Since 1970, sports betting in North America has been dominated by two sports leagues, the NFL and the NBA.While the NFL betting lines are considered more popular, the NBA posses the bigger challenge to handicappers. For instance, in the NFL play can be dominated by either the offense or defense, essentially making it clear which team to bet upon. Conversely, in the NBA betting lines are more difficult to determine as team’s have one or two star players that can affect the outcome of a game. Here is a guide on how to bet on basketball.

While they differ in play, the NFL and NBA share similarities in the betting sphere. For example, both leagues use the point spread and money line as their primary betting line tools. As well, both leagues allow teaser plays, which let handicappers move the point spread on games as they see accordingly.

• Point Spread - In the NBA similar to the NFL, the point spread was designed to make the books balance out. Here is how a point spread looks in the NBA.

LA Clippers – 7.5

NJ Nets +7.5

In this example, as is the case on the money line, the favorite is symbolized by a negative sign while the underdog is symbolized by a positive sign.The point spread in this game is seven and a half points, which means that the Clippers have to win by at least eight points to allow fans betting on the favorite to cover to win their bet. On the other hand, the Nets simply have to lose by seven points or win the game outright in order for fans believing the Clippers won’t cover, to win their bet.

• Money Line - Also known as a straight bet, the money line simply requires you to pick the winner of the game. Here is how it appears.

LA Clippers – 120

NJ Nets + 120

In this example, because the Clippers are considered the favorite and expected to win, you are required to risk $120 to get back $100. Conversely, for fans that believe the Nets can win the game, you are required to risk $100 and can get back $120 since they aren’t expected to win.