Last updated on: April 10th, 2024

Legal NBA Finals Betting

Basketball lovers from across the world tune in and participate in legal NBA Finals betting every year. The fact that the championship is held in a seven-game series provides bettors with even more options to place wagers on the sport’s most exciting games. Some of the most improbable outcomes have occurred in the NBA Finals including buzzer-beater finishes, historic individual player performances, and series comebacks that will be forever remembered by the people that watched.

When using legal sports betting sites in the US, you can wager on game lines, player props, future bets, and much more when it comes to the Finals. Knowing about all of the different bet type possibilities in 2024, you might find yourself wondering how and where to bet on the NBA Finals. With a plethora of legal NBA Finals betting sites that take US players, we have reviewed the best options on this page. ​

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Legal Sportsbooks To Bet On The NBA Finals

#1

Bovada Sportsbook

The Undisputed GOAT Sportsbook

NBA bettors can debate the greatest basketball player of all time, but what they cannot debate is the greatest NBA Finals sportsbook of all time. That debate starts and ends with Bovada, as the legal betting site has established itself as the GOAT through its timely betting odds, NBA Finals prop bets, and Finals MVP odds. To put Bovada’s greatness into historical context, they have been dominating the NBA Finals sports betting world since before LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Karl Malone had a ring. Malone may never have won an NBA Finals so that may not mean much, but considering LeBron and Steph both have four that is still very impressive!

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • Live Betting
  • Big Bonuses
  • Easy To Use
  • Mobile Betting
  • Best Odds

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#2

BetOnline Sportsbook

NBA Finals Betting Sign-Up Bonuses

Noted around the world for their wide-ranging odds, extreme number of deposit methods, and large payouts, the most impressive aspect of BetOnline is their large sign-up bonuses. New players at BetOnline are all immediately eligible for sign-up bonuses of up to $1,000 when depositing into their sportsbook, with cryptocurrency players receiving a 100% match of their initial deposits and non-crypto players getting a 50% match. BetOnline has been providing legal sign-up bonuses and NBA Finals odds since 2004, which Finals bettors will remember as the year that the Detroit Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers and prevented a four-peat for Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • Reliable Banking Methods
  • Strong Server Connection
  • 10+ Year Track Record
  • Huge Assortment Of Odds
  • No App Mobile Betting

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#3

MyBookie Sportsbook

Easiest NBA Finals Sportsbook To Use

MyBookie has made betting on the NBA Finals as easy as possible ever since their sportsbook was created in 2014. Players easily access all the betting odds due to MyBookie’s accordion-style list of sports and bet types that make it easy to go from the NBA section to NBA Futures. Once there, players choose the team or matchup that they wish to bet on and place their wager. MyBookie also makes betting on the NBA Finals at an online sportsbook incredibly easy because of its extensive help section, which is available to all players at all times. Linked at the bottom of each of their pages, MyBookie users never need to look far for help.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Huge Player Bonuses
  • Consistent Odds
  • Easy Interface
  • Rapid Live Betting
  • Legal In Hawaii

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Can I Legally Bet On The NBA Finals?

Yes, you can legally bet on the NBA Finals in any state that you are located in even if your home state does not offer regulated sports betting. This is made possible with licensed online sportsbooks that are regulated by governing bodies outside of the United States. That makes these online books federally legally across the country. These licensed online sportsbooks offer tons of NBA betting lines to choose from when it comes time for the NBA Finals. You can bet on the futures odds leading up to the finals, game lines, player props, game props, and much more.

2024 NBA Finals Series Odds

Betting On NBA Finals Possible Matchups

Legal sports betting sites such as Bovada allow players to bet on the exact outcome of the NBA Finals and on which teams will represent each the east and the west via conference championship odds. Exact Finals outcomes are not always offered mid-season due to the NBA’s constant schedule, but for preseason bettors they great way to get long odds on probable matchups. The most common method of betting on NBA Finals’ exact outcomes is for a bettor to focus on the team that they expect to win the title and then place multiple bets on teams that are likely to lose to that perceived favorite. Consider the Golden State Warriors for example, as they were the betting favorite before the 2022-23 season with +600 odds to win the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Instead of betting on the +600 odds for the Warriors to win the title, bettors could split their original wager into a couple of smaller bets on exact outcomes. If they did that, they could take advantage of longer odds and still get better payouts. The example below will show how much a bettor would make off a $100 bet on the Warriors to outright win the NBA Finals, versus how much they would make on three $33 bets on the Warriors to beat three preseason favorites out of the East.

  • $100 on the Warriors to win the NBA Finals (+600): $600
  • $33 on the Warriors to defeat the Brooklyn Nets (+3500): $1,155
  • $33 on the Warriors to defeat the Boston Celtics (+3500): $1,155
  • $33 on the Warriors to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks (+4000): $1,320

Betting On The NBA Finals MVP

Although not available at most betting sites until the NBA Finals matchup has been decided, legal betting sites frequently see tons of action placed on which player will win the NBA Finals MVP. What is so intriguing about betting on the NBA Finals MVP is the payouts available, which is surprising because bettors already know which teams and players will participate. The longest payout in NBA Finals history was in the 2014-15 NBA Finals when Andre Iguodala took home the award despite +12500 odds before the series even began. Those +12500 are longer than the futures odds of any past teams to win the Finals. Over the past twenty NBA seasons, Iguodala, Kawhi Leonard in 2013-14 (+1800), and Chauncey Billups in 2003-04 (+1500) all had odds that were longer than ten to one. Betting on a player from the team that is expected to win the game is advisable, as no player since Jerry West in 1969 has won the Finals MVP while on the team that lost the Finals.

Betting On The NBA Finals At Online Sportsbooks Vs In Person

The difference between land-based & online sportsbooks mainly comes from the financial aspects that go into using either one. While land-based sports betting venues generally come with fair odds, these betting lines could be weighted due to home team bias. For example, if the 76rs make it to the NBA Finals, you can expect sportsbooks in Philadelphia to assess a greater house take on any bets going to the 76rs. Land-based sportsbooks also come with hidden costs such as the costs it takes to travel there, the money spent on food and drink, and possibly even the money needed to book a stay at the location.

When it comes to licensed legal online sportsbooks that accept U.S. residents, you can avoid much of that hassle. Since these betting sites are located overseas they are free from home team bias and can offer more competitive lines. To add to that, because you can sign up to more than one site, you are able to shop betting lines for the NBA Finals ensuring that you get the best possible payout for your wagers. These sites are also available anywhere you are at any time of the day and can even be accessed from your mobile device. This creates the most convenient way possible to place any last-minute wagers or live bets.

Legal Deposit Methods For NBA Finals Betting

Your online sportsbook deposit method may vary depending on which method you choose. Licensed online sportsbooks accept a variety of different payment methods that include everyday credit/debit card companies such as VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. However, they also accept forms of cryptocurrencies to make sportsbook deposits as such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash amongst others. Something else to keep in mind is that minimum and maximum deposits can differ on different sites as well with some minimums starting at $20 and maximums shooting all the way up to $25,000.

How To Withdraw Winnings From NBA Finals Betting

Collecting your winnings when betting on the NBA Finals is very simple at both retail and online sportsbooks. Retail books will simply give sports bettors the cash or issue an official check to the bettor. Online sportsbooks offer similar options for domestic sportsbooks, while many more options are available for international sportsbooks. You can make fast sportsbook payouts through a number of methods including cryptocurrencies, money orders, bank checks, e-checks, bank wire transfers, and many more. Sports bettors will be able to find the perfect banking methods available for them at online sportsbooks. It is a straightforward process to collect your winnings from sportsbooks when betting on the NBA Finals.

How To Use Cryptocurrency To Bet On The NBA

Betting on the NBA Finals with cryptocurrencies is both extremely easy and rewarding. Top NBA Finals sportsbooks such as Bovada and BetOnline offer players free deposits and withdrawals with crypto, with cryptocurrency also being the fastest method on the way in and out as well. Depositing and withdrawing via cryptocurrency is effectively the same process, with the only difference being that on withdrawal players copy the receiving address of their cryptocurrency exchange instead of the sportsbooks. The process to deposit into an NBA Finals sportsbook with a cryptocurrency is found below.

Steps To Deposit Cryptocurrency Into An NBA Finals Sportsbook

  • Go to an online sportsbook such as Bovada or BetOnline and sign-up. Sportsbooks will ask for information such as name, email, phone number, and it is not out of the ordinary if a social security number is requested to confirm your identity.
  • Once there, you will see each site’s cryptocurrency options. Select the crypto you would like to use.
  • After selecting the crypto of choice, copy the receiving address for the sportsbook. The receiving address will be specified on the sportsbook’s cryptocurrency deposit page.
  • On that cryptocurrency page, that is where you will have the option to opt into a bonus. Opting in must be done before the cryptocurrency is sent.
  • Go to your cryptocurrency exchange and purchase the cryptocurrency you chose at the sportsbook. Coin Base is recommended as an exchange because players can buy crypto and immediately send it.
  • Select the send/receive option at your cryptocurrency exchange. From there, input the amount of cryptocurrency you would like to send.
  • Paste the sportsbook’s receiving address and confirm. There is no need to add any note or anything, as the receiving address produced by the sportsbook is specific to your transaction.
  • Funds should arrive within 15 minutes, but if they do not, the funds will still arrive within the time specified by the sportsbook.

How To Bet On The NBA Finals

NBA Finals Moneyline Betting

This is the simplest type of bet you can make on the NBA Finals. For each game in the series, you are simply picking who you think will win the game. With this bet type, the final score doesn’t matter as long as the team you chose wins. However, the teams will be handicapped by their potential payout. For example, if the Warriors listed at (-200) to win game one then they are the favorite and you would have to bet 200 dollars to win 100. If the Bucks are listed at (+250) to win game one then they would be the underdog and you would only have to bet 100 dollars to win 250 dollars. This wager type will be available for each individual game in the series and the odds will update depending on who won the last game. Pay attention to the NBA standings to get ahead of the sportsbooks.

NBA Finals Spread Betting

This bet type involves wagering on margin of victory, or loss. For example, the Spurs might be favored to win a game by -8.5 points. This means that not only will they have to win the game for you to win your bet on them, but they must also do it by nine or more points. If their opponent wins the game or loses by less than nine points then a bet on them would pay out.

NBA Finals Totals Betting

This wagering type is also commonly known as betting the over/under. Totals betting on the NBA Finals essentially does not deal with the outcome of a game, rather you are simply picking whether or not both teams will combine to score more points or fewer points assigned by the sportsbook. If you believe both teams will score more points then you would place a bet on the “over”.If you think that it will be a more defensive game and that there won’t be as much scoring then you can take the “under.” For example, if the Warriors play the Celtics in the NBA Finals, the line may be set at (235) meaning that the sportsbook is expecting a relatively high-scoring game already. It will then be up to you to pick whether you think there will be more scoring between the two teams or less.

NBA Player/Team Prop Betting

Prop bets for the NBA Finals are another common bet type that isn’t necessarily tied to the final outcome of the game. Player props involve placing wagers on individual player performances. An online sportsbook could set a yes/no player prop such as whether or not James Harden will score a certain amount of three-pointers. It won’t matter if the Rockets win or lose the game, if your prediction for his shots beyond the ark comes true then your bet will pay out. Team props are similar in that they are focused on stats that the team will accrue as the game goes on. This could mean taking an over/under on the number of steals that the Raptors will get. It won’t matter who on the team gets the steals, so long as the team hits a certain mark.

NBA Futures Bets

A lot of people betting on the NBA finals will want to place their wagers on who will win the series and in how many games before the series even begins. This NBA Finals wagering type is known as a future bet. These types of bets are available way before the series even begins and can sometimes even be made before the regular season begins depending on the online offshore sportsbook you choose. The further out you select this bet then the higher the payout. However, future bets are still available and updated after each game in the series.

Mobile Betting On The NBA Finals

No matter where you are betting on the NBA Finals can be done from any mobile phone, tablet, or laptop at legal sportsbooks. Mobile sports betting has changed the NBA Finals betting experience entirely. You no longer have to drive to the bookie to place wagers as you can do so from the comfort of your home. Licensed online sportsbooks have NBA Finals player props, game props, and specials props that can all be accessed by simply going to the sports betting sites from any Apple or Android device’s web browser. You’ll never worry about missing an opportunity to bet on the NBA Finals using mobile betting features especially considering that unlike state-regulated sports betting sites the licensed online sportsbooks don’t require you to be on the campus of a casino which is the case in some states.

Live Betting On The NBA Finals

With the intensity of the NBA Finals making it hard to predict outcomes, live sports betting has become very popular for the event each year. All of the top sites offering legal NBA Finals betting have live in game odds. These odds and props update in real time, giving you the chance to cash on players getting hot midway through the game. While finding where to bet on the NBA Finals is not hard for live bettors, Bovada is one of the best sites you will find.

Legal NBA Finals Betting FAQ’s

What does it mean to shop lines for the NBA Finals?

Often times different sportsbooks will have different odds set for the exact same game or the exact same wagering type. For example, one betting site may list the Golden State Warriors as the favorites to win the series at -250 while another site may have them listed at -300. If you were betting to win $100, you would have to lay down an additional $50 to be risked. With online offshore sportsbooks, you can make one account per site, however, you can also sign up to as many different sites as you want for free. This gives you the best opportunity to make sure that you’re getting the best deal for all your NBA Finals bets.

Are there any NBA Finals sportsbook bonuses available online?

Certain online offshore sports betting sites will offer promotions or deals concerning the NBA Finals specifically, but more often than not you will find general sportsbook bonuses. This could come in the form of a Welcome Bonus or a Reload Bonus, but they could also come in the way of risk-free player prop bets, risk-free mobile bets, or incentivized live betting for any sports but you could very well use for the NBA Finals. There are plenty of these types of deals available at all the top offshore sites, and they are continuously updated throughout the NBA season so you will have to check back often to make sure you have the right promo code.

How will I receive my payout when betting on the NBA Finals?

The method in which you receive your payout will largely depend on whether you’re using a state-licensed online sportsbook or one that is operated overseas. Ones that are provided by US states may require you to visit the casinos from which they are based in order to receive cash. They may also allow you to request a check or receive your payout through online means such as Skrill, Neteller, or PayPal.

When it comes to online offshore sportsbooks, your payout options will differ slightly. For example, you will not be able to use Skrill, Neteller, or PayPal, but instead, you will be able to request a withdrawal through Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. You may also be able to have a check mailed out to, a money order, or even a bank wire transfer depending on the site you use. For both state-licensed online sportsbooks and offshore sportsbooks you will not be able to have your NBA Finals winnings sent straight to our credit or debit card.

Are there any fees associated with using my card to bet on the NBA Finals?

Yes, there are indeed processing and convenience fees when you are using your credit or debit card in order to bet on the NBA Finals. The amount varies by state with some states taking as little as 3% and others taking as much as 9%. The transaction fee is applied to the card you use to deposit into your account. In fact, the total amount, which includes how much you plan to wager added to the transaction fee, will be visible before you make your final purchase. The fees can be offset by deposit bonuses at online sportsbooks that give you more money on your initial deposit.

Is using Bitcoin to bet on the NBA Finals safe?

Yes, and in fact, it is the preferred method by many NBA bettors. The reason being is that Bitcoin is a decentralized currency, meaning that it doesn’t have to go through multiple banks to get processed. This means that deposits, withdrawals, and bets, can all be made faster and more efficiently by using this transaction method. Not only that, but Bitcoin is backed by blockchain technology which means that your funds are also more secure from potential online hackers. Online offshore sportsbooks will even go the extra mile and provide specific bonuses to their members who use Bitcoin to legally place wagers on the NBA finals.

When is the best time to bet on the NBA Finals Futures?

The NBA Finals futures betting odds are presented immediately following the conclusion of the previous years’ finals. Once the season is officially over, the odds will be updated all throughout the summer, seeing major changes around the NBA free agency, NBA Draft, and NBA preseason. It is best to wager on a team to win the NBA Finals before they make a decent run or acquire an all-star player. Doing so is difficult but you will find that betting odds were once double, triple, or even quadruple what you will find once a team starts performing well.