comfort of your home.
If NBA betting is taking over your financial and emotional health or you wish to learn more about the services, reach out to Birches Health via:
You can also call us at 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with our Birches team as soon as possible.
The NBA as a pioneer of sports betting
The NBA has been a leader in embracing legal sports betting, in large part thanks to Commissioner Adam Silver. As an optimistic, opportunistic businessman, Silver openly embraced legalized sports betting from the outset, with its potential to grow the game, when many other commissioners initially opposed or met the decision with resistance..
Since the Supreme Court decision in 2018, the league has worked closely with sportsbooks to ensure a safe and regulated betting environment for fans. The league’s involvement has helped promote responsible gambling while enhancing fan engagement through official partnerships with betting operators.
NBA’s nightmare realized: Betting scandal threatening integrity
The NBA has not been immune to betting controversies, with the most recent example being the Jontay Porter scandal. Porter, a two-way player for the Toronto Raptors, was banned for life after sharing confidential information and manipulating his own game participation for betting purposes.
While such incidents are troubling, legal sports betting has likely helped uncover and address these issues more effectively. By keeping betting regulated and transparent, the NBA can monitor betting activities and flag suspicious behavior that might otherwise go unnoticed in illegal markets.
