The college basketball tournament is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the US. College basketball tournament betting is an annual extravaganza, and we’ve got everything you need to know here.
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Some of the best online sportsbooks offer wide betting menus each March. With a range of college basketball betting options available, you can navigate through the tournament, placing your wagers with confidence through a variety of online sportsbooks. Explore the matchups, analyze team dynamics, and make your predictions as you enjoy the intense college basketball game competition unfolding on the court.
Best College Basketball Tournament Betting Sites
Bettors have an almost endless number of options to choose from when looking for an online sportsbook to bet on college basketball games. However, there are several that stand out from the rest for various reasons, each offering a unique college basketball betting experience (and sportsbook bonuses, too).
- Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook features a variety of college basketball odds boosts and promotions.
- BetMGM: A popular choice among sports bettors, BetMGM Sportsbook offers a wide range of college basketball betting options, including live betting, futures, and props.
- FanDuel: Another industry leader, FanDuel Sportsbook offers a variety of promotions and features specifically designed for college basketball betting.
- bet365: One of the fastest-growing sportsbooks in the country, bet365 Sportsbook is expanding into more and more states. After a late launch into the U.S. market, they could become a serious player in short order.
How College Basketball Tournament Betting Works
One of the most exciting aspects of College Basketball Tournament betting lies in the futures market, allowing users to place wagers long before the first jump ball. Futures bets involve predicting the outcome of an event that will take place in the future, such as selecting on college basketball tournament sites the tournament winner or determining which teams will reach the final few rounds.
For example, a user might place a futures bet with a college basketball betting app on the University of Kansas to reach the national semifinals before the tournament even begins, with odds reflecting the team’s perceived likelihood of achieving this milestone.
Moneyline
Bettors can bet on the outright winner of a specific game. For instance, in college basketball betting, if Michigan State is facing Duke, a moneyline bet on Michigan State means you’re simply backing them to win, regardless of the margin of victory.
Best sportsbook for moneyline betting: FanDuel offers an advanced user-friendly platform, competitive odds, and a wide range of sports offerings, providing bettors with a seamless and comprehensive experience.
Point Spread
Point spreads level the playing field by assigning a point handicap to each team. If North Carolina has a -4.5-point spread against UCLA, they must win by five or more points for the bet to succeed, while a bet on UCLA would win if they either win the game outright or lose by less than 5 points.
Totals
Also known as Over/Under bets, this involves wagering on the combined score of both teams. For instance, if the Total for a college basketball matchup between Kentucky and Villanova is set at 150.5 points, bettors can choose to bet on the combined score being either over or under that total.
Prop Betting
Proposition bets, or prop bets, introduce an extra layer of excitement by allowing users to wager on specific events within a game. Prop bets can range from the number of three-pointers made by a team to individual player performance. For instance, a prop bet in college basketball might involve predicting whether Gonzaga’s star player will score over or under 25 points in a particular game.
Best sportsbook for prop betting: Caesars has a diverse range of imaginative and enticing prop bet offerings, providing bettors with an engaging and immersive experience beyond traditional wagering options.
Futures
Apart from early-season futures bets, users can also engage in tournament-specific futures bets on college basketball betting sites as the competition progresses. This includes predicting the overall tournament winner, conference champions, or even outcomes like whether a particular team will make it to a certain round. For example, a user may place a futures bet on Baylor to make it to the Final Four before the tournament’s Sweet 16 matchups are determined.
Best sportsbook for futures betting: BetMGM provides a combination of competitive odds and a comprehensive selection of future markets, providing bettors with an enticing and strategic platform for long-term predictions.
Other College Basketball Betting Options
Beyond these well-known avenues offered by all betting sites, sports bettors and fans can also explore an array of intriguing betting options that add layers of excitement and complexity to their wagering experience. One such option is live or in-play betting, where wagers are placed on events unfolding in real-time during a game. This dynamic form of betting allows users to capitalize on shifting momentum, player performances, and game situations as they occur, offering a dynamic and immersive engagement throughout the duration of a match.
Another facet is parlay betting, a strategy where bettors combine multiple individual bets into a single wager. While the allure of higher payouts is enticing, the catch lies in all selected bets needing to be successful for the parlay to win. This form of betting allows for creativity, as users can construct parlays across different games or even sports, adding an element of strategic complexity to the betting experience.
Additionally, teaser bets provide a unique twist by allowing bettors to adjust the point spread or totals in their favor, albeit at the cost of reduced odds. This strategy involves combining two or more bets within the same game, providing a cushion against a narrow margin of victory or defeat. Teaser bets are popular for those seeking a bit of risk mitigation while still enjoying the thrill of multi-dimensional betting strategies.
As sports betting continues to evolve, innovative options like player propositions, alternative lines, and quarter/half betting present even more avenues for bettors to tailor their approach to the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of athletic competitions. These diverse betting types cater to a wide spectrum of preferences and strategies, ensuring that sports enthusiasts can find the perfect blend of risk and reward to suit their individual tastes.
Not all betting sites offer all of these options, and some may even be limited by state regulations. Bettors should always check the details of the sportsbook before getting started.
How College Basketball Tournament Brackets Work
The process begins with the selection committee. This committee is responsible for evaluating teams throughout the regular season and determining the 68 teams that will participate in the tournament.
The primary factor influencing a team’s selection is its performance during the regular season and conference tournaments. The committee meticulously reviews teams’ win-loss records, strength of schedule, and notable victories or defeats. The intention is to create a well-balanced and competitive field, reflecting the diversity of conferences and regions within collegiate basketball.
Automatic bids play a crucial role in the selection process. Conference champions from each of the 32 Division I conferences receive an automatic bid, ensuring representation from a wide spectrum of schools. For these teams, winning their conference tournament is a direct ticket, regardless of their regular-season performance.
The remaining at-large bids, amounting to 36 teams, are awarded to those who did not secure an automatic bid but demonstrated outstanding performance and competitiveness during the regular season. The committee considers various metrics, including rankings, head-to-head matchups, and performance against common opponents.
Through a total of 67 games, the single-elimination format ensures that every matchup is a high-stakes affair, with teams either advancing or exiting the tournament after each game.
Top Teams in Previous Basketball Tournaments
In recent tournament events, certain teams have consistently risen to the top, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. The perennial powerhouses, known for their exceptional talent, strategic coaching, and championship pedigree, have become synonymous with thrilling competition. This also makes them stand out in college basketball betting.
Teams such as Duke, North Carolina, and Kentucky have been perennial contenders, with their storied histories contributing to the tournament’s rich tapestry. Duke has also been a force to be reckoned with in many of its college basketball games, boasting a remarkable track record of championships and deep tournament runs. North Carolina, with its iconic Carolina Blue jerseys, has produced some of the game’s greatest talents and has etched its name as a perennial contender.
UConn won the tournament in 2023. They defeated San Diego State in the final.
Regulations for college basketball tournament betting
The landscape of sports betting in the US is a patchwork quilt of regulations and policies. This is a reflection of the unique approach each state takes in crafting its own set of rules governing this dynamic industry.
In the post-PASPA era, when the federal ban on sports betting was lifted, individual states gained the authority to determine the parameters of sports wagering within their borders. Consequently, a diverse array of rules and regulations emerged, leading to a decentralized system where each state exercises its autonomy in shaping the legal framework for sports betting and online sportsbooks.
This decentralized approach allows states to tailor their rules based on local preferences, economic considerations, and the unique cultural nuances that influence the perception and acceptance of sports gambling within their jurisdictions. As a result, the US showcases a fascinating mosaic of sports betting regulations and betting sites, with each state contributing its own chapter to the evolving narrative of this rapidly expanding industry.
State Restrictions
Each state has created its own legislation to regulate sports betting and they don’t all follow the same pattern. Here’s an overview of the most notable college basketball betting restrictions by state:
- Arizona – No betting on college props
- Colorado – No betting on unsanctioned college props
- Connecticut – No betting on in-state college teams
- Delaware – No betting on in-state college teams and events
- Illinois – No betting on in-state college props
- Indiana – No betting on college props
- Iowa – No betting on in-state college props
- Maine – No betting on in-state college teams and events
- Massachusetts – No betting on in-state college teams (unless large tournament), and no betting on college props
- New Hampshire – No betting on in-state college teams and events
- Nebraska – No betting on in-state college teams
- New Jersey – No betting on in-state college teams and events
- New York – No betting on in-state college teams and events
- Oregon – No betting on college sports when using Scoreboard Lottery App
- Rhode Island – No betting on in-state college teams and events
- South Dakota – No betting on in-state college teams and events and no betting on college props
- Tennessee – No betting on college props
- Virginia – No betting on in-state college teams and events and no betting on college props
- Washington – No betting on in-state college teams and events
- Washington, DC – No betting on in-district college teams and events
College Basketball Tournament Betting FAQs
What is the best way to bet on college basketball?
The best way to bet on the college basketball tournament depends on individual preferences and expertise. Some common ways include moneyline bets, point spread bets, totals (Over/Under), prop bets, and futures bets. Researching teams, understanding player statistics, and staying informed about the tournament’s dynamics can contribute to making informed betting decisions.
Which is the safest sportsbook to bet on men’s college basketball this March?
Determining the safest sportsbook is subjective and can depend on factors such as reputation, security and responsible gambling measures, and user experience. Established and reputable betting sites like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook are often considered reliable choices. It’s essential to do thorough research, read user reviews, and consider the sportsbook’s licensing and regulatory status.
What is the best bet for college basketball tournament betting?
Some bettors prefer moneyline bets for straightforward outcomes, while others find value in point spread or totals bets. Additionally, prop bets can add excitement to individual game scenarios, and futures bets allow for predictions on tournament outcomes. The best bet is subjective and depends on one’s betting style and analysis of the teams and matchups.
