College basketball betting is a beloved pastime for sports fans in the US, particularly during the exciting end of the season and March Madness. NCAA basketball holds a prominent position at the leading sports betting sites, making it one of the top sports for betting. In this article, we will delve into the details of how to bet on NCAA basketball and guide you through the process of opening a sports betting account at the best college basketball betting sites.
Best Sportsbooks for NCAA College Basketball Betting
Here, we present four of our favorite betting apps for NCAA basketball betting:
1. BetMGM Sportsbook:
With competitive lines for every NCAAB bet type, BetMGM proves itself as one of the leading sports betting apps in the country. It offers appealing welcome bonuses for new customers and a wide selection of prop bets. Although the app may not be as intuitive as others, it becomes easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. NCAAB bettors can also participate in the thrilling $10 million March Madness bracket contest, and basketball enthusiasts can enjoy live-streaming NBA games through the sportsbook. Key features of BetMGM Sportsbook include options like “Edit my bet” and “easy parlay,” as well as a deep selection of sports to bet on. The app has received a rating of 4.8 on iOS and 4.6 on Android.
2. Caesars Sportsbook:
Caesars, one of the most recognizable names in the gambling industry, operates a highly popular sports betting app. Caesars Sportsbook offers numerous NCAA basketball betting markets, with their point spreads often being a half-point more favorable compared to competitors. They provide promos specifically designed for college basketball bets, including a wide range of March Madness odds boosts. Caesars provides comprehensive NCAAB betting options, including various futures markets. They also offer an excellent welcome offer for new NCAA basketball bettors, along with a greater number of daily odds boosts compared to most competitors. Key features include high betting limits suitable for high-rollers, an easy-to-use app for finding college basketball bets, and great odds boosts and promotions for existing customers. Caesars Sportsbook has received ratings of 4.6 on iOS and 4.4 on Android.
3. FanDuel Sportsbook:
FanDuel is a top sportsbook in various licensed states, thanks to its outstanding betting app. It offers competitive odds for most Division I men’s NCAA basketball games, along with a diverse selection of futures and prop betting options for numerous sports. FanDuel ensures excellent customer service for users of the app and online sportsbook. They provide a free-to-play March Madness bracket pool, as well as paid bracket challenges. FanDuel has previously introduced attractive promos for March Madness betting, such as offering $200 in bonus bets for a $20 bet. Key features of FanDuel Sportsbook include an easy-to-use “same game parlay” feature, profit boost promos for existing customers across different sports, and options for live streaming and in-game betting. The app has received ratings of 4.8 on iOS and 4.7 on Android.
4. DraftKings Sportsbook:
Initially starting as a daily fantasy sports provider, DraftKings has emerged as one of the top sportsbooks in the country. Its betting app and online sportsbook offer a user-friendly format, along with attractive welcome bonuses for new customers and a continuous stream of promotions for existing customers. DraftKings provides all types of bets for college basketball games, including free and paid March Madness contests. They swiftly release their lines and offer highly competitive college basketball odds. The sportsbook also publishes stats that bettors can use for research purposes. Key features for college basketball betting on DraftKings Sportsbook include a vast selection of prop bets, an outstanding live betting experience, and betting pools where bettors can compete against each other. The app has received ratings of 4.8 on iOS and 4.7 on Android.
How to Bet on College Basketball Games Online
Creating an account at a sportsbook is a free, quick, and easy process. If you’re eager to join the betting action, follow these steps:
1. Pick a sportsbook:
Every sportsbook offers unique features, promotions, and user experiences. Take your time to explore and find the one that suits you best. If you’re unsure about which one to choose, read our reviews to learn about each operator’s pros and cons, as well as their crucial welcome offers. Once you decide on an online sportsbook, simply follow the link from our website to their respective homepage.
2. Register:
On the homepage, you’ll find a “sign up” or “register” button. Clicking on it will direct you to a form where you need to provide your name, phone number, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. After completing this step, you’ll be asked to accept the terms and conditions provided by the sportsbook.
3. Claim your bonus:
At this stage, you can claim your welcome bonus. If a sports betting promo code is required, you’ll find it on our website. Simply input the code and apply it to your account to qualify for the welcome promotion. In some cases, a code may not be necessary, and you can accept the bonus directly. Carefully read through the bonus requirements to ensure that you are aware of any playthrough or restrictions.
4. Fund your bankroll:
Now that your account is created, you can add funds by depositing money. Online sportsbooks offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods to choose from.
5. Start betting:
To place a bet, click on your chosen selection. You can adjust your wager amount and finalize your bet. It’s crucial to register only with legal sportsbooks. Offshore books may seem legitimate but lack oversight or regulation, leaving you with minimal recourse if anything goes wrong or an illegal activity takes place.
How to Read College Basketball Betting Lines
Here’s an example of a set of college basketball game lines:
Spread Moneyline Total
Michigan State -7.5 (-110) -245 145.5 (-110)
Michigan +7.5 (-110) +235 145.5 (-110)
The number immediately to the right of the school names represents the point spread, followed by the odds in parentheses. The subsequent numbers (-245 and +235) indicate the moneyline odds. The final set of numbers represents the totals and the associated odds.
Point Spread NCAA Basketball Bets:
In this example, the Michigan State Spartans are favored to win the game by 7.5 points. This implies that they need to secure a victory by a margin of 8 points or more for bets on them to be successful. Conversely, the Michigan Wolverines are the underdogs in this matchup with a 7.5 point spread. They must either lose by 7 or fewer points or win the game outright. Both sides of the bet carry -110 odds. This means that for every $110 wagered, you stand to win $100 if your bet is successful.
Moneyline College Basketball Bets:
Moneyline bets involve simply selecting the team you believe will win the game. The odds provided in the example indicate that Michigan State is the favorite at -245 odds, while Michigan, with positive odds at +235, is the underdog. Negative odds indicate the amount you need to wager in order to win $100, whereas positive odds represent the potential winnings for every $100 bet. For instance, if you were to bet $100 on Michigan and they pull off the upset, you would win $235 on those +235 odds, in addition to receiving your original stake back.
Totals NCAA Basketball Bets:
Totals bets, also known as over/unders, do not require you to pick a winning team. Instead, you focus solely on the final combined score of both teams. In the provided example, the over/under is set at 145.5 points, with both sides carrying -110 odds. You must decide whether you believe the two teams will score above or below the predicted total.
Live Betting on NCAA Basketball Games:
Live betting is a recent addition to the sports betting experience, allowing you to place bets on games that are currently in progress. The odds continuously change as the action unfolds, requiring you to stay updated and use a college basketball betting app to track the game. Most live bets are in the form of prop bets and over/unders.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.