Welcome to our complete guide to betting on the Basketball World Cup 2023. We’ll cover everything you need to place smart bets: from the best bookmakers and betting markets to live streaming options, payout levels, promotional offers, and betting strategies. But first, here are the top betting sites for this major tournament.
Best Online Bookmakers for the Basketball World Cup
| Bookmaker | Rating | Welcome Bonus | Markets Offered | Highlights |
| Nationalbet | ⭐ 5.0 | Up to $515 | 100+ | Antepost odds, cash out, live chat |
| Nova Jackpot | ⭐ 4.9 | Up to $500 (3 phases) | 90+ | High T/T payout, player U/O |
| Sportaza | ⭐ 4.8 | Up to $1,007 | 80+ | Dedicated promos, strong odds |
| Magius | ⭐ 4.7 | $50 + $5 extra | 30+ | Gold multis, handicap payout |
| Golden | ⭐ 4.7 | Up to $400 | 60+ | Mobile betting, Elite Club |
| Wild Robin | ⭐ 4.6 | Up to $100 | 100+ | Margin markets, live odds |
| Ally Spin | ⭐ 4.6 | 50% cashback up to $50 | 100+ | PayPal betting, wide selection |
| Roby Casino | ⭐ 4.5 | Up to $250 | 60+ | On-demand bets, combo options |
| Fat Pirate | ⭐ 4.5 | Up to $500 | 60+ | Great mobile app, antepost payout |
| Weltbet | ⭐ 4.5 | Up to $550 + $15 | 40+ | Live odds, automatic cash out |
Top Betting Sites by Category – Basketball World Cup 2023
| Category | Recommended Site |
| 🏆 Top Overall | Ivibet |
| 📱 Best Mobile Experience | BDMbet |
| 🎁 Best World Cup Promotions | Betspino |
| 🕑 Best for Live/In-Play | Velobet |
| 📈 Best T/T Payout Odds | Supabet |
| 💹 Most Markets Available | Efbet |
| 🏀 Best Player Specials | Emirbet |
| 📝 On-Demand Betting | Beteum |
| 💯 Cashback on Basketball | Kingmaker |
| 💳 Best for PayPal Betting | 2Wonaco |
Choosing the Right Bookmaker for the Basketball World Cup
The 10 betting sites listed above have been selected based on four key criteria that help distinguish a great operator from the rest. These include:
- Payout rates and competitive odds
- Promotions and special offers for the tournament
- Live betting and streaming coverage
- Number and variety of available markets
Let’s break each one down below to help you make the most informed betting decisions during the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Basketball World Cup Odds – Understanding Payouts
If you’re new to sports betting, payout might be an unfamiliar term. Simply put, it’s the percentage of the money wagered that a bookmaker returns to bettors in the form of winnings.
The closer this percentage is to 100%, the more favorable it is for players. While no bookie offers a true 100% payout, anything above 90% is good, and above 95% is excellent.
We’ve calculated the minimum and maximum payout ranges for the top 5 Basketball World Cup bookmakers below:
| Bookmaker | Payout Range |
| Wild Robin | 91.4% – 93.5% |
| Ally Spin | 91.6% – 93.8% |
| Roby Casino | 91.8% – 93.7% |
| Fat Pirate | 91.2% – 93.7% |
| Weltbet | 90.8% – 93.5% |
Many Types of Bets to Diversify Your Slip
If you’ve ever placed bets on major international basketball events, you’re likely already familiar with many of the betting types available. You may also know that when a match has a clear favorite, there are specific markets that can significantly boost your potential winnings. In addition to classic options like Over/Under, Handicap, and Winning Margin, outright (antepost) bets are also available — and if placed early enough, they can lead to significant payouts.
That’s why having a wide variety of betting options can make a real difference and allow you to build a more effective betting strategy. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the most popular markets, both for pre-tournament outright bets and pre-match bets. You’ll see how a deeper knowledge of what you’re betting on can improve your chances of winning with certain bet types.
Top Basketball Betting Markets for Major Tournaments
Basketball World Cups (or other major international tournaments) are second only to the NBA when it comes to betting popularity. That’s why top betting sites offer a wide range of markets. Let’s take a look at two types of bets: one that’s available before the tournament starts, and another that’s available before individual matches.
Single-Match Bets
Bets on individual games tend to be the most popular, especially from the quarterfinals onward, when the strongest teams or potential underdogs go head-to-head in classic David vs. Goliath matchups. You won’t find as many options as you would in football betting, but top-tier bookmakers usually offer more than 50 different markets per game. Let’s look at two of the most common ones.
Over/Under Market in Basketball
One of the best-known markets in basketball betting is the Over/Under [n]. The idea is simple: you predict whether the total combined points scored by both teams in a game will be over or under a number set by the bookmaker.
This value depends heavily on the type of tournament. For example, scoring averages in the NBA or EuroLeague tend to be significantly higher than in more defense-focused competitions. Therefore, the total points line can vary greatly.
Because this is a numbers-based market, it’s ideal for those who enjoy statistics and calculations. In fact, data shows that during the last three editions of the Basketball World Cup, the Over 161.5 outcome occurred more frequently than the Under from the quarterfinals onward — suggesting that offensive power increases in the final stages.
1X2 – Winning Margin Within 5 Points (incl. OT)
Yes, basketball has its own version of the 1X2 market, though it differs slightly from its football counterpart. Here, 1X2 with a 5-point winning margin (including overtime) means the following:
- 1 – Victory for the first team listed
- 2 – Victory for the second team listed
- X – Either a tie or a victory by one of the two teams with a point difference of 5 or fewer
Unlike some domestic basketball leagues where closely contested games are more common, statistics show that only a handful of matches at recent World Cups ended with such narrow margins. For example, during the 2010 edition, only two matches were decided by 5 points or fewer — making this market particularly useful for risk/reward strategies.
Outright (Antepost) Markets
Outright bets refer to long-term predictions placed before the event begins, such as guessing the winner of the entire tournament. The earlier you place the bet, the higher the odds — and the bigger the possible payout. Here are a few popular examples.
Which Team Will Win the Tournament?
The most popular outright bet by far is the winner market, where you predict which national team will become world champion. Traditional powerhouses like the USA remain the teams to beat, with the most World Cup titles in history. However, other nations have shown impressive form in recent years, winning both global and continental championships and climbing the FIBA rankings.
Basketball World Cup MVP
Besides the team trophy, individual players also aim for recognition, particularly the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award. Betting on the MVP means trying to predict which player will shine the most during the tournament.
Typically, the award goes to a player from a team that reaches the final, making it easier to narrow down options. For example, during the 2019 World Cup in China, the MVP title went to a standout player from the championship-winning team.
Best Team in the Group Stage
With recent tournaments featuring 32 participating teams, the structure now includes 8 groups of 4 teams each. Only the top two teams from each group advance to the next round. This market allows bettors to predict which team will finish first in its group.
Favorites usually dominate in the early stages, but surprises do happen. For example, in past tournaments, highly ranked teams have topped their groups by defeating traditionally strong opponents — proving the value of analyzing team form and group dynamics.
Strategies for Betting on Basketball Tournaments
We’ve reviewed the best basketball betting sites, key markets, and selection criteria. As always, when it comes to betting, nothing should be left to chance. Before confirming your betting slip, it’s crucial to build a strategy — using statistics, performance data, and historical trends.
You’ll find some of our best tips and tricks in the boxes below to help you prepare and make informed decisions.
Form and Fitness
The Basketball World Cup takes place during the summer, after a long and intense season. That’s why it’s important to assess each player’s physical and mental condition going into the tournament. How was their season? Has this group of players already achieved success together? Has the coach led other major competitions before this World Cup?
Motivation can be a key factor — whether it’s the drive to defend the title, bounce back after a previous defeat, or prove themselves on the global stage.
Tools and Promotions
As we’ve mentioned before, betting also has an economic side. Promotions, bonuses, and tools can be great assets to increase your potential winnings. If you’re an experienced bettor, consider using a bet calculator, which can be especially helpful for system bets. If you’re just getting started, many top sites offer special World Cup promotions.
Nothing stops you from creating accounts on multiple platforms to take advantage of different offers and welcome bonuses.
Potential MVPs
Let’s be honest: the NBA is the most prestigious basketball league in the world, and many professionals dream of playing there. The level of competition is incredibly high, and it’s full of stars — not just from the United States.
That’s why it’s wise to consider national teams that include NBA players, as they often have an edge. In fact, the last four World Cup MVPs have all played (or still play) in the NBA. Of course, individual talent can make a difference — but in international competitions, teamwork often matters more than individual brilliance.
This has been a recurring issue for Team USA in the past, leading to disappointing results in tournaments like 2002 and 2004.
Favorites or Underdogs?
When people talk about international basketball, the USA national team often comes to mind. They’re always among the top favorites. However, they’re not alone.
Looking at recent tournament results, Spain stands out as both the reigning world and European champion, although they are currently undergoing a generational transition. France has also emerged as a serious contender in recent years.
Other strong teams like Serbia and even some underdogs have the potential to go deep into the tournament. Being underestimated can sometimes be the best weapon.
More Resources for Basketball World Cup Betting
Here’s a quick overview of the FIBA Basketball World Cup to help you build more informed strategies:
- Name: FIBA Basketball World Cup
- Founded: 1950
- Organizer: FIBA
- Official Site: fiba.basketball
- Host Countries (2023): Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines
- Teams Participating: 32 (since 2019)
- Format: Group Stage + Knockout Rounds
- 2023 Dates: August 26 – September 10
- Most Successful Team: United States
The World Cup also serves as a qualifier for the Olympic Games. Over the years, the format has evolved. In 2012, FIBA removed the wildcard system and shifted the tournament to odd-numbered years to avoid overlapping with the FIFA World Cup.
In 2019, the tournament expanded from 24 to 32 teams, while keeping its basic structure:
- 8 groups of 4 teams each
- Top 2 teams from each group advance
- Followed by new groups, then knockout rounds
Qualification Process
The qualification process is similar to that of football World Cups. A total of 30 national teams qualified through regional competitions, while Japan and the Philippines automatically qualified as hosts.
Here’s a breakdown of qualification spots:
- Africa: 5 spots (from 16 teams)
- Americas: 7 spots
- Asia-Oceania: 8 spots
- Europe: 12 spots
As always, there were some notable absences, including past finalists and strong teams like Argentina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Poland.
Historic Medal Winners in the Basketball World Cup
The United States leads the all-time medal table with 5 golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronzes. The former Yugoslavia follows closely with 5 titles, and the Soviet Union with 3.
Here’s a look at the top medal-winning nations:
| Nation | Titles | Years Won | Runners-up | Third Place |
| United States | 5 | 1954, 1986, 1994, 2010, 2014 | 3 | 4 |
| Yugoslavia | 5 | 1970, 1978, 1990, 1998, 2002 | 3 | 2 |
| Soviet Union | 3 | 1967, 1974, 1982 | 3 | 2 |
| Brazil | 2 | 1959, 1963 | 2 | 2 |
| Spain | 2 | 2006, 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| Argentina | 1 | 1950 | 2 | 0 |
World Cup 2023 Favorites
As the tournament begins, USA and Spain are seen as the top favorites. The USA, now led by Coach Steve Kerr, has a deep bench filled with NBA talent. Meanwhile, Spain is navigating a transitional period with many younger players.
Brazil doesn’t currently pose a major international threat, but France and Serbia are definitely teams to watch. Serbia’s Nikola Jokic is one of the world’s top players, and France’s strong performances in recent years (including a bronze in 2019) make them a serious contender.
Results from the Last 10 Editions
Here’s a look at the last 10 finals of the Basketball World Cup, including the most recent victory by Spain over Argentina, coached by Sergio Scariolo.
| Nation | Titles Won | Years Won | Runners-up | Third Place Finishes |
| United States | 5 | 1954, 1986, 1994, 2010, 2014 | 3 | 4 |
| Yugoslavia | 5 | 1970, 1978, 1990, 1998, 2002 | 3 | 2 |
| Soviet Union | 3 | 1967, 1974, 1982 | 3 | 2 |
| Brazil | 2 | 1959, 1963 | 2 | 2 |
| Spain | 2 | 2006, 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| Argentina | 1 | 1950 | 2 | 0 |
Thinking of Betting on the Basketball World Cup?
If you’re considering placing bets on the Basketball World Cup, keep in mind that the United States and Spain are seen as the two biggest favorites. The U.S., led by Coach Steve Kerr, boasts a star-studded roster, while Spain is undergoing a generational shift, making it uncertain whether they can replicate their previous success.
Brazil, on the international stage, doesn’t pose as strong a threat as in the past. Watch out instead for Serbia (1 silver medal) and France (2 bronze medals): Serbia, with talents like Nikola Jokic, is always unpredictable, while France has proven itself as a rising power after securing third place in China.
Winners of the Last 10 Basketball World Cup Finals
Let’s bring things up to date and look at the last 10 World Cup finals. Below is a table summarizing the key matchups and final scores — starting with the most recent one, where Spain defeated Argentina under Coach Sergio Scariolo.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Final Score |
| 2019 | Spain | Argentina | 95 – 75 |
| 2014 | United States | Serbia | 129 – 92 |
| 2010 | United States | Turkey | 81 – 64 |
| 2006 | Spain | Greece | 70 – 47 |
| 2002 | Yugoslavia | Argentina | 84 – 77 |
| 1998 | Yugoslavia | Russia | 64 – 62 |
| 1994 | United States | Russia | 137 – 91 |
| 1990 | Yugoslavia | Soviet Union | 92 – 75 |
| 1986 | United States | Soviet Union | 87 – 85 |
| 1982 | Soviet Union | United States | 95 – 94 |
As we can see, the United States has appeared in — and won — the most finals over the past ten editions. It’s no surprise, then, that they are again considered the team to beat, especially as they look to redeem themselves after a disappointing 7th place finish in 2019.
Closing Thoughts + FAQs
We’ve reached the end of our Basketball World Cup betting guide. We started with the top 10 sportsbooks, explored various markets, strategies, and useful insights to help you place informed bets.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ section below, or reach out to us anytime at: [email protected]
🔝 What are the best Basketball World Cup betting sites?
According to our analysis, here are the top platforms:
- SNAI – Best overall for Basketball World Cup betting
- Planetwin365 – Competitive pre-match odds
- Eurobet – Great promotions for basketball
- William Hill – Ideal for fans of combo bets
- Betway – Top app for mobile basketball betting
🏀 Can I place outright bets on the 2023 Basketball World Cup?
Absolutely! Outright markets like tournament winner, MVP, or best team in the group are among the most profitable — especially if placed a few weeks before the competition starts.
🎁 Are there any special promotions for the Basketball World Cup?
Yes! All major bookmakers offer exclusive promos for this prestigious tournament. And if you’re a new user, don’t forget to claim your welcome bonus upon registration.
⬆️ How can I improve my chances of winning bets on the Basketball World Cup 2023?
No betting strategy guarantees 100% success — but smart planning can increase your odds. Evaluate team and player form, motivation levels, previous records, and keep an eye on underdogs for higher-value odds.
