When it comes to betting volume, the bookies tend to see the most action when March Madness rolls around. The games come thick and fast, with bettors looking to boost their bankrolls over the course of the tournament.
There are a lot of different bets available, but which ones should you be playing and which should you be avoiding? With this extensive March Madness betting guide for beginners, we will try to create a roadmap that helps you though the madness of the college basketball tournament, so let’s get to it.
This guide is part of our broader sports betting guide designed to help beginners understand wagering fundamentals before risking real money.
For current lines, futures, and live markets, bettors can explore dedicated March Madness betting odds throughout the tournament.
New bettors who want a deeper understanding of pricing, odds creation, and risk management can review this guide on how sportsbooks work for beginners before placing their first wager.
March Madness Betting for Beginners — Quick Overview
Table of Contents
- What Bets Can You Make on March Madness?
- How Does March Madness Betting Work for Beginners?
- What Are the Safest Bet Types for March Madness Beginners?
- What Bets Should Beginners Avoid During March Madness?
- How Do Betting Odds Work During the NCAA Tournament?
- What Is the Difference Between Spreads, Moneylines, and Totals in March Madness?
- How Does Live Betting Work During March Madness Games?
- What Are Futures and Prop Bets in March Madness?
- Why Is Bankroll Management Important for March Madness Betting?
- Where Do Bettors Place March Madness Bets Online?
- Final Thoughts
What Bets Can You Make on March Madness?
No matter where you wager, the March Madness betting markets are the same in terms of the bets available, which are:
- Point spreads: The favorite must win by a certain number of points; the underdog can lose but still cover if they stay within the margin.
- Moneylines: You simply pick which team will win the game outright, regardless of the point difference.
- Totals (over/under): You bet on whether the combined final score of both teams will be over or under a set number.
- Futures: Long term bets on outcomes like tournament winner, conference champion, etc.
- Props (propositions): Wagers on specific events, such as individual player or team based milestones rather than the final result.
- Live betting: In game markets that update by the second as the action unfolds.
These are the basic March Madness bets that you will see when you log in to MyBookie and access the college basketball page.
How Does March Madness Betting Work for Beginners?
Let’s imagine that you want to play a spread bet, such as Duke – 6 ½ on the sports betting line. The first thing you need to understand is that for your wager to win, Duke must win by at least 7 points.
Now, let’s get to how March Madness betting works. You need to place your wager before the opening tip-off, as the market will close as soon as that happens. When the game is over, all wagers are graded, at which point your winnings, as well as your original stake, will be deposited into your account. This usually happens very quickly.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Choose your bet | Select spread, moneyline, total, or another available market. |
| Place wager | Submit your bet before tip-off while the market is open. |
| Game concludes | All wagers are graded based on the final score. |
| Payout | Winnings and original stake are deposited into your account. |
What Are the Safest Bet Types for March Madness Beginners?
The safest bets for March Madness beginners are single-game wagers such as moneylines, point spreads, and totals, because they involve only one outcome and are easier to manage compared to multi-leg or long-term bets.
Bettors looking to move beyond beginner-level wagers can also explore more advanced March Madness betting strategies that focus on matchup data, line movement, and market psychology.
The best bets to make during March Madness for beginners are basic single-game bets. We are talking about moneyline, spread, and point total wagers here. In potentially lopsided matchups, you may not get the best odds for moneylines, so spreads and totals become much more appealing.
There is also plenty of data, such as pace of play and scoring trends that can help you make educated wagers.
Beginner-Friendly Betting Markets
Moneyline, spread, and totals wagers offer straightforward mechanics and are easier to understand compared to more volatile markets.
What Bets Should Beginners Avoid During March Madness?
When you look at the betting bookie odds, what you are actually looking at is the probability of a specific outcome. If you see a massive number after the + symbol, it means that the probability of that particular outcome is very low.
A team listed at +12000 to win the National Championship looks enticing, but the chances of it happening are slim. Futures are tough to nail down, as are parlays (multi-game wagers). Yes, the odds look great, but again, it comes down to probability.
| Bet Type | Why It Is Risky |
|---|---|
| Futures | Funds are tied up long term and outcomes are highly uncertain. |
| Parlays | Multiple selections must win, increasing overall risk. |
| Longshot Odds | High payouts reflect low implied probability. |
| Bet Type | Risk Level | Beginner Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Low to Moderate | Recommended for beginners |
| Point Spread | Moderate | Recommended with matchup analysis |
| Totals | Moderate | Recommended with scoring trends |
| Parlays | High | Use cautiously |
| Futures | High | Advanced bettors only |
How Do Betting Odds Work During the NCAA Tournament?
Betting odds during March Madness represent implied probability and determine how much you win relative to your stake, with negative numbers indicating favorites and positive numbers indicating underdogs.
The betting odds on the NCAA Tournament becomes quite easy to read once you understand the basics. A – number indicates the favorite, while the + indicates the underdog. Again, the bookies are not making predictions here but rather showing implied probability.
Be aware that the odds change quickly during March Madness based on sheer volume and public perception.
Implied Probability Calculator (American Odds)
| Moneyline | Implied Probability | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| -200 | 66.7% | Favorite expected to win most of the time |
| -110 | 52.4% | Competitive matchup |
| +150 | 40% | Underdog with realistic upset chance |
| +12000 | Less than 1% | Extreme longshot |
What Is the Difference Between Spreads, Moneylines, and Totals in March Madness?
How do you figure out March Madness spreads vs moneylines, and what is March Madness totals betting? Let’s break it down:
- Moneyline – This is a simple wager that requires you to pick the winner in a chosen game.
- Point spread – If a team is listed as -6 ½, they need to win by at least 7 points to cover.
- Point total – The bookies might list a game total at 151 ½. You then need to figure out if the combined total scored by both teams goes over or under that mark.
How Does Live Betting Work During March Madness Games?
While live betting is a fun way to wager, it may not necessarily be the best option for beginners. The betting odds change quickly with each score and with each passing second, all of which can lead to confusion for those not up to speed on betting lines and the pace of the game.
If you are interested in live betting March Madness games, perhaps take the time to watch how the mechanics work without placing a bet until you are comfortable.
Public Money vs Sharp Money
Line movement sometimes reflects sharp action even when public tickets are heavier on the opposite side.
Those interested in in-game opportunities can also review structured March Madness halftime betting strategies to better understand second-half adjustments and market shifts.
What Are Futures and Prop Bets in March Madness?
March Madness futures betting involves making wagers on events in the distant future. For example, you can place a bet on a team to win the National Championship before the season even begins. The biggest issue is that your funds are locked away for that entire time. Prop bets are generally performance-based wagers on a single team or player. For example, you might wager on a player to score over or under on a listed point total.
Why Is Bankroll Management Important for March Madness Betting?
Bankroll management during March Madness protects bettors from tournament volatility by limiting risk per wager and preventing emotional overbetting during high-volume game schedules.
Bankroll management is essential at all times, but particularly in a setting like March Madness where the games come so quickly. Volatility is high during the tournament, which is why flat stakes, such as 1-2% of your bankroll are the best way to go when college basketball tournament betting starts.
Bankroll Tip
Flat stakes of 1-2% per wager help reduce risk during high-volume tournament play.
Example Bankroll Strategy
Tournament Volatility by Round
The opening round historically presents unique opportunities, and bettors can learn more about identifying value in this first round March Madness betting guide.
Where Do Bettors Place March Madness Bets Online?
It all begins with finding a reputable online sportsbook, such as MyBookie. Once you sign up, you can them log in and deposit funds to start playing. Many bookies are now accepting crypto, which is a fast, safe, and secure way to play. When you sign up, be sure to look out for any online sportsbook bonus offers and promotions, all of which can add extra money to your bankroll.
Bettors who prefer digital currency can also explore why a crypto-friendly sportsbook makes sense for modern bettors, especially during high-volume events like March Madness.
Ready to Start Betting March Madness?
Explore updated lines, spreads, totals, and live markets before tip-off.
View March Madness Betting LinesFAQ Questions
What bets can you make on March Madness?
You can wager on moneylines, point spreads, totals (over/under), futures, prop bets, and live betting during March Madness. These markets allow beginners to choose between simple single-game bets or more advanced options like long-term championship wagers.
Is March Madness good for betting beginners?
March Madness can be beginner-friendly if you focus on simple single-game wagers and practice disciplined bankroll management. Understanding how betting odds reflect implied probability is essential before placing your first wager.
How do betting odds work in the NCAA Tournament?
Betting odds in the NCAA Tournament reflect implied probability and shift based on betting volume, public perception, and sportsbook risk management. Favorites are shown with negative numbers, while underdogs appear with positive numbers.
What bets should beginners avoid during March Madness?
Beginners should avoid highly volatile wagers such as futures and multi-leg parlays, since they require multiple outcomes to succeed or long-term commitments of funds. These bets offer high payouts but carry significantly lower probability.
How does live betting work during March Madness games?
Live betting allows you to place wagers during the game as odds update in real time based on score and momentum. While exciting, the rapid movement of lines can make it more challenging for beginners.
How much should a beginner bet on March Madness games?
Most beginners should risk no more than 1–2% of their total bankroll per wager during March Madness. Flat staking helps manage tournament volatility and prevents emotional overbetting during high-volume schedules.
Is March Madness betting legal?
March Madness betting is legal in states and jurisdictions where regulated sportsbooks operate. Always verify local gambling laws and use licensed online sportsbooks to ensure compliance and consumer protection.
Key Takeaways for March Madness Betting Beginners
March Madness Betting Flow for Beginners
Final Thoughts
We hope this March Madness betting guide has helped make wagering on the tournament easier to understand. With this understanding and some real discipline, you can have fun, and potentially win some money, during March Madness. Log in to view March Madness betting odds and markets.
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About the Author
- D.S. Williamson
- Since 2008, D.S. Williamson has written about sports and sports handicapping. His philosophy is value-based, meaning stats and other handicapping factors are only worth something in comparison to wagering odds. He believes money management and making value-based wagers is the single more important factor that distinguishes successful sports bettors from non-successful sports bettors.
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