Is it Legal to Bet on the NBA? 2025-26 Basketball Betting

The NBA has long been a champion and proponent of legalized sports betting. On December 1, Missouri will become the 39th state to go live with it, and the NBA will have a whole new pool of fans who could legally capitalize on the opportunity to bet on games. The NBA is consistently one of the most-bet sports in the country, especially as player prop and same-game parlay offerings have continued to explode in popularity, allowing bettors to back the individual performances of their favorite superstars. 

Every licensed sportsbook in the country offers NBA betting markets, and with the 2025-26 season’s getting underway, now is a great time to review where it’s legal to place NBA wagers this year. 

Who can bet on the NBA in the United States?

Sports betting regulations vary by state, and each location’s regulations apply to anyone who is within the state’s borders at that given moment. You do not need to live in a state to bet while there. On the flip side, if you do reside in one state where sports betting is legal, you cannot bet while traveling in a different state where it’s not. It all depends on the current location (and age) at the time of placing the bet. 

Legal Locations

Ever since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed in 2018, sports betting laws have been determined by individual states. As of October 2025, sports betting is legal in some form in 38 states, plus Washington, D.C. In December, Missouri will become the 39th state with live legal sports betting, and the 31st offering online/mobile options. Here’s a full breakdown:

• Mobile Sports Betting: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri (pending), 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.
  
  

• In-person Retail Only: Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
  
  

• Betting NOT Legalized: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

Age Considerations

The majority of states that offer legal sports betting have the minimum age set at 21. However, Kentucky, Montana, Rhode Island, Washington D.C. and Wyoming allow bettors to be 18+ years old. But again, 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 bet.

Who is allowed to bet on the NBA in Canada?

• Online Sports Betting: Provinces like Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia allow residents to bet on NBA games through licensed online sportsbooks. These sites offer a plethora of markets, from money line bets to player props.
  
  

• Retail Betting: Bettors in most provinces can also place wagers at certain physical locations like casinos and racetracks.

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 enticed by shady offshore sportsbooks and modern bookies that offer services outside the U.S. regulatory framework. Flashy promotions and easy access (plus some are attracted by betting on credit and trying to avoid taxes on potential profits) are shiny but lead to significant risks.

The Dangers of Offshore Sportsbooks and Bookies

Offshore sportsbooks operate outside U.S. oversight and don’t adhere to the strict regulations that protect bettors in legal markets. Offshore sportsbooks may withhold player 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 2025-26 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

Don’t get carried away betting on every NBA game during the excitement of basketball returning. NBA games happen nearly every day of every week from late October until the Finals conclude in June. Overexposure can lead to unforeseen levels of losses, especially if “chasing” by betting more to try to win back what was lost previously. If you decide to wager, just 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 Christmas games, rivalry games and primetime Friday night matchups 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 research-based picks 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. If you do wish to throw together a parlay here or there, keep the wager small and frequency low.

4. Watch the Juice/Vig

The "juice" or "vig" refers to the commission that sportsbooks take from your bet in the form of a house edge. 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, and shop prices at different sportsbooks to see where you can potentially find value.

5. Don’t Chase Losses

It’s tempting to try and win back money after a losing bet, at times feeling “due” for a win, but this approach often leads to even larger losses. Instead, accept losses as part of the process and stick to your betting plan or move on to another (non-betting) activity. 

Gambling Addiction Help and Treatment for NBA bettors

Over the course of the season, NBA enthusiasts can get caught up in the excitement of so many betting opportunities. For some, this can turn into a serious problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with their gambling, specialized help is available. Birches Health offers online treatment options designed custom to meet individual needs. Care is available online from the comforts of home and can be covered by insurance.

If basketball betting is impacting your financial and emotional wellbeing or you wish to learn more about your options, reach out to Birches Health:

• Schedule an Appointment

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com 

The NBA as a pioneer of sports betting

Spearheaded by the modern approaches of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA has been a leader in embracing legal sports betting. Silver has seen its potential to grow the game from the outset, 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 cultivate a safe and regulated environment for its fans. The league’s involvement has helped encourage responsible gambling while promoting fan engagement through official partnerships with betting operators.

Watching the NBA: Changes for the 2025-26 season 

For the first time in over two decades, the league is partnering with three new media homes under an 11-year agreement with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock) and Amazon (Prime Video). 

ABC/ESPN remain the exclusive home of the NBA Finals, marking their 24th straight year of NBA coverage. They’ll air 80 regular-season games, including the NBA matchups on Christmas Day. Fans will also see the return of Inside the NBA, featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, now available on ESPN and ABC.

NBC and Peacock will broadcast 100 regular-season games, Sunday primetime matchups and become the new home of NBA All-Star Weekend.

Prime Video, the league’s newest broadcast partner, will stream 66 regular-season games and become the exclusive home for both the Emirates NBA Cup Knockout Rounds and the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament.