Does Overtime Count In Basketball Betting?
Basketball games can go down to the wire. When that happens, the action doesn’t always stop at the final buzzer. Extra play is sometimes required to settle things—but how this affects betting isn’t always immediately clear.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how this additional play works, how it influences certain bet types, and which on-court rules make a difference once regular play is over.
Read on for a full breakdown.
How Long Is Overtime In Basketball?
Sometimes, a game doesn’t end when the clock runs out. If the scores are level, an extra segment is added. This segment isn’t long—in fact, it’s much shorter than any of the standard quarters—but it’s structured and played like any other official part of the game.
In top leagues such as the NBA, as well as many international and domestic UK competitions, this segment runs for 5 minutes. If the game remains even after this, another is played—and so on until a winner is found.
Though brief, this additional time is not insignificant. Player statistics and totals continue to accumulate during it, which is something to keep in mind if you’re reviewing how selections are settled.
This naturally leads to the next key question: how exactly do different betting markets treat this extra stretch of play?
Does Overtime Count In Basketball Betting?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here. Whether this extra time affects your selection depends entirely on the specific market you’ve picked and how it’s described.
Many of the more familiar markets do take it into account—unless they clearly state otherwise. Meanwhile, some markets are locked to regulation only and won’t be impacted by anything that follows.
Here’s a general overview to show how the split typically works. Always check the wording attached to your selection to be sure:
Usually includes overtime:
- Match winner (2‑way)
- Point spread or handicap
- Total points
- Most team total lines
Usually excludes overtime:
- Results marked as regulation only
- 3‑way match result (with a draw as an option)
- Quarter and half-specific bets
- Correct score by quarter or half
To give you a sense of how this plays out:
Let’s say you pick a team to win on the spread at -3.5. If they’re up by just 2 points at the end of regulation but go on to win by 6, the bet typically lands—since overtime counts in that format.
By contrast, if you’re on a 3‑way result and the game is tied at the buzzer, then it’s the draw outcome that lands, even if one team pulls ahead in the extra segment.
When it comes to individual player outcomes, some selections include every minute played, while others only track the main 48 minutes (or equivalent in other competitions). The description will always state which applies.
To better understand why these differences exist, it helps to know what changes—and what stays the same—once overtime begins.
Basketball Overtime Rules Explained
Overtime only starts if the scores are even when regulation ends. Once triggered, a new 5‑minute segment is played. If there’s still no winner, another segment follows, and the game continues in this format until one team pulls ahead.
What happens during these extra segments isn’t identical to the main quarters, though. A few rules are adjusted:
- Team fouls reset at the start of overtime. Any foul-related penalties are based solely on what happens in that segment—nothing carries over.
- Timeouts are limited differently. Each side gets a smaller allocation during overtime compared to earlier phases of the game.
- Player foul counts stay active. A player who fouled out in regulation cannot return for overtime. This can affect player-based totals or outcomes.
Everything that happens during these segments—points, assists, rebounds, and so on—is recorded just like any other part of the game. So, if a market tracks overall totals and includes overtime, the numbers from this period are added in.
Eventually, a team pulls ahead. If not, the process simply repeats—with another 5‑minute segment—until the outcome is finally decided.
Bet on Basketball Games Online at Bet442
At Bet442, you’ll find a wide range of basketball markets across domestic leagues, international tournaments, and major leagues like the NBA. We’ve made it straightforward to see how each market works, with clear, plain‑English descriptions that explain how selections are settled.
You can explore options such as match winner, handicap, total points, and player stats, all with live prices and up‑to‑date information to help you make informed decisions. Our platform is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and settlement details are always easy to check before you place a bet.
Feel free to visit Bet442 and see the full selection of basketball markets we offer, where we make things transparent, structured, and easy to navigate.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.