Best NBA Betting Apps For December 2024 – Forbes Betting

If you’re familiar with sports betting or daily fantasy sports (DFS), you probably know DraftKings Sportsbook. It was one of the first U.S. sportsbooks to launch in 2018 and is one of the two largest sportsbooks in the country in terms of market share.

DraftKings has daily odds boosts, a strong rewards program and a sign-up bonus for new customers. It also has some of the most extensive betting markets in the industry – especially when it comes to NBA prop bets – and makes building parlays easy with its Parlay Builder tool.

DraftKings also has frequent promotions around NBA games, including no-sweat bets and odds boosts for star players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $5+, get $150 in bonus bets if first bet wins
Promo Code	N/A
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NH, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY, WV
Offer Expires	Jan. 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.5/5
Date Verified	Dec. 4, 2024
Claim Bonus

FanDuel Sportsbook rivals DraftKings as one of the country’s largest and most popular sports betting platforms. It’s widely available and easy to use, making it a top destination for NBA bettors.

While the two apps are similar in many ways and have comparable welcome offers, FanDuel stands out with its sleek mobile app, which many bettors consider best-in-class.

FanDuel’s intuitive layout makes it easy to navigate the app and find the bets you’re looking for. FanDuel also runs frequent NBA odds boosts and has special markets for star players, like how many rebounds former NBA MVP Nikola Jokic will get in a game.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $5+, get $150 in Bonus Bets + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Promo Code	N/A
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY
Offer Expires	Dec. 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score	4.9/5
Google Play Store Score	4.7/5
Date Verified	Dec. 4, 2024
Claim Bonus

BetMGM Sportsbook is a high-quality betting platform as well. It has a strong welcome offer, a great rewards program through MGM and a user-friendly app that makes it easy to find the bets you’re looking for.

BetMGM has some of the best market depth in the industry for all sports, including basketball. It has a great selection of prop bets, futures markets, daily odds boosts and more.

It also has a unique “Edit My Bet” feature that allows bettors to adjust their bets after submitting them in case you have a change of heart.

Category	Description
Offer	Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses
Promo Code	FORBES
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY
Offer Expires	Feb. 10, 2025
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.3/5
Date Verified	Dec. 4, 2024
Claim Bonus

Caesars Sportsbook is another great option for sports bettors. It has a strong welcome offer, a robust loyalty program through Caesars Rewards and a deep selection of betting markets.

It also has the most odds boosts in the industry, offering dozens of daily boosts on various sports, including the NBA. Many boosts are based on props, like for two players to record a certain number of points or rebounds in the same game.

Caesars also rewards customers with frequent promotions like profit boosts and bonus bets, which can be used on NBA markets.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $1, get 10 $100% profit boosts
Promo Code	FORBES1000
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY
Offer Expires	11:59 a.m. local time on Jan. 27, 2025
Apple Store Score	4.7/5
Google Play Store Score	4.3/5
Date Verified	Dec. 4, 2024
Claim Bonus

One of the newest sportsbooks on the market, Fanatics Sportsbook has rapidly expanded since merging with PointsBet in 2023.

Fanatics stands out with its unique welcome offer and generous rewards program, which gives bettors a percentage of every bet with FanCash. If you’re someone who bets on basketball consistently throughout the season, your FanCash will pile up quickly, which you can either convert into bonus bets or use as site credit at Fanatics’ retail store.

Fanatics also has daily odds boosts and a modern app that tailors the home page based on your betting history, making it easier to find the NBA markets you like to bet on. It boasts an impressive array of NBA betting markets as well.

Category	Description
Offer	Get daily $100 no-sweat bet for 10 straight days
Promo Code	N/A
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	$1+, min. -500 odds
Availability	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY
Offer Expires	Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.4/5
Date Verified	Dec. 4, 2024
Claim Bonus

The British-based Bet365 has more international coverage than many American sportsbooks, making it an appealing option for bettors who like to bet on niche sports or foreign markets like cricket or international basketball.

A global sportsbook with over 90 million customers worldwide, Bet365 features a unique welcome offer along with a diverse menu of betting markets and props, including NBA wagers.

While it’s not as widely available as the sportsbooks mentioned above, it’s a terrific option if it’s available in your state.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets OR get up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first bet loses
Promo Code	FORBES (U.S.), FORBESCAN (Canada ex. Ontario)
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	Min. -500 odds
Availability	AZ, CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA, VA
Offer Expires	TBD
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.6/5
Date Verified	Dec. 4, 2024
Claim Bonus

While many sports betting apps can feel overwhelming with in-your-face promotions and endless betting options, BetRivers provides a simpler experience. Its app is more streamlined and has less clutter than bigger brands, making it easy to find the bets you’re searching for.

BetRivers’ welcome offer varies by state. It also has odds boosts, a rewards program and plenty of bets to choose from, including NBA markets.

If you’re looking for a smooth sports betting experience, BetRivers fits the bill.

Category	Description
Offer	Get $100-$500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses (depending on state)
Promo Code	SPORTS
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	Min. -200 odds
Availability	AZ, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
Offer Expires	TBD
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.7/5
Date Verified	Dec. 4, 2024
Claim Bonus

One of the newest sportsbooks on the scene, ESPN BET debuted in November 2023 after rebranding from Barstool Sportsbook. It has all the hallmarks of a modern sportsbook, including a snazzy app, frequent promotions and extensive betting markets.

ESPN BET also has numerous exclusive odds boosts on various sports, including the NBA. It has frequent promotions too, including a generous welcome offer for new customers.

Hard Rock Bet debuted in January 2019 and is affiliated with Hard Rock Casino. It has a clean, modern app that’s easy to use along with exclusive daily odds boosts, good market depth and solid promotions.

Hard Rock Bet has a good range of NBA markets. However, it’s only available in eight states, so access is still somewhat limited.

When looking for a good NBA betting app to join, consider the following:

• Betting Markets: The best basketball betting apps offer a wide range of betting markets for each NBA game. There should be plenty of NBA wagers to choose from.
• Competitive Odds: The best NBA sportsbooks have competitive odds. You’ll see similar prices across platforms, but sometimes you may see significantly different odds or lines for a specific wager. Shop around to get the best prices for your NBA wagers.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support is important for any issues or questions. There should be multiple ways to contact them (live chat, email, phone support, etc.) with quick response times. All the NBA betting apps we recommend have dependable customer support, but some platforms are better than others.
• Payment Methods: You’ll want an app with a variety of secure and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods, including e-wallets, credit/debit cards and bank transfers. Note the processing times and any related fees.
• Promotions: Most NBA betting apps have welcome offers for customers. See what other promotions they offer beyond that, including odds boosts and referral bonuses.
• Rewards Program: Some apps reward you for every bet, while others have no loyalty program. Look for books that give you something in return for betting.
• Reputation and Regulation: Pick an NBA betting app that is licensed and regulated in the sports betting state you’re in. These sites pay you out quickly if you win, keep your personal information safe and have customer service to address any issues.
• User Experience: Prioritize user-friendly NBA betting apps that are easy to navigate, place bets and manage your account. A high-quality mobile app is important for betting on the go.

The best NBA betting apps provide similar services but slightly different experiences.

Whether you’re a first-time bettor or a seasoned veteran, it helps to seek out certain qualities in an NBA betting app.

Looking at operating systems is usually a good place to start. Most sportsbooks offer Android and iOS apps.

You can check the App Store or Google Play to confirm. Any sports betting site worth your while will have an app available for download on either platform.

From there, dig deeper. Almost every NBA betting app will offer a sign-up bonus, giving you site credit to play with on top of your initial deposit.

Compare bonuses from multiple betting apps for NBA (where available), and ask yourself: Which one gives me the best bang for my buck?

That said, you can claim welcome promotions at multiple online betting sites.

Be sure to check the rules associated with the offer. Is a big deposit required to trigger the bonus? Do you need to bet a certain amount before the extra funds hit your account?

Then, jump straight to the features and functionality, including odds and market coverage. A solid NBA betting app will offer plenty of lines with competitive odds.

It should also be easy to find your desired bet. A sportsbook shouldn’t force you to waste time looking around for the bet you want.

Once you’ve picked an NBA sportsbook to join, registering is easy.

• To start, simply download the app to your mobile device through the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Once you’ve downloaded the app, enter your personal information to verify your identity.
• Enter your promo code (if applicable) to claim your welcome bonus.
• Make a deposit using a verified payment method.
• Once you’ve made a deposit and have money in your account, you can start betting on whatever you want.

Registering for a sports betting app only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve set up your account and added some funds, you can start betting on whatever you want, including the NBA.

One way to choose an NBA betting app is to determine which one has the best sign-up bonus, especially if it involves “free” money.

That means looking at each sportsbook available in your state and comparing their welcome offers.

Many NBA betting apps offers include a first-bet bonus that refunds your first wager in site credit if it loses. However, they are not giving you free money – they are merely giving you your money back in the form of site credit if you lose.

Instead, you’re better off joining a sportsbook with a “bet and get” promotion (like the FanDuel welcome bonus) where you earn bonus bets for wagering a small amount. They’re essentially giving you free money to bet with, and you get to keep the winnings.

This is ideal for sports bettors because you can bet without risking your own money initially. You can also use these bonus bets to win real money and build up your betting bankroll without making a large deposit.

With so many betting markets available for each NBA game, no one betting app will have the best lines for all of them.

Odds are usually comparable across NBA betting apps, so major differences are rare. You may see the New York Knicks with -170 moneyline odds at one sportsbook and -160 odds at another, but you won’t see them with -300 odds at one book and +500 elsewhere.

The NBA betting apps highlighted above all have similar odds for NBA markets. Still, it doesn’t hurt to download multiple betting apps and compare odds, especially since some markets may not be available at certain betting sites.

Small differences add up over the course of the season, especially if you’re betting on multiple NBA games every day. Taking time to research differences in odds and lines can help maximize your profits.

Once you’ve registered for a NBA betting app, there are many ways you can safely fund your account through the app.

These options vary by state and operator, but here are some of the most common deposit methods at NBA betting sites:

• Bank Transfer
• Credit/Debit Card
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Apple Pay
• Wire Transfer
• PayNearMe
• Skrill
• Gift Card

You can choose which option is the best and most convenient for you.

Similarly, there are a number of ways you can withdraw money from your account as well.

• Bank Transfer
• Debit Card
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Check By Mail

NBA betting apps protect your banking information, so you don’t have to worry about it being stolen when you’re making transactions through the app.

No single NBA betting app is the best. It all comes down to user experience, and every user has a different experience.

As you can see, there are numerous NBA betting apps worth checking out. You’ll find the app(s) you like best by trying different options and figuring out which best fits your betting habits and preferences.

The bottom line is that the “best” sportsbook can depend on many factors, including the state you live in (or can most reasonably visit), promotions and market depth.

That said, you can’t go wrong with any of the NBA betting apps covered above.

There’s no shortage of NBA betting apps available these days. The majority of states have at least one available, while some states have over a dozen.

With so many options to choose from, here’s a list of criteria to consider when choosing an NBA betting app.

Battery Usage

This is a big one. Battery life is important, so you want to pick a NBA betting app that doesn’t kill your battery. The amount of battery used by a sportsbook can also depend on the make, model and age of your phone.

If you have an older phone, some sportsbooks might be more taxing than others. Also, some sportsbooks offer the ability to stream sporting events, which can quickly drain your battery.

Data Efficiency

It’s important to pick an app that doesn’t suck up all your data. The biggest way sports betting apps can limit the amount of data they use is by optimizing the images included in the app.

The more images a sports betting app has, the more data it uses. Accordingly, simpler apps tend to use less data.

Fast Load Times

Not only do you want an NBA betting app that’s efficient, but you also want one that loads quickly. This, much like data optimization, can come down to the amount of information on each sportsbook’s interface.

A more simplified sportsbook like FanDuel might load faster than one like BetMGM, which features lots of photos on its home page. This is also important when making bets, especially live ones.

You’ll want to pick a sportsbook that immediately loads your selections in your bet slip, thus allowing you to instantly select your wager amount and place your bet. If it takes a long time for the app to load your selection into your bet slip, you might miss out on a chance to get the best odds.

Intuitive User Interface

While having a NBA betting app that loads quickly is great, you also want one that’s easy to use.

DraftKings might be the best example of this. Its app features large, easy-to-tap bet selections along with a swipeable navigation system and a layout that prioritizes substance over style.

Mobile-Specific Features

Having an NBA betting app in your pocket is handy, so you should use a sportsbook that optimizes that mobility. Some mobile features that we think are most important are:

• Touch and gesture controls: We’ve all gotten incredibly used to navigating touch screens, so you should be sure to use a sportsbook that has intuitive touch controls and doesn’t have any lag when you scroll the screen or tap on a bet.
• Notifications: Like text and email notifications on your phone, you have the option to get alerts about your bets or promotions. These can help you stay informed and also reduce the need to constantly check the betting app, which can suck up your battery and data. However, for individuals who have trouble staying present in their daily activities, push notifications from a betting site can be distracting. We recommend turning them off if you’ve experienced problems.
• Screen design: Phones come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s worth making sure that the sportsbook you choose is optimized to your phone screen and operating system. While this shouldn’t be a problem for users with newer devices, it’s worth looking into if you’re using an older device.
• Updates: Mobile apps are always being updated, and sports betting apps are no exception. It’s worth paying attention to any updates involving your sportsbook(s) of choice to see if any big changes occur after an update.

Geolocation

All NBA betting apps are equipped with state-of-the-art geolocation services that confirm you’re located in a state where sports betting is legal and the sportsbook is able to operate.

If you’re not physically present in a state where sports betting is legal, then the app won’t let you place any bets.

Offline Features

NBA betting apps don’t have offline features since you need an internet connection to view odds and lines. If you’re going to be without internet or mobile service for a while, make sure to place your bets beforehand.

Payments

As detailed above, make sure to pick an NBA betting app where you can easily withdraw and deposit money using your preferred method of payment. Almost every sports betting app allows you to fund your account using any of the following methods:

• ACH (electronic checking or direct deposit)
• Debit/credit cards
• Online transfer
• Wire transfer
• PayPal/Venmo/Apple Pay

Still, there can be some variation across sportsbooks, so be sure to check beforehand.