NPB Betting Odds - Bet on Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball League
The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league is the highest level of professional baseball in Japan. It was the first professional sports league established in Japan and is arguably the second-best baseball league in the world behind Major League Baseball . The NPB ranks second behind MLB in both revenue and attendance among pro baseball leagues in the world.
At Stake Sportsbook , it’s possible to place bets on the NPB, even from half a world away. Stake features a range of markets for baseball betting , including the NPB. Of course, we first wanted to put together a guide so that you can learn more about the NPB before you venture into Japanese baseball betting .
What is NPB
The NPB is Japan’s pro baseball league and the premier baseball league in Asia. In Japan, the league is known as puro yakyu, which translates to “professional baseball.” It features a high level of baseball that’s higher than Korean baseball (KBO League) but not that far below the MLB level. Many Japanese players have become a star player in the NPB before moving to the U.S. and playing in the big leagues. Shohei Ohtani is undoubtedly the best example, as he’s a bonafide baseball legend in both the U.S. and Japan.
History of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
Professional baseball in Japan has been around since the 1930s. The Japanese Baseball League (JBL) operated from 1936 until 1949 when it was reorganised into the NPB, which has been operating ever since. At various points, both the Yomiuri Giants and Seibu Lions have established dynasties in the NPB, establishing themselves as the premier Japanese team. In the 1990s, the world started to take more notice of the NPB when several of its biggest stars began to sign with MLB clubs and become star players in the majors, elevating the profile of Japanese baseball.
Japan NPB Schedule & Format
The 12 teams in the NPB play 143 baseball games during the regular season. The season usually begins in late March or early April and ends in late September or early October. Much like the American League and National League in MLB, the NPB is split between the Central League and the Pacific League, which have six teams each. The top three teams in each league qualify for the postseason with the champion of the Central League facing the champion of the Pacific League in the Japan Series, which is best-of-7, just like the World Series.
When is the 2024 NPB?
The 2024 NPB season began on March 29. The final day of the regular season is scheduled for October 4. That will be followed by the postseason, culminating in the Japan Series.
Which Teams Play in NPB?
As mentioned, there are 12 teams in the NPB with six in the Central League and six in the Pacific League. These are the teams in the Central League:
These are the teams in the Pacific League:
How to Bet on NPB & Baseball Bet Types
Sportsbooks like Stake offer an exciting market for bets on NPB games. The betting types of NPB games are similar to the types of bets for other baseball leagues.
Moneyline - Moneyline bets are only considered with the outright winner and loser of a specific game.
Total - This bet ignores the winner and loses and is based solely on the total number of runs scored in a game.
Handicap - A handicap is the baseball version of a spread - or run line - in which the favoured team typically must win by at least two runs for a winning bet.
Player Props - Prop bets are popular in baseball and can be based on a variety of factors, including how many strikeouts a pitcher gets or whether a hitter has a home run or RBI in the game.
Live Bets - Once a game begins, live bets can still be placed on the outcome or specific game events.
Parlay - A parlay allows a bettor to combine multiple bets into a single bet so that the payout increases, albeit with a higher level of difficulty because if one bet in a parlay loses, the entire parlay loses. Keen baseball bettors can use our bet builder to help form their multi-betting slip!
NPB Betting Odds & Payouts
Stake Sportsbook aims to provide competitive match odds for all NPB games. Of course, the odds and payout will vary based on the game and the specific bet. For instance, the favoured baseball team could have a moneyline of -180, meaning a $10 bet will pay $15.55. Meanwhile, the underdog in that game could have a moneyline of +150, so a $10 bet will pay $25.
Live Stream Baseball for Free & Live Betting Markets
After making a bet on a NPB game at Stake Sportsbook, you are able to livestream that game right on the Stakes platform. You don’t have to pay extra; just place a bet and you can stream that game, making it easier to track your bet or make additional live bets .
Read our guide to learn all about how to live stream the biggest sporting events on Stake.
Baseball Betting Tips, Predictions & Strategies
Baseball betting can be known to be difficult to get right, but with our tips and tricks, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions!
Look closely at both teams, including the starting pitcher, how each team has played recently, and if either team might have an advantage from playing at home or on the road. Tracking injuries and weather can also play a role in deciding whether it’s wise or not to make a particular bet. In other words, before making baseball predictions, there are a lot of factors to consider.
Bet Bonuses, Promotions & Responsible Gambling Online
At Stake Sportsbook, you’ll find a variety of promotions and bonus opportunities as part of the Stake VIP Club . Learn more about the program with our Stake VIP guide . This can include opportunities to enhance the profit of a bet. It’s always best to look at the exclusive promos available and take advantage of them. At the same time, it’s even more important to understand responsible gambling practices .
