How to Bet on the NBA Draft: 2025 Betting Guide

Though the primary focus in NBA circles right now is the playoffs, it is never too early to start looking ahead to the NBA Draft. After all, it is the time when teams down on their luck can swing their fortunes by selecting one of the NBA’s next great superstars.

What you may not have known is that it is a prime wagering opportunity as well. Each major sportsbook offers odds on where each player will be picked, who will go in specific draft slots, and even exact draft orders. Read on to find out more about how to wager on the NBA Draft.

How to Get Started

Before you can wager on the NBA Draft, you must first know how to start wagering at an online sportsbook. Check out the steps below and you can get yourself ready to start betting on the NBA Draft and other events.

1.) Choose a sportsbook. With so many options to choose from, narrow down your choices by finding a reputable sportsbook with the right kind of new user promotion that suits your needs.

2.) Sign up and deposit. Complete the sign-up process at your chosen sportsbook. You will need to enter private user information and verify your email. When that is done, make a deposit and ensure that it meets any minimum requirements.

3.) Check out the betting options. There are a ton of betting markets to choose from, so explore the options before settling on a wager. Bet on things like moneyline, spreads, totals, player props, futures, and more.

4.) Place your bet. Now that you have a wager in mind, it’s time to actually place your bet. Make your selection, choose how much you want to risk, and review your selection. When you’re ready to go, finalize your bet and hope for the best.

NBA Draft Odds

In the lead-up to the NBA Draft, each sportsbook will post odds. Those odds can shift based on a number of factors, so let’s break it down according to the specific odds you are likely to find at a major sportsbook.

Specific Pick Odds

The most common way to bet on the NBA Draft is by wagering on each pick. Under most sportsbooks, each pick (first overall, second overall, etc.) has a list of players attached. Each player then has specific odds next to them based on the likelihood of that player being selected in that specific spot.

Some picks are more obvious than others – like when Victor Wembanyama was -20000 to go first overall in the 2024 NBA Draft – but it gets tougher to project with each pick. As the draft unfolds, you can take advantage of shifting odds and turn a successful pick into a nice little win. It is a fantastic way to spice up the draft and add a bit of drama to each pick along the way.

Exact Draft Order

If you really want to put your draft knowledge to the test, there is a tougher challenge. Some sportsbooks offer the ability to bet on exact draft order combinations. Most of the time, it is first-second-third picks, but they can vary depending on where you are betting.

It is tougher to get these exact draft orders right because teams may have a different mindset going into the draft than what has been reported. By nailing down the exact order, you can take advantage of much better odds, leading to a more substantial win in the process.

A Fun Way to Watch the Draft

At the end of the day, placing a wager or two is a fun way to take an already fun event to the next level. By wagering on each pick, you can add to the excitement and maybe even win a few bucks in the process. Experience the NBA Draft like never before through NBA Draft odds.