eSports / Esports / NBA 2K

Your Best NBA 2K Betting Guide 2023

This NBA 2K eSports betting guide details everything bettors need to know about NBA 2K betting. Find out more about this game, why it is popular, how to bet on it, bookies with NBA 2K markets, odds, and tips on how to bet. NBA 2K is a sports simulation video game series that debuted in 1999. Initially published by Sega Sports, the latest installments of the basketball game are published by 2K Sports.

When it comes to game development, the latest installments are from Visual Concepts. All the installments of NBA 2K emulate the National Basketball Association (NBA), the most prestigious basketball league in the world. The gameplay of NBA 2K simulates a standard basketball game. The latest NBA 2K installments feature all the teams and players in the current NBA season, legendary NBA teams, EuroLeague teams, and WNBA teams. Interestingly, it's also possible to create fictional players.

NBA 2K21 and NBA 2K22 Betting on NBA 2K How popular is this game?NBA 2K esports tournaments and competitions Best NBA 2K esports teams Best NBA 2K betting sites Pros and cons NBA 2K betting odds and markets explained NBA 2K betting tips

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NBA 2K21 and NBA 2K22

Even though NBA 2K21 has been the most featured installment in the recent esports tournaments, the latest installment is NBA 2K22, released on September 10, 2021. This will be the main game featured in the upcoming NBA 2K esports competitions.

The new installment has been praised for its excellent graphics, realistic gameplay, commentary, and soundtrack. Overall, NBA 2K has been one of the best-selling video game franchises and is undoubtedly the best basketball simulation video game.

NBA 2K managed to outdo EA Sports' NBA Live, another basketball simulation video game series that was halted in 2018.

While it may not be as big as FIFA on the esports scene, NBA 2K is slowly rising the ranks, attracting pro esports teams, sponsorships, TV broadcasters, and a rabid fan base. It's just a matter of time before it catches up with FIFA, the biggest sports simulation game in esports.

Betting on NBA 2K

NBA 2K betting is popular among fans of the video game and ordinary sports bettors. It is completely legal to bet on this esports as long as players have reached the legal age. Betting on NBA 2K is not any different from betting on traditional basketball.

To bet on NBA 2K, players must first find an online esports betting site with NBA 2K betting markets. The next step is to sign up at the bookie by clicking the 'sign up’ option, filling in their details, and completing their registration by confirming their email. For those who don't want to go through the hectic registration process, there are Trustly esports betting sites, otherwise known as no verification sites, that don't require registration.

Real money NBA 2K betting

While some bookies offer free money NBA 2K bets, most are real money betting sites. Players have to deposit real money to their accounts to get into real money betting. With real money NBA 2K esports betting, players stand a chance to win real money. But then, it's important to set a budget for betting and strictly adhere to it. NBA 2K betting can be just as addictive as the game itself.

How popular is this game?

NBA 2K is among the most popular sports simulation games. It is third to FIFA and Madden. The popularity of the NBA, the game's online community, realistic gameplay, and online play all make this game popular.

According to statistics published on Statista, NBA 2K series ranks 5th in the list of best-selling video game franchises and titles worldwide as of November 2021. The series has sold 118 million units.

Why is NBA 2K popular?

Well, several reasons explain NBA 2K's popularity.

Basketball and NBA's popularity

NBA 2K is popular because basketball is popular worldwide. According to World Atlas, basketball has close to a billion fans. With NBA being the most prestigious league, definitely, NBA 2K will have fans. Furthermore, the fact that NBA Live was disbanded also gives NBA 2K the edge as it's the only dominant basketball franchise in the esports scene.

Realism close to the real deal

Another reason for NBA 2K's popularity is the realism the developers have injected into the franchise. It is among the most realistic sports simulation esport games. It emulates the NBA and several other top-tier basketball leagues and features real-life players and competitions. In addition, there are recognizable faces of athletes and realistic interactions, from dribbling, skill moves, to body contact.

Online NBA 2K communities

The online NBA 2K communities also contribute to the game's popularity. There is an official NBA 2K forum where players can interact. Besides the official forum, NBA 2K fans can interact on other forums such as Reddit, Steam Discussions, IGN boards, GameFAQs, and ResetEra, just to mention a few. Online communities trigger the buzz and hype of video games.

NBA 2K online play

Online play is a great feature that enables players to compete remotely online. NBA 2K has online play, so players from different regions can link up and compete. Online play has been key in the popularity of NBA 2K, but unfortunately, NBA 2K servers will be shut on December 31, 2021.

NBA 2K mobile

NBA 2K is also available on mobile enabling fans of this sports simulator game to play it while on the go. The role of NBA 2K Mobile in the franchise's popularity can't be ignored.

NBA 2K esports tournaments and competitions

While it may not be as active in the esports scene as the likes of CS: GO and Dota 2, NBA 2K boasts several tournaments and competitions. There are top-tier tournaments that attract the biggest NBA 2K teams globally, as well as low-tier events.

NBA 2K League

The NBA 2K League is the most competitive tournament. Also known as 2K League, this is a competition hosted by the NBA in conjunction with Take-Two Interactive. It is the most competitive NBA 2K tournament, and of course, the best to bet on. So far, there have been four scintillating 2K League seasons.

Besides 2K League, there are several other NBA 2K esports tournaments to bet on, including American Express x NBA 2K22 Experience, Twitch Rivals NBA All-Star Showdown, NBA 2K Players Tournament, NBA 2K League The Turn Powered by AT&T, RES NBA 2K21 INVITATIONAL, FIBA Esports Open III, etc.

While there were very few events to bet on in the past, NBA 2K esports is growing exponentially. Many esports tournament organizers are noticing the popularity of this video game, so more and more tournaments are in the pipeline.

Best NBA 2K esports teams

Before diving into NBA 2K betting, players must know the teams to bet on. In this segment, find out which are the most dominant pro teams in NBA 2K.

Wizards District Gaming

Wizards District Gaming is the best NBA 2K esports team. The team debuted in the inaugural 2K League in 2018 and won two 2K League titles in 2020 and 2021. In the recent 2K League, the Washington-based esports team defeated Jazz Gaming 3-0 in a bo5 game series.

Knicks Gaming

Another NBA 2K team to bet on is Knicks Gaming, the 2018 2K League winners. The team beat Heat Check Gaming in a bo3 finals, becoming the first playoff champions in 2K League's history.

T-Wolves

The 2019 2K League winners T-Wolves is also among the best NBA 2K teams. Even though the team's form has dipped recently, it still ranks among the best teams to bet on in NBA 2K.

The above are the best NBA teams. Other worthy mentions include Cavs Legion GC, Warriors Gaming Squad, Pistons GT, Blazer5 Gaming, Lakers Gaming, Magic Gaming, Warriors Gaming Squad, and 76ers GC.

Best NBA 2K betting sites

Today, there are many esports bookies; some are genuine while others are not worth it. In this section, find out the ultimate checklist of finding the best NBA 2K esports betting app or site.

Licensing and regulation

esports is not as regulated as traditional football, so match-fixing and other illegal dealings are possible. The best way to stay on the safe side is playing on an esports betting site licensed and regulated by a reputable online gambling regulatory body. Licensed sites ensure that all NBA 2K matches are free and fair.

Markets and odds

The best esports betting site has vast markets. There are many betting options for each game and tournament. The sites also have the highest odds on the market.

Banking options

When selecting an NBA 2K betting site, check the banking options. A good site should support both fiat currency and crypto. Besides, all the popular online payment methods should be available, including eWallets, credit cards, or bank transfers. Last, check the transaction turnaround and deposit/withdrawal limits.

NBA 2K betting bonuses

There are plenty of NBA 2K betting bonuses that give players the chance to try their luck on NBA 2K betting without spending a dime. These are called no deposit bonuses. Besides, there are deposit bonuses and loyalty programs. A good betting site should have some form of incentive for players.

Pros and cons

NBA 2K betting, just like the two sides of the same coin, has advantages and disadvantages. In this section, find out the pros and cons of betting on this franchise.

Pros

NBA 2K eSports is competitive - Today, NBA 2K tournaments are very competitive, so bettors who are into traditional NBA betting have another avenue to bet.
NBA 2K betting sites - There were very few eSports betting sites in the past, but today, there are plenty of bookies with NBA 2K betting markets.
Betting bonuses - There are plenty of eSports betting bonuses and promotions custom-tailored for NBA 2K eSports bettors.
Betting markets all year round - NBA 2K eSports tournaments are expanding. So while there may not be NBA betting markets all year long, there are plenty of NBA 2K eSports to bet on all year round.

Cons

No data for analysis - Unlike traditional NBA data where players can see the head-to-head stats of the NBA teams, there is no adequate data of the NBA 2K eSports teams.
Risk of addiction - NBA betting can be addictive. If players are not careful, they can fall into compulsive gambling.

NBA 2K betting odds and markets explained

Odds represent the probability of an event occurring. On the other hand, NBA 2K markets refer to the available betting options.

NBA 2K odds

The odds for NBA 2K are just the same as those of traditional NBA betting. The higher the odds, the lower the chances of the event coming through, and vice versa. Now, there are three odds formats; British Odds (fractional odds / UK odds), American Odds (US odds / moneyline odds), and European Odds (decimal odds). Bettors should make sure their preferred odds format is available.

NBA 2K betting markets

The best NBA 2K betting sites have a wide variety of betting markets, both long-term and short-term. The long-term betting markets offer players the chance to bet on the tournament's winner before the competition kicks off. But the popular betting markets are about individual matches. Players can wager on the match-winner, totals, or handicap.

Just to mention, bettors can wager on NBA matches before they start or when they are underway. Betting on underway matches is known as live betting or in-play betting.

NBA 2K betting tips

In this last section of this NBA 2K guide, find out some tips that give players a better chance of winning.

First, it is important to follow the current NBA 2K esports season to understand which teams are on form and those that are out of form. Importantly, if a team is in the form in real life, it doesn't mean they are also on form in NBA 2K. Check the form of the NBA 2K esports team, not the NBA team in real life.

Another helpful tip is following what the pundits are saying. Just like in traditional NBA betting, there are pundits in the NBA 2K esports scene with key insights predictions. NBA 2K predictions may not be 100%, but they can go a long way.

That's the end of this NBA 2K esports betting guide. Indeed, betting on NBA 2K can be fun for both NBA fans, fans of the NBA 2K franchise, and ordinary bettors. But bettors should ensure that they play responsibly as NBA 2K betting can be addictive.