NBA Odds In Illinois
NBA Odds In Illinois
Legal, regulated sportsbooks in Illinois consider the NBA a leading betting market. Aside from the NFL, no other league or sport in Illinois sees more betting money than the NBA.
Basketball bettors find much to appreciate about wagering on the NBA, and individuals in Illinois are joining the fray.
The legalization of sportsbooks in Illinois allows you to bet on NBA games, player props, futures, and much more right from your phone or computer. Our NBA betting guide provides comprehensive information, from live odds straight from Illinois’ online sports betting apps to the various methods of betting on the NBA.
Live NBA odds at Illinois online sportsbooks
Browse through our feed below for the most recent NBA point spreads, moneylines, and totals odds straight from premier online sportsbooks in Illinois. In the second tab, you’ll find current NBA futures odds featuring odds for the NBA Finals, Conference champions, and individual player awards like MVP and DPOY. Click on any game odds to directly access the sportsbook, secure your bonus, and place your bets.
Is NBA online betting legal in Illinois?
Indeed, retail sports betting was launched in Illinois in March 2020, followed by the initiation of online and mobile services in June.
The sole option for legal sports betting in the US was in Nevada for many years. However, this narrative shifted in 2018 when the US Supreme Court essentially handed the decision-making power to the states.
You must be 21 years or older to place bets on the NBA and other sports. If you’re placing bets online or via mobile in Illinois, you must be physically present within the state boundaries. Betting operators use geolocation technology to ensure these rules are adhered to.
You’ll be presented with various NBA betting options, which include betting on individual game outcomes, player performances, and overall season results. Now, let’s explore how to begin betting on the NBA.
How to bet on NBA games in Illinois
You can swiftly start placing bets on NBA games in the newly legalized and regulated environment in Illinois. However, it’s recommended to slow down and understand the process first. Here are some important details you should be aware of:
- Sign Up for an Online Sportsbook: Once you’ve chosen a trustworthy online sportsbook from our recommended list — it’s crucial to steer clear of untrustworthy offshore alternatives — you can set up an account by clicking on one of our provided links. This will redirect you to a new page where you’ll input some basic information. The whole procedure only requires a few minutes. Depositing and Withdrawing at a Sports Betting Account: Legally recognized and regulated operators offer numerous ways to deposit and withdraw funds from your sports betting accounts. A specific cashier function is usually marked with a deposit button or located in your account area. The options may include credit cards and PayPal. Sports Betting Apps: Major operators invest heavily in technology, as reflected in their apps for both Apple and Android users. After creating an account using our unique links, look for the download section on the sportsbook website. Once you’ve logged in on your mobile device, you’re good to go. Online Sportsbooks and Apps: Odds and Lines – The sports betting market is intensely competitive, requiring operators to continuously enhance their odds and lines. Top-tier books like DraftKings and FanDuel offer competitive numbers throughout the industry. This encompasses the odds and lines provided at Las Vegas sportsbooks.
How NBA betting works
Several types of wagers can be considered for each NBA game. Furthermore, you can even bet on the overall outcome of the season. The following are the most popular NBA betting categories:
- Moneyline: This is one of the simplest bets to understand. You just need to select which team, either the favorite or the underdog, you believe will emerge victorious in the game.
- Point Spread: This is established by oddsmakers and your chosen team must exceed this spread for you to win the bet. You have the option to select the favored team minus the points or go for the underdog plus the spread.
- Totals: This is a favored wagering style for the high-point NBA. You have the option to select over or under on the total points scored, using a reference number established by the odds makers.
- Props: Essentially, a prop is a supplementary bet on the game. Numerous NBA prop bets focus on the performance of individual players, but there are also those which are based on game or team circumstances.
- Live Betting, also referred to as in-game betting, allows you to place bets in real-time while the game is ongoing. This rapidly changing market usually offers a wide range of choices.
- Futures: A future is a wager you can make on a result that will not be determined for several months, like the champion of the NBA Finals or the recipient of the Rookie of the Year award.
- Parlay: This bet is a favorite among bettors due to its potential for high returns from a small stake. Parlays involve making several selections, however, to win, every single selection must be correct.
- Teaser: A teaser permits bettors to adjust the spread on a series of games by a pre-determined number of points, with corresponding adjustments made to the odds.
The types of bets are all quite simple. However, becoming accustomed to the more advanced wagers may require some time. As with anything, proficiency comes with practice.
What are the rules for betting on the NBA online?
In general, the landscape of NBA betting on online sportsbooks and apps is quite similar. However, there might be occasional peculiarities. Therefore, it’s advisable to spend some time reviewing the house rules.
Typically, the rules can be found in the help section of legal and regulated sportsbooks. Some websites have sections specifically dedicated to instructions on betting, segregated by sport. The following are some of the most common rules related to NBA sports betting:
- Bets on NBA games are active from tipoff and continue until the game is completed, including any overtime.
- The determination of props is based on official league statistics and is deemed valid provided the listed players are equipped for the game.
- Wagers placed on particular segments of a game — such as quarters or halves — are resolved independently, solely based on the results within that specific timeframe.
As previously noted, while there are industry-wide standards for managing betting activity, minor differences may exist. Therefore, we stress the need for understanding the terms and conditions at your chosen book to prevent unexpected outcomes.
NBA futures and prop betting in Illinois
There are numerous methods to engage with the NBA. Not only can you place bets on the games, but you also have the opportunity to predict the outcome of the whole season. Additionally, you can delve deeply into the games and concentrate on individual performances.
Futures represent bets that you can make on outcomes that won’t be determined until several months later. Many of the largest markets draw betting interest throughout the year. NBA betting odds are published during the offseason and fluctuate thereafter. Below are some of the most sought-after offerings:
- NBA Finals winner
- Division and conference winners
- Team regular-season win totals
- Team’s playoff fate to be decided
- Winners of individual awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and so on.
- Leaders in statistical categories – such as points, assists, etc.
Props, also known as side bets or game-within-a-game wagers, are available in the individual game listings that you can access by clicking through. Many of these opportunities are based on player performance metrics.
- Who will accumulate more points and assists in the game – Zach LaVine or Chris Paul?
- Will Nikola Vucevic have over or under 20.5 points plus rebounds?
- Who will lead the Bulls in scoring in the game – LaVine or someone else?
In addition, you’ll come across props that are based on team performance or game situations. These may involve predicting which team will have more turnovers during the match or if overtime will be required. Props provide an excellent opportunity for extra betting activity on the games you’ve already selected.
How to read NBA betting lines
Every NBA game during the season has odds released by sportsbooks. These odds usually come out either the night before the game or later in the morning. Here is an example of a typical game listing:
| Detroit Pistons | +2.5 (-110) | +140 | O 204.5 (-110) |
| Chicago Bulls | -2.5 (-110) | -120 | U 204.5 (-110) |
The two team names are accompanied by odds for the primary bet types: point spread, moneyline, and total. In this contest, the Bulls have a 2.5 point advantage and are slight favorites on the moneyline. The game is anticipated to be comparatively high-scoring.
Once the odds have been made public, bettors have the opportunity to influence the lines. This can result in changes to the odds, particularly if there’s a significant shift in betting towards one outcome. For instance, the spread may become smaller, or the total could increase or decrease while the moneyline odds vary as sportsbooks adjust the figures to achieve a balanced scenario.
Remember, the odds can vary from one sportsbook to another. Therefore, it’s beneficial to compare and find the best price for the games. Our live NBA odds feed can be an excellent tool for this.
Live betting NBA games in Illinois
In-game wagers, also known as live betting, have become one of the most sought-after features at online sportsbooks and sports betting apps. These are bets you can place in real-time while a game is in progress.
In an average game, numerous opportunities arise. The market is swift, yet platforms provided by top, regulated legal operators simplify keeping up with the game action. The offerings may differ, but here are some potential instances you might encounter:
- Updated probabilities for spread, moneyline, and totals.
- Opportunities to bet on quarters and halves.
- Various opportunities for player and team-based props.
DraftKings and FanDuel are leading operators excelling in live betting options. Their sports betting apps are considered some of the best in the industry. These allow you to watch the game and simultaneously check your device for emerging betting opportunities.
Most popular NBA team in Illinois
Though the Chicago Bulls may not be in their 1990s golden era, they still hold their ground as the most beloved NBA team in Illinois. As a part of the NBA’s Eastern Conference, they are a member of the Central Division, alongside four other teams:
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Detroit Pistons
- Indiana Pacers
- Milwaukee Bucks
Naturally, the Bulls have four significant rivalries. Over the years, they have also had intense clashes with teams such as the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. Here are some crucial points from the Bulls’ franchise history:
- Founded: 1966
- The NBA Championships have been won six times, the most recent being in 1998.
- Six Conference Championships, with the most recent one in 1998.
- Nine Division Titles, the most recent one in 2012.
- The team has made 35 playoff appearances, with the most recent one in the 2016-17 season.
- There are 16 Hall-of-Famers, comprised of nine players, and seven coaches and contributors.
- Numbers Retired: Four, the most recent being Scottie Pippen’s in 2005.
- All-Time Scoring Leader for the Franchise: Michael Jordan with 29,277 points.
- Artis Gilmore has the most blocks: 1,029.
- Kirk Hinrich has the most 3-pointers: 1,049.
Here you can find the odds for tonight’s Chicago Bulls game.
Where to watch the Chicago Bulls home games
The Bulls, despite going through a challenging period and failing to reach the playoffs in four out of the last five seasons, continue to be a fan-favorite in Illinois. If you’re interested in seeing a game live, here’s the information you need:
- Arena: United Center
- Location: 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612
- UCJV (United Center Joint Venture) is the owner and operator.
- Capacity: 20,917 for basketball
- Opened: Aug. 18, 1994
- Hosts Also: Chicago Blackhawks, concerts and events
How the NBA season works
The usual NBA season starts with the preseason in the fall and continues uninterrupted until the NBA Finals in June. You have the opportunity to place your bets throughout, but be aware that playing time in preseason games can be quite unpredictable.
The regular season consists of 82 games, where every team plays an equal number of home and away games. The breakdown for the Bulls and similar teams is as follows:
- 16 matches against division rivals
- 36 matches against other teams from the same conference
- 30 games against teams from the opposing conference
Each conference’s top eight teams qualify for the postseason. The tournament is organized in rounds, with victorious teams advancing in their series. The final two teams left in each conference compete in the conference championships. The champions then progress to the NBA Finals.
From a gambling viewpoint, each regular season game sees a substantial amount of action, particularly the headline national TV matches, which attract the most attention. The interest escalates even more during the playoffs.
Top 5 NBA players from Illinois
Almost 300 professional players hail from Illinois, featuring current sensations like Derrick Rose and Anthony Davis, and recently retired Dwyane Wade. To find the all-time greatest from this state, we can refer to five illustrious names, all of whom have been immortalized in the Hall of Fame.
- Dan Issel had a basketball career spanning from 1970 to 1985. He was a part of the 1975 ABA champion team, the Kentucky Colonels. His exceptional performance earned him a place in both the professional and college basketball Hall of Fames.
- Jack Sikma had his professional basketball career from 1977 to 1991. He was a member of the Seattle SuperSonics team that won the 1979 NBA championship and was selected as an NBA All-Star seven times.
- Isiah Thomas had a playing career from 1981-1994, during which he became a 2-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons. He was also named the NBA Finals MVP in 1990.
- Playing Career of Maurice Cheeks: 1978-93; Member of the 1983 NBA Champion Philadelphia 76ers; Four-time NBA All-Star.
- Jerry Sloan had a playing career in NBA from 1965 to 1976, during which he was a 2-time NBA All-Star and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team four times.
NBA betting tips and strategy
Initiating basketball betting in the newly legalized setting might be straightforward, but achieving regular success could require a bit of patience. There’s a learning curve to overcome, but persistent individuals who constantly strive for betterment should notice progress sooner rather than later. Below are some suggestions to get you started:
- Simplify It: There’s a lot to choose from when betting on the NBA, which can be intimidating. Don’t stress about trying everything at once. Start with the basics, like Moneyline bets, then gradually explore spreads and totals. From there, you can delve deeper.
- Concentrate on the Essentials: An abundance of information about the games can result in information overload. However, you can avoid this by keeping things simple and focusing on the most important aspects. Factors such as home court, situational elements, matchups, and other significant secondary factors should be your main focus.
- Monitor Your Outcomes: The exhilaration of winning your bets might make you feel like you’re on a successful path, while losses can occasionally make you feel like surrendering. Both wins and losses are inherent in sports betting, which should be pursued solely for amusement. It’s crucial to keep tabs on your outcomes not only for record-keeping, but also to alert you when adjustments might be necessary.
The three suggestions can assist you in starting effectively, but it’s also important to bear in mind some common, yet entirely preventable errors that new bettors often make. The most notable are betting based on personal bias and gambling beyond your means. By circumventing these two obstacles, you greatly increase your chances of maintaining a steady course.
NBA Betting FAQ
For every NBA match, oddsmakers set a point spread, essentially a forecasted victory margin. You can pick the favorite minus the points, meaning that team needs to win by a margin exceeding the spread to cover. Alternatively, if you select the underdog plus the points, the team must either keep the margin below the spread or win the match outright to cover.
This might occur when a game has a round number like 204 set. If the final score of the match is 104-100, it matches the total precisely. A totals bet landing on the exact number is deemed a push. As there’s no winner or loser, your bet amount will be fully refunded. You can consider it a tie for record-keeping purposes.
Recently, there has been a surge in interest towards more specific bets, such as those placed on quarters and halves. In the NBA, a second-half bet focuses entirely on which team will outperform the other in that half of the game. This type of bet can often be found among game props or during live betting. Similar bets can also be placed in the first half of the game, following the same principle.
Sportsbooks are responsible for establishing NBA game odds before making them public. Generally, a dedicated team is in charge of this process, with the team leader often referred to as the oddsmaker. This team uses computers and algorithms to analyze various data points and make necessary adjustments. Once the sportsbook is satisfied with its line, it releases the odds for public review and input.
Established in 1985, the NBA draft lottery was designed to deter the weaker teams in the league from intentionally losing, or “tanking,” to secure a higher draft position. All teams that didn’t make the postseason are eligible for the lottery, though trades can affect eligibility. The team with the worst record has the highest odds of winning the lottery and the first draft pick, and so forth. The New York Knicks were the inaugural winners of the lottery, selecting franchise icon Patrick Ewing. The most recent lottery was held on August 20, 2020, with the Minnesota Timberwolves securing the first pick for the next draft, slated for November 18, 2020.