Basketball Drinking Games
By
Nathan Whelan
Betting Analyst Updated: 18 February 2024
Nathan Whelan Betting Analyst
Nathan is a betting analyst who specializes in DFS and social betting. He loves nothing more than providing expert-level content and helping others add value to their slips. If you want to find the edge against sportsbooks and increase your skill as a bettor, check out his work.
Basketball Drinking Games
Are you looking for ways to make watching basketball games more, dare I say, fun? Love drinking games? Me too. I’ve outlined a number of basketball drinking games below that are easy to play and can be enjoyed with as few or as many friends as you wish.
- 🍺 About Drinking Games
- 🎓 NCAA Drinking Game
- 🏀 NBA Drinking Game
- 🌍 Other Basketball Drinking Games
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
About Drinking Games
Drinking games come in many different variations. Most involve drinking a set volume of alcohol (or soft drink) when certain events happen. Usually, the object of the game is to try not to drink too excessively (or perhaps the other way around – to each their own).
While I’ve recommended specific amounts to drink, you can alter them as you see fit. I typically suggest swapping rounds with water to play more responsibly.
You’ll also find that some drinking games involve placing a wager on the basketball game or tournament in question. I suggest you sign up with a basketball betting app before you start and place a handful of wagers to up the stakes of your game.
NCAA Basketball
The NCAA is great not only for a friendly betting competition, but also for playing drinking games. The best time of the year for NCAA basketball is March when the March Madness tournament is in full swing. Generally speaking, you can enjoy NCAA basketball drinking games between November and early April.
The Rules
Have 1 drink every time:
- A team scores on a fast break
- The opposing team hits a 3-pointer
- Your team fouls someone
- Your team misses a free-throw
- A time-out is called by your team
Have 2 drinks every time:
- Your team misses a layup
- Your team misses a dunk
- An announcer says “true freshman”
- An announcer says “one and done”
- An announcer brings up the tournament bubble
- The other team gets an and-one on a 3-point shot
Have 3 drinks every time:
- A player on your team fouls out
- An announcer says “true sophomore”
- A player on the other team slam-dunks
- An announcer compliments a player on the other team’s academic record
Have 4 drinks every time:
- When a technical foul is called on your team’s coach
- When the other team scores a deep
- If the other team scores a buzzer-beating shot
- When any player scores through a foul
- If a fight breaks out
- A player gets an “and-one” on a three point shot
- An announcer brings up recruiting rankings
NBA Games
The NBA drinking game is very similar to that of the NCAA game but sets alternative rules. As the names suggests, it’s best when played while watching NBA games. It’s also important that you pick a team to back, and I suggest placing a line bet on at least one team to up the stakes. You’ll find a great options for legal NBA sportsbooks in our guide.
The Rules
This game is particularly fun when there are enough players involved to separate everyone into teams according to who supports who. You’ll either drink based on the performance of your team or the other team.
Take a drink when a team scores:
- 1 drink or 1 half-shot when the team you bet against scores
- 2 drinks or 1 shot for every 15 points that the team you bet against scores
Take a drink when players foul:
- 1 drink or 1 half-shot when a player from your team fouls
- 2 drinks or 1 shot when a player on your team reaches 3 fouls
- 3 drinks or 1.5 shot when a player on your team fouls out
- 2 drinks or 1 shot for all players when a technical foul is called
Take a drink after exciting events:
- 1 drink or half-shot when a player on your team is charged with a turnover
- 1 drink or half-shot when the other team makes a buzzer-beating shot
- 2 drinks or 1 shot when a player on the other team slam dunks
At the end of the game, the losing team must shotgun a whole beer (any soft drink will do). You can of course adjust this rule depending on the vibe you’re going for.
Other Basketball Games
While the above options are best played during NBA or college games, I also wanted to share a basketball drinking game that you can enjoy during any event, whether minor, major, or international leagues.
The Rules
This game is best when played in teams. Each drinking team should back a different basketball team, with or without a bet. It can be especially enjoyable when all players put in to fund the same bet. Players will then drink depending on the performance of their players.
Players on one team take 1 drink when:
- The opposing team scores
- When a player on your team is fouled
- When a player on your team is blocked at the rim
Players on one team take 3 drinks when:
- When a player on your team misses a free throw
- The opposing team slam dunks
- When your team is down 10 or more points at the quarter
Finish a full drink when:
- Your team loses
- When a player on your team is fouled out
This game can be altered by adding your own rules, or swapping out some of the rules listed above. Please remember to always play responsibly. If you choose to drink alcohol, I recommend swapping rounds with water to stay hydrated – your future self will thank you.
