2024-2025 CBB Odds — March Madness Best Bets
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 betting. 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 and March Madness betting.
March Madness Betting Essentials
Below, we’ve compiled some essentials when it comes to March Madness betting for you, and to help you win when you bet on March Madness.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 when you bet on March Madness.
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.
March Madness Sweet 16 Matchups
Odds via bet365 Sportsbook
Updated on 3/25/25
East Region
- (1) Duke (-8.5) vs. (4) Arizona (O/U 153.5)
- (6) BYU (+4.5) vs. (2) Alabama (O/U 175.5)
South Region
- (1) Auburn (-8.5) vs. (5) Michigan (O/U 153.5)
- (6) Ole Miss (+3.5) vs. (2) Michigan State (O/U 143.5)
West Region
- (1) Florida (-6.5) vs. (4) Maryland (O/U 156.5)
- (3) Texas Tech (-5.5) vs. (10) Arkansas (O/U 147.5)
Midwest Region
- (1) Houston (-7.5) vs. (4) Purdue (O/U 132.5)
- (3) Kentucky (-4.5) vs. (2) Tennessee (O/U 145.5)
2025 March Madness — Final Four Odds
Odds to make the Final Four via DraftKings Sportsbook
Duke -185
Auburn -135
Florida -130
Houston -130
Tennessee +215
Michigan State +250
Texas Tech +320
Alabama +400
Maryland +450
Kentucky +700
BYU +700
Michigan +700
Arizona +750
Purdue +750
Ole Miss +800
Arkansas +850
March Madness 1st Round Matchups
Odds via bet365 Sportsbook
Updated on 3/25/25
East Region
- (1) Duke vs. (16) American or Mount St. Mary’s
- (8) Mississippi State (-1.0) vs. Baylor (O/U 144.5)
- (5) Oregon (-7.0) vs. (12) Liberty (O/U 139.5)
- (4) Arizona (-14.5) vs. (13) Akron (O/U 166.5)
- (6) BYU (-3.5) vs. (11) VCU (O/U 146.0)
- (3) Wisconsin (-18.0) vs. (14) Montana (O/U 152.0)
- (7) Saint Mary’s (-4.0) vs. (10) Vanderbilt (O/U 135.5)
- (2) Alabama (-23.5) vs. (15) Robert Morris (O/U 165.5)
South Region
- (1) Auburn (-32.0) vs. (16) Alabama State (O/U 150.5)
- (8) Creighton (+3.0) vs. (9) Louisville (O/U 145.5)
- (5) Michigan (-2.5) vs. (12) UC San Diego (O/U 142.5)
- (4) Texas A&M (-7.5) vs. (13) Yale (O/U 139.0)
- (6) Ole Miss (+1.5) vs. (11) North Carolina (O/U 156.0)
- (3) Iowa State (-15.0) vs. (14) Lipscomb (O/U 143.0)
- (7) Marquette (-4.0) vs. (10) New Mexico (O/U 153.0)
- (2) Michigan State (-17.5) vs. (15) Bryant (O/U 152.5)
West Region
- (1) Florida (-28.5) vs. (16) Norfolk St. (O/U 154.0)
- (8) UConn (-5.0) vs. (9) Oklahoma (O/U 147.5)
- (5) Memphis (+2.0) vs. (12) Colorado State (O/U 147.5)
- (4) Maryland (-10.5) vs. (13) Grand Canyon (O/U 150.0)
- (6) Missouri (-7.0) vs. (11) Drake (O/U 132.0)
- (3) Texas Tech (-16.5) vs. (14) UNC-Wilmington (O/U 142.5)
- (7) Kansas (-4.5) vs. (10) Arkansas (O/U 145.5)
- (2) St. John’s (-18.5) vs. (15) Nebraska-Omaha (O/U 148.0)
Midwest Region
- (1) Houston (-29.0) vs. (16) SIU Edwardsville (O/U 126.5)
- (8) Gonzaga (-5.5) vs. (9) Georgia (O/U 150.5)
- (5) Clemson (-7.5) vs. (12) McNeese St. (O/U 134.0)
- (4) Purdue (-8.5) vs. (13) High Point (O/U 153.5)
- (6) Illinois vs. (11) Xavier or Texas
- (3) Kentucky (-11.5) vs. (14) Troy (O/U 152.0)
- (7) UCLA (-5.5) vs. (10) Utah State (O/U 143.5)
- (2) Tennessee (-19.0) vs. (15) Wofford (O/U 133.0)
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 when you bet on March Madness, 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 when you bet on 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 when you bet on March Madness:
- Point Spreads: Betting on the point spread in college 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 on your favorite March Madness betting sites, 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 for March Madness betting:
- 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 when you bet on March Madness.
March Madness Preview: The Goliaths
This field is headlined by two of the better regular season teams in recent college basketball history.
The Auburn Tigers, one of the nation’s oldest rosters, is led by Johni Broome who has a force in the interior for Bruce Pearl and co. The Tigers play a tenacious brand of basketball with a plethora of ways to score. They rank 2nd in KenPom in adjusted offensive efficiency, while still ranking in the top 12 in adjusted defensive efficiency.
The Tigers were able to lock up a regular season title in a ridiculously loaded SEC with over a week to spare. Auburn certainly has all the elements to make a deep run.
The Duke Blue Devils, one of college’s blue bloods, hasn’t missed a step with the departure of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Duke has built a powerhouse with one of the younger rosters in college basketball. They are led by future (most likely) 1st overall pick, Cooper Flagg.
The Blue Devils may have as many as three lottery picks and 5-6 draft picks in total. Although the ACC is having a bit of a down year overall, that hasn’t stopped the Blue Devils from beating down their opposition.
Similar to last year, where the two best teams met in the finals (UConn vs. Purdue), don’t be surprised if you see something similar this year with these squads squaring off in the end. They are that good.
However, it’s crucial you follow Duke’s injury report as Cooper Flagg suffered an ankle sprain the ACC quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. Duke also lost Maliq Brown, who dislocated his shoulder, in the same game.
March Madness Potential Sleepers
Below, you’ll find some potential Final Four sleepers to keep your eyes on before the brackets are released for March Madness betting.
Saint Mary’s
It isn’t often when Gonzaga doesn’t win a WCC regular season title. But that’s exactly what happened this year – even after losing star Aidan Mahaney in the transfer portal, the Gaels cruised through the regular season with a 27-4 record, never having lost a game by more than 7 points. Saint Mary’s deploys an extremely balanced attack, is one of the best defensive teams in the country, and has plenty of experience.
Although they lost in the West Coast Conference Final to Gonzaga, the Gaels will be a tough out.
Kansas
The Jayhawks have been one of the most disappointing teams in college basketball. Something just feels off about these guys – however, if you care about preseason rankings then the Jayhawks may be for you. No matter what game they play in, they’ll certainly have the talent to compete. Despite their struggles, they still have wins over Iowa State, Michigan State, and Duke showing they are more than capable of beating the best.
Creighton
In what has been a relatively quiet year for the Big East, don’t forget about the Blue Jays when you fill out your bracket. Creighton has a really high floor and has shown flashes of excellence with wins over Marquette, Kansas, and St. John’s. Creighton has one of the best 1-2 punches in the field with Steven Ashworth and Ryan Kalkbrenner and one of college basketball’s best tacticians in head coach Greg McDermott.
Potential Mid Major Giant Killers
And here are some mid major programs that could pull off upsets in round 1 and beyond:
- UC San Diego
- Drake
- New Mexico
- McNeese State
- High Point
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 for March Madness betting.
These new regulations provide more opportunities for March Madness bettors to engage with the tournament.
| State | Sports Betting Legality | Retail / Online | Market Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Jun. 2018 |
| West Virginia | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Aug. 2018 |
| Mississippi | Legal & Live | Retail, online is available on site at casinos | Aug. 2018 |
| New Mexico | Legal & Live | Retail, only at a few tribal casinos | Oct. 2018 |
| Pennsylvania | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Nov. 2018 |
| Rhode Island | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Nov. 2018 |
| New York | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | July 2019 |
| Iowa | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Aug. 2019 |
| Oregon | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Aug. 2019 |
| Indiana | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Sep. 2019 |
| New Hampshire | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Dec. 2019 |
| Illinois | Legal & Live | Retail & Online - in-person registration required | Mar. 2020 |
| Michigan | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Mar. 2020 |
| Colorado | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | May 2020 |
| Tennessee | Legal & Live | Online Only - TN will not have retail betting | Nov. 2020 |
| Virginia | Legal & Live | Retail & Online, though retail has not launched | Jan. 2020 |
| Montana | Legal & Live | Retail, online is available on-site at lottery retailers with alcohol licenses | Mar. 2020 |
| North Carolina | Legal & Live | Retail, only at two tribal casinos. Online coming in 2024. | Mar. 2021 |
| Arizona | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Sep. 2021 |
| Wyoming | Legal & Live | Online Only - WY will not have retail betting | Sep. 2021 |
| Washington | Legal & Live | Retail, online is available onsite at tribal casinos in the state | Sep. 2021 |
| South Dakota | Legal & Live | Retail, only in Deadwood | Sep. 2021 |
| Connecticut | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Oct. 2021 |
| Nevada | Legal & Live | Retail & Online, though registration must be done in-person | May 2018 |
| Kansas | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | September 2022 |
| Maryland | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | November 2022 |
| Ohio | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | January 2023 |
| Massachusetts | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | January 2023 |
| Maine | Legal, Not Live | Retail & Online | TBA |
| Kentucky | Legal & Live | Retail & Online | Sep. 2023 |
| Missouri | Legal, Not Live | Retail & Online | December 2025 |
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.
DFS during March Madness is especially ideal for those who are left with busted brackets. I’d recommend making picks via the help of our CBB lineup optimizer to stay in on the action.
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 when you bet on March Madness.