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Legal Virtual Basketball Betting

Virtual Basketball Lebron James IconOne of the most recent sensations featured at online sportsbooks is betting on virtual sports. Legal virtual basketball betting is at the top of the offerings of this new betting phenomenon, and although there are many similarities to real basketball games and the betting lines that are provided for them, there are some key differences which we will detail on this page.

We will also cover the legalities involved in online virtual basketball betting to keep players out of foul trouble and discuss whether or not it is available in all areas of the United States. We’ll also specify the best legal online sportsbooks that offer virtual sports and detail the types of betting lines – and everything else – players can expect when they arrive there. This guide will serve as a virtual basketball trainer to help gamblers take their best shot.

What Is Virtual Basketball?

Virtual hoops involve simulated competition using random numeric data inserted into virtual basketball software. The game action is computer-controlled with no human involvement. The players and teams are completely fictional, and although they may sport some similar team colors to their same-city counterparts, they bear no resemblance to the actual team or roster.

What little historical data there is to glean off of is represented in the odds. These are not games that involve intense study to master. They are designed to be fun, convenient, and offer 24/7 betting opportunities when other sports are not in play, regardless of the reason.

That said, bettors can get an edge on the teams by consulting their “season” stats, which are included on every game’s betting page. These seasons conclude daily (or almost daily) at most legal sports betting sites. For example, at the time of this writing, Bovada’s virtual basketball league is currently in season 18,420 (yes, you read that correctly!), and you can see the current standings for this season under the virtual sports “Statistics” tab.

Best Virtual Basketball Betting Sites For 2024

Site NameCurrent BonusAgeU.S.Visit Site
Top Rated #1 IconBovada Sportsbook50% Max $1,00018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
2BetUS125% Max $3,12518+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
3MyBookie Sportsbook50% Max $1,00021+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
4xbet logo50% Max $50021+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
5Betonline Sportsbook50% Max $1,00018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
6sports betting logo50% Max $1,00018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review

Is It Legal To Bet In Virtual Basketball?

Betting on virtual basketball is currently only available online and not in land-based casinos across the US. Some state-regulated sportsbooks are offering virtual sports betting on their online platforms, but most of the action on virtual basketball is being taken offshore.

New Jersey sportsbooks offer online wagering on virtual sports, but you must be within state lines to take part in the betting. The Federal Wire Act outlaws betting across state lines and is intended to prevent interstate sports wagering.

Because all but one state, Washington, has no mention of offshore gaming regulation on their lawbooks, no laws can be broken by betting on virtual basketball online with a sportsbook operating in a jurisdiction outside of the USA.

Although we've yet to hear of any arrests being made for the crime of online betting in Washington, it is still against the law, and we advise traveling to another region that allows for legal sports betting online.

Virtual Basketball Betting Odds

If you are familiar with betting on the NBA, or if you have ever placed a wager on NCAA basketball, then you will be familiar with the betting options presented by virtual basketball. Below we will detail each variety of betting line that bettors can expect to find when browsing the virtual sports section of their preferred online sportsbook.

All of the betting odds offered for virtual basketball betting are presented in moneyline form. The oddsmakers offer a straight, spread, or prop to bet on, such as which team will win or what will be the final score, and they publish their odds accordingly. An example of this is:

  • Winner: New York +105, Chicago -120

Chicago is the favorite to win the game because they have the lowest odds attached to them with -120. A wager of $120 placed on Chicago will earn a $100 payout if they are victorious. For New York bettors, a $100 wager would pay out $105 with a win.

Moneyline odds are offered on the best virtual sports betting sites for a variety of occurrences. Below is a list of some of the betting lines that you will find available to wager on at our top recommended virtual basketball sites.

  • Winners
  • Halftime Winners
  • Over/Under Combined Team Totals
  • Over/Under Individual Team Totals
  • Halftime Winning Margins
  • Final Winning Margins

Virtual Basketball, eSports, And Video Game Sims

All of these three popular betting categories involve simulated competitions, but there are key differences that separate them from traditional virtual basketball. We’ve gone over the details of what defines virtual basketball. Now we’ll dive into how eSports and video game sims differ in their presentation and betting lines.

Virtual Basketball

As stated above, virtual basketball – as part of the common virtual sports category at legal betting sites – involves fictional teams and computer simulated matchups with no human involvement. These games use audited, certified RNG (random number generation) software to ensure a statistically sound approach, and while the teams may have similar names and themes as their referential real-world counterparts, they are unbranded and do not reflect the current statuses of NBA teams.

Right now at Bovada, for example, the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers – with one of the best records in the league before the coronavirus suspension – are near the top of the boards to win the NBA Finals. However, the fictional LA team in Bovada’s virtual sports section is ranked 9th in the “American Basketball League,” sitting right out of playoff contention.

Basketball eSports

These competitions are played using a popular sports video game franchise Take-Two’s NBA 2K series, and are controlled by human players. Spreads, striaghts, and over/under betting lines will be provided, and the odds are mostly dependent on the skill of the human gamers and the attributes of the athletes or teams that the players have selected to compete with. eSports competitions can be seen via a live video streams over the internet and are sometimes even held in large arenas.

Basketball Video Game Simulations

Although this medium uses the same gaming format as eSports, there is no human involvement. Basketball sims are conducted using the computer to control the actions of each team, and odds are based on the skills and makeup of each simulated team or competitor.

What separates basketball simulations from virtual sports is that the athletes and teams in play reflect their branded, real-life counterparts. These games are shown on live streaming online services (i.e. Twitch) with the links provided by your sportsbook of choice.

Live Betting On Virtual Basketball

Virtual games recur every few minutes and provide ample betting opportunity, but live betting is not allowed on virtual basketball or other virtual sports. All wagers must be placed prior to the starting whistle, so once the game starts, bettors can simply observe the action and hope for a payout.

Video game sims and eSports feature longer duration times which allow for live wagering, but because virtual sports matches last just a few short minutes, there is no ebb and flow to support in-game betting.

Mobile Virtual Basketball Betting

Players that are looking to bet on the go need look no further than the web apps provided by the top offshore sportsbooks listed on this page. No visit to the App Store or the Google Play Store is required. Click on one of the virtual basketball betting sites we recommend in this guide with a current mobile browser on your internet-ready device and the responsive design technology will adhere to your specific iPhone, iPad, or Android screen size.

Mobile betting on virtual basketball features reactive buttons just like a Vegas gambling machine, but in the palm of your hand. But don’t hold onto the ball – Take the shot!

Free Virtual Basketball Games

Although free play virtual basketball betting is not allowed at online sportsbooks, it does not cost any money to view the proceedings for all virtual sports offered. We recommend that players watch virtual basketball games online for free as much as possible before risking any money. Observing these games to build experience can serve as the best available virtual basketball coach, without losing any of your bankroll in the process.

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