Illinois now allows sports betting, giving basketball fans plenty of opportunities to place bets on college basketball’s March Madness and NBA games.

At first glance, the two sports may seem indistinguishable. However, a closer examination reveals distinct nuances that should be taken into account before making any wagers. Let’s begin by exploring the commonalities between the amateur and professional iterations of the sport.

Similarities between college basketball and NBA betting

The main factors that impact NBA and NCAA basketball betting are the same. Both types of betting focus on moneyline, point spread, and totals bets, which operate similarly. However, it is important to recognize that the odds and lines can differ greatly. We will explore this further shortly. In the meantime, it is worth mentioning that NBA games typically have high-scoring outcomes.

The fundamentals, such as the types of bets, are consistent in this high-speed five-on-five game. Both teams can expect to encounter multiple fouls and three-pointers.

Key differences between NCAA basketball vs. NBA betting

In college basketball games, the difference in talent between teams can often be greater than in NBA games. Strong teams may face off against smaller schools during the regular season, resulting in potentially lopsided matchups.

While the NBA showcases distinct talent gaps between its top and bottom teams, every team is composed of professional athletes capable of pulling off unexpected victories. It’s crucial to note that unlike college basketball’s two halves, NBA games are split into four quarters.

How does the college basketball schedule work?

The NCAA regular season typically begins in November, with the first two months filled with mini tournaments and interconference games. Once the calendar turns to the new year, conference play takes center stage.

There are a total of 32 conferences with over 350 schools, resulting in a wide array of regular-season games. While some matchups may be uneven with stronger teams facing weaker opponents, there is also a mix of competitive games. As January and February progress, conference standings start to take shape, with occasional interconference games mixed in.

After the conclusion of the regular season, teams compete in conference tournaments with the added incentive of earning a spot in March Madness. The champion of the tournament secures an automatic berth in the highly anticipated and heavily bet upon event.

An extra 36 clubs receive at-large berths, making a total of 68 teams in the tournament. The First Four begins the competition as a preliminary round, with the winners advancing. The tournament then continues with 64 teams divided evenly among four brackets.

This tournament follows a single-elimination format, with winners advancing to the next round. The second-to-last stage is known as the Final Four, leading up to the national championship game. Betting is already active during the regular season, but reaches new heights during March Madness. Learning to predict upsets during March Madness can be highly advantageous.

How does the NBA schedule work?

There are 30 teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) which are split into two conferences, the Eastern and Western. Each conference is then divided into three divisions. The regular season typically begins in early November and ends in April.

Some of the top events of the NBA season are the annual Christmas Day games and the highly anticipated all-star game. Each team competes in a grueling 82-game schedule throughout the year. After the regular season ends, the top eight teams from each conference advance to the NBA playoffs.

During each playoff round, teams compete in a series of games, with the winners advancing to the next round. The NBA Finals will showcase the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences facing off against each other.

The games that garner the most attention throughout the season, such as those broadcasted nationally and matchups between top teams, tend to draw the most betting interest. Nevertheless, every game sees some level of betting activity. Once the playoffs begin, each game becomes a focal point for wagering.

There are many potential mismatches that can happen during the season, but the point spread and chance of upsets make these games interesting.

Online betting rules for NCAAB vs. NBA games

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand a key aspect of the Illinois sports betting law: online bets are not allowed on college programs located within the state. This means that wagering on Illinois, Northwestern, DePaul, Loyola Chicago, or any other nearby schools is prohibited.

HB 3136 now permits in-person betting on Illinois college teams at retail sportsbooks, but betting on a mobile device is still prohibited.

With more than 350 teams competing at the Division I level, you have plenty of options to choose from. Betting on NBA games has no restrictions.

However, it is important to understand that each sportsbook follows its own set of house rules. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Once the game starts, the wager is considered active. If there is a minor delay before the game begins, the bet may still be valid. However, if the game is completely canceled, all bets are voided and the money is returned to the bettors.
• The outcomes of game results, player propositions, live bets, and other stakes are determined by using official league statistics and data.
• If the spread and total bets align with the number set by sportsbooks when the wager was placed, it is deemed a “push” and users receive a refund of their bets.

While most essential information has been given, it’s important to note that procedures may vary depending on the operator. To prevent any unforeseen problems, it is recommended to understand the rules set by the operator. Some operators may have a dedicated section for this, while others may require a thorough review of the help section to find the necessary information.

Odds comparison for NCAA basketball vs. the NBA

Every day during the regular season, there are multiple basketball games available for betting. Interest peaks during March Madness and the NBA postseason, when competition is at its highest. Online sportsbooks and betting apps offer odds for all games.

College basketball teams play less often than professional basketball teams. A college team typically has two games per week, while a professional team may play up to four times during the same timeframe.

College game lines are often available far in advance, while NBA game lines are usually released the night before or day of the game. However, expect changes in the odds from the initial release to the start of the game in both cases.

This happens as a result of increased betting activity. When it becomes clear that the majority of public bets are on one side, the oddsmakers will change the betting lines to try to balance out the bets.

Comparing odds at different sportsbooks is essential in both sports. By shopping for lines, you can find the best deal by comparing the spreads at various operators. For example, the odds at FanDuel Sportsbook may be slightly different than those at BetRivers Sportsbook. While this discrepancy may seem small, it can greatly affect your results.

If a game is not listed on the board or if the lines have not been released, it is likely that the bookmaker is awaiting additional information. This delay could be attributed to factors such as player injuries or uncertainty surrounding playing time.

While the odds for basketball may be similar in both NCAA and NBA, there are key differences to consider depending on the specific type of bet being placed. Let’s explore further, starting with the various bet types that have a significant impact on NCAA and NBA betting.

NCAAB vs. NBA betting on moneylines, spreads and totals

As you look through the game options for college basketball and NBA games in the betting lobby, you will see the top three bet types repeatedly listed: moneyline, point spread, and totals wagers. These bets attract a large amount of betting activity.

The betting principles for both sports are the same, but there are some differences to consider when evaluating the games. Here is a quick summary of what you need to know.

Moneyline

When making a moneyline bet, all you have to do is pick the team you think will win. The odds for favorites are displayed as negative numbers, while underdogs are shown as positive numbers. The larger the difference between these numbers, the more unevenly matched the teams are perceived to be. For example, a college game line may be listed like this:

North Carolina  +105

Kentucky  -120

In this hypothetical game, the odds are tight, but the spread could be significantly wider if there is a clear favorite. The moneyline bet operates in a similar manner in the NBA.

Miami Heat  -125

Chicago Bulls  +115

For a bet on the Heat, you would need to risk $125 to potentially earn $100 in return. On the other hand, a $100 bet on the Bulls could result in a $115 payout if successful. The moneyline is a great option for beginners because of its simplicity.

Point spread

The point spread bet is designed to keep the games exciting, even if the teams are unevenly matched. It’s a projected margin of victory that you should take into account when placing your bets. A point spread bet might look something like this:

Kansas  -1.5 (-110)

Texas Tech  +1.5 (-110)

If you bet on Kansas, you are banking on the Jayhawks to win by a margin of at least two points to cover the spread. Conversely, Texas Tech can cover the spread by either keeping the margin of victory less than two points or by winning outright. To illustrate this, let’s consider an example:

Utah Jazz  +4.5 (-110)

Denver Nuggets  -4.5 (-110)

The bigger the spread, the more difference oddsmakers see. Keep in mind that spreads may change based on betting trends, so it’s wise to compare numbers from different sources before making a bet.

Totals

Betting on totals is a popular practice in both college and professional basketball games. Bookmakers set a baseline total, giving bettors the option to bet on whether the final score will be over or under that number. An example of a line for a college game could be:

Over  139.5 (-110)

Under  139.5 (-110)

It is probable that you would see a higher total during a professional game.

Over  202.5 (-110)

Under  202.5 (-110)

In addition to the benchmark total, odds are also linked to each side. Similar to other odds, these may change based on betting activity, making it crucial to keep track of these fluctuations.

Prop betting for college basketball vs. the NBA

To find additional betting options, click on the game listing or the “more wagers” link. This will lead you to a range of prop bets that are akin to making side bets on the game.

Some focus on the game or team’s overall performance, while in the NBA, there are abundant opportunities based on individual player metrics. Conversely, there are fewer options at the college level.

Furthermore, please be aware that mobile betting on collegiate teams in Illinois is prohibited. However, betting on all other Division I programs is permitted, giving you a wide range of competition options. When it comes to team and game props, you may encounter scenarios such as the following:

• Which team will be in the lead at halftime: Villanova or Georgetown?
• Do we require overtime: yes or no?
• Who will make more three-pointers, the Rockets or the Lakers?

Player props are a popular feature in NBA betting, focusing on specific player performances during the game. Some examples include:

• Will Zach LaVine or another player score the first basket for the Bulls?
• Will James Harden or Russell Westbrook have more points and assists at the end of the season?
• Will Stephen Curry make more or less than 3.5 three-pointers?

Live betting on NCAA basketball vs. the NBA

Live betting, also referred to as in-game wagering, is a fast-growing segment of the sports betting sector. It allows bettors to place bets while games are in progress. Top sportsbook apps are able to keep up with the fast pace of live betting by providing constantly updated odds.

The market moves quickly, but there are typically many chances to bet in a typical game. You may notice new lines and spreads, opportunities for player prop bets, and options to bet on quarters and halves.

Online sportsbooks typically have a designated section for live betting where you can find the most up-to-date sports betting odds by clicking on the “NCAAB” or “NBA” tabs. Although live betting presents more chances to make money, it is crucial to make wise bets and not let the thrill of the moment cloud your judgment.

College basketball vs. the NBA futures market

In essence, the futures market provides an opportunity to potentially profit from long-term predictions by placing bets on upcoming events.

There are numerous opportunities to delve into the world of both amateur and professional basketball. When it comes to NCAA basketball, the most exciting events often revolve around March Madness, where fans make predictions about which teams will reach the Final Four or claim the national championship.

The NBA playoffs play a crucial role in determining the eventual champion of the NBA Finals. Both sports have a futures market for predicting future outcomes.

• Team regular-season win totals
• Conference winners
• Teams may either make it to the postseason or fall short.

Individual player futures, such as College Player of the Year or NBA MVP winner, are also offered. These odds are typically released during the offseason, ensuring an active market with constant fluctuations on the odds board.

The objective is to find the best deals on your preferred choices, so it is advisable to compare prices by looking around. Although college basketball futures such as the Final Four and national title may be more popular overall, both sports still attract a considerable amount of interest and betting activity.

How to handicap college basketball games vs. NBA games

Rest is a key difference that is often overlooked. College players usually only have two games per week in the regular season, while professional players have a much more demanding schedule.

With college teams playing less frequently, there is more time between games which can benefit handicapping and lead to more predictable outcomes. In contrast, the NBA faces challenges such as travel and fatigue that can impact game predictability.

This is especially relevant during intense situations where teams are scheduled to play three games in four nights. Here are some similar factors to consider when analyzing both sports:

• The Presence of Superstar Players: The influence of a single or couple of star players in a game can be substantial, frequently dictating the final result.
• Defense Efficiency: In basketball, scoring is important, but teams that can consistently make key defensive plays in critical moments are the ones to watch in close games.
• True Shooting Percentage takes into account free throws, field goals, and three-pointers, among other factors.
• In tight and competitive games, having a strong bench rotation can be a game-changer.
• Rewritten: Although season-long records are important, a team’s recent performance may be a better indicator of future results.

It is important to keep in mind that college games tend to have lower scores than professional games, and there may be significant point spreads due to mismatches. When analyzing spreads and totals for both sports, it is crucial to take into account the team’s recent and overall performance when making these types of bets.

What to remember about college basketball vs. NBA betting

Sports betting offers plenty of excitement for basketball fans, with college basketball drawing in a dedicated following throughout the regular season and March Madness. The NBA also keeps fans engaged from the first game of the year to the thrilling NBA Finals.

While both sports offer similarities that can be relied upon for betting purposes, they also have distinct differences. NBA games are played more frequently and are longer in duration, while college teams typically have longer breaks between games.

In general, NCAA basketball games typically have lower scores compared to professional games, and the effects of rest and fatigue are more pronounced in professional players. By recognizing and adapting to these nuances, one can excel in both sports. Numerous handicappers have successfully navigated these differences to achieve success.