March Madness is an exciting time for sports bettors everywhere. Since more and more states have legalized some form of sports betting, many people may want to start their sports betting journey by getting in on the action during the NCAAM Tournament.
With so many sportsbooks in the marketplace, new bettors may wonder which ones to open accounts at. We can’t tell you who to take your business to, but we can provide the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.
Top March Madness Sportsbook Promos
The following table contains the welcome offers for our top five March Madness sportsbooks and a link to help you claim each one:
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User Experience: The general idea is that the easier, the better. Bettors want to feel like it is easy to sign up for an account, download the app, make a deposit/withdrawal, place a bet, and not have to worry about whether their transactions are secure. Can they rely on the mobile app or will there be lag time? Are the website and app easy to navigate?
Features: Just about every provider in the industry will have competitive odds, but odds can vary from one sportsbook to another depending on several factors. The focus for this page is March Madness, but we are looking for sportsbooks with full and complete betting menus, not just the major North American sports (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAF, NCAABB), but international offerings (i.e., soccer, rugby, etc.) and niche markets (darts, cycling, cricket, etc.). Every sportsbook will have the standard betting options (point spread, moneyline, and total), but the best will offer futures, parlays, same-game parlays, prop bets, and live betting as well.
Promotions: Sportsbooks know they have to compete for your business, and to that end, they offer new users a welcome offer. Common forms include bonus bets, deposit matches, and first bet protection (often called a No Sweat Bet, First Bet Safety Net, Second Chance Bets, or simply First Bet). Once a sportsbook gets you to sign up, does it offer promos/bonuses (i.e. bonus bets, parlay/same-game parlay insurance, odds boost, second-chance bets, etc.) for existing users? Are the terms and conditions reasonable?
Deposits and Withdrawals: Everyone uses different banking methods, and it is common for people to feel comfortable using only certain ones online, making various banking options vital. Security, or lack thereof, involving banking transactions is a game changer.
Customer Support: You hope you never need it, but if you do, is it easy to find and readily available? Are responses timely or do you have to wait? Sports betting is fun and exciting, but the appeal starts to die down when bettors have issues with their money, trouble placing bets, etc.
Responsible Gambling: Sportsbooks make money when we bet, but it is good to know that they do not want to take advantage of people. To that end, many sportsbooks are committed to advocating for responsible gaming by providing tips, access to help for problem gamblers, and the ability to set limits (deposit, wagering, time, and max wagers). Many will also allow bettors to self-exclude.
Best NCAA Betting Sites for March Madness
There are quite a few similarities among the various sportsbooks bettors have available to them for March Madness. But they have their differences as well. Here is a look at five of our favorite sportsbooks for betting on the NCAAM Tournament.
1. FanDuel Sportsbook
One of the most well-known sportsbooks in the US industry, FanDuel is a solid choice for betting on March Madness. Bettors can count on the odds to be competitive, the mobile app/website to run seamlessly, and payouts to come in a timely fashion.
Although the welcome bonus may not be as high in value as others, it is more customer-friendly because it does not require bettors to commit a significant sum of money.
If traditional bets are not your thing, FanDuel will have an extensive menu of prop bets available for most, if not all, NCAA Tournament games. Bettors can also enjoy creating parlays and same-game parlays.
There is not a readily available phone number for customer service. However, a link at the bottom of the home page takes you to the FanDuel Support page, where you can find answers to common questions, chat with an agent, email, or contact them via social media (Facebook and X).
There really isn't anything to complain about when it comes to betting on March Madness with FanDuel. Bettors will not regret signing up with them.
Must win first bet to collect welcome offer bonus bets
Few promos/bonuses for existing players
2. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is probably the most well-known name in the US sports betting industry because it was already a leader in daily fantasy play before becoming a sports betting provider. While the mobile app/website is an excellent option for DFS, it is also a solid choice for betting on March Madness.
Like most sportsbooks, DraftKings offers competitive odds, an extensive betting menu, and easy-to-use mobile apps and websites that operate impeccably as long as you have a stable internet connection. If you want to bet on games, futures, props, parlays, or same-game parlays, you'll be happy with what DraftKings offers.
It is not usual to see DraftKings offer a choice regarding the welcome bonus or even multiple parts to it. But the terms and conditions attached to their 20% deposit match offer are difficult. The timeframe in which they allow you to meet the rollover requirement is generous, but the requirement itself is daunting.
Finding customer service on the home page is a bit of a challenge; it's the "Get Help" option in small letters in one of the columns at the bottom of the page. However, the support page is extensive and helpful, with plenty of options for contacting someone.
If you want to bet frequently, DraftKings is a great option because you will likely take full advantage of the deposit bonus. But even if you aren't looking to bet big, it is a great app/website for betting on March Madness.
DraftKings Promo Offer: Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets
WSN Rating: 4.8/5
App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)
DraftKings Pros
Excellent betting menu
Solid in-game betting platform; lots of options
Rewards tracker and Dynasty Rewards Program
DraftKings Cons
The rollover requirement for the deposit match bonus is high.
Live chat is not operated by a person but AI
3. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars may be the most well-known name in the industry not involved in DFS due to its connection with one of the biggest gambling brands in the world, Caesars Entertainment. But Caesars does not just sit on its laurels. Odds are competitive, the betting menu is extensive, and the mobile app/website is easy to use and reliable.
New users can claim a generous welcome bonus, and while the terms and conditions are comparable to other sportsbooks, there is one downfall. If you lose your first bet, you will get your stake back as a single bonus bet.
For smaller amounts, that may not be a big deal. But with larger bets, it would be nice if they'd break it up into several smaller bonus bets.
You'll have all the same betting options as other sportsbooks (e.g., point spread, total, moneyline, futures, props, parlays, and same-game parlays). Customer support is easier to find than most online sportsbooks, with a "Support" tab on the upper right-hand side of the home page and plenty of options.
It isn't the best welcome bonus in the industry (but it's not the worst either). Otherwise, Caesars is a world-class app/site for betting on the NCAAM Tournament.
The ability to earn reward credits that can be used at Caesars resorts
Multiple options for contacting customer service
Caesars Cons
Bonus from the welcome offer is issued as one bonus bet token, regardless of sum
4. BetMGM
It is almost impossible to watch a sporting event on television without seeing a BetMGM commercial at least once. However, it might be easier for them to attract and keep bettors if they spend more time on the app and bonus structure instead of celebrity-driven commercials.
Their current welcome bonus offer is solid and in line with what many books offer. However, the number of promos/bonuses for existing players has gotten significantly smaller and lower in value in recent years.
The mobile app is easy to navigate, and you can access your account and BetMGM's full betting menu. However, the app tends to have some lag time, regardless of the quality of your internet connection.
The betting menu is extensive, with plenty of sports to bet on, including college basketball. March Madness fans will find the betting lines for games competitive, and the prop menus are solid but unremarkable.
While their parlay options are reasonable, we did not find the same-game prop builder user-friendly.
BetMGM would not be our first choice to sign up with, but if you are looking to line shop, it is one you'll want to add to your list. Customer service is easy to find and contact. While the mobile app could be better, you'll have no issues while betting on the website.
Not uncommon to experience some lag time when using the app
Same-game parlay builder not user-friendly
5. bet365
bet365 is a relative newcomer to the US market but a longtime international provider, which has made it easy for them to jump right into the US industry. The mobile app and website are clean, easy to navigate, and operate without lag time.
The odds are competitive, the betting menus are extensive, and they will sometimes have better prop menus than most sportsbooks.
The welcome offer is unique in that it has two options: one that probably appears to be for sharps/big spenders and one that is more novice-friendly. However, unlike several providers, bet365 has not forgotten about existing users with several promos, including early payouts, profit boosts, and parlay boosts.
Customer service is easy to find with a "help" tab in the top right-hand corner of the home page. It will take you to the Support Home page, where you can find links to answers to common questions and can contact a person via chat, email, or phone (24/7).
Overall, the experience with bet365 is solid. If you are looking for just one app to join or one to add to your list for line shopping, you'll be glad you chose bet365.
Lots of promotions and bonuses for existing players
Excellent live-betting platform
bet365 Cons
May put limits on high-stakes bettors.
Not as readily available in legal states compared to the competition
Tips for Choosing a March Madness Betting Site
Now that you have a general idea of what several of the top sportsbooks in the industry are like, you may be wondering which one(s) you should sign up with. Our best advice is to:
Figure out what you want in a sportsbook: What are the 'must-haves' and what you can live without? Are you concerned about the welcome offer, ongoing promotions, betting menu, or something else?
Do you plan to line shop? If so, you should sign up for accounts with multiple sportsbooks.
Read our reviews but also do some homework of your own. We will steer you in the right direction, but only you know what you’re looking for.
Develop a betting plan/strategy. How you intend on betting will impact what March Madness website/mobile app(s) you open an account with.
If you only plan on betting with one sportsbook, you should do 1-4 before choosing one.
Otherwise, experiment. Take a few sportsbooks for a test drive. There is no better teacher than experience. See which one(s) offer the traits you want most in a sportsbook. If you don’t know what you want, reading our reviews, doing your own homework, and experimenting with different sportsbooks will help you figure it out.
Banking Options for March Madness Betting Apps
As important as competitive odds, betting options, and promos are, to many potential sports bettors, banking options are even more important. It is not unheard of for someone to avoid betting online because they don’t care for any of the banking options the sportsbook works with.
Not only that, when you win a March Madness bet and want to withdraw your winnings, you don’t want to be told you have to wait a day or two. It is a recommended practice for sportsbooks to give players options when it comes to banking.
Some March Madness sportsbooks will offer more options than others. So, if one does not offer your preferred option, shop around. You might find what you're looking for at a different sportsbook.
NCAA TournamentGambling by State
The following table will break down each state's regulations, indicating where NCAA Tournament betting is permitted and where it is not.
How to Bet on March Madness - Types of NCAA Tournament Bets
The best March Madness sportsbooks will have several ways for bettors to get in on the action. Here is a list with a brief explanation as to what the bet is:
If you do not want to bet on one team to win a game, you can bet on how many points both teams will combine to score. A number will be listed in the betting line for a game. You can bet on whether the final score of the game will be OVER the listed total or UNDER.
Let’s say the total on a game is 130.5 points, and the final score is Team A 70 and Team B 65 for a total of 135 points. Bets on the OVER will settle as winners.
4. Prop Bets
A prop bet is a wager not tied directly to the outcome of a game. Common college basketball prop bets include things like first basket, last basket, O/U player point, rebound, steals, blocks, etc. totals, three-pointers, team-specific point totals, etc.
Futures give bettors a chance to bet on the outcome of a future event. A perfect example of that is the NCAAM national championship winner. Bettors have been able to put money down on who they think will win this year since shortly after the last title game finished; some sportsbooks have odds for the next one before the current title game even plays.
7. Live Betting
Live betting gives bettors a chance to bet on a game while it is underway. Options will vary among sportsbooks, but common markets include spreads, moneylines, and totals for the first/second half, individual team totals, the outcome of a current/next drive (football), whether a pitcher will strike out/walk a batter (baseball), the outcome of an at-bat (baseball), etc.
Top March Madness Sportsbook Promos
Parlay/Same-Game Parlay Boost: This promotion allows bettors to boost the odds (and potential payout) of their parlay or same-game parlay according to the promo terms.
Parlay/Same-Game Parlay Insurance: If one leg of your parlay/SGP loses, sportsbooks will credit your account with bonus bets up to a specified amount.
Odds Boost: Sportsbooks use these to boost the odds of a particular market, allowing bettors to win more money.
Early Payout: If you are not confident that your team will hold the lead, you can cash your bet out before the game ends. You will not win as much money as you could have, but you will not lose.
March Madness Betting Strategies and Tips
You’ve decided that you want to bet on March Madness, you’ve joined a few sportsbooks, and you are ready to go. But one very important question keeps popping into your head: Now what? The tournament consists of 68 teams playing a grand total of 67 games—32 just in the first round!
The following strategies and tips will help give you some direction:
Research, research, research: With 68 teams participating, there is no end to the amount of research you can do. You want to make informed decisions when you bet and you can only do that if you have done your research. However, with so many teams and games, it may be hard to find enough time to do enough, which is why…
Develop a plan: How do you want to bet on March Madness? Do you just want to bet on your favorite team? Teams from your favorite conference? High/low-ranked teams? Are you making straight bets (spreads, moneyline, totals), player props, or parlays/SGPs? Once you develop a plan, you’ll have a better idea of how much research you need to do.
Do not drink alcohol while betting: It is too easy to make an error in judgment when under the influence. Bet with a clear, focused mind, and then enjoy an adult beverage or two while watching the game.
Do not make emotional decisions: As much as you may hate your team’s biggest rival, it is not always wise to bet against them. While you want to support your team, betting on them to win when they are heavy underdogs may not be the best decision. Don’t think of it as being disloyal to your team; think of it as being loyal to your bankroll.
Do not chase your losses: Losing takes the fun out of betting and watching March Madness. But it is going to happen; no one is perfect. If you try to make up for a loss by betting more on the next game, your judgment is compromised, and you’ll risk making a bad decision (see No. 4). Start chasing losses, and before you know it, your bankroll will be gone before the first weekend is over.
Diversify your betting portfolio: Don’t bet on just underdogs or favorites. Upsets happen every year, but not that many. The favorites are expected to win for a reason, but you win less when you bet the moneyline on them, and upsets do happen.Parlays/SGPs are a great way to win a bigger payday, but the odds are really stacked in favor of the House with them.
Above all else, gamble responsibly. A good rule of thumb is to only bet with money you can afford to lose. No payday is worth risking your rent/mortgage, car payment, groceries, etc. Keep a cool head at all times and try to recognize when you may need to take a break. The March Madness sportsbook will allow you to set limits and self-exclude if necessary.
Do not be afraid to ask for help if you think you may have a problem. Call or text 1-800- GAMBLER for assistance.
Yes, it is legal to bet on the NCAAM Tournament online, but only in states where online betting is allowed.
Where can I bet on a March Madness bracket?
It will depend on where you live and which sportsbooks are in your state, but some of the most common are FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, and bet365.
Where can I find March Madness picks?
You can find them right here on WSN.
Which March Madness sportsbooks have the fastest payouts?
During our tests, FanDuel paid out faster than the rest of the field.
Who has the best NCAAM promotions?
High rollers will want to go with someone who has a second-chance welcome offer like bet365’s $1,000 First Ber Safety Net. Otherwise, we recommend looking for the sportsbook(s) offering more bonus bets than the rest with fewer strings attached.
Which March Madness betting app is the most trusted betting app?
DraftKings and FanDuel are widely considered the two most trusted betting apps in the US.
Which March Madness sportsbook website is the best for sports betting?
You can ask a dozen people this question and get 12 different answers. But, like the mobile betting apps, we consider FanDuel the best website for sports betting.
Travis Pulver is a lifelong football fan, something he says comes naturally having been born in the football-crazy state of Texas. Through the years, Pulver's love of sports has extended into baseball, basketball, golf, and rugby. Life currently finds him in Indiana with his wife and two kids.
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