Predicting March Madness winners today can be challenging with 68 teams vying for the title, but with the right betting strategies, you can increase your chances of success. As the tournament approaches, understanding team performance, key stats, and betting markets will be crucial to making informed decisions.
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2025 College Basketball Season | 86th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men’s college basketball
March Madness: Tuesday, March 18th – Monday, April 7th, 2025
Betting March Madness Matches
March Madness is one of the biggest betting events of the year.
With 68 teams competing, upsets happening every round, and millions of brackets being filled out, predicting winners can be challenging.
However, with the right strategy, bettors can improve their chances of making smart picks.
Understanding how teams perform in different situations, analyzing key stats, and knowing which betting markets offer value can help you make informed decisions.
Whether you’re filling out a bracket or placing bets on individual games, having a solid strategy is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best March Madness betting strategies, covering key factors to consider, the best bets to place, and where to bet on March Madness.
Writer’s Rundown on Betting on March Madness Winners
March Madness Tips: What to Look for in a Winning Team
March Madness can be unpredictable, but certain trends and key statistics can help identify which teams have the best chance of making a deep run.
While no strategy is foolproof, knowing what to look for in a winning team can improve your betting decisions.
From strength of schedule to free throw shooting, here are some of the most important factors to consider.
1. Strength of Schedule
Teams that have played tough opponents all season are usually more prepared for the tournament.
Look for teams that have strong records against Quad 1 opponents.
If a team has dominated a weaker conference, they may struggle when facing elite competition.
Playing against high-level opponents forces teams to adapt and improve, which becomes valuable in high-pressure tournament games.
Additionally, teams from power conferences tend to be more battle-tested than those from mid-major conferences.
While mid-majors can pull off upsets, teams that have consistently played against high-level talent are better equipped to handle the intensity of March Madness.
Before placing bets, check a team’s schedule and see how they performed against top-tier competition.
2. Experienced Coaches
Coaching matters in March Madness.
Coaches with a history of success in the tournament, like Tom Izzo (Michigan State) or Bill Self (Kansas), know how to prepare their teams for high-pressure games.
A good coach can make adjustments mid-game and keep their players focused.
The NCAA Tournament is full of unexpected challenges, and an experienced coach can guide their team through tough situations.
First-time tournament coaches sometimes struggle to adjust, especially in tight games where every possession matters.
Veteran coaches have been through it before and understand how to manage the pace, rotations, and in-game adjustments.
If you’re unsure about a matchup, betting on the team with the more experienced coach is often a smart play.
3. Defensive Efficiency
Defense wins championships.
Teams that rank high in defensive efficiency, measured by points allowed per possession, tend to perform well in the tournament.
If a team struggles on defense, they are more likely to get upset.
The tournament environment often leads to slower, more defensive battles, and teams that can lock down opponents have a clear advantage.
Teams that allow too many easy baskets or struggle to protect the rim are vulnerable, especially in the later rounds.
Look for teams that limit opponents’ shooting percentages and force turnovers.
Defensive-minded teams may not always be flashy, but they tend to be reliable picks when betting on March Madness games.
4. Balanced Scoring
A team that relies too much on one player is a risky bet.
Opponents will focus on shutting that player down.
Teams with multiple scoring options are harder to defend and more likely to advance deep into the tournament.
Depth and versatility are key in March Madness, as games can be decided by a single play or a role player stepping up in crunch time.
Additionally, injuries and foul trouble can impact a team’s best player at any time.
If a team has multiple players who can score in different ways, they are less likely to struggle if their star player is taken out of the game.
Betting on well-rounded teams with multiple scoring threats is a smarter approach.
5. Free Throw Shooting
Close games often come down to free throws.
Teams that shoot well from the free-throw line have a big advantage, especially in the final minutes.
If a team struggles at the line, they could lose a game they should have won.
Free throws are one of the simplest but most important stats to consider when betting on March Madness.
A team’s ability to make free throws is crucial in late-game situations.
If a team is poor from the line, opponents will intentionally foul to force them into pressure-filled shots.
Always check a team’s free-throw percentage before betting, as it can make the difference between winning and losing a close game.
6. Three-Point Shooting
The three-point shot is a game-changer in modern basketball.
Teams that shoot well from deep can erase deficits quickly and pull off upsets.
Look for teams that have multiple reliable shooters from beyond the arc.
A team that struggles from deep may have difficulty keeping up with faster, high-scoring opponents.
However, relying too heavily on the three-ball can also be risky.
If a team goes cold from beyond the arc, they can quickly find themselves in trouble.
The best teams have a mix of inside and outside scoring, so look for teams that can shoot the three effectively while also being able to score in other ways.
Best Bets for March Madness
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are the simplest form of betting.
You’re simply picking which team will win the game.
In early rounds, picking heavy favorites doesn’t offer much value, but finding mid-seeded teams with strong matchups can lead to profitable bets.
Point Spread Bets
Point spread betting allows you to bet on whether a team will cover the spread.
In March Madness, underdogs often perform well, so betting on teams getting points can be a good strategy, especially in close matchups.
Over/Under (Totals) Bets
If you’re unsure about picking a winner, betting on the total points scored in a game is another option.
Teams that play fast-paced, high-scoring games often hit the over, while strong defensive teams can make the under a good bet.
Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on individual performances and team statistics.
Common prop bets include:
- How many points a player will score.
- The total number of three-pointers made.
- Whether a team will reach a certain point total.
Futures Bets
Futures bets allow you to wager on outcomes that will be decided later in the tournament.
Popular futures bets include:
- Which team will win the national championship.
- Which teams will make the Final Four.
- The conference of the winning team.
Betting on Cinderellas
Every year, lower-seeded teams pull off upsets.
Identifying potential Cinderella teams early can lead to big payouts.
Look for mid-major teams with strong senior leadership, great three-point shooting, and an ability to handle pressure.
First Half Bets
If you want to avoid last-minute surprises, betting on the first half of a game is a good strategy.
Some teams start strong but fade late, while others take time to adjust.
Look at first-half trends to find value.
Live Betting
Live betting allows you to place bets during the game.
This is useful when a favorite starts slow, giving you better odds than before the game started.
Watching games closely can help you spot betting opportunities.
Where to Bet on March Madness
1. Online Sportsbooks
The best place to bet on March Madness online is MyBookie.
MyBookie offers a wide range of betting options, including moneylines, point spreads, over/unders, and futures bets.
The site also provides competitive odds and live betting opportunities, allowing you to place wagers during the games.
For new bettors, MyBookie offers sign-up bonuses and promotions tailored for March Madness.
If you’re looking for a trusted online sportsbook to bet on the tournament, MyBookie is a great choice.
2. Local Casinos and Sportsbooks
If you prefer an in-person experience, many casinos offer sportsbooks where you can bet on March Madness games.
These venues often have viewing areas where you can watch the games live.
Betting in a casino also allows you to cash out your winnings immediately, making it a convenient option.
Many sportsbooks in major cities and Las Vegas run March Madness promotions, including special betting contests and boosted odds.
If you’re near a casino with a sportsbook, it can be a fun way to enjoy the tournament with other bettors.
3. Betting Apps
Mobile betting apps allow you to place bets on the go.
If you’re looking for convenience, using a sportsbook app is a great way to stay involved in March Madness betting.
Apps provide the same betting options as desktop sportsbooks, and many offer live betting, allowing you to adjust your bets during the games.
Most major sportsbooks have mobile apps available for both iOS and Android, making it easy to bet from anywhere.
If you plan to bet regularly during March Madness, downloading a betting app can be a smart move.
4. Office Pools and Brackets
If you’re not looking to place traditional bets, joining an office pool or filling out a bracket is another way to enjoy the tournament.
Many online platforms, like ESPN and CBS Sports, offer bracket contests with cash prizes.
Bracket pools allow you to compete against friends, family, or coworkers to see who can predict the most winners.
Even if you’re not betting on individual games, filling out a bracket can add excitement to the tournament.
Many office pools offer prize money, making them a fun and competitive way to follow March Madness.
Predicting March Madness Winners Today
Betting on March Madness is exciting, but it requires strategy and research.
Understanding team strengths, key betting markets, and historical trends can help you make smarter bets.
Whether you’re betting on the national champion, individual games, or player performances, using these strategies will improve your chances of success.
With so many options available, from online sportsbooks to live betting, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Now that you know how to bet on March Madness, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test and enjoy the action!
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Odds of Winning March Madness Final Four
Check out the odds for teams to win the 2025 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament Final Four.
Updated Top 2025 College Basketball National Championship Odds to Win
| Teams | Odds |
|---|---|
| Auburn | +430 |
| Duke | +430 |
| Houston | +900 |
| Iowa State | +900 |
| Alabama | +1300 |
| Tennessee | +1500 |
| Florida | +1700 |
| Kansas | +2500 |
| Marquette | +3000 |
| Kentucky | +3000 |
| Michigan State | +3000 |
| Arizona | +3500 |
| Texas Tech | +3500 |
| Illinois | +3500 |
| Gonzaga | +3500 |
| Purdue | +4500 |
| St. John’s | +5000 |
| Connecticut | +5500 |
| Texas A&M | +5500 |
| Mississippi State | +5500 |
| Michigan | +5500 |
Get Your Picks When Predicting March Madness Winners Today
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How does it work?
How I can Bet on a March Madness Match? Let’s Find Out
Betting on a March Madness match can be an exciting way to engage with the tournament. Here’s a quick guide on how you can place bets:
- Choose a Sportsbook:
First, you need to sign up with a reliable sportsbook that offers March Madness betting. Popular options include online sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, or your local bookmaker. Make sure the platform has competitive odds and a user-friendly interface. - Deposit Funds:
Once you’re signed up, deposit funds into your sportsbook account. Most sites offer multiple payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets (like PayPal), or bank transfers. - Find the March Madness Betting Market:
Navigate to the college basketball section, and look for the March Madness or NCAAB category. You’ll find a variety of betting options for each matchup. - Choose Your Bet:
Here are some popular bet types for March Madness:- Moneyline:
Bet on the winner of the game. - Point Spread:
Bet on which team will cover the spread (win by a certain margin). - Over/Under (Total):
Bet on whether the total points scored in the game will be over or under a set number. - Prop Bets:
Bet on specific events or outcomes during the game, such as a player’s points or whether a team will make a certain number of three-pointers.
- Moneyline:
- Place Your Bet:
Once you’ve selected your bet, enter the amount you wish to wager and confirm your bet. Double-check your selections before finalizing. - Monitor the Game and Results:
After the match starts, keep track of your bet and see how your team or selected outcome is doing. Once the game ends, the sportsbook will automatically settle your bet and add any winnings to your account. - Withdraw Winnings:
If you’re successful, you can withdraw your winnings to your bank account or e-wallet. Make sure to check withdrawal times and any associated fees.
Pro Tip: Always do some research on the teams and their performance trends before placing your bet. Knowing factors like injuries, team dynamics, and historical matchups can give you an edge.
Ready to start? Sign up now at your favorite sportsbook and start placing your March Madness bets!
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