House Rules Comparison of NBA First Basket

Warning

Generally, "First Field Goal" does not include Free Throws, and "First Basket" includes Free Throws. Due to this, DarkHorse Odds separates the "First Field Goal" and "First Basket" into two separate markets. Not all Sportsbook House Rules clearly define how they grade the First Basket/First Field Goal market. Not all sportsbooks will void a bet if a player does not start. These factors added together create risk for matched betting.

Please read the house rules and/or contact customer service for the specific sportsbook you plan on wagering with to ensure you understand how they will grade that market. You can lower your risk by choosing a hedge sportsbook with matching house rules as your primary sportsbook. You can eliminate your risk by not using NBA First Basket for matched betting. Since NBA First Basket is a smaller market, we recommend avoiding it anyway to avoid sportsbook limits.

House Rules and markets change over time and may vary by state for the same sportsbook, so always check with the sportsbook before wagering. Please contact us at support@darkhorseodds.com if you notice any errors or discrepancies.

Examples

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BetRivers

BetRivers' house rules do not mention anything about how the First Basket market is graded. However, when placing a wager you can see they state "First Field Goal" and mention that the player must start or the wager will be voided.

DraftKings

DraftKings clearly outlines how they grade the First Basket market in their house rules.

First Field Goal/Rebound/Assist/etc. markets - Settled on the first stated statistic recorded out of the players listed in the market. Bets on players who do not start the game are void. Free throws do not count as a field goal in first field goal wagers.

FanDuel

FanDuel, like DraftKings, clearly states how they grade the First Basket market in their house rules. Notice that FanDuel includes Free Throws and DraftKings does not, but both require the player to start.

First Basket Markets: Resulted on the first score of the game, inclusive of free throws, as per official NBA/NCAA box score. Should a player listed not start the game, all bets on the player selected will be void (otherwise betting is all-in).

ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet does not state anything about how they grade the First Basket market in their house rules, but do clearly state that Free Throws are included when placing a wager. They do not mention anything about if a player must start.

bet365

Bet365 does not describe how they grade the First Basket Market in their house rules and they also do not have much clarifying detail when placing a wager. They do refer to the market as "Player to Score First Basket" which seems to imply Free Throws count.

Fanatics

Fanatics makes it clear that Free Throws are excluded, but they state that all players count even if they do not start.

First Basket markets – All in market, includes all players for settlement purposes, does not include free throws.

House Rules Comparison Table

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