How To Bet on March Madness: A Beginner’s Guide

UConn's Tristen Newton tries to get past Marquette's David Joplin during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Milwaukee. UConn won 74-67.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
  • BetMGM provides a wide range of March Madness markets.
  • March Madness is one of the most-watched basketball competitions in the world.
  • Live betting is available during the NCAA Tournament.

With a huge number of games scheduled throughout March Madness, bettors should ensure they understand the available markets, where to bet, and how to read odds. 

How To Bet on March Madness in Canada

There are lots of different ways to bet on March Madness basketball betting lines at BetMGM. A selection of betting markets is available for those interested in online sports betting:

  • Moneyline: A bet on which team will win the game.
  • Spread: The spread is the amount a team is favoured to win by. For example, if Duke is -9.5 against Houston, a bet on Duke only wins if the Blue Devils win the game by 10 or more points. A wager on Houston would pay out if the Cougars win or lose by nine or fewer points.
  • Game totals: A bet on the total number of points in the game.
  • Player props: These are bets on the performance of a specific player. This includes over/unders on points, rebounds, and assists.
  • Parlays: Combine multiple selections into a single wager. All of the picks must land for the bet to pay out.
  • Futures: BetMGM has a catalogue of futures to choose from. These include the March Madness winner, whether a team will make the Final Four, and more.

How To Live Bet During March Madness

Once a game has tipped off, college hoops fans can place live bets at the BetMGM online sportsbook. 

The live sports betting markets are updated constantly throughout every game during March Madness, with the odds adjusted depending on how the game is unfolding. 

How To Read March Madness Betting Odds

It’s important bettors know how to read March Madness odds before placing their bets. 

All odds for March Madness either start with a “-” or a “+.” 

For example, a team favoured on the moneyline could be priced at -180. This would mean a $10 wager would have a potential return of $15.56, including the stake. 

Alternatively, an underdog could be +300 to win a game. A $10 wager would have a potential payout of $40. 

Can You Bet on March Madness Games?

Yes, it is possible to bet on March Madness games. 

Where Can I Bet on March Madness Online?

Visit the BetMGM online sportsbook to place bets on March Madness. 

There are NCAA championship odds, game lines, parlays, and more.

How Do You Bet on Basketball Games?

There is a range of options for betting on basketball games. 

Once an account has been created and money deposited, betting on basketball games at the BetMGM sportsbook is possible. Bettors can choose between game lines, player props, futures, parlays, and other markets created specifically for March Madness. 

About the Author

Sam Cox

Read More @samrcox_

Sam Cox is a freelance content writer for BetMGM. He can regularly be found on 888Sport and Betting Expert and has previously written for Sports Betting Dime, OddsChecker, and numerous others. Sam also runs Franchise Sports and has over a decade of experience in the gambling industry.

Sam Cox is a freelance content writer for BetMGM. He can regularly be found on 888Sport and Betting Expert and has previously written for Sports Betting Dime, OddsChecker, and numerous others. Sam also runs Franchise Sports and has over a decade of experience in the gambling industry.