10 Best March Madness Betting Sites 2024 – College Basketball Betting Explained

By

Joe Napier

Joe Napier Sports Editor

Joe has been a sports betting writer and editor for over five years now. He joined Sportstalkphilly in April 2023, with experience in writing for sites such as GG.co.uk, BasketballInsiders and other trusted and reputable betting platforms.

All posts by Joe Napier

Sports Editor

Updated 11 Oct 2024

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Since college sports betting has been allowed in the United States, March Madness has been one of the most popular sporting events on the entire calendar. Our guide on the best betting sites for March Madness covers the types of bets you can make during the tournament, plus info on the top sites and the bonuses you can claim by joining them. 

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List of the Top March Madness Betting Sites in 2024

1. BetOnline – Best overall betting site for March Madness
2. Bovada – Best March Madness betting site for new players
3. BetUS – Biggest sportsbook welcome and reload bonuses
4. MyBookie – March Madness contests, including Squares & Survivor
5. Sportsbetting.ag – Sharp lines and re-bet functionality – perfect for basketball betting
6. BetWhale – Top Sportsbook for  live betting markets
7. Everygame – Best for building March Madness parlays
8. TG Casino – Wager on NCAA basketball anonymously via Telegram
9. XBet – Lowest playthrough requirement on the welcome bonus
10. BUSR – Claim up to $2,500 when you register to bet on March Madness

NCAA March Madness Dates & Key Info

According to Forbes, over 68 million Americans were expected to make a wager of some form during the 2023 March Madness period. This makes it comfortably one of the highest-turnover betting events in the United States.

In 2024, 64 teams will once again participate in the tournament, which runs over 20 separate days, and estimations were that over $15 billion would be wagered by the time the winner is announced.

• ⚽ Tournament: March Madness 2024
• 📅 Date: March 19 – April 8
• 🏟️ Stadium: State Farm Stadium (Phoenix, AZ) for Final Four
• 📺 TV channels: CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV
• 🎲 Favorite: Kansas Jayhawks +1000

March Madness Schedule

Reviewing the Best March Madness Betting Sites

Our experts have conducted in-depth reviews of every key element of the best seven betting sites to provide you with all the key information new and existing players could require.

1. BetOnline – Best March Madness Betting Site Overall

Panama-based BetOnline is a sharp sportsbook that offers great odds on early betting futures for most of its 30+ markets. Its NCAAB championship winner odds were published weeks ahead of most other platforms. The site also provides high betting limits (higher still if you join the VIP program) and enables re-bet functionality. Once the college season and playoffs get underway, expect many betting options on individual matches and team/player props. You can also bet live with rapidly updated live betting markets and a selection of useful stats and graphics.

At BetOnline, you can deposit via bank/wire transfers, all forms of debit cards, and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, if you are looking for rapid anonymous withdrawals, we recommend Bitcoin since payouts generally take less than 24 hours, and you can claim a crypto deposit bonus by doing so.

Suppose you have a general query regarding any aspect of BetOnline’s site. In that case, you will almost certainly find it answered in the Help Centre, which is extensive enough to cope with all basic requirements. Otherwise, you can get in touch through the live chat function on their site 24/7 or via email or telephone.

To start off with BetOnline, you can claim up to $1,000 through the site’s 50% sportsbook deposit match. Moreover, there are further BetOnline promo codes for existing players, plus NCAAB-specific promos and contests, including March Madness Pick’em & Survivor.

BetOnline Sports Bonuses & Promotions

2. Bovada – Best March Madness Betting Site for New Players

Bovada has been around since 2011. Licensed in Curacao, it’s a platform that houses a Racebook, Casino, and Poker suite. However, it’s best known for its sportsbook, which contains around 25 markets, including all the US major leagues and college sports. Come spring, this site will also be one of the top options for March Madness betting, with its futures on the event offering among the best value on the market. Its seamless interface also makes it very easy to place exactly the bets you want, however in-depth, on individual matches in the competition.

Team/player props are typically available on the day of the big game but not until late in the day, so perhaps not the best sportsbook for sharp bettors hunting props. However, Bovada is a top choice for those looking for options: you can even create your own bets using #WhatsYaWager on X.com.

Regarding payment options, Bovada accepts deposits using most major US credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), plus several cryptocurrencies and gift cards. If opting for the latter, ensure the gift card you have selected is good for both online and international purchases. You can’t withdraw using fiat means, but crypto, gift cards, bank wire transfers, and cheques are solid options. 

The bonuses and promotions available for players on Bovada really set them out as a great sports betting option in the US. Beyond their $250 deposit match fiat welcome offer, you can also claim many rewards within their loyalty program, get bonuses for referring a friend, and receive parlay boosts and an additional $750 deposit match using the Bitcoin welcome promotion.  

Bovada Sports Bonuses & Promotions

3. BetUS – Biggest Sportsbook Welcome & Reload Bonuses

Licensed in Mwali, Comoros Union, BetUS is another site with a sportsbook element that boasts some of the best odds available on March Madness and many other markets. It also has a top loyalty program, so new customers can be certain that after they have finished utilizing their welcome bonus, there will be plenty more perks on offer. These include free payouts, cash drops when you move up tiers, and bigger and better bonuses. 

The sportsbook houses lines for around 25 sports, including men’s and women’s college basketball. During March Madness, patrons can visit The Locker Room (blog) to scan for useful picks and tips ahead of all the games or watch industry gambling experts give their expert advice via BetUS-TV. The line selection for the college playoffs is on par with the likes of BetOnline, with moneyline, spread, totals, and props all featured, and there are usually a few comps available, too, including Bracket contests. 

The banking options at BetUS are solid but not as varied as those at BetOnline and Bovada. Users can deposit with cards and Bitcoin and withdraw using Bitcoin or wire transfers. Crypto transactions are free of charge both ways, and you can request discreet payouts if necessary.

As for bonuses, this is the best sportsbook online for the lucrative welcome and reload promos—bar none. There are several fiat/crypto bonus variations available, but the premier sportsbook offer is the 125% deposit match that comes with 10% gambler’s insurance. Plus, deposit $100 or more, and you can also claim up to 30 no-sweat bets.

BetUS Sports Bonuses & Promotions

4. MyBookie – Contests in Tandem with March Madness, including Squares & Survivor

MyBookie is a more global betting brand. It was founded in 2014 in Costa Rica, although it is licensed in Curacao. It is an established and trustworthy name on the offshore scene, and its platform, which also houses a casino and standalone Racebook, is used worldwide. The site interface does look dated and comes with minimal bells and whistles, but it loads quickly, and its simple approach makes it one of the easiest sportsbooks for March Madness betting. Hence, it comes highly recommended for newcomers. 

MyBookie goes into granular detail with its props options on key basketball leagues, and the same goes for March Madness betting lines. Unique markets, such as the number of points being odd or even across the game, while its spread betting markets are flexible, enabling handicap alterations. A slight negative was how slowly MyBookie got its futures up for the competition. While the likes of BetOnline had their NCAAB futures for 2025 up by May 1, we await to see what value MyBookie provides. 

Still, there are several other perks to betting on March Madness via this platform. Firstly, the blog section offers picks and tips from betting experts for men’s and women’s college basketball. Sticking with the women’s game, the odds are up for every Division I game of the season. You can also wager in-play on all college games, and there are Squares competitions available, allowing you to battle it out for huge cash prizes from as little as $1.25. 

New customers can use MyBookie promo codes to activate a 100% deposit match welcome offer, which can be worth up to $1,000. There are also regular reload bonuses and a VIP program that you can join to get prioritized payouts and increased betting limits, among other perks.  

MyBookie Sports Bonuses & Promotions

5. Sportsbetting.ag – Sharp NCAA Betting Odds & Re-bet Functionality

Sportsbetting.ag is a sister site to our No.1-ranked platform, BetOnline, offering the same value on the odds and near identical lines on your favorite NCAAB March Madness teams. Equally, it’s a top choice for live basketball betting markets: while you can no longer stream live games, live betting lines react rapidly to the action happening on the court, and there are useful graphics and metrics to aid your next wager. Sportsbetting.ag also champions re-bet functionality, meaning you can place the same wager multiple times if you feel confident. 

In tandem with March Madness, Sportsbetting.ag also runs several potentially lucrative betting contests. These include a $50,000 Sweet 16 Bracket, a $5,000 Player Prop Pick’em contest, and a jaw-dropping $200,000 Bracket Madness competition. The first two are free to play, while the latter requires a $20 entry fee. 

The initial welcome bonus with Sportsbetting.ag is on par with the best on this list: you will get a 50% deposit match up to $500 on your first deposit. The ongoing sports promos are just as good, with reload bonuses and odds boosters available, along with $100 no-sweat bets on the NCAAB live and prop betting markets. A favorite of ours, however, is the Shoot The Lights Out NCAAB promo, which increases your payout on the spread by up to $200 if your team makes six or more shots from downtown. 

Sportsbetting.ag Sports Bonuses & Promotions

Comparison of the Best March Madness Betting Sites

The best March Madness betting sites all have positive aspects that distinguish them from a packed and competitive market. However, this does make them difficult to choose between, especially as our experts ranked them highly on several scores for a reason.

Therefore, we have compiled a table below for prospective players to compare these sites on key features, such as their welcome bonuses, number of sports betting options beyond March Madness, live betting, and live streaming.

Sportsbook	Welcome Bonus	Promo Code	NCAAB Live Betting	NCAAB Live Streaming
BetOnline	$250 in free bets	FREE250
Bovada	75% up to $750	BTCSWB750
BetUS	100% up to $2,000	JOIN125
MyBookie	100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip	MB100
Sportsbetting.ag	50% up to $500	WELCOME
BetWhale	125% up to $1,250	WHALECOME
Everygame	100% up to $500	WELCOME500
XBet	50% up to $200	XBWELCOME50
TGCasino	100% up to $1,000	JAZZRFB
BUSR	100% up to $2,500	SPORTS100FP

Our Review Criteria for the Best March Madness Sites

Our betting experts have years of industry and sporting experience, so they know what makes a good betting site with March Madness markets. They judge each site fully on their merits, going into each one afresh and analyzing all the key details you could want. The following are the broad criteria they follow for March Madness sportsbooks and how sites can gain an advantage over others in each.

Best March Madness Bets

First and foremost, the range of bets you can place on March Madness is key. Given that it only runs over three weeks, the first market checked is the futures one on who will win the tournament outright. If this is up early, with competitive odds, and updates rapidly, this is the first positive. Otherwise, individual match-ups should have spread and totals markets alongside the moneyline and various team props and live betting options.

Bonuses & Promos

These markets are obviously essential, but any betting market is likely to offer worthwhile odds if you can bet on them using substantial bonus funds. Welcome bonuses are often the most important, as these are the ones that betting sites try to advertise to differentiate themselves. However, for a player’s long-term March Madness betting enjoyment, existing customer boosts are just as important.

Safety & Security

A site must also be rigidly secure when protecting a player’s account details and funds. Two-factor authentication is a big positive when it comes to log-in security, though our experts also like automatic logouts after inactivity. Moreover, there should be mechanisms on-site for self-exclusion so players can set up their own limits to keep their March Madness online gambling under control.

Range of Payment Options

Allowing bettors to deposit and withdraw via their debit or credit cards is no longer enough for betting sites. A sportsbook may now accept payments from e-wallets, such as PayPal and Skrill, while offering unique alternatives, such as prepaid Play+ cards, which are dedicated to that site only, and pre-loaded gift cards and cryptocurrencies.

Customer Service

Finally, a site should offer strong customer support channels throughout its website. This often starts with an extensive help center filled with FAQs and useful answers. However, more importantly, a site should offer 24/7 support in some form, whether via a live chat function, an email form address contact, or even a phone number operated by real people. With these latter types of support, it should be obvious that the site is endeavoring to help its customers as much as possible.

Bonuses Available at March Madness Betting Sites

Bonuses do not come in one-block form. They can be used at different times and in different ways during your online March Madness betting experience. Whether you prefer sign-up bonuses or rewards for your loyalty as an existing customer, the following table outlines what you can expect from certain bonuses and provides examples of each from our favorite sites.

What is March Madness?

March Madness may only be a nickname, but it has become the most commonly adopted term for the men’s college basketball championship in the US. It lies almost entirely within the month of March and earns its nickname due to the frequency of games that are played between the competing teams, but also for the amount of drama and surprise that happens during the course of the tournament.

Who Won March Madness 2024?

After a hard-fought competition lasting just over three weeks, the University of Connecticut triumphed with a 76-59 win over San Diego State. This was their first championship in nine years and fifth NCAA Championship victory overall, after further wins in 1999, 2004, 2011, and 2014.

How Many Teams Are in March Madness?

Eight teams battle for four preliminary positions in the March Madness First Round. From there, 64 teams compete in a straight knockout until only two are left. The winners of this final championship game are crowned NCAAB champions.

How to Watch March Madness

Some of the sites on our list may enable you to livestream the March Madness games on which you have placed a bet. Not all sites offer this perk, but as long as you have placed a bet on certain games, you may find you can stream them on your platform. If not, CBS, TBS, TNT, and streaming services such as Hulu and YouTube+ will cover you.

How to Bet on March Madness

Betting on March Madness can be done in several different ways, depending on how the competition works. You may find that certain bets on the tournament suit you better than others. Below, we have defined the bets you can make on these stages.

March Madness Outright Betting

Outright betting on March Madness can be done furthest in advance, as even in April of the previous year, bookmakers are starting to offer odds about the following March Madness champions. You can bet on who you believe has the best future roster in terms of winning in 2024 already.

March Madness Bracket Betting

The 64 teams who enter the main stage of March Madness are split into four separate brackets of 16 teams. The winners of each bracket go into the Final Four stage to battle for the overall championship. However, once the brackets are determined, you can bet on who you believe will triumph on each side of the draw.

March Madness Game Betting

Once March Madness arrives, the most popular form of betting is on individual games. That is because you have the widest array of bet types when it comes to matches between two teams, so there is more choice and more opportunity to combine bets into parlays.

Popular NCAA March Madness Bets

The above outlines how you can bet on stages of the competition, but below are details of more granular forms of bet you can place on March Madness markets.

Moneyline

The moneyline is the most straightforward format of bet. Such a market gives odds on the likelihood of teams winning a March Madness match, so you will have a favorite and an underdog. You will simply be betting on which team you think will win or the most appealing odds of the two.

March Madness Prop Bets

Prop bets refer to those placed on more specific occurrences during a March Madness basketball game. You could, for instance, bet on a “buzzer beater” shot. This would be a prop bet, as it does not refer to the total number of things that happen during March Madness.

Totals

A totals bet is similar to a props bet, but usually refers to an over/under of a number of things happening during a basketball game. This could simply be on the number of points a team scores or be more in-depth, such as on the number of three-pointers to happen across the match.

Spread Betting

The spread betting alters the moneyline market. A “spread” or “handicap” is applied to the favorite. This means that the favorite in a match-up will have a theoretical negative number of points applied to start with, while the underdog will have the same number applied as a positive. This number will have a .5 at the end of it, as such guaranteeing a winning side of the bet with no half-points occurring in basketball.

Futures

Futures are outright markets on an event happening, quite literally, in the future. This could be the outright market on the winner of the March Madness NCAAB championship.

Parlays

If you want to place more than one bet across moneylines, futures, etc., you can combine them for greater odds with a parlay. A parlay bet multiplies the odds of your selections together to ensure you win bigger if all your bets come in. However, if even one of your selections within your parlay loses, the entire bet will lose, too, even if you win on all other elements.

Live Betting

Live betting can only be done on individual matches when they have already gotten underway. Most March Madness sportsbooks will continue their markets as “live” ones during the match, ensuring that the odds for the moneyline, totals, and spread are updated throughout the game.

Stages of March Madness to Bet on

March Madness provides a rush of excitement for fans and viewers over a blistering three-week period of action. With the best March Madness sportsbooks, you can bet on every single stage of the competition, with plenty of opportunity to earn a big payday in the process.

Given that this is college basketball rather than the NBA, the stages of the competition may not be familiar to all bettors, especially those with less experience. Here is how the competition works from beginning to end.

March Madness First Round

The first round pits all 64 teams into four separate brackets of 16. In all, 32 matches will take place, providing a winner and a loser. The winner qualifies for the next phase, while the losing team goes home.

March Madness Second Round

The following stage is the second round of March Madness, which operates in an identical manner to the first. The 32 teams left remain in four separate brackets of eight, with 16 winners emerging and 16 losers being knocked out.

March Madness Sweet 16

Third-round games in March Madness feature the teams now known as the “Sweet 16”. This is because 16 teams remain in what are effectively each bracket’s semi-finals, as each bracket will, at this point, have just four teams left.

March Madness Elite 8

Otherwise, working as a quarter-final stage, the Elite 8 comprises the final two teams in each bracket. This could be a crucial phase of the competition for some punters, as whichever teams win their Elite 8 matches will have also won their bracket, which is one of the earlier forms of betting which can be done on the competition.

March Madness Final Four

The March Madness Final Four are the winners of each of the four brackets determined at the beginning of the competition. They are, in effect, semi-finalists of the NCAAB championship, with only two winners emerging to compete in the final itself.

March Madness Championship

64 teams will, therefore, be whittled down to just two who compete in the March Madness Championship game at the beginning of April. This is a straight shootout, so whoever wins this game walks away with the trophy.

Best Odds to Win March Madness

Ultimately, one of the most critical aspects of being a good March Madness betting site is offering timely and competitive odds on the main teams likely to be involved. Below are the early odds about March Madness 2024, with the highlighted prices outlining the best on offer for every given team.

March Madness Apps & Mobile Betting

Sports betting in the US may only be a relatively new addition, but the industry has moved fast to give players as modern an experience as possible when gambling online. Every site on our list has a mobile-optimized version for your smartphone’s browser and the desktop equivalent.

However, even if a site just offered that, they would be falling behind the others who already have mobile apps downloadable from Google Play or App Stores. That is the case with all of our favorite March Madness betting sites; their sports betting apps are all available now and provide all the same options you get on desktop but in a more condensed, mobile-friendly format. 

Payment Methods

As mentioned at various points on this page, numerous payment methods are available for depositing and withdrawing on the best March Madness betting sites. These methods can be divided into three main categories: traditional banking methods, crypto, and e-wallets.

Deposit Options Available

Deposits and withdrawals cannot always be made using the same methods. Check the following table to make sure you can deposit and withdraw how you wish or use alternatives.

Sportsbook	Bitcoin	Altcoins	E-wallet	Debit / Credit Cards	Bank Transfer	Gift Cards
BetOnline
Bovada
BetUS
MyBookie
Sportsbetting.ag
BetWhale
TG Casino
Everygame
XBet
BUSR

Withdrawal Options Available

Sportsbook	Bitcoin	Altcoins	E-wallet	Debit / Credit Cards	Bank Transfer	Gift Cards
BetOnline
Bovada
BetUS
MyBookie
Sportsbetting.ag
BetWhale
TG Casino
Everygame
XBet
BUSR

The Best March Madness Betting Site in 2024

All seven of our favorite March Madness betting sites make for a competitive list. However, BetOnline’s site scored the highest marks with our experts. They had a great array of betting markets for March Madness 2024. These could be enjoyed after taking advantage of a substantial new customer offer, while their customer support and security were also very high quality.

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