Best March Madness Betting Sites 2024
Best March Madness betting sites
TBD
- ProphetX Benefits
- Social media contests
- Free with Prophet Points
- Custom odds via request
1-3 days
- Thrillzz Benefits
- Diverse gaming options
- User-friendly experience
- Free to play
Within 48 hours
- Betr DFS Benefits
- 24/7 Customer support
- Fun and Interactive
- Various payment options
3-5 days
- Parlay Play Benefits
- Mobile app available
- esports: CSGO, LoL, and Valorant
- Free to play section
5-7 days
- Boom Fantasy Benefits
- Fast and Easy
- Great mobile app
- Huge game library
4-5 days
- FanBall Winners Benefits
- Daily contests
- NFL, NBA, and MLB
- Simple scoring system
1-3 days
- GameBlazers Benefits
- Combine fantasy and collecting
- User friendly
- Innovative Platform
March Madness betting promo codes
New users may need to input a specific promo code to claim the best March Madness betting promos for next year's tournament.
We've taken the liberty of rounding up the top March Madness betting promo codes in the table below. After you've digested this information, keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of selecting, signing up with, and using March Madness betting sites.
| March Madness betting sites? | Promo code ? |
|---|---|
| FanDuel: Bet $5, get $200 if your bet wins |
Claim $200 without code |
| Caesars Sportsbook: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars |
COVERSBONUS1000 |
| BetMGM: $1,500 in bonus bets | CVRBONUS1500 |
| BetRivers: Up to a $500 Second Chance Bet | COVERSBONUS |
| bet365: Bet $5, get $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net |
COVERS CVSBONUS (CO + NJ only) |
| DraftKings: Bet $5, get $150 |
Claim $150 without code |
| Fanatics Sportsbook: Bet $100, get $100 (10x) |
Claim $1,000 without code |
Best March Madness betting sign-up offers
Sign-up offers are everything for new sports bettors deciding which online sports betting site to choose for the NCAA basketball tournament. We've saved you the time, outlining the top five welcome offers from the best March Madness betting sites here:
1. FanDuel March Madness betting offer
Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins. Here’s the deal: Predictably, FanDuel earns its place as one of the leading March Madness betting sites, offering new users $200 in bonus bets. Those new to FanDuel just need to make a $5 initial deposit and place a minimum $5 real-money wager on any sports market to qualify. If your bet wins, you get the bonus bets. No FanDuel promo code is required, but you must download the FanDuel app to secure this offer.
The bottom line: There are few sign-up bonuses more beginner-friendly than FanDuel's. If you're looking to grab a bonus that provides you with an instant boost, this offer is for you.
Available in: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
| FanDuel | |
|---|---|
| ? FanDuel Sportsbook offer | |
| ? Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
| ? Mobile app | iOS and Android |
| ? Last Verified | November 21, 2024 |
2. Caesars Sportsbook March Madness betting offer
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
COVERSBONUS1000
Here’s the deal: Doing your NCAA March Madness betting with Caesars Sportsbook makes you eligible to claim up to $1,000 on Caesars. Should your qualifying wager flop, Caesars will reimburse the stake, up to $1,000, as one bet credit. Must use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUS1000' while registering to qualify.
The bottom line: Caesars' up to $1,000 offer is more lucrative than any other in the nation. If you want the most bang for your buck, this is it.
Available in: Arizona, Colorado, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
| Caesars Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| ? Caesars Sportsbook offer | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars |
| ? Caesars promo code | COVERSBONUS1000 |
| ? Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
| ? Mobile app | iOS and Android |
| ? Last Verified | November 21, 2024 |
3. bet365 March Madness betting offer
Bet $5, Get $150
COVERS
CVSBONUS (CO, NJ only)
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
COVERS
CVSBONUS (CO, NJ only)
Here’s the deal: bet365's welcome bonus is about as friendly as it gets for first-time bettors, landing it atop our list of the best March Madness betting sites. After registering and putting down an initial deposit, you can place a $5 qualifying wager that settles within seven days. Once it settles, you'll get $150 in bonus bets regardless of winning or losing.
The bottom line: Wagering $5 is a small investment for newbie bettors, and acquiring $150 in bonus bets, no matter the outcome of the qualifying bet, is a fast way to grow your bankroll. Use bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' or 'CVSBONUS' to get started today.
Available in: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia
| bet365 Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| ? bet365 Sportsbook offer | |
| ? bet365 bonus code | COVERS or CVSBONUS (CO, NJ only) |
| ? Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
| ? Mobile app | iOS and Android |
| ? Last Verified | November 21, 2024 |
4. DraftKings March Madness betting offer
Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 and get $150 in bonus bets. Ends: Jan. 5, 2025
Here’s the deal: DraftKings ranks as one of the best March Madness betting sites, boasting one of the country's best sports betting apps. Its sign-up bonus is the cherry on top, providing you with $150 in bonus bets.
The bottom line: A $5 deposit and wager requirement is a low-risk way for newbie bettors to ease their way into sports betting, as DraftKings will issue you $150 in bonus bets whether your first bet wins or loses. But remember — though no DraftKings promo code is required, the bonus bets expire in seven days and have a 1x wagering requirement.
Available in: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming
| DraftKings Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| ? DraftKings Sportsbook offer | |
| ? Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
| ? Mobile app | iOS and Android |
| ? Last Verified | November 21, 2024 |
5. BetMGM March Madness betting offer
$1,500 in Bonus Bets
Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CVRBONUS1500
Here’s the deal: A historic brand with a sterling reputation, BetMGM asks new users to register with its sportsbook to do their March Madness betting and grab up to $1,500 in bonus bets. If you lose your initial wager, BetMGM will return your entire stake, up to $1,500, in bonus bets. You must input 'CVRBONUS1500' — our BetMGM bonus code — when prompted while signing up to qualify.
The bottom line: BetMGM's offer provides supreme flexibility as the bonus is broken down into five bonus bets when your first wager is more than $50.
Available in: Arizona, Colorado, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
| BetMGM | |
|---|---|
| ? BetMGM Sportsbook offer | $1,500 in bonus bets |
| ? BetMGM promo code | CVRBONUS1500 |
| ? Payout speed | 2 days |
| ? Mobile app | iOS and Android |
| ? Last Verified | November 21, 2024 |
Latest March Madness betting news
March Madness betting tips and trends
One of the biggest annual sports events in the United States, March Madness attracts millions of spectators and sports bettors alike. Not just for the men's tournament either, as the 2024 NCAA women's finals between Iowa and South Carolina was the most bet on women's event ever.
Check out our how to bet on March Madness guide for a full rundown on the wide range of wagers and their supported strategies, but point spreads, Over/Under totals, and moneylines are the most popular bets placed during the NCAA basketball tournament. Meanwhile, here are several tourney-friendly tips to employ along with the most common bet types used for March Madness betting in 2024.
Early rounds and equal footing
Parity is starting to emerge as a noticeable March Madness trend. Look no further than the NC State Wolfpack. The 11th-seeded North Carolina-based school made it to the 2024 Final Four, marking one of the most incredible Cinderella runs in recent history. Bettors should take advantage of this new-found parity during the early rounds of the tournament when there tend to be larger point spreads.
Winning propositions
The much-loved prop bets are sports’ answer to coloring outside of the lines. These alternative, and often obscure wagers are not tied directly to the outcome of any college basketball game. Instead, they focus on elements of an individual game rather than the outcome. Think things like the number of 3-pointers made in a game, or the number of times a commentator mentions ‘Cinderella.’ Ultimately, these March Madness props are a great way to add variety to your betting portfolio.
Spreading the love
Most March Madness bets during the tourney come from betting the spread. The point spread takes into account the final score and accompanying margin of victory. You will likely see larger point spreads during the tournament’s opening rounds. This is a result of higher-ranked teams playing a lower-ranked opponent, like No. 1 vs. No. 16. The spreads start to shrink as the competition tightens.
Covers Tip:
The majority of March Madness betting sites will display odds in American format, while some will show fractions or decimals. Use our odds calculator to switch between formats and determine potential payouts.
March Madness betting odds 2025
The Connecticut Huskies became the first team to repeat as national champions since the Florida Gators in 2007, after winning the 2024 NCAA Men's National Championship. Looking ahead to next year, the Huskies have the second-best March Madness 2025 odds, sitting only behind the Duke Blue Devils.
March Madness odds
Recent NCAA men’s basketball national champions
Fan and school allegiances run high, which is why big money is bet on their teams to win the national title. Keep in mind, however, that only a few teams outside of a No. 3 seed have won the national championship. Be sure to check out our March Madness picks as the tournament nears for expert insight and analysis.
- 2024: UConn (+2,000)
- 2023: UConn (+8,000)
- 2022: Kansas (+1,000)
- 2021: Baylor (+500)
- 2020: No tournament
- 2019: Virginia (+675)
- 2018: Villanova (+570)
- 2017: North Carolina (+535)
- 2016: Villanova (+1,500)
- 2015: Duke (+1,000)
- 2014: UConn (+9,500)
- 2013: Louisville (+450)
- 2012: Kentucky (+185)
- 2011: UConn (+2,500)
- 2010: Duke (+650)
- 2009: North Carolina (+400)
Upcoming games for March Madness betting
March Madness games are notoriously tricky to keep track of — hence the name. Though the 2025 schedule has not been revealed, we've outlined the schedule for the 2024 NCAA men's basketball tournament below to give you a sense of what to expect for next year:
- Selection Sunday: March 17
- First Four: March 19-20
- First and second rounds: March 21-24
- Sweet 16: March 28-29
- Elite Eight: March 30-31
- Final Four: April 6
- NCAA championship game: April 8
Return here to see which NCAAB games are coming up next so that a forgotten matchup never derails your intricately plotted March Madness betting plans.
Next NCAAB Game:
What makes a great March Madness betting site?
Bonuses and Promotions
No bettor should leave free money on the table. Read the terms and conditions tied to special offers and sportsbook promotions to make sure that you are getting the most out of your college basketball betting experience.
Best odds
Locating and securing the best price available for your March Madness bets is vital to a fruitful betting strategy. Sometimes, betting sites will be less willing to risk having to pay out at large odds. However, the best March Madness betting sites we've featured provide fair odds.
Key Features
Look for sportsbooks that go the distance with a robust lineup of features, not a one-and-done scenario. Today’s beginner or experienced bettors want mobile apps, live betting, and statistical breakdowns, among the preferred details.
Security and Trust
In the grand scheme of things, a busted bracket is not the worst thing that can happen to you during the tournament. Eliminate unnecessary risk by registering with sportsbooks that hold a valid license for the jurisdiction from the appropriate regulators.
Banking and Payout Speed
Securing your winnings in a timely fashion is important. Stick to sportsbooks which offer quick payout and processing times. The regulated operators listed here offer several of the top sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods.
Betting Options
Having flexibility inherent in your March Madness betting options should not be thoughtlessly passed over. As you mature as a bettor and garner experience, an online betting site that offers the most betting opportunities will become increasingly important. For example, most March Madness bettors will want the ability to wager on futures markets, such as who will win the March Madness MVP.
Mobile Apps and User Interface
The best March Madness betting sites for 2024 also have the best mobile sports betting apps — or at least a mobile-friendly website. Look for interfaces that are uncomplicated and easy to navigate for the best experience.
Customer Support
Customer service agents can’t help you to predict upsets, but they can prevent you from getting upset about your sportsbook registration. Top March Madness betting sites typically offer 24/7 customer service, detailed FAQs, and contact channels via email and/or social media.
Top March Madness betting apps and sites 2024
- bet365 March Madness offer - Bet $5, get $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
- DraftKings March Madness offer - $1,500 No Sweat Bet
- FanDuel March Madness offer - Bet $5, get up to $300 bonus
- Caesars Sportsbook March Madness offer - $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
- BetMGM March Madness offer - $1,500 in bonus bets
- BetRivers March Madness offer - Up to $500 2nd Chance Bet
- Betway March Madness offer - Bet $25, get $150
- Fanatics Sportsbook March Madness offer - Bet $100, get $100 (10x) or $50 in bonus bets
- Betfred March Madness offer - $105 on Fred
Tips for March Madness bracket betting 2025
We’re not here to cast judgment on the number of brackets you fill out but be warned that others in your office pool will chastise you for completing too many. Regardless of the route you take, we encourage you to download our printable March Madness bracket and consider our expert tips for filling out an NCAA bracket from professional bettors.
Mix and match Final Four selections
The Gonzaga Bulldogs looked like a lock on paper in 2022, but they didn't reach the Final Four and should not have been picked in more than 50% of the pools you entered. Why? Well, they got bounced before the Elite Eight. Choose different combinations for later rounds and mix up your national champion picks for a well-rounded March Madness betting strategy.
Don’t get so upset, because there will be upsets
It is a virtual certainty that one or more heavy March Madness betting favorites will fall. Picking a No. 16 seed over No. 1 can happen, but remember, it has only happened twice in tournament history (2018 UMBC, 2023 Fairleigh Dickinson). Make different selections across each of the pools you enter. Going against the grain can help you make up ground against others in the pool but try to be selective. If you're struggling, take a look at Covers' bracket prediction for inspiration.
Method to the March Madness
Going with your gut is a tried, tested, and often true form of picking a winning March Madness bracket. In the end, it is up to you as to which preferred method to roll with. Much like investing, a diversified portfolio mitigates your exposure to risk. Going down that road leaves you with a good chance to win at least one of your pools this year.
If the mundane office or group chat pool is not cutting it, consider entering one or more free March Madness bracket contests. The subsequent bragging rights and big money prizes could be all yours.
States with legal online March Madness betting
More than 30 U.S. states, plus DC, have rolled out legal sports betting via mobile, online, and retail (in-person) options.
It has never been easier to do your March Madness betting in these states:
| State | Legal college player prop betting |
| Arizona |  |
| Arkansas |  |
| Colorado | |
| Connecticut | |
| DC | |
| Delaware | |
| Florida | |
| Illinois | |
| Indiana | |
| Iowa | |
| Kansas | |
| Kentucky | |
| Louisiana | |
| Maine | |
| Maryland | |
| Massachusetts | |
| Michigan | |
| Mississippi | |
| Nevada | |
| New Hampshire | |
| New Jersey | |
| New York | |
| North Carolina | |
| Ohio | |
| Oregon | |
| Pennsylvania | |
| Rhode Island | |
| Tennessee | |
| Vermont | |
| Virginia | |
| Washington | |
| West Virginia | |
| Wyoming | |
In Canada, Ontario leads the way on the regulated legal market front. The first-of-its-kind iGaming market launched on April 4, 2022.
Where to bet on March Madness 2025
The proliferation of new legal sports betting markets, available online and in retail locations, make it easier than ever to start betting on March Madness. The best sports betting sites listed within this guide offers online sports betting on the 68-team postseason tournament, along with complete coverage and a wide range of props and individual game betting lines. Several also serve up cash prizes for making the right picks.
The ability to place live March Madness bets is the biggest difference between wagering with an online sportsbook versus doing so at a land-based or retail outlet. Some retail sportsbooks allow players to bet live, but the odds update frequently, making betting apps a necessity.
Sportsbooks also offer boosted March Madness odds and bonus bets. We combed through the bunch and have identified the best offers. When it comes to finding the best March Madness betting site, you’ll want to explore the special promos and competitions available.
March Madness betting history
The NCAA men's basketball tournament — more commonly known as "March Madness" — first tipped off in 1939, with only eight teams playing in the inaugural competition. Today, the best 64 college basketball teams in the country are grouped into four regions — East, West, Midwest, and South — battle it out every March in a quest for collegiate athletic supremacy.
Here are a few facts about basketball's biggest tournament:
Most March Madness appearances:
- Kentucky - 61
- North Carolina - 53
- Kansas - 51
- UCLA - 50
- Duke - 46
Most March Madness wins:
- North Carolina - 132
- Kentucky - 130
- Duke - 119
- Kansas - 113
- UCLA - 110
Biggest comeback in March Madness history? Duke trailed Maryland 39-17 in the 2001 NCAA men's tournament. The 22-point comeback is the largest overcome deficit in the tournament's 85-year history.
Most points scored in a March Madness tournament:
- Christian Laettner (Duke) - 407
- Elvin Hayes (Houston) - 358
- Danny Manning (Kansas) - 328
- Tyler Hansbrough (UNC) - 325
- Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati) - 324
Quick facts: March Madness betting
| March Madness start date | March 18, 2025 |
| Final Four location | Alamodome in San Antonio, TX |
| Best March Madness sign-up offer | bet365 - Bet $5, get $150 |
| Available bet types | Moneyline, Parlays, Over/Under + more |
| 2025 NCAAB betting favorites | Duke Blue Devils |
| Mobile apps | iOS & Android |
| States with legal betting | 38 (+DC) |
| Legal March Madness betting age | 21+ |
More March Madness betting resources
Blacklisted March Madness betting sites
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
Despite the increase in legal betting markets stateside, there are bettors who still leverage offshore sportsbooks for their respective wagers. We strongly advise against using these illegal offshore sites for your March Madness betting at all costs. There is little to no recourse for recouping any unpaid winnings with these unregulated sportsbooks, which is why they have found their way onto our blacklisted betting sites.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Instant replay: Best March Madness betting sites
Let’s review: March Madness betting sites are plentiful, so researching each is smart. Once you’ve landed on a choice, don’t limit yourself — collecting a motley of welcome bonuses and sportsbook-specific offers is a speedy way to build value. Here again are the best March Madness betting sites in the U.S., along with their most compelling features:
| ? bet365 Sportsbook | Best overall welcome bonus |
| ? DraftKings Sportsbook | Great live betting |
| ? FanDuel Sportsbook | Competitive odds |
| ? Caesars Sportsbook | Lucrative welcome offer |
| ? BetMGM Sportsbook | Best for banking |
| ? PointsBet Sportsbook | Unique bet types |
| ? BetRivers Sportsbook | Best for new bettors |
| ? Unibet Sportsbook | Consistent pricing |
| ? WynnBET Sportsbook | User-friendly |
Your search for the best March Madness betting sites led you here. Let us quickly recap how you can cash in safely on your bets for the Big Dance.
- Only wager with regulated and legal sportsbooks.
- Seeding matters, but parity has leveled the playing field to a degree.
- Point spreads, Over/Under totals, parlays, and moneylines are the most popular March Madness bets.
- Sports betting is now legal in 30-plus states, meaning there is no shortage of places to bet. Follow along as we track states with legal sports betting.
- Fill out as many brackets as you would like but remember to diversify your Final Four and national champion picks.
Best betting sites by sport
Interested in the best betting sites for other sports? We've identified and highlighted the top operators for each of the following sports:
March Madness betting sites FAQs
Yes, you can do your March Madness betting online in most states with legal sports wagering. You will have to be 21 or older, though.
Our list of recommended online sportsbooks has been thoroughly vetted to ensure their trustworthiness.
To start betting on March Madness, select a regulated betting site from our guide above, register, claim a welcome bonus, make an initial deposit, and then find a preferred market from the betting menu.
Currently, the Connecticut Huskies are the betting favorite to win March Madness 2025.
A No. 1 seed is most likely to win March Madness. Since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, 25 of the last 34 national title winners have been No. 1 seeds.
According to a report from the American Gaming Association (AGA), an estimated 45 million people expected to bet a combined $3.1 billion on the 2022 annual men¡¯s college basketball tournament. That number is anticipated to rise in 2023.
Yes, our list of the best March Madness betting sites has been prioritized to accommodate mobile betting.
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