Women’s Basketball Sports Betting: How To Bet On WNBA Games

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is one of the fastest-growing sports here in the United States. The caliber of play exhibited within the WNBA continues to improve season after season, transcending the basketball standards of other countries. 

Games run from May to September with playoffs in October. With the surge in popularity, betting on the WNBA has experienced a significant upswing. WNBA is very dynamic and you need to keep up with the trends to become a good bettor.

In this article we’ll cover the basics of WNBA betting, with some tips on how to get started.

How To Bet On the WNBA: WNBA Betting Lines And Odds

Before delving into WNBA betting, it’s crucial to grasp the concepts of point spreads, totals, and moneyline bets. Let’s look at each one, with relevant examples.

Point Spreads: Point spreads indicate the expected winning margin for the “favorite,” as set by oddsmakers. In this context, a team denoted with a (-) is considered the “favorite.” For instance, if we consider the New York Liberty -5 against the Seattle Storm, it means the Liberty is favored by 5 points over the Storm. 

The Storm would be categorized as the “underdog.” Most point spreads come with odds of -110, meaning that for every $110 wagered, you stand to win $100. Imagine you placed a bet on the Liberty -5, and they won by 6 points. Your $55 bet would yield a $50 profit.

Totals: Totals refer to the projected combined points that oddsmakers anticipate for the game. You can then decide to bet on the points being “over” or “under” that specified number. This total encompasses the scores of both participating teams. 

For instance, if the New York Liberty/Seattle Storm total is set at 205.5, any score of 206 or higher is considered the “OVER,” while scores of 205 or lower are considered the “UNDER.” Similar to point spreads, totals typically come with odds of -110. A bet of $110 could yield a $100 return.

Moneyline Bets: Moneyline bets involve a straightforward wager on the team you believe will win the game. If you encounter odds like New York Liberty -200 and Seattle Storm +175, these represent the corresponding payouts. 

Therefore, a victory for the Liberty over the Storm, regardless of the point difference, is what matters. Betting $200 on the Liberty at -200 could yield a $100 profit, given their favored status. On the other hand, the underdog Storm at +175 would require a $100 bet to win $175 if they emerge victorious.

WNBA odds are presented in three different formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional.

American Odds: These odds are expressed as a number with a plus or minus sign, like +125 or -125. These figures help you gauge your potential moneyline bet outcomes.

Fractional Odds: Fractional odds require multiplying the displayed fraction by your wager to calculate the potential profit from your bet.

Decimal Odds: Decimal odds provide a comprehensive view of your potential winnings, encompassing both your initial wager and the profit. The number shown represents the amount you could win on a $1 bet. For example, 2.25 signifies a potential return of $2.25 for every $1 wagered, while 3.35 equates to a $3.35 return for every $1 bet.

Use our own sports betting calculator to understand how much you’d win using any of these odds.

Other Popular WNBA Betting Types

In the realm of the WNBA, there exists a variety of popular betting options beyond the basic wagers. Among these are futures bets, including:

Odds to Win WNBA Title: These bets can be placed before the season commences. Oddsmakers consider team rosters and offseason moves to assign odds for each team’s chance of clinching the championship. These odds can also change during the season based on team performance.

Odds to Win Divisional Title: Similar to the above, these bets focus on teams winning their respective divisions. Given the fewer number of teams in a division, the odds for these bets tend to be lower.

Odds to Win Conference Title: For both the Eastern and Western Conference, odds are provided for the favorite and other teams. These odds shift as the season unfolds.

Odds to Win Most Valuable Player (MVP): Before and during the season, you can place bets on who you believe will be crowned the MVP.

Odds to Win Rookie of the Year: At the start of the season, you might find enticing odds on emerging talents to secure the Rookie of the Year title.

In addition to these future bets, there are an array of game props available for WNBA matchups. Game props entail betting on specific occurrences during the game. Suppose the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm were facing off; you could bet on scenarios such as:

• Brittney Griner Over/Under 10.5 Rebounds
• Breanna Stewart Over/Under 25.5 Points
• Sue Bird Over/Under 6.5 Assists

When engaging with WNBA betting, parlays and teasers are also at your disposal. Parlays combine multiple bets into a single wager, potentially leading to larger payouts. However, remember that winning every bet within the parlay is necessary to secure the overall win.

Teaser bets are prevalent, too. These involve buying points and typically combining at least two bets. For example, if the Las Vegas Aces were favored by -4, and the total points were set at 190.5 against the Minnesota Lynx, a standard teaser might shift the spread to Las Vegas Aces +2 and the total to UNDER 196.5. The key aspect remains that both components of the teaser must be successful for the bet to pay out.

Live betting, a growing trend, allows you to wager during the course of a game. To succeed here, you must be attentive and prepared to act swiftly. Opportunities include predicting the outcome at the end of a quarter, half, or the entire game. 

Furthermore, you can bet on total points within specific timeframes or upcoming plays. While advantageous, live betting requires careful strategy and focus to achieve long-term profitability.

How to Bet on WNBA: Frequently Asked Questions

Engaging in WNBA betting is far from a straightforward endeavor. If it were easy, countless individuals would be raking in profits left and right through their wagers. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that the National Basketball Association operates impartially; it isn’t swayed toward any particular outcome. While instances of past scandals involving officials and players do exist, these incidents do not taint the overall integrity of the league or its entire season.

Navigating WNBA betting requires a blend of patience, determination, and sound judgment. It’s worth noting that unless you hold a role within the team, such as being a player, coach, or trainer, participating in NBA betting is fully legal in the United States. 

Responsible betting staying within your financial means, is paramount. It’s obligatory to place your bets at a legitimate onshore sportsbook within the United States, as offshore bookmakers are not sanctioned by U.S. law. The landscape now offers several legal and secure sportsbooks, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. 

Notably, concerns surrounding deposits and withdrawals have largely receded due to the legalization of sports betting, which has addressed many past hurdles.

As mentioned earlier, let’s delve into the fundamental terms that underpin NBA betting:

• Point Spreads: These denote the favored margin by which a team is anticipated to win or the number of points by which an underdog is predicted to trail.
• Moneyline: This figure indicates the potential winnings from a bet placed on a specific team. It’s a vital indicator of possible returns.
• Total: The total represents the combined sum of points scored in a game, providing a basis for over/under bets.

In essence, while WNBA betting might not be straightforward, it remains a lawful and potentially rewarding pursuit. Yet, it’s essential to approach it with prudence, adhering to responsible practices and legal avenues for placing bets.

Top WNBA Betting Sites: Best Online Sportsbooks For WNBA Betting Lines

Regarding WNBA betting, one of the most valuable pieces of advice is to seek out the most favorable lines and odds in the market. Achieving this requires identifying a dependable and user-friendly sportsbook that offers readily accessible options. Expanding your list of trusted sportsbooks can enhance your potential for finding better odds.

Over the years, the process of legalizing WNBA betting has transformed the United States sportsbook landscape. The stringent regulations that now govern sportsbook operations have significantly diminished the concerns that existed before the repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act). This newfound regulatory structure should instill bettors with a greater sense of confidence as they embark on their betting journey.

When you’re ready to engage with a sportsbook, there are crucial steps to consider. Ensure that the sportsbook holds full licensing and adheres to regulatory standards. Evaluate their range of reliable payout and deposit options. 

Gauge the extent of betting opportunities they provide. Furthermore, ascertain whether they offer robust customer service for those needing assistance. Before committing any funds to wagering, it’s imperative to scrutinize these aspects.

In the United States, certain sportsbooks stand out as premier options. DraftKings and FanDuel have solidified their positions as top-tier choices. Additionally, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, WynnBet, and PointsBet are all commendable and legitimate alternatives. 

While some are available in most legal states, for others, it’s crucial to confirm their legality and availability in your specific state of residence before proceeding.

Basic Tips For Becoming A Sharper WNBA Bettor

When venturing into WNBA betting, you’ll quickly realize the wealth of information available at your disposal. For those serious about becoming successful sports bettors, particularly when betting on the WNBA, dedicating time to thorough research on teams and players is not just recommended – it’s imperative.

Familiarity with coaches and their tendencies is crucial. Understand team dynamics, discern their strengths against opponents, and pinpoint their challenges. Grasp how playing time is distributed among key players. 

Gauge the momentum a team carries into a game. Furthermore, assess whether star players are rested or playing intensely. This multifaceted approach to research is paramount. Dive into articles, monitor social media feeds, observe games firsthand, and actively listen to analyses.

Effectively managing your bankroll is another cardinal principle for success in WNBA sports betting. While it’s possible to achieve significant gains, it’s equally feasible to incur substantial losses. Recognize that the WNBA season is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no obligation to bet on every game, nor is there a need to wager daily. 

Construct a well-thought-out bankroll management plan that aligns with your financial comfort zone. Your pre-established plan should be upheld consistently. Remember, before adhering to the plan, take the time to craft it with care.

Resist the urge to place emotional bets. While your favorite team might be on a rough streak or you’re caught up in the excitement of attending a game, emotions can cloud sound judgment. 

Emotional bets are rarely conducive to consistent, long-term success in WNBA betting. 

Additionally, avoid the trap of chasing losses. Suffering a loss can be disheartening, but making impulsive wagers to recoup losses rarely yields favorable results. Approach WNBA betting as a marathon, emphasizing steady and strategic decision-making over quick fixes.

Maintaining a comprehensive record of all your bets is invaluable. This self-assessment helps you identify trends that work in your favor and those that don’t. Whether you choose to manually track your bets or utilize online tracking tools, keep records of the amount, timing, and selections of each bet. This data-driven approach will prove invaluable in refining your strategies over time, ultimately enhancing your proficiency in WNBA sports betting.

How To Bet On The WNBA Playoffs

The WNBA Playoffs involves just 8 of the 12 teams. The first round of the playoffs is a best-of-three series. So, just like any seeded tournament, teams will get a seed 1-8, and 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, and 4 vs. 5. This is a best-of-three series, with the winner winning two games to move on. There are betting chances for each and every one of these games.

Then – the Semi-Finals and Finals move to a best-of-five series, with the winner winning three games to move on. Also, great betting opportunities here as well. There are no special rules to the WNBA Playoffs. To win a championship, you would need to win eight games.

Things To Know Before Betting On WNBA Games

Returning to the realm of betting within the WNBA, let’s delve into a range of additional tips that warrant your attention before embarking on your journey.

• Grasp the Significance of Line Movement: Delve into the dynamics of line movement and comprehend its underlying importance. Investigate the reasons behind shifts in odds. These movements can stem from bookmakers influencing bettor preferences or substantial wagers favoring a particular side. Embrace line movement trends and proactively discern the rationale driving these changes. A thorough understanding empowers informed wagering decisions.
• Montior Injuries: Vigilantly track injury news as it unfolds. Factor in the possibility of key players missing games, particularly during back-to-back matchups. This knowledge is indispensable for making well-informed bets. You might even identify instances where your insights outpace sportsbook adjustments, offering you a potential edge.
• Note the Home vs. Away Dynamics: While weather isn’t a variable in indoor WNBA games, the location of the game can significantly impact outcomes. Teams often exhibit disparate performance levels when playing at home versus on the road. Acknowledge these tendencies and align your bets accordingly. Some teams thrive in their home arenas, while others falter away from home territory.
• Gradual Entry for Novices: If you’re new to the world of sports betting, it’s prudent to commence with caution. Start with smaller wagers if uncertainties linger. Once you feel you’ve grasped the mechanics and strategies, gradually build your bankroll. This gradual approach facilitates learning and adjustment, potentially leading to more confident and informed decisions. As your understanding grows, you can then consider re-evaluating your betting unit sizes.

Arming yourself with these insights equips you with a comprehensive foundation to navigate the complexities of WNBA betting, fostering a rewarding and potentially profitable experience.

Do You Feel Ready To Give WNBA Betting a Go?

When it comes to WNBA betting, the landscape is brimming with both excitement and potential profitability. Engaging intelligently with this endeavor can yield substantial gains, achieved by bettors who wield strategic acumen.

Central to success is good bankroll management – a cornerstone principle for any WNBA bettor. Coupled with this, an analytical approach is pivotal. Thoroughly dissecting teams, coaches, and players contribute to informed decisions. Those who excel in this arena exhibit wisdom in their wagers, leveraging the diverse offerings of multiple sportsbooks. 

Their familiarity with these platforms and the confidence they instill are instrumental in securing the most advantageous odds. Additionally, adept WNBA bettors skillfully navigate the potential pitfalls, wisely avoiding unfavorable parlays whenever odds fail to align favorably.

As you embark on your WNBA betting journey, the essence of responsible betting practices must be your guiding compass. The journey necessitates becoming not only well-versed in team dynamics and league intricacies but also in the art of crafting and placing well-calculated bets.

Nurturing a mindset of continual learning and adaptability is crucial. With every bet placed, strive to glean fresh insights and finetune your approach. These modifications can range from subtle adjustments to comprehensive shifts in strategy. Yet, the ultimate aim persists: harnessing your expertise to reap rewards by making shrewd WNBA betting decisions.