Top March Madness Betting Sites for New Users
March Madness betting sites put you right in the middle of college basketball’s most thrilling tournament. With buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and nonstop action, having the right sportsbook can elevate your entire betting experience – whether you’re placing your first wager or you’re a seasoned bettor.
The best sportsbooks stand out with intuitive platforms, wide-ranging betting markets, competitive odds, and welcome bonuses designed specifically for tournament play. Below, we’ve highlighted the top March Madness betting sites for new users looking to get in on the action.
What to know about the best March Madness betting site promos
March Madness betting sites put you right in the middle of college basketball’s most thrilling tournament. With buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and nonstop action, having the right sportsbook can elevate your entire betting experience – whether you’re placing your first wager or you’re a seasoned bettor.
The best sportsbooks stand out with intuitive platforms, wide-ranging betting markets, competitive odds, and welcome bonuses designed specifically for tournament play. From bracket betting and futures to live wagers and player props, the right site ensures you don’t miss a moment of the action.
The NCAA basketball tournament remains one of the most electrifying sporting events in the United States – three weeks of near wall-to-wall games packed with upsets, dramatic finishes, and breakout performances. As the field narrows and the stakes rise, betting interest reaches its peak.
Below, we break down the latest odds to win March Madness 2025 and everything you need to know about betting on the NCAA basketball tournament.
Where to Bet on March Madness: Top Sportsbooks & Promo Offers
March Madness odds are widely available at major sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, bet365, Caesars, and Fanatics. To get started, simply access a licensed sportsbook through its website or mobile app in a state where online sports betting is legal. Create an account, enter your personal details, claim any available welcome offer, and make your first deposit. Once your account is funded, you’ll be ready to place wagers on the NCAA Tournament.
Below are some of the top March Madness betting sites and their current new-user promos:
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Kentucky promo code offers an intuitive platform that makes browsing spreads, totals, futures, and same-game parlays simple. Its clean layout and competitive odds make it a popular choice during tournament season.
DraftKings Promo:
Up to $1,300 in bonus funds for new users – no promo code required. Click to claim the offer and get started.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Kentucky promo code features a streamlined app with easy navigation and strong same-game parlay options – perfect for March Madness action. Building multi-leg wagers during tournament play is quick and user-friendly.
FanDuel Promo:
Bet $5, get $100 in bonus bets if your first bet wins – no promo code required.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
Backed by the MGM brand, BetMGM Kentucky bonus code delivers competitive lines, deep betting markets, and strong promotional value during the NCAA Tournament. It’s a solid option for bettors who want variety and flexibility.
BetMGM Promo:
Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet doesn’t win.
In select states, new users may instead receive Bet $10, Get $150 in bonus bets (if the bet wins).
Use promo code: PLAYLSR
Bonus bets expire in 7 days. Terms apply.
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers provides a straightforward platform with an integrated rewards program that allows users to earn loyalty points for placing wagers. It’s a dependable choice for tournament betting.
BetRivers Promo:
Second-chance bet up to $500 with promo code ROCKYBET.
5. bet365 Sportsbook
Originally founded in the UK, bet365 bonus code Kentucky has grown into a global sportsbook with expanding U.S. availability. It offers competitive odds, a user-friendly mobile app, and strong in-play betting options.
bet365 Promo:
Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets (win or lose) using promo code BETROCK.
6. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Kentucky promo code combines a strong online sportsbook with its well-known Caesars Rewards loyalty program. Bettors can earn credits while taking advantage of competitive March Madness promos.
Caesars Promo:
Bet $1 and double your winnings on your next 10 wagers using promo code START250BM.
7. Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky entered the sportsbook market after building a major presence in sports apparel. Its mobile-first platform offers a sleek interface and flexible promotional options for new bettors.
Fanatics Promo:
Bet and get up to $1,000 in no-sweat bets for new users.
Live Betting on March Madness
Live betting – also known as in-game betting – allows you to place wagers while a March Madness matchup is underway. Instead of locking in your bets before tip-off, you can react to momentum swings, scoring runs, injuries, or unexpected performances as the game unfolds.
This style of wagering gives bettors flexibility. You can hedge a pregame bet if the matchup isn’t playing out as expected, double down on a strong read, or simply place standalone wagers based on what you’re seeing in real time.
Live betting options often include:
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Updated spreads, moneylines, and totals as odds adjust throughout the game
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First-half and second-half winners or totals
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Player props and alternate scoring lines
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Next team to score or race-to-points markets
If you enjoy staying engaged every minute of the action, live betting can add an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. However, if you prefer placing your wagers before the game and watching without constant decision-making, pregame betting may be a better fit.
Recommended March Madness Websites for Live Betting
Live betting availability depends on your location, as options vary by market. That said, bet365 is widely recognized as one of the leaders in live betting in the United States.
bet365 offers an extensive selection of in-game markets, frequent odds updates, and detailed live stats. The platform is known for its speed and depth of live options, making it especially appealing during fast-paced tournament matchups.
In addition, bet365 often provides live streaming for select events, allowing users to watch games directly within the app after placing a wager. This integrated experience makes it easier to follow the action and adjust your bets in real time.
The Criteria Behind Our March Madness Betting Site Rankings
When evaluating the best March Madness betting sites, we consider a range of key factors to ensure bettors receive a safe, competitive, and enjoyable experience. First and foremost, every sportsbook must be fully licensed and regulated in the states where it operates. Legitimacy and player security are non-negotiable starting points in our rankings.
Once safety and accessibility are confirmed, we assess the overall user experience. This includes how easy it is to navigate the platform, locate betting markets, and place wagers efficiently. A well-designed interface – both on desktop and mobile – plays a major role in delivering a smooth tournament betting experience.
The depth of March Madness betting markets is another critical factor. Top sportsbooks should offer a comprehensive selection of wagers, including spreads, totals, moneylines, futures, player props, and live betting options. Competitive odds and lines that align with – or improve upon – the broader market are equally important.
We also review promotional value, including welcome bonuses, tournament-specific offers, and ongoing boosts. Beyond bonus size, we carefully examine the fine print, including playthrough requirements, minimum odds, and expiration timelines, so bettors understand exactly what they’re signing up for.
Banking flexibility and customer support round out our evaluation. The best sportsbooks provide multiple secure deposit and withdrawal options, along with responsive customer service that delivers clear and timely assistance if issues arise.
Finally, we test overall platform performance. Some sportsbooks offer consistently fast loading times and seamless app functionality, while others may struggle with occasional glitches. Reliability during high-traffic events like March Madness is essential.
By weighing all of these factors, we aim to identify sportsbooks that deliver strong value, competitive pricing, and a dependable betting experience throughout the tournament.
Is Betting on March Madness Legal in the U.S.?
Yes – but it depends on where you live. Online Kentucky sports betting is currently legal in many U.S. states, as well as Washington, DC, though regulations vary by jurisdiction. Since 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, individual states have had the authority to legalize and regulate the activity within their borders.
As a result, sports betting – including wagering on March Madness – is widely available, but there is no single federal law governing it nationwide. Each state determines whether to allow online betting, retail sportsbooks, or both, and sets its own licensing and compliance standards.
Before placing a bet on the NCAA Tournament, it’s important to confirm that online sports betting is legal in your state and that you’re using a licensed operator.
Rules and Regulations for March Madness Betting
Because sports betting laws are determined at the state level, the rules can differ significantly depending on location.
For example:
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Legal betting age: Most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old, though a few jurisdictions allow sports betting at 18.
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College sports restrictions: Some states prohibit betting on in-state college teams or restrict certain types of college prop bets.
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Participant restrictions: All states prohibit athletes, coaches, referees, and individuals with close ties to a team or league from placing wagers on that sport.
Additionally, states may limit specific wager types, such as player props involving college athletes.
If you’re planning to bet on March Madness, reviewing your state’s specific guidelines ensures you stay compliant with local regulations.
Is Betting on March Madness Legal in the U.S.?
Yes – in many states, betting on March Madness is legal. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, individual states have been allowed to decide whether to legalize and regulate sports wagering within their borders.
Today, a majority of states – along with Washington, DC – have legalized some form of TN sports betting, including online and mobile wagering. However, laws vary by state. Some allow full online betting, others permit only retail sportsbooks, and a few still prohibit sports betting entirely.
- Arkansas
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- Ontario
Meanwhile, others do have some regulations that deal with wagering on college sports.
- Arizona: No college prop bets.
- Colorado: No college prop bets.
- Connecticut: No betting on games involving in-state college teams (unless they are playing in a tournament). Player props are allowed for out-of-state teams only.
- Delaware: No betting on games involving in-state college teams. Prop betting is allowed on out-of-state teams only.
- Florida: No college prop bets.
- Illinois: Cannot wager on games involving in-state college teams. No college props.
- Indiana: Prop betting is allowed during pregame only and on out-of-state teams.
- Iowa: No prop bets on college athletes.
- Louisiana: No prop bets on college athletes.
- Maine: No betting on games involving in-state college teams. Prop betting is allowed on out-of-state teams only.
- Maryland: No prop bets on college athletes.
- Massachusetts: No betting on games involving in-state college teams (unless they are playing in a tournament). No college player props.
- Mississippi: No prop bets on college athletes.
- New Hampshire: No betting on in-state college teams or events.
- New Jersey: No betting on games or events involving in-state college teams, such as Seton Hall or Princeton in the NCAA Tournament. Prop betting allowed for teams outside of the state.
- New Mexico: Wagering on games involving New Mexico-based teams and betting on individual player statistics (player props) is not allowed.
- New York: No betting on games involving in-state college teams.
- Ohio: No prop bets on college athletes.
- Oregon: Must place college bets in person at a retail sportsbook; no online college betting.
- Pennsylvania: No prop bets on college athletes.
- Rhode Island: No betting on games involving in-state college teams. Prop betting is allowed on out-of-state teams only.
- South Dakota: No betting on games involving in-state college teams.
- Tennessee: No prop bets on college athletes or in-game college props of any sort.
- Vermont: No betting on games involving in-state college teams (unless they are playing in a tournament). No prop bets on college athletes.
- Virginia: No college prop bets or betting on games involving in-state college teams.
- Washington: No betting on games involving in-state college teams.
- Washington, DC: No betting on college games taking place in the district or colleges that call the district home.
Is March Madness Betting Legal in the United States?
Yes – betting on March Madness is legal in many parts of the U.S., but it depends on your location. Since the Supreme Court repealed the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, individual states have had the authority to regulate and legalize sports wagering within their borders.
As a result, a growing number of states now allow online and mobile betting on major sporting events, including the NCAA Tournament. However, sports betting odds is not universally legal across the country, and regulations vary from state to state.
How to Start Betting on March Madness Today
Betting on March Madness online is quick and straightforward. In just a few minutes, you can create an account, fund it, and start wagering on the NCAA Tournament. Follow these simple steps to get started:
1. Select a Licensed Sportsbook
Choose a legal and regulated online sportsbook available in your state. For major events like March Madness, you’ll likely have multiple reputable options to compare.
2. Review Eligibility Requirements
Make sure you meet your state’s minimum gambling age and other eligibility standards. If you’re planning to claim a welcome bonus, carefully review the promotion’s terms, including wagering requirements and minimum odds.
3. Register an Account
Sign up by entering basic personal information. Most sportsbooks will also verify your identity and location to comply with state regulations. This process usually takes just a few minutes.
4. Make a Deposit
Fund your account using one of the available payment methods, such as debit card, online banking, or digital wallet. Some sportsbooks offer deposit-based bonuses tied to your first funding amount.
5. Explore Betting Options
March Madness offers a wide variety of wagering opportunities, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, and player props. Available markets may vary by state and sportsbook.
6. Set Your Wager Amount
Decide how much you want to risk on your bet. Always practice responsible bankroll management – never wager more than you can afford to lose and avoid chasing losses.
7. Confirm and Place Your Bet
Once you’ve selected your wager, add it to your bet slip, enter your stake, and review the details carefully before confirming.
8. Withdraw Winnings
If your bet wins, you can request a withdrawal through your preferred payment method. Processing times vary by sportsbook and method, but many transactions are completed within a few hours to several business days.
Understanding How March Madness Betting Works
March Madness offers a wide range of betting opportunities, starting well before the tournament tips off. Thanks to futures markets, bettors can wager on the eventual national champion months in advance. You can also place bets on teams to reach specific milestones, such as the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, or Final Four.
Once the tournament begins, attention shifts to individual game betting. From the First Four to the national championship game, the NCAA Tournament features 67 matchups played over several weeks – giving bettors dozens of chances to get involved.
For each game, sportsbooks typically display three primary betting options next to the team names: the moneyline, point spread, and total (over/under).
Here’s how they work:
Moneyline
This is the simplest wager – you’re picking which team will win the game outright. The favorite will have negative odds (e.g., -150), while the underdog will have positive odds (e.g., +130). Negative odds indicate how much you need to wager to win $100, while positive odds show how much profit you’d earn on a $100 bet.
Point Spread
The spread evens the matchup by assigning a scoring margin. For example, if a team is listed as -5, it must win by more than five points to cover the spread. The opposing team at +5 can either win outright or lose by fewer than five points to cash the bet. Spread bets typically carry similar odds on both sides.
Totals (Over/Under)
The total represents the projected combined score of both teams. Bettors choose whether the actual total points scored will go over or under that number. For example, if the total is set at 160, you’re betting on whether the final combined score will exceed or fall short of 160 points.
Understanding these three core wager types gives you a strong foundation for betting on March Madness. From there, you can explore additional options like player props, alternate spreads, live betting, and more as the tournament unfolds.
Understanding How March Madness Betting Works
Betting on March Madness starts long before the first game tips off. Sportsbooks post futures odds months in advance, allowing bettors to wager on which team will win the national championship or reach later stages like the Final Four or Elite Eight.
Once the tournament begins, the focus shifts to game-by-game betting. With 67 total games played from the First Four through the championship, there are constant opportunities to place wagers throughout
How Prop Bets Work in March Madness
Prop bets – short for proposition bets – are another popular way to wager on March Madness. Instead of focusing solely on the final outcome, prop bets allow you to bet on specific events or statistical outcomes within a game.
These wagers can involve team performance, scoring milestones, or situational outcomes. However, keep in mind that prop betting availability can vary depending on state regulations. Some states restrict certain types of college player props, so it’s important to review local rules before placing a wager.
Common March Madness prop bets include:
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Alternate point spreads and alternate totals
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Winning margin ranges (e.g., win by 1–5 points, 6–10 points, etc.)
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Team performance in the first half or second half
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Race-to-points markets
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Tournament-based props (e.g., total wins in the tournament)
Because of regulatory differences, college player props may be more limited compared to professional leagues like the NBA. To find available props, simply click on a specific matchup within the sportsbook to expand the full list of betting markets.
How March Madness Futures Betting Works
Futures betting allows you to wager on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the national championship. Odds for the next year’s tournament are typically released shortly after the current tournament concludes.
Futures boards are generally listed in order of projected strength, with favorites appearing at the top. Example odds might look like this:
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Purdue +650
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Houston +800
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Duke +1100
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UConn +1300
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Michigan +1800
Once odds are posted, they begin shifting based on betting activity, roster changes, injuries, and team performance throughout the season. Heavy betting action on a particular team will often cause its odds to shorten, while teams drawing less interest may see their odds lengthen.
Futures markets continue evolving throughout the regular season and conference tournaments as the betting market adjusts to new information.
2026 March Madness Futures Betting Odds
Futures odds for the 2026 NCAA Tournament are already available at legal sportsbooks. These odds update regularly to reflect betting trends and team performance.
If you see a championship future or tournament milestone wager that interests you, simply click on the listed odds at your preferred sportsbook to place your bet. As always, compare prices across sportsbooks to ensure you’re getting the best value before locking in your wager.
March Madness Sports Betting Sites to Avoid
Because online sports betting laws vary across the United States, some offshore sportsbooks continue to operate outside of U.S. regulations. These sites are not licensed or regulated by U.S. authorities, meaning they do not provide the same consumer protections as legal, state-approved sportsbooks.
We strongly recommend avoiding offshore or grey-market operators. If you are located in the U.S., always use a licensed and regulated sportsbook available in your state. Legal operators follow strict compliance standards, offer secure payment methods, and provide reliable customer support.
Some commonly known offshore sportsbooks include:
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Bovada
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BetOnline.ag
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MyBookie
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SportsBetting.ag
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BetUS
While these sites may advertise attractive bonuses, they do not offer the regulatory safeguards or dispute protections that legal sportsbooks provide.
March Madness 2026 Dates, Schedule & Location
The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to begin on March 17 and conclude on April 6, delivering nearly three weeks of nonstop action.
Here are the key dates for the tournament:
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Selection Sunday: March 15
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First Four: March 17–18
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First & Second Rounds: March 19–22
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Sweet 16 & Elite Eight (Regionals): March 26–29
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Final Four: April 4
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National Championship Game: April 6
The Final Four and national championship will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Games will be broadcast nationally across CBS and Turner Sports networks, including CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV, along with streaming availability on their digital platforms.
Which Programs Have Excelled at March Madness?
While every NCAA Tournament brings a new bracket and fresh storylines, several college basketball programs have built dominant legacies over the decades.
Here are the five programs with the most tournament game appearances:
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Kentucky: 132–57 (189 games)
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North Carolina: 134–50 (184 games)
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Kansas: 118–50 (160 games)
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Duke: 122–41 (163 games)
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UCLA: 115–45 (160 games)
These programs also lead in several major tournament categories:
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Most Tournament Appearances: Kentucky (57)
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Longest Consecutive Tournament Streak: Kansas (33 straight appearances from 1990–present)
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Most Final Four Appearances: North Carolina (21)
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Most National Championships: UCLA (11 titles, most recent in 1995)
Although past success does not guarantee future results, historically strong programs often continue to remain competitive deep into the tournament.
March Madness Brackets Explained
One of the most anticipated moments in college basketball each year is the release of the official March Madness bracket. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee selects and seeds the field, determining which teams will compete for the national championship.
The tournament features 68 teams in total. Thirty-two teams earn automatic bids by winning their respective conference tournaments, while the remaining 36 spots are awarded as at-large bids to teams selected by the committee.
When evaluating teams, the committee considers several factors, including overall record, strength of schedule, quality wins, advanced metrics, and performance throughout the season. Once the field is finalized, the committee seeds the teams and organizes the bracket matchups.
The bracket is divided into four regions: East, Midwest, South, and West. Each region contains 16 seeded teams ranked from No. 1 through No. 16. The top four seeds in each region are typically considered the strongest teams in the field. The winners of each region advance to the Final Four.
Before the full field of 64 is set, eight teams compete in the “First Four” play-in games to secure the final spots in the bracket.
The tournament follows a single-elimination format, meaning one loss sends a team home. The structure breaks down as follows:
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First Four: 4 games
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First Round: 32 games
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Second Round: 16 games
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Sweet 16: 8 games
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Elite Eight: 4 games
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Final Four: 2 games
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National Championship: 1 game
From start to finish, the tournament consists of 67 total games.
Bracket Selection Sunday often sparks debate, as fans and analysts question which teams were included – and which were left out. Despite the intense analysis, predicting every outcome remains nearly impossible. According to the NCAA, the odds of filling out a perfect bracket are approximately 1 in 9.2 quintillion.
That unpredictability is exactly what makes March Madness so captivating year after year.
March Madness Odds FAQ
Who Creates The March Madness Betting Odds?
Professional oddsmakers wake up every morning intending to set the odds and lines for each sports event that can be wagered on. They will create their power rankings, compare with others in the industry, and put out the official numbers on which bettors can place wagers.
Who Is Favored To Win March Madness?
The favorites will change almost weekly during the regular season and during the tournament. As of now, Auburn is +340 to win it all. Tennessee meanwhile is +1,200. Two-time defending national champ UConn is +8,000.
Where Can I Bet On March Madness Odds?
If you are in a legal sports betting state, you can place a wager on March Madness. Just make sure you are all caught up with your state’s rules on betting on college sports.
Can I Live Bet on March Madness Games?
Yes! Oddsmakers are always at work, providing real-time odds and lines to ensure you can place a live wager.
Has Anyone Ever Gotten A Perfect Bracket?
No, no perfect bracket has ever been verified. So it is possible someone has done so in a private challenge against friends, but most likely, it has never happened. The NCAA says the odds of picking every correct outcome for March Madness is 1 in 9.223 quintillions. If you are unaware, that is an insanely large number, which tells us that it is almost statistically impossible.
That should not stop you from giving it a try, however. Just realize the odds and always practice responsible gambling.
What Are The Best Sportsbook Apps To Use For March Madness?
We recommend BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel as the best in the industry, but it comes down to personal preference. There is nothing wrong with signing up for every sportsbook app available to get the best March Madness odds and lines.