March Madness Betting Guide – How To Bet On The NCAAM Tournament
Ready to bet on March Madness? Our in-depth guide has the latest odds, strategies, and top sportsbook picks to get you in on the action.
As the second-largest betting event of the year, March Madness draws thousands of fans across the U.S.—so gear up, dive in, and place your bets!
Table of Contents
Place Your March Madness Bets At These Sites
Betting On March Madness 2024 – General Info
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, one of the year’s biggest sporting events, kicks off with the First Four on March 18 and wraps with the Championship game on April 7 in San Antonio, TX. Here’s a quick look at the full tournament schedule and key locations:
2025 March Madness Dates & Venues
- Selection Sunday: March 16 – Bracket reveal
- First Four: March 18-19 – UD Arena, Dayton, OH
Here’s the tournament’s schedule:
- First round: March 20
- Second round: March 21
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5 and 7
How Does March Madness Betting Work?
You can bet on anything related to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. From betting on the winner of a specific game to betting early on the future champion for a bigger payout.
Prop bets will allow you to wager on things that are not related to the winner of a game (these are fun and profitable).
Read on to learn how to bet, where to bet, and what are the best bets to place.
March Madness Betting Stages
Sweet 16 🏀
A key stage where contenders stand out, and upsets feel real. By now, you’ve seen enough to spot who’s got a shot—use those insights to bet smart on the remaining matchups.
Elite Eight 🔥
The last stop before the Final Four. Here’s where favorites rise to the occasion, but well-placed bets on an underdog can lead to serious payouts.
Final Four
This is all about the big names and the clutch plays. Look for who can handle the pressure on the biggest stage.
Championship Game
It’s down to the best two. Focus on player matchups and team trends to place your bets with confidence.
March Madness Betting Promos
Boost your bankroll with some sweet March Madness sportsbook promos. From hefty welcome offers to reload bonuses and VIP perks, here’s a lineup of the top promo deals to help you place bigger wagers and chase bigger wins:
- BetOnline: 50% up to $250 Welcome Bonus or 100% up to $1,000 for crypto bettors. Plus, get a 25% reload boost on every deposit. Quick payouts and high betting limits make this a go-to.
- Bovada: Known for sharp odds and low 3x rollover, their 50% up to $250 welcome bonus or crypto offer up to $750 helps you maximize your wagers on the tournament.
- BetUS: A classic sportsbook offering up to $2,500 as a 100% match for new users, plus reload bonuses and cash-back deals. This site has it all for hoops fans.
- Sportsbetting.ag: With limits as high as they come, score a 50% up to $1,000 bonus or unlimited 25% reloads for March Madness.
- MyBookie: Get a 100% up to $1,000 welcome bonus with the option of a low 1x rollover on 10% cash offers, perfect for fans looking to stay in the game.
Quick Guide to Betting Types
Proposition Bets
March Madness prop bets are a fun way to get in on specific game moments and player achievements beyond just the final score. Bet on “Who scores first?” or “Which team hits 20 points first?” There are also team props, like the number of three-pointers or total points scored, and player props for stats like points, rebounds, or assists.
Point Spreads
This is where most of the action’s at. Back your team against the spread or grab the underdog. Think of it like hoops with a twist, betting on how many points a team will win or lose by.
Moneylines
Straight-up wagers on who wins. Just pick the team; no need to worry about the point spread. Ideal for first-timers and anyone looking to keep it simple.
Totals (Over/Unders)
Bet on the combined score going over or under the line. Will it be a shootout or a grind-it-out defensive game? Find the over/under and take your pick.
Future Bets
NCAA Tournament futures let you bet on big-picture outcomes, like who will claim the National Championship. You can also predict which teams make it to the Sweet 16, Elite 8, or Final Four, and even wager on regional winners.
Live Betting
This is the live-action favorite for March Madness. Bet on in-game odds that update throughout, perfect for riding the wave during the most intense moments of the tournament.
NCAAB Tournament Betting Strategy & Tips
Betting Tip #1Fading The Public
With everyone piling onto the favorites, March Madness is prime time to back an underdog and find value.
The public’s love for big-name teams, especially Top 25 schools, often inflates lines, leaving savvy bettors a chance to capitalize on overlooked teams.
Look out for teams coming off intense conference tournaments—they’re more likely to underperform. Picking your spots to fade the public can uncover the best sleeper bets in the tournament.
Betting Tip #2Check Performance Streaks
Don’t get too caught up in a team’s season record—recent form is what matters. Teams that closed strong or had a hot run in conference tournaments often carry that momentum into March Madness.
Look for teams on winning streaks; they’re usually worth backing over those that stumbled into the tournament.
Betting Tip #3Defense and Rebounding Win Games
Flashy offense is fun, but defense and rebounding win championships. In tournament matchups, teams with lockdown defense and strong rebounding are more reliable—they create second-chance points and can grind out wins even when shots aren’t falling.
Look for teams that consistently control the boards and lock down opponents, as they’re often the safer bet in March.
Betting Tip #4Look for the “Home Court” Edge
Some teams play tournament games close to home, meaning extra fan support that can tip the scales. Oddsmakers factor this in, but it’s still a slight edge for bettors, especially when one team has a stronger local following.
Betting Tip #5Bankroll Management
Keep your bets steady—there’s no need to chase action on every game. Stick to your strategy and manage your bankroll so you’re set for the later rounds. Bet smart, not just for the thrill.
March Madness Betting Odds To Win The Championship
March Madness betting odds cover everything from picking the tournament champ to game-by-game lines, giving bettors endless ways to cash in on the action. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key odds to look for:
Championship Odds
These are futures bets predicting which team will cut down the nets. Odds are dynamic, so you can find value if you jump on a team early or pick a sleeper before they make a deep run.
Game Odds (Point Spreads & Moneylines)
Most March Madness bets are on point spreads (how much a team will win or lose by) or moneylines (picking the outright winner). These odds adjust based on betting action, so grabbing them early can pay off, especially if you see an edge before the public does.
Over/Under Totals
Bet on whether the combined points will go over or under a set number. These totals consider each team’s pace and scoring ability, which fluctuate with matchups. Defensive teams can drive down the total, so always check their recent performances.
Props & In-Game Odds
Look for props on team or player performances, like total points scored or who reaches 20 points first. In-game betting is huge during March Madness, letting you place live bets as momentum shifts, especially when a game looks close or when you’re riding a hot hand.
Wondering who are the most favorites and least favorites to win the Big Dance? Here are the current odds of winning the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament:
| Team | Current Odds | Spring Odds |
|---|---|---|
| UConn | +850 | +1000 |
| Kansas | +850 | +1000 |
| Duke | +900 | +1300 |
| Alabama | +1200 | +1200 |
| Houston | +1600 | +1600 |
| Gonzaga | +1700 | +2000 |
| North Carolina | +1800 | +1700 |
| Baylor | +2000 | +2000 |
| Iowa State | +2000 | +3000 |
| Arizona | +2500 | +2500 |
| Arkansas | +2500 | +2500 |
| Auburn | +3000 | +3000 |
| Kentucky | +3500 | +3500 |
| Purdue | +3000 | +3000 |
| Rutgers | +3000 | N/A |
| Tennessee | +3600 | N/A |
| Texas | +3600 | N/A |
| BYU | +4000 | N/A |
| Illinois | +4000 | N/A |
| Marquette | +4500 | N/A |
| Miami | +5000 | N/A |
| Michigan | +5000 | N/A |
| Florida | +5500 | N/A |
| Michigan State | +5500 | N/A |
| Ohio State | +5500 | N/A |
| St. John’s | +5500 | N/A |
| Texas Tech | +5500 | N/A |
| UCLA | +5500 | N/A |
How To Bet On March Madness Games (Step By Step)
If you are looking to bet on the Big Dance, follow these simple steps:
Pick from our list of trusted March Madness betting sites. Not sure where to start? BetOnline is a solid choice.
Look for the “Join Now” button, usually at the top of the site. Use your real info—fake details mean no payouts!
Head to the banking section and select your deposit method. Go big if you can to maximize that Welcome Bonus. Pick your bonus and hit submit.
Your account’s live! Now browse the odds, choose a bet, decide your stake, and confirm. Welcome to the action!
Best Sportsbooks To Bet On March Madness Online
Want to safely bet on the Big Game? Here are the top 3 sites to bet on the tournament. You can’t go wrong with any of these:
| Rank | NCAAB Betting Sites | Deposit Bonus | Highlights | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Bovada |
Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 |
Highlights
|
Bet Now |
| 2 |
BetUS |
Deposit Bonus 100% Up To $2,500 |
Highlights
|
Bet Now |
| 3 |
Betonline |
Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 |
Highlights
|
Bet Now |
March Madness 2024 Bracket Template
If you love college hoops, laying down a bet and encouraging some friendly competition among your friends during March Madness is a great way to enjoy the tournament.
When you have gotten a group together, you can print our March Madness bracket.
NCAA Basketball Tournament History
“March Madness” began in Illinois in the late 1930s. The University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University 46-33 in the first-ever NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Back then, “The Road to the Final Four” wasn’t much of a road at all. For the first 12 years of the tournament, only eight teams were invited to play.
It wouldn’t be until 1951 that the number began to grow. Over the decades, it expanded further, and in 2001, the tournament was expanded to 65 teams, with a “play-in” game for the 64th and 65th-seeded teams.
The last expansion to the tournament was in 2011, when it expanded to 68 teams, which added another play-in game. Only time will tell if the tournament expands further.
Based on the increased public interest and television ratings, that is always a possibility, and with that, more betting opportunities arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does March Madness Work?
The NCAA Basketball Tournament (March Madness) is a single-elimination tournament played by 68 teams. There are several rounds to the tournament and teams get whittled down to the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final Four, and ultimately, a National Title game that crowns a champion.
Where Can You Watch March Madness?
The NCAA official site offers a live streaming service to watch the games online, but you still must have a cable subscription to watch the games.
Every game of the tournament is televised these days. They are broadcasted on a number of networks, including CBS, TruTV, TNT, and TBS.
Can You Bet On March Madness?
Yes, you can bet on the tournament. It’s completely legal, and you can do it either locally or online. We prefer the latter for convenience and the advantage of having betting bonuses.
Who To Bet On March Madness?
The current favorites to win are the Houston Cougars, with +750 odds. That means if you bet $100 on them to be the future champions and they win, you’ll get paid $750 plus the $100 you invested.
How Much Money Is Bet On March Madness?
We are talking about billions of dollars. In 2022, 3.1 billion dollars were bet on March Madness. In 2019 the betting handle was around 8.5 billion dollars.
Which Team Has Won The Most March Madness Tournaments?
The UCLA Bruins have the most March Madness Championships, with 11 tournaments won.
Make Sure To Read Our College Basketball Betting Guide
