Best March Madness Betting Sites
March Madness is the pinnacle of college basketball excitement, and it brings with it some of the most thrilling betting opportunities of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or placing your first wager, finding the right sportsbook can make all the difference. Below, our experts at LINEUPS break down the top platforms, explain how to get started, and answer your most common questions about wagering on the NCAA Tournament.
Top March Madness Sportsbooks & Apps
Our college basketball wagering specialists at LINEUPS have evaluated the leading platforms for NCAA Tournament action. Below are the highest-rated sportsbooks where you can get in on all the Madness:
| Sportsbook | Rating |
|---|---|
| Caesars | 4.8/5 |
| BetMGM | 4.8/5 |
| Fanatics | 4.7/5 |
| BetRivers | 4.6/5 |
| FanDuel | 4.6/5 |
| DraftKings | 4.6/5 |
| Bet365 | 4.3/5 |
Our Ranking Methodology
We urge every college hoops bettor to compare odds across sites—shopping for value is key. On our site you’ll find daily odds comparisons for each game and futures prices on the national title. When ranking the above books, we weigh:
- Odds Competitiveness
- Withdrawal Speed
- Bonus Offers
- Deposit Flexibility
- Interface & User Experience
- Support Availability
Legality of March Madness Betting by State
All jurisdictions with legal sports wagering allow bets on college basketball, but state regulations differ:
- North Carolina launched mobile betting just in time for March Madness.
- Kentucky permits wagers on in-state teams (e.g., UK vs. Louisville).
- New Jersey & New York prohibit bets on home teams, so NJ books couldn’t take wagers on the East Regional final held in Newark.
- AZ, CO, TN, PA bar prop bets on student-athletes (team props only).
Always double-check your state’s rules before placing a wager.
How to Get Started
- Choose a Sportsbook
Review availability in your state, compare sign-up promos and betting menus, and remember you can hold multiple accounts simultaneously. - Sign Up & Fund Your Account
Register (you’ll need basic personal info and the last four of your SSN for verification), enter any promo code if required, then deposit—most sites accept as little as $10. - Place Your First NCAA Bet
From futures on bracket outcomes to single-game wagers, the 67-game tournament offers spreads, moneylines, totals, props, live bets, and more.
Popular March Madness Bet Types
Point Spread
Wager on how many points a team will win or lose by.
E.g., if Duke is –5.5 vs. Houston, Duke must win by six or more to cover.
Moneyline
Bet on the outright winner. Underdogs can pay out handsomely—remember Fairleigh Dickinson’s +2000 upset over Purdue in 2023.
Totals (Over/Under)
Pick whether the combined score will be above or below a given number (e.g., 142 points in the championship).
Futures
Lock in odds on tournament milestones—champion, Final Four, Sweet 16—before or during the bracket.
Props
Depending on state law, place wagers on team stats (3-point makes, first basket) or, where allowed, individual player performances.
Why Bet Online This March
- Licensed & Secure
All recommended sites are regulated and offer responsible-gaming tools—bet limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options. - Rapid Transactions
Enjoy instant funding and withdrawals via PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and more. - Live Betting
Cash in on in-game momentum swings with real-time odds adjustments. - Enhanced Bonuses
Online platforms routinely outmatch brick-and-mortar for odds boosts, profit boosts, and Bonus Bets during the big dance.
FAQ
Is March Madness betting legal in my state?
If your state has legal sports betting, college basketball wagers are generally allowed—though rules on prop bets and in-state teams vary. Always check your state’s gaming commission for specifics.
Can I bet on my home team?
Some states (like Kentucky) allow bets on in-state schools; others (NJ, NY) prohibit wagering on local teams. Review your sportsbook’s state-specific policies.
What’s the minimum I need to deposit?
Most online sportsbooks let you begin with as little as $10. Some promos may have higher deposit requirements—always read the fine print before you fund your account.
How does live (in-game) betting work?
Live betting lets you place wagers while the game is in progress. Odds update in real time based on current score, time remaining, and momentum shifts.
Any tips for March Madness beginners?
Shop odds across multiple books, start with small bets to learn each bet type, and consider simple wagers (spreads or moneylines) before diving into props or parlays. Always bet responsibly!
