2024-2025 CBB Odds — March Madness Best Bets

by Matt Schmitto (schmitto) Last Updated 2025-02-20T19:28:20

March is on schedule to be the most bet on month in legal U.S. sports betting history thanks to March Madness and the 2025 Bracket, with many enthusiasts eagerly placing their March Madness bets. The growing presence of legal sports betting in the U.S. and Canada has made it easier for users to access various betting markets and promotions. Follow along as we catch you up to speed with college basketball betting tips, best bets and national championship picks for the 2025 tournament.

2025 NCAA Basketball — Final Four Odds

What is March Madness?

March Madness is the nickname given to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men’s basketball tournament, which takes place every year in the United States. This thrilling event features 68 college basketball teams competing in a single-elimination bracket, with the ultimate goal of being crowned the national champion. Known for its unpredictable outcomes and dramatic upsets, March Madness captivates millions of fans and bettors alike, making it one of the most popular sporting events in the country. Whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan or a casual observer, the excitement of March Madness is unmatched, drawing in viewers and bettors from all walks of life, especially when it comes to the thrilling March Madness games.

March Madness Betting Essentials

What is March Madness Betting?

March Madness betting refers to the act of wagering on the outcomes of college basketball games during the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship, also known as March Madness. This annual event captivates millions of fans and sports enthusiasts, featuring 68 teams competing in a high-stakes, single-elimination bracket. The excitement of March Madness is not just limited to the court; it extends to the betting world, where fans place bets on various aspects of the games. From point spreads and moneylines to over/under totals, March Madness betting offers a plethora of opportunities to engage with the tournament and potentially profit from your predictions.

Betting Tips for a +EV Strategy

To develop a +EV (positive expected value) strategy for March Madness betting, it’s essential to understand the basics of sports betting and the unique characteristics of March Madness. Here are some tips to help you get started on your March Madness betting experience:

1. Shop for the Best Lines: Different March Madness betting sites may offer varying odds for the same game. By comparing odds across multiple March Madness betting sites, you can find the most favorable lines for your bets, ensuring you get the best value.
2. Use Advanced Metrics: Dive deeper into team performance by utilizing advanced metrics like KenPom ratings, adjusted tempo, and defensive efficiency this March Madness. These metrics provide a more comprehensive understanding of how teams are likely to perform, helping you make more informed bets.
3. Fade Public Overreactions: Public perception can often lead to inefficient lines. By betting on overlooked teams instead of popular ones, you can take advantage of these inefficiencies and find value bets.
4. Understand Line Movements: Pay attention to how lines move leading up to the game. Analyzing these movements can help you spot soft numbers and identify whether the bets are driven by sharp money or public sentiment.
5. Bet on Soft Numbers: Place your bets on soft numbers before the market sharpens. This strategy allows you to lock in better odds and, if necessary, hedge smartly to secure profits.

By incorporating these tips into your March Madness betting strategy, you can enhance your chances of making profitable bets and enjoy a more rewarding betting experience during the NCAA Tournament.

2025 March Madness — Final Four Odds

Odds to make the Final Four via DraftKings Sportsbook

Duke -120

Auburn -110

Alabama +150

Houston +200

Florida +230

Iowa State +300

Tennessee +330

St. John’s +650

Kansas +650

Texas Tech +700

Purdue +750

UConn +800

Marquette +900

Kentucky +900

Michigan State +950

Arizona +1000

March Madness Odds

All odds referenced herein are courtesy of DraftKings and accurate as of February 3, 2025.

These odds can help you identify popular March Madness bets and make strategic decisions.

2025 NCAA Tournament Dates

The following are the key dates for the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament:

• Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 16
• Play-in Games – Tuesday-Wednesday, March 18-19
• First Round – 12 pm ET Thursday, March 20 through Friday, March 21
• Second Round – 12 pm ET Saturday March 22 through Sunday, March 23
• Sweet 16 – 2 pm ET Thursday, March 27 through Friday, March 28
• Elite Eight – 7 pm ET Saturday, March 29 through Sunday, March 30
• Final Four – 5 pm ET Saturday, April 5
• NCAA Championship – 9 pm ET Monday, April 7

March Madness, NCAA Basketball Betting Preview

The 2025 NCAA Bracket is right around the corner and here is everything you need to know before you start March Madness betting your hard-earned money on the monstrous event.

March Madness Betting Tips

March Madness betting is a favorite pastime for sports enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of excitement and strategy. To help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of success, here are some essential betting tips:

• Research the Teams: Before placing any bets, take the time to research the teams involved. Look into their strengths, weaknesses, and past performances. Understanding each team’s playing style and key players can give you an edge.
• Check the Odds: Different March Madness betting sites may offer varying odds for the same game. Compare the odds across multiple March Madness betting sites to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bet.
• Consider the Bracket: The NCAA Bracket is known for its unpredictability. When making your bets, consider potential matchups and the likelihood of upsets. This can help you identify value bets and avoid common pitfalls.
• Don’t Chase Losses: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and try to recoup losses by placing more bets. However, this can lead to poor decision-making. If you’re on a losing streak, take a break and reassess your strategy.
• Consider the Same Game Parlay: This option allows you to combine multiple bets within a single game, increasing the potential payout if all bets succeed on March Madness.

By following these March Madness betting tips, you can enhance your betting experience and increase your chances of making profitable bets during March Madness.

March Madness Best Bets – The Favorites

The picks in this section are brought to you via some of our favorite college basketball betting podcasts for March Madness. Many March Madness betting sites offer bonus bets as part of their welcome offers, providing additional value for new customers. Understanding these March Madness betting strategies can help you make more calculated decisions during the tournament.

Popular March Madness Betting Types

March Madness offers a variety of betting options, each with its own unique appeal and strategy. Here are some of the most popular types of bets you can place during March Madness:

1. Point Spreads: Betting on the point spread in college basketball involves wagering on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog must either win outright or lose by less than the spread. This type of bet is popular because it levels the playing field, making games more exciting to bet on.
2. Moneylines: A moneyline bet is a straightforward wager on which team will win the game. The odds reflect the likelihood of each team winning, with favorites having lower payouts and underdogs offering higher returns. Moneyline bets are simple and great for beginners this March Madness.
3. Over/Under Totals: Also known as totals, over/under bets involve wagering on the combined score of both teams. You bet on whether the total points scored will be over or under a specified number. This type of bet is ideal for those who prefer to focus on the overall game dynamics rather than picking a winner.
4. Parlays: A parlay bet combines multiple bets into one, offering higher payouts but requiring all selections to win. This type of bet is riskier but can be very rewarding if all your picks are correct.
5. Props: Proposition bets, or props, are wagers on specific events within a game, such as which player will score the most points or the number of three-pointers made. Props add an extra layer of excitement and can be a fun way to engage with the games.

By understanding these popular March Madness betting types, you can diversify your betting strategy and find the best opportunities to maximize your enjoyment and potential profits.

Bracket Betting Strategy

Bracket betting is a popular way to engage with March Madness, allowing you to predict the outcome of each game in the tournament and fill out a complete bracket. Here are some effective bracket betting strategies to help you maximize your chances of winning:

• Focus on the Top Seeds: Historically, top-seeded teams have performed well in the tournament. When filling out your bracket, consider giving preference to the top seeds in each region, as they are more likely to advance to the later rounds.
• Identify Potential Upsets: One of the most exciting aspects of March Madness is the potential for upsets. Look for lower-seeded teams that have the potential to surprise higher-seeded opponents, especially in the early rounds. These upsets can provide significant value in bracket betting.
• Consider the Strength of Schedule: Teams that have faced tough competition during the regular season may be better prepared for the intensity of the chaos in March. Take into account the strength of schedule when making your picks.
• Don’t Overthink It: While it’s important to do your research, remember that bracket betting involves a degree of luck. Don’t get too caught up in trying to predict every game perfectly. Instead, enjoy the process and have fun with your picks. It is March Madness after all!

By employing these bracket betting strategies, you can approach March Madness games with a well-rounded plan and increase your chances of success in your bracket pools.

States With Online Sports Betting For March Madness

Here’s more information about the states and jurisdictions in which you can place online sports bets during the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament.

These new regulations provide more opportunities for March Madness bettors to engage with the tournament.

If you don’t live in a state with legal online sports betting, there’s a good chance you can access a DFS site. And thanks to bonuses like the Underdog Fantasy promo code, you’ll be able to get off on the right foot.

Online Sportsbooks Where You Can Bet On The 2025 March Madness

Top Image Credit: Imagn

Choosing the right March Madness betting site can enhance your betting experience with various promotional offers and betting options. Securing the best odds for your March Madness bets is crucial for successful betting.