My essential guide to
NBA 2K betting
If you can’t get enough of b-ball, NBA 2K esports betting is probably on your radar. Sure, it’s not quite the same as the real thing, but the sport’s passionate followership will tell you that it’s just as – if not,
more
– exciting.
Plus, it’s definitely a lot more accessible than regular NBA fixtures, with most bookmakers that offer NBA 2K eSports betting streaming all league fixtures live and free. Sounds good? Then let me get you up to speed with what NBA 2K betting USA is all about.
What is
NBA 2K betting?
Nope, this isn’t a guide on dropping $2,000 bets on the best NBA picks. Instead, it’s all about NBA 2K – the virtual eSports version of the world’s most competitive basketball league. If you’re not familiar with NBA 2K, let me set the scene slightly. Released way back in 1999 (crazy, right?), NBA 2K has long been the go-to b-ball title for console gamers and a great alternative to betting on madden.
Since then, multiple iterations of the game have launched, with the latest being NBA 2K 2024. Over the years, interest in the NBA 2K franchise has only increased, culminating in the creation of the official NBA 2K League – the game’s official esports tournament.
Much like in the realm of
King of Glory betting, the NBA 2K League attracts global interest, with fans placing bets on their favorite teams from across the globe. There are some excellent betting options available too – from outright wins to killer handicaps.
When did the NBA 2K League start and which teams are in it?
The inaugural season of the NBA 2K League took place in 2018, with 17 teams competing for the $2.5 million winners prize pool. Since then, the list of teams has expanded to 25, with 22 of these affiliated with an official NBA side.
The full list of NBA 2K League teams is as follows:
| Active NBA 2K Teams |
| 76ers GC | Blazer5 Gaming | Bucks Gaming |
| Celtics Crossover Gaming | Cavs Legion GC | DUX Infinitos |
| Gen.G Tigers | Grizz Gaming | Hawks Talon GC |
| Heat Check Gaming | Hornets Venom GT | Jazz Gaming |
| Kings Guard Gaming | Knicks Gaming | Lakers Gaming |
| Magic Gaming | Mavs Gaming | NBL Oz Gaming |
| Nets GC | Pacers Gaming | Pistons GT |
| Raptors Uprising GC | T-Wolves Gaming | Warriors Gaming Squad |
| Wizards District Gaming | | |
| | |
Spotted some team names you recognize? That makes sense. After all, the NBA 2K League is a joint venture between the official NBA and the game’s developers, Take-Two Interactive. So, even though real players don’t feature in the 2K League, you can still back major teams like the Lakers, the Knicks, and the Celtics.
How does the NBA 2K League work?
NBA 2K League fixtures are typically played online, although some games are played in person at specially-adapted venues. Teams are required to compete in a mix of 3 vs. 3 and 5 vs. 5 games, with the outright winner decided by total points accrued throughout a season. Within a given NBA 2K League season, there are multiple smaller tournaments and events that you can bet on. These include:
| Style of gameplay | NBA 2K tournaments |
| 3 vs. 3 | The Slam Open
The Switch Open
The Steal Open |
| 5 vs. 5 | The Tip Off
The Turn
The Ticket |
One aspect of the NBA 2K League that may surprise some new esports bettors is the fact that teams comprise fictional – not real – NBA players. Teams must create their own team sheet made up of unique characters, so there’s little point in trying to place bets on the likes of LeBron James, Nikola Jovic, or Giannis Antetokounmpo, since these guys have been replaced by avatar alternatives.
What are the best teams in the NBA 2K League to bet on?
Before placing wagers on NBA 2K betting sites, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the different teams competing in the League so that you can make informed and decisive bets. That said, I’d encourage you to branch out from old allegiances here; so, even if you support a particular team in the real NBA, your bets may be better placed on other sides in the 2K League.
Also, and just as I highlighted in my
street fighter v betting tips
guide, a little research can go a long when betting on esports for the first time. So, to help you along the way, here’s a full of 2023 NBA 2K League winners from across all major tournaments and events played throughout the season:
| NBA 2K League tournaments | 2023 season winner |
| Slam Open | Pistons GT |
| Switch Open | DUX Infinitos |
| Steal Open | Blazer5 Gaming |
| NBA 2K League 3 vs. 3 | DUX Infinitos |
| The Tipoff | 76ers GC |
| The Turn | Hornets Venom GT |
| The Ticket | Knicks Gaming |
| NBA 2K League 5 vs. 5 | Warriors Gaming Squad |
As with any sport, there are no guarantees in the world of NBA 2K League betting, so this research should be used for reference only. The nature of esports means that skilled new teams and players can emerge at any moment to mix things up, so you’ll need to follow the action closely to ensure you’re placing the very best wagers.
NBA 2K betting
vs NBA betting: Why choose the esports version?
I have no doubt that right now there’ll be plenty of basketball fans out there that are raising an eyebrow about the prospect of betting on an esports version of their favorite ball game. But to those I say: don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it.
Granted, it’s hard to beat the thrill of being courtside for a major NBA clash – whether it’s the Lakers vs the Knicks or the Celtics vs the Warriors. But I will say that NBA 2K action is equally as competitive, with the virtual sport offering fast-paced thrills and heart-in-mouth moments.
There are plenty of other reasons to get involved with NBA 2K esports betting, too, as I reel off below…
- Super fun to watch:
If you’ve never watched an NBA 2K game play out, you’ve been missing out. Fast, aggressive, and points-heavy, some fixtures can be much more exciting than the real thing – so, you’re pretty much always guaranteed a good spectacle.
- Catch the action live for free:
Unlike physical NBA bouts that are often locked up behind a premium streaming service paywall, most NBA 2K fixtures are available to watch live for free. In fact, most NBA 2K betting sites will offer live streaming of all League fixtures, so you won’t have to settle for a three-minute highlights reel again.
- Choose from multiple unique betting options:
I’ll cover the different bets you can place on NBA 2K fixtures in more depth later, but suffice it to say, there are plenty of markets on offer here. As eSports betting on NBA 2K has garnered more interest, a whole range of different betting opportunities have come to the fore, so you should find plenty of attractive odds available.
- Same rules and gameplay as basketball:
NBA 2K is considered the ultimate b-ball simulator, so it’s remarkably close to the real game. This means that, unlike with
Hearthstone betting
and other esports, there’ll be no learning curve to overcome to get accustomed to the rules of the game. If you know basketball in its core, you’ll know how NBA 2K League betting works.
- So many places to watch along:
Forget being glued to the TV to catch the latest NBA bout; NBA 2K League fixtures are streamed on multiple channels across any device – meaning that you can easily follow the action on your smartphone. Whether you watch on YouTube, social media, or your preferred NBA 2K betting app, there are multiple formats and options available.
Some of the best eSports bonuses of 2024
1.
2.
150% up to $150
Min. Deposit: $20
3.
100% up to 500$
Requirements (WR): 10x Bonus, Min. Deposit: 10$
4.
100€ in Bet Credits
Min. Deposit: 5€
5.
100% up to $100
Requirements (WR): 5x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Tips for finding the best
NBA 2K betting sites
Itching to get started with NBA 2K League betting? You’ll find my recommended sites in the banners on this page, including exclusive promo codes and sign-up deals. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to look further afield and find your favorite esports betting site elsewhere.
Here are a few expert tips on the things to look for:
Make sure you’re getting maximum
bang for your buck
when betting on NBA 2K League fixtures by finding esports bookmakers with the very best odds. While it may not appear that there’s much to separate different brands at first glance, closer inspection should reveal the bookies with the best odds on esports fixtures.
Widest choice of betting markets
Just like on H1Z1 betting sites, you should find a nice choice of betting markets when wagering on NBA 2K League games. Outrights, handicaps, and points totals are the most common betting markets for this particular esport. However, the best bookies may also offer alternatives, including props bets on the first player to score.
Although bonuses shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when deciding on the best sportsbook for NBA 2K betting, they can certainly sweeten the deal. Compare the best sign-up deals and bet bonuses before joining a bookmaker to make sure you’re getting the very best offer on the table.
Be sure to bet on reputable gambling sites with the right licensing credentials and security provisions. I would recommend reading existing customer reviews to find reputable brands that prioritize player safety and experience.
Bookmakers that offer eSports are usually pretty good when it comes to payment methods, with lots of flexible options available. Guarantee quick and easy deposits and withdrawals by choosing bookies with the biggest range of banking options.
What are the pros and cons of
NBA 2K betting sites?
Still not convinced that betting on the NBA 2K League is for you? I’ve compiled some of the key pros and cons below; so, hopefully, you can decide once and for all whether this awesome esport is worth your attention.
NBA 2K betting sites
- Intense gameplay that’s an absolute joy to watch.
- Follow the action for free through a range of channels.
- Tons of exciting betting markets and odds available.
- Featured on lots of bookmakers.
- Long NBA 2K League season.
- You won’t find NBA 2K League everywhere
My verdict on
NBA 2K esports betting
B-ball fans and esports players alike can expect an exhilarating experience when betting on the latest NBA 2K League fixtures and events. Sure, some folks may prefer to stick with the real deal, but if you’ve flirted with the idea of esports betting in the past, I think this basketball-based title offers the perfect crossover between real and virtual sporting action.
However, before you slam dunk your way onto the best NBA 2K betting site, be sure to check out my top recommendations in the banners on this page. I’ve tried to pick out bookies with the best betting odds on NBA 2K League fixtures, along with sportsbook brands offering killer sign-up deals and welcome promos.
Great esports sites not to be missed
NBA 2K betting
FAQ
?? Where can I watch NBA 2K League matches?
There are various places to watch NBA 2K League games for free, including YouTube, Twitch, and the tournament’s official website. You can also watch live streams of in-play games on the best NBA 2K betting apps.
?? What are the best bookmakers for NBA 2K League betting?
I’ve handpicked a choice of sportsbooks offering quality NBA 2K League wagers, with selected brands available to view through the banners in my full NBA 2K esports betting guide.
?? What bets can I place on NBA 2K games?
The most popular bets include outrights on tournament winners and losers, handicaps, and points-based bets on individual games. Some bookmakers may also offer a choice of props bets on select NBA 2K fixtures, so keep an eye out for exciting but not-so-popular markets, too.
?
