March Madness Betting 2026
Besides the NFL Super Bowl, there’s no single sports event inside the United States that’s more gambled on than the NCAA March Madness tournament. It’s hard to put an exact number on how much money is bet on March Madness, but the figure is estimated to be well into the billions of dollars. If you’re reading this, chances are you want in on the March Madness betting yourself.
Welp, you’ve come to the right place. Over the course of this guide, we’ll give you all the know-how on how to bet on March Madness — sportsbooks, promotions, types of wagers, and even some March Madness betting strategies for success.
Before we get started, here’s the latest March Madness odds. The odds to win the 2026 March Madness are below and obviously, will be in flux once the NCAA basketball season gets underway.
THE FLORIDA GATORS ARE YOUR 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆
THE GATORS HAVE RETURNED TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN 👑 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/NNWAaEcYuY
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 8, 2025
Top Sportsbooks For March Madness Bracket Betting
Looking for the best March Madness betting sites to place wagers on the upcoming NCAA tournament? Our top recommendations allow you to conveniently bet on March Madness online with competitive odds and lines.
The NCAA Tournament is the pinnacle of college basketball — the top 68 teams in the nation, duking it out in a single-elimination tournament. That win-or-go-home format is why it’s earned the “March Madness” moniker. All 67 games are contested within a three-week span so March Madness bracket betting opportunities everywhere come tourney time.
To capitalize on all these opportunities, you’ll need an online sportsbook that carries all the March Madness gambling odds under one roof. We’re sure you’ve heard of sites like DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel, which offer extensive March Madness wagering options, but these sites are not legally accessible in every US state! In that regard, plus other bettor-friendly features, these next three sportsbooks should be atop every bettor’s to-join list, no matter the state they’re in:
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS
50% bonus up to $250Play NowT&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
50% bonus up to $250Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS 125% up to $2,000Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
50% up to $200Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
150% up to $225Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
BetOnline’s March Madness’ Lines
Bettors far and wide rave about BetOnline’s bet selection. It’s all-encompassing — no matter the sport, league, or country. That certainly applies to the bookie’s March Madness bets, too.
You name the March Madness bet type — moneyline, in-play, props, futures, etc. — and it’s there for the taking at BetOnline. Not only that, but the prices are top-of-the-line, almost mimicking the NCAA March Madness odds you’ll find from powerhouse Las Vegas casinos.
March Madness Bets at BetNow
Loyalty is a big part of BetNow’s charm. The bookie offers a “lifetime VIP” program to its players. Every time a bettor re-ups their account on BetNow, they’re eligible for an additional 10 or 15 percent bonus. To earn the deal, simply fund your account for the first time. If that initial deposit is at least $500, you qualify for the 10-percent deal, while a deposit of $2000 or above earns the 15-percent promo.
This loyalty program really pays off while in March Madness. With the sheer amount of betting options available, there’s a good probability you’ll need to re-add funds to your account. If so, why not earn extra free play out of it? Of course, this loyalty service can be used year-round at BetNow, even beyond the NCAA tourney.
BetUS has Huge March Madness Pools
BetUS always has a great welcome bonus. They let you choose between 100% and 125%. Of course these come with different rollover requirements and maximum payouts. Every choice comes with its advantages and disadvantages. We love being able to choose.
They have a total of one million dollars in prizes for their March Madness brackets. These are given out both for pools and perfect brackets.
MyBookie’s March Madness Action
MyBookie brings a user-friendly experience to your NCAA tournament betting. Known for its reliable interface and competitive odds, MyBookie offers a wide variety of bet types—from moneylines and point spreads to props and futures. With special March Madness promotions, bettors can enjoy enhanced odds and exclusive bonuses designed to elevate every wager during the tournament.
Bovada’s Dynamic Tournament Offerings
Bovada stands out with its seamless online platform and dynamic betting options for March Madness. Catering to both casual and seasoned bettors, Bovada covers all the bases with moneylines, live bets, and creative prop options. Their live betting interface keeps you in the action every minute of the game, while exclusive seasonal promotions add extra excitement to your tournament experience.
XBet’s Innovative March Madness Experience
XBet delivers an innovative and engaging environment for March Madness enthusiasts. With a focus on competitive odds and a broad selection of wagers—including in-play bets, futures, and unique bracket challenges—XBet ensures that every bettor finds something to suit their style. Their forward-thinking promotions and user-centric design make XBet a fresh choice for enjoying the full thrill of the NCAA tournament.
Bonuses, Contests & Promos Available at the Best 2026 March Madness Betting Sites
Bonuses, contests, and promotional offers are key factors that elevate your March Madness betting experience. The top sportsbooks are not only focused on competitive odds and diverse betting options—they also provide attractive incentives that can boost your bankroll and increase your chances to win big. Whether it’s deposit bonuses, loyalty rewards, or multi-million-dollar prize pools, these promotions are designed to add extra excitement and value to your tournament wagers.
Bonus Comparative Table
| Bookie | Welcome Bonus | Ongoing Promotions | Loyalty Program | Payment Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
50% up to $250 | Weekly Reload & Referrals | VIP perks | Crypto bonuses |
 |
100% up to $1000 | Reloads & Risk-Free Referrals | None | Bitcoin bonuses |
 |
125% up to $2500 | Weekly Free Bets & Referrals | Rewards program | Crypto bonuses |
 |
50% up to $1000 | Free Play & Prop Bets | Seasonal promotions | Crypto bonuses |
 |
100% up to $500 | Risk-Free & Rebates | None | Crypto bonuses |
| BookMaker | 100% up to $1000 | Free Bets & Cash Back | None | Crypto bonuses |
 |
50% up to $1000 | Parlays and Teasers | Reward points | Bitcoin bonuses |
Last updated on: April 21, 2025
Why Do We Recommend These as the Best Sportsbooks for the 2026 March Madness?
We’ve carefully selected these sportsbooks based on a set of stringent criteria to ensure you get the best overall betting experience. Our recommendations are rooted in the following factors:
- Competitive Odds: We look for sportsbooks offering odds that rival those in Las Vegas, ensuring that you get the best value for your wagers.
- Diverse Betting Options: From moneylines and point spreads to live in-play bets, props, and futures, a wide variety of betting markets is essential.
- Promotional Offers: Generous welcome bonuses, loyalty rewards, and tournament-specific contests add significant extra value to your betting experience.
- User Experience: An intuitive and reliable platform is key. We favor sportsbooks that offer seamless navigation, efficient customer service, and innovative features.
- Reputation and Trust: We only recommend sportsbooks with proven track records, high customer satisfaction, and robust security measures to ensure your betting is both fun and safe.
How to Sign-Up to the Best March Madness Betting Sites
Getting started with these top sportsbooks is easy. Follow these step-by-step instructions to begin your March Madness betting journey:
- Choose Your Sportsbook: Review the options above and select the sportsbook that best fits your betting style and needs.
- Visit the Website: Click through to the chosen site’s homepage and locate the “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button.
- Complete the Registration Form: Provide your personal details, including name, email address, and contact information. Ensure all details are accurate.
- Verify Your Account: Follow the instructions sent to your email or phone to verify your new account.
- Make Your First Deposit: Navigate to the deposit section, choose your preferred payment method, and fund your account. Remember to meet any minimum deposit requirements to unlock welcome bonuses.
- Claim Your Bonus: If applicable, enter any bonus codes or opt into promotional offers during your deposit process.
- Start Betting: Once your account is funded and bonuses are applied, explore the March Madness betting options and place your wagers.
March Madness Betting Games
In simple terms, you can place March Madness betting games into one of two buckets — daily and futures wagers. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Daily Bets
Like we mentioned before, there are 67 different games in the NCAA Tournament. Each of those will come with the following bet types that can be made both pregame or in-play:
- Moneyline: This wager is as simple as picking which team will win outright. Typically, moneyline March Madness odds will be more lopsided in the early-round games (e.g. one seed versus 16 seed), before becoming more neck-and-neck in the final rounds.
- Spread: This bet adds a “handicap” to each team. Therefore, the favorite must win by a certain point-spread, while the underdog must keep the game within that same spread, if not, win outright.
- Over/under: Nevermind who wins and by how much points, over/under is a gamble on how many points will be scored by both teams combined by either halftime or game’s end.
- Props: Some of March Madness best bets are props. These are essentially “side wagers” on specific outcomes within games. March Madness prop bets included which player will make the most three-pointers or even, what color tie a coach will wear.
Futures
Perhaps the most popular way to bet on March Madness is via a futures bet. Typically, this is a wager on which team will win the entire tournament. Remember those odds to win the NCAA championship from earlier? Welp, those are future NCAA Bracket odds.
As the name implies, futures wagers are made well in advance. Most bettors place a futures bet before the regular season starts and again before March Madness.
Obviously, picking the exact team in a field of 68 to cut down the nets is a high-risk, high-reward play and the odds reflect that. Our advice is to spread your money around on a few different teams. This acts as an “insurance” per se and if one does indeed pan out, the winnings from that will more than makeup for the losers.
Obviously, picking the exact team in a field of 68 to cut down the nets is a high-risk, high-reward play and the odds reflect that. Our advice is to spread your money around on a few different teams. This acts as an “insurance” per se and if one does indeed pan out, the winnings from that will more than makeup for the losers.
Quick Facts: March Madness Betting
- Tournament Dates: March 18 – April 7
- Final Four Locale: State Farm Stadium in Glendale
- 2025 Winner: No. 4 seed Florida
- 2026 Betting Favorite: Houston
- Legal Betting Age: 21+
- Top March Madness Bonus: Caesars – $1,000 on Caesars
- Most March Madness Titles: UCLA (11)
- Highest Single-Tournament Scorer: Glen Rice – 184 points in six games (Michigan, 1989)
- Highest Single-Game Point Mark: Austin Carr – 61 points (Notre Dame, 1970)
- Biggest Upset: 2018 – UMBA (No. 16) beats Virginia (No. 1)
- Winningest Coach: Mike Krzyzewski – 97 wins (Duke)
Other March Madness Resources
While we covered the “meat and potatoes” of March Madness wagering just now, we have more resources for bettors looking to get an edge. Check out these other betting guides:
- March Madness odds: A complete breakdown of all the gambling odds you’ll find while wagering the NCAA Tournament.
- March Madness bracket predictions: A crystal ball looks into what’ll play out in the upcoming March Madness tournament.
- March Madness favorites: Which teams are the betting favorites heading into March Madness? Find out here!
- March Madness futures: We covered futures betting briefly earlier, but this is a more in-depth look at how to win at March Madness futures wagers.
- March Madness locations: Get the lowdown on which cities and arenas will host the upcoming March Madness bracket games.
- March Madness tickets: If you want to be there live to witness March Madness, check out this ticket-buying guide.
- March Madness Betting Timeline: History of March Madness Betting
March Madness FAQs
Meet the author
