Although March Madness betting can be overwhelming, it is easy to understand and enjoyable once you get the basics. We all have a memory of our first tournament. If this is your first tournament or you just want to gain an edge, this guide will help you get started with March Madness betting.
You need to sign up with one the best bookmakers before you can start placing your bets, and make some sweet sweet money. We’ve done the hard work and compiled a list of the top college basketball betting websites. You can also get great deals if you’re a new member, which could increase your bankroll or protect you against losses if those bets do not hit.
Watch: How To bet on March Madness
How To Bet On March Madness 🏀 Betting Guide, Tips & Picks
What is March Madness?
March Madness, also known as the NCAA Tournament, is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world. It’s probably the most popular tournament in the world maybe outside of the World Cup. This is why many people start to bet on March Madness every spring. Even those who don’t follow College Basketball throughout the season are eager to get in on the action.
The National Championship will feature 68 of the best college basketball teams across the country. It’s a road that is filled with incredible finishes and unexpected upsets. This is the best time to bet on college basketball. Who doesn’t love to watch that Cinderella battle their way to win the NCAA Tournament and cement their place in history. This is where the key lies: Knowing what to look out for in order to locate these upsets.
How does March Madness Betting work?
March Madness betting is just like betting on other basketball games. March Madness betting is different though when you add the high-stakes tournament format to it including the top NCAA programs.
After the field of 68 teams has been released on Selection Sunday, the oddsmakers at the largest sports betting websites begin setting the point spreads, over/under totals and additional March Madness odds to each matchup in the First Four and Round of 64.
Bookmakers release betting lines quickly as teams win and move on to the next round. They adjust their odds to match the current form and matchup edge found in these one of a kind tournament contests.
Our Favorite College Basketball Betting Site
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| NCAA National Championship |
Spread from FanDuel |
Moneyline From Draftkings |
Over/Under from Caesars |
North Carolina
vs
Kansas |
🏀 See odds from FanDuel |
+160 Odds from DK |
🌟Click to BET ON UNC vs. Kansas
with CAESARS NOW 🌟 |
| +4 Bet with FanDuel |
-190 Odds from DK |
Our Favorite
National Championship
Game Props |
Caleb Love, Over 16.5 pts -125, Bet with FanDuel |
UNC to Win by 1-5 pts +390, Odds from DK |
| David McCormack to Win MVP +1500 Bet with FanDuel |
🏀 Click to See odds
from Draftkings |
|
Understanding March Madness Betting Odds
The point spread, Over/Under and money line may be the most common ways to bet on March Madness odds but there’s nothing basic about those betting odds because the drama of the unknown is there.
Point Spread
The point spread is the difference between the score of two teams. It is calculated by the bookmakers to determine the gap between two teams. The favorite will need to win by more than the specific point spread, whereas the underdog can either win, or lost by less than the spread.
Spreads can be massive early in a tournament when a No.1 plays a No.16, but they generally shrink as the tournament goes on and the competition becomes more intense. People love betting on the underdogs to cover the spreads or win outright in early tournament games.
Over/Under
The Over/Under is the estimated total number of points that both teams will score in their specific NCAA Tournament game. You can bet on whether the final score will go Over or Under this total. You can also bet on an Over/Under for first and second half of most games.
Moneyline
The moneyline bet is the easiest, and most simple type of bet you can make on March Madness. For this, all you have to do is pick which team you think will win. However, you won’t get as much money picking a favorite to win as you would if you can predict a big upset from an underdog.
Best Site for Betting NCAA Tournament Underdogs
Other Popular Bet types for March MadnessÂ
We covered the three most popular bets above, but trust us, there’s plenty more. You’ve got classic props, to new fast paced options, and we’ll list some of our favorites below.
Futures
Futures bets take longer to complete, such as betting on which team will win or reach the Final Four. No matter what happens, the odds that you had at the time of your bet will remain the same. You can still bet Gonzaga wins it all now +380, but you’ll be stuck with the odds at the time you placed your bet whether they get better or worse.
Props
Props, also known as proposition bets, are other wagers that can be placed on games not covered by the standard markets. March Madness props may be focused on specific player or team performances, or based on stats such as total 3-pointers made and fouls committed. There are more props bets available on March Madness than you can even imagine. Make sure you check them all and choose the ones that will make your bankroll rich.
Best March Madness Futures Odds
Players from Southern Illinois University and Bradley University kick off the start of the Missouri Valley Basketball Tournament.
Where to Bet on March Madness
Sportsbetting is now legal in over 30 states and D.C. You should be able to find a variety of top betting sites
as long as you live in these states. Although they all offer similar odds for March Madness betting, each one differs in certain ways. Take a look at our
top basketball betting tips
to help you find your new favorite site.
After you have found the right sportsbook for you, sign up. It’s easy to sign up at any of the top sportsbooks.
Site with the Most Prop Bets on March Madness
Tips for Betting on March Madness
Schedule & Momentum
The strength of the schedule during the regular season is a key factor in shaping the NCAA Tournament teams. It’s also an important indicator when betting March Madness matchups. Consider the quality of a team’s opponents and notable wins during the regular season.
You should always consider who is hot going into the tournament.
Another important factor in College basketball is guard play.
Experience & Coaching
Previous tournament experience and reliable group of upperclassmen that bring veteran leadership can be key to a team’s NCAA chances when postseason pressure starts to mount.
It’s no surprise that you often see the same group of coaches advance into the second week of the tournament.
Telltale Signs of a “Cinderella”
When betting March Madness, the fastest way to make money is to find that year’s Cinderella team. These schools can be smaller-conference schools that have a difficult tempo or who were skilled in taking down top-tier competitors during non-conference play. Princeton in the 1980s and 1990s would be a perfect example. Their slow, methodical play made it difficult to prepare for and play against them.
Look out for teams that have placed fifth or worse in major conferences. These teams had tough schedules, which helps prepare them for the Madness ahead.
Best Live Betting Experience for March Madness
March Madness betting is unpredictable by nature. You can take advantage of the best bonuses
to help you win or cover yourself if you lose. Bonuses such as free bets and bet credits, risk-free bets, or cash bonuses up to $1500 are all available.
These promotions are available to all sportsbooks, regardless of which team wins. Keep checking back as new promotions are added to every sportsbook throughout March Madness Tournament.
Our Favorite March Madness Bonuses for 2025
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Instant Replay: How do you bet on March Madness
There’s decent amount to cover before you should start placing bets on the Big Dance. Here’s a reminder of what’s most important to remember when wagering on March Madness.
- Spreads, Over/Under totals, and money lines are the most popular NCAA Tournament bets but more and more alternative odds and props hit the board every March.
- Consider the strength of schedule, momentum, and experience before making your bets.
