What are the differences between NCAA and NBA Betting?

Basketball Betting Differences

Betting on basketball is quite common and leading US sportsbooks offer a variety of bets, great odds, and many games for betting. Some may think that betting in the NBA and NCAA is the same. However, there are key differences between the two and these can impact how one places bets. It is important to understand the differences to improve success rates. Here, we dive into the main differences between college and professional basketball betting. This information can be useful to anyone who is just getting started with online betting or for those who want to enjoy the action of the NBA as well as the NCAA.

📊Variation in Bet Types
🏀NBA and College Schedules
💡Less Data on NCAA Teams
✨Rivalries

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Variation in Bet Types

When betting on the NBA or college basketball games, there will be standard bets available. Each sportsbook will have a list of all upcoming games. Select a game from the NCAA or NBA to reveal the types of bets that can be placed. Each game will also display numbers that stand for the lines and odds of the three main bets. These include point spreads, moneylines, and totals. Moneylines are the basic bet and involve choosing which team will win the game. With point spreads, the favorite or underdog must win or lose by the amount of points listed. Total bets allow bettors to choose whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under the amounts listed.

Prop bets will also be offered when wagering on NBA games. These are a variety of bets that cover anything that could happen in a game. One could bet on how a player performs and how many points are scored. Prop bets can also include options like what team will score first, who will have the most three-pointers, or how many fouls a player will have during a game. Prop bets vary per sportsbook and they provide a great way to boost excitement and earn more profits.
NCAA betting is a bit different as prop bets are not supported. Instead, many sportsbooks offer parlay bets for NCAA games. This allows bettors to combine more than one bet on a single bet slip. Each bet is called a leg and all legs must win for the parlay bet to offer payouts. Parlay bets are difficult to win, but they do offer some of the best profits.

NBA and College Schedules

Schedules can play a key role when placing basketball bets. It is important to understand the scheduling differences between college teams and those in the NBA. The NCAA season starts in November of each year and for the first two months, there will be multiple small tournaments played. Once the New Year comes around, conference play is the main focus. With over 350 colleges and 32 conferences, there are endless options when it comes to placing bets. With so many regular season games to consider, bettors will be able to find value in bets.

Once the college basketball season ends, there will be conference tournaments played. They offer additional prizes for the winning team. Teams that win conference tournaments will be invited to March Madness, one of the most exciting basketball events of the year. March Madness consists of 68 teams that battle for a chance to become the National Champions.

With over 350 colleges and 32 conferences, there are endless options when it comes to placing bets.

Looking at the NBA, there are just 30 teams in the league and they are divided into the Western and Eastern Conference. Each conference has three divisions. Like the NCAA season, the NBA season kicks off in November and comes to an end in April. Each team has a schedule of 82 games and once the regular season ends, the top 8 teams from each conference will enter the playoffs. Playoffs consist of a series of games and winners will advance to the next round of play. Conference championship winners will face each other in the NBA Finals.

Less Data on NCAA Teams

When placing bets on any sport, research plays a key role. Bettors need to gather as much information as possible about teams, players, and even coaches. The NBA attracts much media attention and since it is a professional league, more analysts work on gathering stats and key details. This information is widely available and can be used to make educated decisions when placing bets. Having an abundance of information means that betting strategies can be implemented.

College basketball is different as it does not attract the same level of attention. During the regular season, not much attention is placed on college teams. However, when March Madness rolls around, betting on college basketball soars. However, there is still limited availability of reliable information and detailed statistics. This can make it challenging to place bets. Many people will rely on trends or past performances when betting on college games.

The Importance of Rivalries

Team rivalries always provide for excitement and many fans want to watch their favorite team compete against the main rival. Rivalries are much more common in NCAA basketball and they can play a key role when choosing bets. Anyone placing wagers on college basketball games will want to be aware of any rival teams. Some colleges will use this as a way to get revenge for past losses, which can improve overall performance. Some of the largest payouts can come from betting on the underdog in a game where rival teams are competing.

It is not uncommon for unpredictable outcomes when rival teams are playing. The enhanced emotions on the court and the intensity of play both impact the betting odds. During rivalry games, the crowd is more intense, which can affect player performance. Some players respond positively to a rowdy crowd while others will crack under the pressure. Knowing how players perform during these games is the key to successful betting.

When betting on NCAA games, it is not uncommon to encounter rivalries as they are much more common than in the NBA. Some of the best-known rivalries between college teams include Georgetown vs Syracuse, North Carolina vs Duke, and Kentucky vs Louisville. Any game between highly ranked rivalry teams can raise the stakes and sportsbooks respond by adjusting lines and odds.

Conclusion

The differences between NBA and NCAA basketball betting are not huge, but they are enough to require bettors to have some additional information. NBA games are often played at a fast pace, which can make for a better live-betting experience. The NBA games also end in higher scores since the game quarters are longer. With NCAA games, there are lower score totals and games are influenced by a shot clock of 30 seconds and two 20-minute halves. Also, most bettors have more familiarity with NBA teams, which can influence betting. Many prefer to place wagers on teams and leagues that have consistent records regarding performance.

Despite the differences, both the NBA and NCAA offer exciting betting markets. The NBA is great for placing prop bets and in-play bets while college basketball bettors will be better off focusing on moneylines or point spreads. No matter what basketball games are being considered, there will always be reputable online sportsbooks that provide competitive odds and some rewarding promotions.