This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand the nuances of college basketball betting, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, and more. With a variety of teams and games to choose from, getting acquainted with the betting landscape can be a complex task for beginners. This guide aims to simplify the process, setting you up for successful betting in NCAA basketball.
How to Place a College Basketball Bet
Betting on college basketball can be both exciting and rewarding. To get started, follow these essential steps:
- Visit a NCAA basketball scores and matchup page to see games of the day and upcoming matchups. This page provides opening and current odds, team records (straight up and against the spread), and the percentage of picks from various sources;
- Dive deeper into detailed matchup pages for each game to track line history, popular spread and total picks, and unique betting trends for every team;
- Betting smartly in NCAA basketball isn’t just about choosing the best team, but also about finding the best odds. Use a college basketball odds comparison tool to find current spreads, totals, and moneylines from top legal sportsbooks;
- Compare odds across different platforms to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bets;
- Find a legal sportsbook in your area, create an account, and deposit funds using various banking methods like credit cards or e-transfers;
- Look out for sign-up promotions and bonuses often offered to new users;
- Select NCAA basketball from their menu, find the game or market you’re interested in, and choose your wager;
- Enter the amount you wish to bet, submit your bet, and you’ll receive a receipt or e-ticket showing the odds and potential winnings.
Understand the Lines
College basketball betting offers various options, each with its own appeal. The most common types include the moneyline, point spread, and Over/Under totals. Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting in college basketball involves selecting the outright winner of a game. The odds assigned to each team indicate their probability of winning, with favorites and underdogs clearly marked. Example of the Moneyline Odd:
| Team | Odds |
| Michigan State Spartans | -145 |
| Michigan Wolverines | +125 |
Point Spread Betting
Point spread betting aims to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. A point spread is set, and favorites must win by more than this spread, while underdogs must lose by less than the spread or win outright. Example of the Point Spread Odds:
| Team | Spread | Vig |
| Michigan State Spartans | -2.5 | -110 |
| Michigan Wolverines | +2.5 | -110 |
Over/Under Totals
Over/Under betting involves predicting whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook. Example of the Over/Under Odds:
| Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines | Odds |
| Over 131.5 | -110 |
| Under 131.5 | -110 |
Maximizing Payouts with NCAA Basketball Parlays
Parlays offer a way to combine multiple NCAA basketball bets into one, potentially leading to higher payouts. However, they also come with increased risk, as all the individual bets, or “legs,” in the parlay must win for the bettor to cash out.
How Parlays Work:
- Combining Bets: Bettors link two or more bets (up to 12 in basketball parlays);
- Increased Odds: Each added bet boosts the overall odds, offering the chance for a higher payout;
- Risk Factor: If any bet within the parlay loses, the entire parlay is lost.
In this example, the bettor combines two moneyline bets: Michigan as an underdog and Florida State as a heavy favorite. Example of a Two-Team Parlay:
| Bet Detail | Selection | Odds |
| Moneyline: Florida State vs. Tulane | Florida State | -2,800 |
| Moneyline: Michigan State vs. Michigan | Michigan | +125 |
| Combined Parlay Odds | +133 |
Exploring Futures Betting in College Basketball
Futures betting is a popular form of wagering in college basketball, particularly when it comes to predicting the winner of the National Championship. This type of bet involves making long-term predictions, often well before an event like March Madness begins.
Betting on the National Championship
- Timing: Lines for the NCAA Basketball Championship are released right after the previous year’s tournament ends;
- Challenge: Choosing a winner means predicting a team’s ability to not only make it to the tournament but also to win six consecutive high-stakes games.
Example of Futures Betting Odds
The following table shows an example of opening odds for teams favored to win March Madness.
Opening Odds for NCAA Basketball Championship
| Team | Opening Odds |
| Kansas | +1,100 |
| Duke | +1,200 |
| Kentucky | +1,600 |
| Purdue | +1,100 |
| Connecticut | +1,800 |
Odds can change throughout the season and are typically available until the end of March Madness.
Key Aspects of Futures Betting
- Long-Term Strategy: This form of betting requires a long-term view and strategic thinking;
- Dynamic Odds: Odds shift based on team performances, injuries, and other factors as the season progresses;
- Excitement and Anticipation: Futures bets add an extra layer of excitement to the season, as bettors track their chosen team’s progress.
NCAA Basketball Betting: Tips and Strategies
When betting on college basketball, having a strategic approach can significantly enhance your chances of success. Here are some key tips and strategies to consider:
- Narrow Your Focus: With over 350 Division 1 college programs, it’s impossible to track them all effectively. Concentrate on a few conferences, either local ones or those including your alma mater. Focusing on fewer teams allows for deeper understanding and better game-to-game insights;
- Size Matters in Conferences: Unlike the 11 conferences in college football, basketball boasts 32 different ones. Big-name conferences attract more attention from oddsmakers, leaving smaller conferences less scrutinized. Becoming an expert in a mid-major conference can give you an edge. However, be aware that some small conference games might not have betting odds;
- Take on Totals: Oddsmakers often find college basketball totals challenging due to the sheer volume of games. Sharps quickly attack these numbers, so jumping on a good Over/Under before it shifts can be advantageous. Use tools like a college basketball odds comparison tool to find the best totals odds;
- Find Value in Futures: NCAA tournament futures often feature powerhouse programs like Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina. These odds don’t change much from week to week. Identifying a potential sleeper for March Madness can offer great value, often with odds of 10 to 1 or higher, leading to a substantial payoff.
