Top College Basketball Betting Sites for 2024

Not a lot of sporting events get your heart pumping as much as a closely-contested college basketball game will. With so many in-state rivalries and substantial conference games being played on the regular, there’s never a shortage of action.

This page is dedicated to bringing you fully up to speed on everything you could want to know about placing a real money wager on an NCAA Men’s basketball game. From how we rank the best college basketball betting sites to a thoughtful FAQ section, consider this your official guide for knowing where to bet on college basketball online.

As much fun as betting college basketball online can be, it’s a nightmare if you’re placing wagers at an unsecured site. Given how cutthroat the sports betting industry can be, it’s crucial that you are only betting at online sportsbooks you can trust.

The top college basketball betting sites that we recommend are not only safe and reputable, but they offer a massive selection of games. To those of you who have been trying to find an online sportsbook that will install lines for an entire 50-game slate in college basketball, you’ve landed in the perfect spot.

Our list of the best college basketball betting sites is displayed front and center for those of you looking to dive straight in. There’s more information about betting on college basketball for real money further down the page.

Best College Basketball Betting Sites

  • BetUS – Encompasses the total package when it comes to betting on NCAA Men’s Basketball online.
  • Bovada – Safe college basketball betting site that’s one of the best options for futures and prop bets.
  • MyBookie – A well-known brand that easily makes our list of the best college basketball betting sites thanks to the competitive lines and props bet builder they offer.
  • EveryGame – You’ll experience fast payouts and top-tier customer service at this online sportsbook.
  • SportsBetting – One of the safest sites for betting real money on March Madness games. The site is very easy on the eyes and is even sweeter to navigate.
  • XBet – For live betting on March Madness, fewer sites can match XBet’s excellent product.
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Rating the Best College Basketball Betting Sites

You can rest assured that we leave no stone unturned when it comes to evaluating online sportsbooks. We have a rigorous and comprehensive process for ranking betting sites, with every site required to pass a series of tests before receiving our stamp of approval.

Most importantly, all of our recommended NCAAB betting sites are 100% safe and secure. They are all licensed and regulated by reputable organizations, meaning they must follow strict guidelines in order to operate.

On top of that, our recommendations boast a wide variety of reliable banking methods to guarantee smooth deposits and speedy withdrawals. You will also be able to make use of first-rate customer support if you need any help.

That said, the best college basketball betting sites go above and beyond to cater to online NCAAB bettors. Here are some of the specific features that our recommended sites use to take college basketball betting online to the next level.

  • High College Basketball Odds – Naturally, the best college basketball betting sites always dish up competitive NCAAB odds.
  • Vast Range of NCAAB Betting Markets – You can take advantage of a wide variety of betting markets, from moneylines and spreads to futures and props.
  • College Basketball Bonuses and Promotions – All the top NCAAB betting sites have lots of bonuses and promotions, many of which are geared toward college basketball.
  • Live College Basketball Betting Opportunities – You can access plenty of in-play betting options for live college basketball games.

Of course, aspects like safety, banking, and customer support are always at the top of our checklist. But the best NCAAB betting sites also possess plenty of unique features for college basketball bettors.

Comparing NCAAB Betting Sites

As we already mentioned, all of our recommended college basketball sportsbooks meet a specific set of criteria. However, they all have unique features and specialties, too.

For example, some sites have a giant welcome bonus, while others pride themselves on their long-standing reputation. Some sites are available throughout the US, while others have restrictions in certain states.

To give you a better idea of what we mean, here is a table comparing some of the key features of our top-rated sites.

COMPARING THE TOP COLLEGE BASKETBALL BETTING SITES
Betting Site Year Established Welcome Bonus US Restrictions Crypto Banking In-Play NCAAB Betting
BetUS 1994 100% up to $2,500 None Yes Yes
Bovada 2004 50% up to $250 DE, MD, NJ, NV, NY Yes Yes
MyBookie 2014 50% up to $1,000 NJ, NV, NY, PA Yes Yes
EveryGame 1996 100% up to $250 None Yes Yes

Let’s take a closer look at some of our recommended sites. The following information should help you choose which site is best for you.

BetUS vs. Bovada

The first thing to note here is that BetUS has a massive welcome bonus (100% up to $2,500) compared to Bovada (50% up to $250). That said, BetUS has a 10x rollover requirement, while Bovada’s rollover is only 5x the deposit and bonus amount.

Both sites are widely available throughout the US, although Bovada isn’t available in five states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, and New York. BetUS currently has no regional restrictions.

If you like gambling with cryptocurrency, BetUS and Bovada are both worth checking out. However, you might find greater Bitcoin bonuses at Bovada. Both sites accept Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin, too.

You will also find a wide variety of college basketball betting markets on both sites, including plenty of prop bets. Although BetUS often has more prop bets to choose from, Bovada has a props builder that allows you to create your own unique betting propositions.

Benefits of Betting College Basketball Online

Now that you’re familiar with the best college basketball betting sites, it’s time to go over the benefits of wagering on college basketball online. After all, the pros far outweigh the cons.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with placing NCAAB wagers at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. But if you’re serious about getting the best bang for your buck, you should always consider betting online before any other options.

Here are the main differences between online and in-person college basketball betting.

COMPARING ONLINE COLLEGE BASKETBALL BETTING TO IN-PERSON BETTING
NCAAB Betting Online Land-Based Sportsbook Betting
Above all else, online betting is convenient, quick, and easy. You might need to travel a fair distance to place your wagers.
You can shop around at multiple sites and find the best odds for each wager you place. You are subjected to whatever lines the brick-and-mortar sportsbook offers.
Far more bonuses and promotions available for both new and existing customers. Land-based sportsbooks typically offer very few bonuses and promotions.
Online betting sites enable you to place live wagers in an instant. In-play betting is more difficult and also takes more time.
Dozens of different NCAAB betting markets to choose from. Limited number of college basketball betting markets on offer.
Numerous secure banking options, including e-wallets and cryptocurrency. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks typically only accept cash and debit/credit cards.

As you can see, there is no shortage of advantages when it comes to betting online. Although wagering at a land-based sportsbook can be fun, the range of odds, lines, markets, bonuses, and banking options doesn’t come close to the online options.

On that note, let’s look at the different types of wagers that are available for college basketball betting.

Different Types of College Basketball Bets

The leading NCAAB betting sites offer a big selection of wagers. Not only can you bet on the outcome of individual games, but you can also bet on the total number of points scored. On top of that, there are plenty of futures and props to take advantage of.

Here are the most popular college basketball markets.

  • Moneylines – This is the simplest NCAAB wager out there. All you need to do is pick a team and back them to win the game. Overtime is included, meaning you can’t bet on the draw.
  • Spreads – Also known as handicap betting, this type of wager gives the underdog a points advantage from the start. You can bet on the favorite to cover the points advantage or back the underdog to win with the advantage.
  • Totals – This wager enables you to bet on the total number of points scored in a college basketball game. Also referred to as over/under betting, you have to decide if the final score will go over or under a certain threshold.
  • Futures – Futures (or outrights) allow you to bet on the outcome of a league, tournament, or award. For example, you can back a team to win March Madness or a player to be named MVP.
  • Props – A prop bet isn’t tied to the final score or outcome of a game. Instead, you can wager on a player to score a certain number of points or a team to record a certain number of consecutive wins.

These are the most popular NCAAB wagers. If you’re looking for more information on the topic, be sure to check out our expert guide to basketball betting.

Popular March Madness Bet Types

It’s worth noting that there are multiple ways to win real money from March Madness wagers.

Here’s a look at some exciting ways to bet on the NCAA basketball tournaments.

  • Derivatives – Derivative odds for March Madness games allow you to bet on parts of the game, rather than the match as a whole. From totals in the first half to spreads for the first quarter, and much more, these can provide more value than the usual March Madness betting picks.
  • Props – For those in the know, the top props for March Madness can be a gold mine of potential. From seed and conference props to game and player props for the NCAAB basketball tournament, there are tons of innovative ways to win money.
  • Tournament MVP – More often than not, winning real money betting on the March Madness MVP means picking the team that will go all the way. The Associated Press tends to award the MVP award to the star player from the champions.
  • Exotic March Madness Bets – The best March Madness betting sites offer multiple exotic wagers for the NCAA tournament. From how many buzzer-beaters are scored to whether a FirstFour side makes it to the Sweet Sixteen, you will find tons of awesome March Madness odds online.

Advice for Betting March Madness

We don’t believe that you have to be a qualified rocket scientist to make real money on the NCAA basketball tournaments. To be completely honest, it helps to know as much about a subject as possible.  Still, simply focusing on increasing your chances of winning your March Madness wagers will suffice.

Here’s some help to get you started.

  • Be Smart With Your Bankroll – From only spending what you can afford to determine your unit value for each bet, these successful bankroll management tips will come in super handy.
  • Look for the Best March Madness Odds – Why take the first set of odds that come your way when there are multiple, top sites online? The moneyline and/or the spread aren’t where the odds for March Madness end, so why not see what other markets are out there?
  • Use Multiple March Madness Betting Sites – The best way to ensure you’re getting the top odds for March Madness is to compare them across multiple sites. There are more perks to using more than one site, which includes access to a wide range of bonuses and promotions
  • Play for Value – The only tangible way to gain long-term success when betting on NCAA basketball tournaments, or anything else for that matter, is to learn how to find value in betting odds.
  • Use Stats and Data to Your Advantage – Most of the top sites online tend to provide stats and analysis ahead of individual games. You can find everything you need to know elsewhere, too, such as on the official NCAA website.

It’s also worth noting that following the latest March Madness odds movements, news, and updates goes without saying.

In this modern age, we’re lucky to have a wealth of information available to us online that can be used to aid your chances of winning money on March Madness. From credible basketball news sources to social media tools like YouTube, there is no reason why you can’t do well with your wagers this year.

Expert March Madness Betting Strategy and Tips

Again, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to win real money betting the NCAAB tournaments.

That applies to our basic tips as well as our expert March Madness betting tips. Although the less experienced gambler should always start with the basics, there is no reason why anyone should struggle to follow more advanced strategy pointers. Here are some of our basketball experts’ tips for winning money on the tournament.

Watch Square Public Betting Activity

Online betting on March Madness is big business.

A major reason for this is that casual bettors want to get in on the action when the NCAA Tournament starts. A lot of money comes in from these guys, leading to hype and hyperbole.

Top Tip
Keep an eye on line movement instead of the extensive coverage that organically comes from the team these casual bettors are throwing it all on.

Remember, the public also loves betting underdogs. This makes it even more crucial to be skeptical of the inorganic line movement that bends toward the outsiders. If you can make it work for you with the team that will win this year’s March Madness, go for it. Just don’t allow yourself to get pitted against the public. 

Pay Attention to Teams With Robust Defense

Defense wins games. Especially when it comes to the crunch. 

We all know that free-scoring teams can smash it during the regular season. But when it comes to gambling real money on March Madness, you should always consider the fact that the most balanced teams usually do it better. Even if you’re not betting on the NCAA basketball tournament, and just want some tips or March Madness bracket advice, this same principle applies.

Those intending to wager on the tournament should consider defense-heavy outfits come tournament time. Especially when it comes to backing them against the spread.

Furthermore, we believe that underdogs with exceptionally strong defense can be top outside bets for March Madness games.

Pick Your Battles

With 67 games to bet on in March Madness, you could very easily find yourself getting carried away. 

Not every game is going to be appealing if you know what you are looking for. After all, online March Madness apps and betting sites are there to make a profit. Ergo, they are not exactly going to let a ton of money slide away from them when they can just provide poor value odds for those who don’t know any better. 

One of the best March Madness betting strategies is to be selective with the games you bet on. Failing that, look for value in other markets, rather than betting the line or the spread on matchups that offer no value on either side.

Look for Momentum at the Window

It’s best to factor in momentum at the window when using betting strategies for the NCAA basketball tournament.

Ask yourself questions such as: How has a team performed down the stretch?’ Are they peaking at the right time? Are there any discernible strengths or weaknesses that could factor into betting on who wins March Madness matches, or the tournament as a whole?

If you can pinpoint even the smallest margin when comparing the offense and defense of two teams, it could help you make some money. 

Momentum is key in every sport. At the same time, don’t become too invested in the regular season given this is a knockout tournament. 

2023 March Madness Bracket Advice

Expert March Madness bracket strategies exist for a reason. That is, they work more often than not.

Even a little bit of advice on how to win pools and build the best brackets can always come in handy. Our experts have provided a few tips to help you get a head start on your family, co-workers, or anyone else you are looking to pit your skills against.

You can find free downloadable and printable March Madness brackets, below.

  • Printable 2022 March Madness Brackets

More March Madness Bracket and Betting Advice

Our NCAA basketball tournament writers have also provided you with some super useful information to help you shine this year.

  • March Madness Bracketology Analysis with Predictions – A comprehensive breakdown of March Madness brackets with analysis to help you make your bets on the tournament.
  • Best March Madness Bracket Betting Apps – Looking to make the best use of this golden age of technological advancement? When it comes to creating brackets for March Madness via apps, these are at the top of the food chain.
  • How to Build a Winning March Madness Bracket – Tips for ensuring you understand what it takes to make your NCAA basketball tournaments the best they can be.

Of course, we will have so much more material for betting on the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments for you to use. You can find our experts’ March Madness odds, predictions, and gambling advice by visiting our March Madness blog section, below.

March Madness Terms

A glossary for March Madness terms is a good way to get down with the lingo used by fans and bettors throughout the tournament. 

You might already be familiar with some of this slang, or most of the acronyms and initialisms that get thrown around. Perhaps you’re an absolute beginner looking to make sense of what appears at first to be a whole lot of craziness. I guess that’s in line with the Madness of March, right?

  • At-Large – BidDenotes the term used to describe the 36 at-large bid teams that didn’t win their conferences but made it to the tournament based on impressive performances. This is, unsurprisingly, one of the top March Madness terms you will encounter.
  • Automatic BidUnlike the at-large bids, these teams have made it here by winning their conferences. Also known as an automatic qualifier.
  • AP RankingThe term used to refer to the Associated Press ranking system that oversees the ratings of the top 25 teams in the country.
  • BPIESPN created the College Basketball’s Power Index (BPI) to rate teams based on BPI Offense and BPI Defense. The resulting stats are calculated on the power of both.
  • BubbleTeams – often referred to as “on the bubble” are not assured of an invitation to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In other words, they may or may not make it.
  • CinderellaA term widely used in other sports, such as James Braddock’s “Cinderella Man” title in boxing, a “Cinderella” in March Madness terms means a team that performs much better than anticipated before NCAAB odds are out.
  • Elite EightThe final eight teams standing are, unsurprisingly, referred to as the Elite Eight. The four winners from these four games move on to the next round.
  • Final FourFollowing the Final Eight, the Final Four teams remaining battle it out for a place in the championship game.
  • First FourUpon the NCAA’s decision to expand the entries from 64 to 68, the First Four is played on the Tuesday and Wednesday following Selection Sunday. These matches are hosted at the University of Dayton.
  • First Four OutAnother popular entry on the March Madness glossary is the First Four Out. This term applies to teams that don’t make the NCAA tournament but do go ahead to top seed status in the NIT Championship.
  • KPIAll wins and losses for teams are ranked from -1.0 to +1.0 by KPI Sports. The statisticians look at the strength of the schedule as well as key indicators like a team’s winning percentage, scoring margins, and location of a game.
  • Last Four InThis March Madness term applies to the final four teams to be granted at-large bids. These teams are the ones that are usually “on the bubble” heading into Selection Sunday.
  • NETIntroduced in 2018-2019, the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) factors results, schedule, location, margin, wins and losses, and offense/defense. This replaced the Rating Percentage Index as the committee’s go-to statistical formula.
  • Offensive EfficiencyOne of the key terms for March Madness directly related to offense. In short, this covers the points a team scores per 100 offensive possessions.
  • Per-40Widely known as “per-40 stats,” this term is used in NCAAB games as a means of comparison between two or more individuals who have not registered the same number of minutes per game.
  • QuadrantsOne of the March Madness terms you will hear a lot of is quadrants, which are broken down into Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. The selection committee cuts a team’s record into quarters to provide a clearer view of the strength of their wins as well as the weakness of their losses.
  • RegionalThe March Madness tournament bracket is cut into quarters consisting of The South, East, West, and the Midwest. Rounds 1 to 4 are regional games. The Elite Eight is the regional championship game.
  • RPIThe Rating Percentage Index (RPI) denotes a D1 team’s winning percentage (25%) as well as their opponent’s winning percentage (50%) and an opponent’s opponents’ winning percentage (25%). This is no longer used by the committee, who now prefers the NET.
  • SeedOf the 68 teams that earn March Madness bids, a seeding from 1 to 16 is awarded to everyone. This dictates where the team will sit in the bracket. Seedings are also set for all entrants between 1 to 68 and affect who and where teams will face off with.
  • Selection CommitteeIn essence, this committee consists of ten members that are tasked with the selection process as well as the bracketing and seeding of all teams in the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
  • Selection SundayThis is the big day when the Selection Committee confirms the tournament field for both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
  • Strength of RecordAnother key March Madness term to know is Strength of Record (SOR), which is a figure that presents a team’s accomplishment based on how difficult its win to loss record was to attain.
  • Strength of ScheduleThe SOS is the measure of how hard a team’s schedule is based on its opponents’ winning schedule.
  • Sweet 16You’ll hear this among the most popular March Madness terms. In effect, the Sweet 16 is the tournament’s third round. It precedes the Elite Eight, which, as pointed out earlier, is the penultimate stage of the tournament.

College Basketball Betting FAQs

Is betting on college basketball legal?
AChances are, it is, but you’ll want to double-check with your local legislation before you start firing away on any games. The sports betting laws and regulations are different depending on what region of the world you live in. We recommend checking the online gambling laws in your location before attempting to place any bets.
Are these the same sites to bet on March Madness?
AAbsolutely. Once the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament rolls around, get ready to feast your eyes on prop betting galore! In fact, you don’t even have to wait until the bracket is released to get your feet wet betting on March Madness. Check the betting markets in the week or two leading up to Selection Sunday and you’ll run into a myriad of opportunities to start cashing in on the “Big Dance.”
Is cryptocurrency accepted at college basketball betting sites?
AIt sure is. Those looking to unload Bitcoin or Ethereum, you may as well do so in the fashion of betting a basketball game. Keep in mind that not all college basketball betting sites are open to accepting cryptocurrency as a way of depositing funds. However, the most well-rounded ones found on this page will be waiting with open arms. Before you embark on your crypto-gambling journey, be sure to check out our tips for gambling with crypto.
Am I responsible for paying taxes on my betting winnings?
ADepending on where you reside, the answer could be yes or no. Speaking to an authority who is well-versed in your region’s gaming laws is your best course of action to avoid any penalties. Don’t be scared, though, as many areas of the world won’t require you to pay taxes on gambling profits. Remember, while your personal information is completely secure, the real money bets you make on an online account will be tracked over time. If you are betting big and are consistently winning, you may draw attention.
Should I use multiple college basketball betting sites?
AThere is nothing wrong with using more than one NCAAB betting site. In fact, we recommend that you join multiple online sportsbooks. This will enable you to compare odds, bonuses, and other important factors to ensure that you always get the best possible deal.
Which betting sites have the best college basketball odds?
AAll of our recommended sites for betting on college basketball have excellent odds. Be sure to shop around and find the best price for every wager, as odds typically vary from one sportsbook to the next.
Can I bet on college basketball on my mobile device?
AOf course! There are plenty of great basketball betting apps that allow you to place wagers on your portable devices. That means Android, iOS, and Windows users can bet on college basketball via their smartphones and tablets.
Audrey Weston
Audrey Weston Author

Audrey Weston is a casino writer, traveler, and research nerd. Baccarat is her favorite casino game, but she also enjoys dabbling in poker, slots, and blackjack. When she’s not writing or researching, she enjoys reading, visiting the beach, and cheering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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