Best March Madness Betting Sites 2024
The best March Madness betting sites are ready for one of the biggest sporting events of the season - March Madness! The 2024 tournament saw the UConn Huskies — the favorites before a single game tipped off — emerge as national champions. As we wait for the 2025 installment, let's look at the best March Madness betting sites.
Top March Madness betting sites
Features
- Some of the best live-betting odds.
- Great deposit options.
- Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
BetMGM Review
BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.
Features
Features
- Top-tier app experience.
- Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
- Extensive promos and odds boosts.
FanDuel Review
FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.
Features
Features
- Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
- Live streaming of NFL games.
- User-friendly mobile app.
Caesars Sportsbook Review
Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.
Features
Features
- Extensive live betting options.
- More markets than any other sportsbook.
- One of the best apps in the industry.
bet365 Review
Terms and conditions: Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
bet365 is one of the largest and most popular sportsbooks globally. With a well-received mobile app, popular same-game parlays, and a wide variety of sports leagues to bet on it’s no wonder 80 million sports bettors worldwide continue to use bet365.
Features
Features
- Live in 21 states
- Extremely powerful brand history and recognition
- FanCash reward system is great for sports fans
Fanatics Sportsbook Review
Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its app in 21 states already, with plans to expand to more in the near future. Fanatics is poised to be a major player in the sports betting industry.
Features
Features
- Lots of promos and odds boosts.
- Wide range of sports and bet types.
- Seamless integration with DFS.
DraftKings Review
DraftKings had a solid reputation as the leading DFS provider in the country, so the shift to legal sports betting felt natural. They offer one of the most voluminous collections of ongoing promos and odds boosts in the industry as they cater to the beginner crowd.
Features
Features
- Competitive odds across all markets.
- Live betting section is well organized.
- Earn iRush Rewards from betting activity.
BetRivers Review
With its solid lines and user-friendly promos, adding BetRivers to your sportsbook rotation makers a lot of sense.
Features
Features
- User-friendly betting site and app.
- Detailed explanation of how promotions work.
Hard Rock Bet Review
Hard Rock Bet is an excellent choice for super casual bettors. It is simplistic and offers some of the best sign-up bonuses for new users looking to try sports betting for the first time or those betting for light entertainment.
Features
Features
- Longstanding reputation in Atlantic City.
- User-friendly betting site and app.
- Competitive odds.
Borgata Review
Despite limited availability, the Borgata Sportsbook experience is considerably better than other operations similar in size due to being backed by MGM Resorts International and Entain. The experienced backing allows for a pleasurable user experience on the Borgata betting site and app.
Features
Features
- Available in Arizona
- Secure Payment Options
- Mobile app available
Desert Diamond is in Arizona! Desert Diamond has a welcome bonus of up to a $250 matched to 100%.
Must be 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Features
Features
- Highly competitive odds.
- Unique betting model.
- Social feature allows users to connect and share bets.
SBK Review
SBK offers one of the best sports betting platforms in Colorado and Indiana. Every sports bettor needs to be conscious of finding the best odds, and SBK makes that easy due to its unique betting model that allows users to either set their odds or trade with another user if they believe they have an edge. Smarkets, a UK-based betting exchange, powers SBK.
Features
Features
- Live streaming on select sports.
- Two decades of experience in global gambling scene.
- Great selection of games and sports betting options.
Betsafe Review
Betsafe may not be the biggest name in the U.S. online betting market, but our review gives it a thumbs up in most aspects of its overall experience. Betsafe offers bettors a combination of competitive odds markets, high-level usability, and a great interface.
Features
Features
- Classic feeling Las Vegas gambling experience.
- Low vig specials.
- Easy-to-use betting app.
Golden Nugget Review
The Golden Nugget Sportsbook is an average betting site experience. Apart from concerns surrounding their design and poor user interface, the betting odds and menu are average. The customer service is solid, and they offer many deposit and withdrawal options, which is excellent for customers. They provide a great sign-up bonus and other promotions worth taking advantage of. Overall, Golden Nugget is conducive for bettors to utilize, but many competitors have more to offer.
Features
Features
- Large offering of alternative lines and props.
- Plenty of ongoing promotions.
- Solid live betting platform.
SugarHouse Review
Due to its low-value lines and restrictive promos, there is no reason to use SugarHouse as your primary sportsbook.
Features
Features
- High limits.
- Can offer more favorable lines than competitors.
- Will occasionally open the market on odds.
Circa Sports Review: Promo Code & Sportsbook App for Sept. 2024
Circa Sports is a high-roller haven with the most impressive in-person sportsbook experience in the world. It is known for high stakes and not limiting winning players. However, it may not be the best option for casual bettors and lacks some basic features found in all major online sportsbooks.
Features
Features
- Family owned and operated.
- Responsive customer service.
- Standard quality of odds.
Elite Sportsbook Review
A perk of having an account with Elite is that you get a more personalized customer service experience. You also have the advantage of going into the casino itself to get the whole in-person experience and hospitality.
Features
Features
- Locally owned and operated in Tennessee.
- Local-based responsive customer support.
Action247 Review
Action247 is locally owned and operated in Tennessee, which is nice to see in an industry oversaturated by large corporations. Unfortunately, Action247 lacks that “Mom and Pop” vibe you get from smaller local businesses.
Features
Betly Review
There is an apparent lack of finesse in the Betly online sportsbook platform, and it simply exists because it has to support the massive demand for online betting compared to retail casinos.
Features
Features
- Global betting experience dating back to the 1960s.
- Odds are largely fair and competitive.
- Clean user interface.
Betfred Review
Betfred started life in the 1960s as a single betting shop, but look at it now! The company has transformed into a global online gambling giant. While the sportsbook here isn’t as extensive as some of its competitors, the odds are fair, and the mobile app stands out.
Features
Features
- Competitive odds.
- Betting app available for iOS.
- Retail space at Grand Z Casino in Central City, CO.
Play Maverick Review
We appreciate Play Maverick's simplicity - but there is undoubtedly room for improvement. Play Maverick is still a decent platform for a beginning bettor, especially if you plan on visiting Grand Z Casino in Central City, CO. But, sophisticated players will likely look elsewhere.
Features
Features
- Physical sportsbook offers a great betting experience.
- Easy to use the betting site.
- Betting app available for iOS and Android.
BetWildwood Review
BetWildwood offers a standard sports betting menu conducive for recreational sports bettors or guests at their hotel & casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado.
Features
Features
- Michigan-based company.
- Incredible in-person gambling experience.
- Generous welcome bonus.
FireKeepers Review
FireKeepers is one of a few home-grown sports betting sites in the exploding Michigan sports betting industry. It offers a comprehensive sports betting and online casino experience in the Wolverine State and acts as a nice compliment to a terrific destination Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Features
Features
- Operated by the biggest retail casino in Pennsylvania.
- Competitive odds.
- Loyalty program.
BetPARX Review
BetPARX has the backing of one of the most respected names in Pennsylvania gambling – Parx Casino. Expectations for the brand were high because of their affiliation. Unfortunately, our betPARX review concluded that the betting site doesn’t quite reach the high standard of the retail casino. We still recommend trying the betPARX experience on for size, especially if you visit the casino in person. We just think that expectations have to be tempered.
Features
Quick links On this page
- Top March Madness betting sites
- Top March Madness bonuses and promos
- March Madness betting quick facts
- March Madness betting promo codes
- March Madness betting odds
- How to get started with March Madness betting sites
- Popular bet types and formats at March Madness betting sites
- March Madness bracket explained
- March Madness key dates and developments
- March Madness betting apps
- March Madness live betting
- States with legal March Madness betting
- How we rate and review March Madness betting sites
- Common bonuses at March Madness betting sites
- Sportsbooks by category
- Sports betting by region
- March Madness betting FAQs
Top March Madness bonuses and promos
Editor's Note: Bonuses are for U.S. residents only
Below, you can find all the best March Madness betting promos in the country leading up to the 2025 NCAA Championship tournament.
Features at the best March Madness betting sites
Top March Madness Betting Sites 🏆 | Welcome bonus 💰 | Best Known For ✅ |
---|---|---|
⭐ FanDuel | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets | Great SGP options |
⭐ DraftKings | Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets | Great daily promos |
⭐ Fanatics Sportsbook | Up to $1,000 in bonus bets | FanCash rewards |
⭐ Caesars Sportsbook | $1,000 first bet on Caesars | Great for live odds |
⭐ bet365 | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets or $1,000 first bet | Great variety of betting options |
⭐ BetMGM | Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets | Great banking options |
⭐ BetRivers | Up to a $500 second chance bet | Great bonuses |
bet365 bonus code
bet365 March Madness betting bonus 🟢
Despite bet365 being legal in just ten states, the sportsbook continues to gain notoriety in the U.S. via an impressive product headlined by a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets new-user welcome offer. Here are the details you need to know:
- Use the bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS to claim the sportsbook’s active sign-up bonus. However, if you reside in Louisiana, you'll need to click here.
- Following sign-up, you must deposit $10 or more. Then, you'll have 30 days to place a $5 qualifying bet on any sports market. Regardless of your wager's outcome, you'll receive $200 in bonus bets.
- Your qualifying bet must have one selection with odds of -500 or greater.
If the bonus bets welcome offer doesn't entice you, bet365 has a high-roller alternative: up to $1,000 in first bet safety net insurance. You can only use one of the two offers, though, so choose carefully.
Ensure you dig through our bet365 review to get a full picture of the sportsbook and one of the best sportsbook promos out there.
DraftKings March Madness betting bonus 👑
DraftKings Sportsbook is running a bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets welcome offer for new customers. Here are its key elements:
- No DraftKings promo code is required to obtain the bonus.
- After registration, you must make a $5 minimum deposit and initial wager of at least $5 on any sport.
- Receive $250 in bonuses instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying bet.
- The bonus will be sent as ten (10) $25 bonus bets.
- One qualifying wager per customer.
- Bonus bets cannot be cashed out or transferred and expire after seven days.
- Offer expires September 19, 2024.
If you're interested in learning more about the sportsbook, read our DraftKings review.
FanDuel March Madness betting bonus 🔵
New users at FanDuel are eligible to claim a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets welcome offer. Just download the app and make a minimum $10 deposit - no FanDuel promo code required. Then, place a wager of $5 or more on any betting market. Win or lose, $200 in bonuses will enter your account within 72 hours of wager settlement.
- Minimum deposit and bet of $10 must be made on any available market.
- IWin or lose, you'll be credited $200 in bonus bets.
- Bonus bets can be split up however you like, but expire in seven days.
Check out our FanDuel review for further information.
Caesars March Madness betting bonus 🏛
Caesars Sportsbook continues to be a behemoth amongst online betting sites. It makes sense, then, that its March Madness welcome offer for new customers is the most lucrative in the nation — up to $1,000 back as a bet credit. Consider these conditions before nabbing the offer:
- You must use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code — SBRBONUS1000 — to claim the bonus.
- An initial deposit of $10 or more is necessary after registration.
- Place your first bet on any sports market. Caesars will refund your stake, up to $1,000, if it loses, as a single bet credit.
- The bet credit has a 14-day lifespan and cannot be withdrawn as real cash.
Dive into our Caesars review for more actionable intel.
BetMGM March Madness betting bonus 🦁
BetMGM tenders new customers a prolific March Madness betting experience, topped by its up to $1,500 in bonus bets first-bet insuranceoffer. Keep these important terms in mind when you sign up for an account:
- BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS is necessary here.
- Make a first deposit of $10 or more and place your initial bet on any sports market.
- If your bet wins, you won't receive any bonus bets
- If your bet loses, you'll be fully reimbursed via bonus bets, up to $1,500.
- Losing bets of less than $50 are credited as a single bonus bet.
- Losing bets of $50 or more are credited in five 20% chunks.
- You will have seven days to use the bonus bet(s), and they will appear in your account within 24 hours of your losing wager settling.
Read our BetMGM review to gain a more thorough understanding of the sportsbook.
ESPN BET March Madness betting bonus 🏈
Doing your NCAA March Madness betting at ESPN BET means you're eligible to acquire the sportsbook's up to $1,000 First Bet Reset welcome offer — so long as you're a first-time user. Ensure you're aware of the following terms associated with the offer before jumping in:
- An ESPN BET promo code isn't required to snag the sign-up offer.
- Following registration, you must deposit at least $10.
- Place your initial wager on any sports market. If it loses, you'll receive a bonus bet refund of up to $1,000.
- Bonus bets come in five (5) 20% chunks.
- You will have seven days to utilize the bonus bets, or they will expire.
Take a look at our ESPN BET review for expert analysis.
BetRivers March Madness betting bonus ⚡
Up to a $500 second-chance bet awaits first-time users who opt to register with BetRivers to do their March Madness betting. Although this is one of the more straightforward welcome offers available, its still worth keeping the following in mind:
- Input the BetRivers bonus code — SBRBONUS — during sign-up to redeem the bonus.
- You must make a first deposit at least $10. Then, place a qualifying bet — should it fail, BetRivers will credit you the amount lost, up to $500, as a lone bonus bet.
- The bonus bet must have final odds of -200 or greater.
- You will receive the bonus within 24 hours of your losing wager settling, and you will have 30 days to use it.
Explore all of the sportsbook's features in our BetRivers review.
March Madness betting summary
📅 Tournament Dates | March 18 - April 7 |
🏟️ Final Four Locale | State Farm Stadium in Glendale |
🏆 2024 Winner | UConn (1) |
🔔 2025 Betting Favorite | UConn or Kansas |
➡️ Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
🥇 Top March Madness bonus | FanDuel - Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets |
🤑 Largest March Madness bonus | BetMGM - Up to $1,500 in bonus bets |
🏅 Most March Madness Titles | UCLA (11) |
🏀 Highest Single-Tournament Scorer | Glen Rice – 184 points in six games (Michigan, 1989) |
⛹️♂️ Highest Single-Game Point Mark | Austin Carr – 61 points (Notre Dame, 1970) |
😮 Biggest Upset | 2018 – UMBC (No. 16) beats Virginia (No. 1) |
📋 Winningest Coach | Mike Krzyzewski – 97 wins (Duke) |
➡️ Last Verified | Sept. 8, 2024 |
March Madness betting promo codes
March Madness Betting Site 🏀 | March Madness Bonus 💰 | Promo Code ✅ |
---|---|---|
1. bet365 | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets | SBRBONUS or SBR365 (CO, PA and NJ) |
2. DraftKings | Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets | No code required - Claim $250! |
3. FanDuel | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets | No code required - Claim $200! |
4. Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1,000 First Bet on Caesars | SBRBONUS1000 |
5. BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets | SBRBONUS |
6. ESPN BET | Up to $1,500 in bonuses | No code required - Claim $1,500! |
7. Fanatics | Up to $1,000 in bonus bets | No code required - Claim $1,000 |
8. BetRivers | Up to a $500 second-chance bet | SBRBONUS |
March Madness betting odds
March Madness odds aren't just popular in March. Avid NCAAB bettors will place wagers on college basketball odds year-round, from Final Four odds to championship game odds and everything that comes before. Here's a look at the teams with top odds to win the 2025 NCAA Tournament:
🏀 2025 National Championship odds
DraftKings 👑 | FanDuel 🔵 | BetMGM 🦁 | |
---|---|---|---|
UConn | +900 | +1000 | +900 |
Kansas | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
Duke | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
Alabama | +1100 | +1300 | +1200 |
North Carolina | +1600 | +2000 | +1800 |
Houston | +1800 | +1600 | +1600 |
Gonzaga | +1800 | +2000 | +1800 |
Baylor | +2200 | +2000 | +2000 |
Arkansas | +2200 | +3000 | +2500 |
Arizona | +2500 | +3000 | +2500 |
Kentucky | +3000 | +3500 | +3500 |
Iowa State | +3000 | +3000 | +2000 |
Auburn | +3500 | +2500 | +3000 |
Saint John's | +4000 | +5500 | +5000 |
Purdue | +4000 | +5500 | +4000 |
Indiana | +4500 | +5500 | +5000 |
Creighton | +4500 | +4000 | +4000 |
Rutgers | +4500 | N/A | +5000 |
UCLA | +5000 | +5000 | +4000 |
Tennessee | +5000 | +5000 | +5000 |
How to get started with March Madness betting sites
Even the most prolific sportsbooks don't always make the registration process clear. Below you'll find a brief step-by-step guide on how to go from signing up with your preferred March Madness betting site to making your first wager.
1. Select a sportsbook and register online
First, you'll need to select a preferred sportsbook—any of the options listed on this page will do. Once you've done this, locate a "Create an Account" or "Sign Up" button on the site or app's home page and fill in the required information. You'll need to enter your full name, mailing and email address, date of birth, and more.
This is also where you will be asked to enter a promo code, should the sportsbook's sign-up offer demand one.
2. Deposit and claim a bonus
Following the creation of your new sportsbook account, you'll need to deposit some funds before you can do any online betting. Pinpoint the cashier — often conveniently found at the top or bottom of a betting site's home page — and scroll through its available banking methods until you find your desired choice. All of the best March Madness betting sites will feature the most popular options, from credit and debit cards to PayPal.
3. Select and finalize your bet
With funds in your account, you're finally ready to make your first bet. Take your time and thoroughly search the sportsbook's betting menu until you land on a market(s) that suits you. Input the amount you wish to wager and then confirm the transaction. You'll notice the wager appear instantly in your bet slip, where you can view the potential payout should it win.
4. Withdraw your payout
Few things are as thrilling as watching one of your big wagers hit, and there's a good chance you'll want to withdraw your winnings immediately. Head to the same cashier section used for deposits and choose the "withdrawal" option to start the process. Simply enter the amount you want to take out and the banking method you prefer to use. Generally, it takes one to five days for a withdrawal to complete.
Popular bet types and formats at March Madness betting sites
Learning how to bet on March Madness involves deciding on a preferred format. One of March Madness' most popular betting formats is the bracket challenge. This is when a bettor essentially predicts the outcome of every game in every round, including the championship game. You can join in the fun by downloading our free printable March Madness bracket and making your own selections.
No one in history has ever verifiably picked a perfect bracket — if you're daunted by the idea, we have a guide on how to fill out a March Madness bracket — meaning the winner is the bettor who turns out to be the most correct. The best-ever March Madness bracket streak belongs to an Ohio man who correctly predicted the first 49 games of the tournament in 2019. For those looking to place wagers on more traditional betting markets — such as March Madness prop bets — the most popular options include:
- Moneyline (ex. taking Duke to win at +200)
- Spread (ex. picking Purdue -9.5 at -150)
- Over/Under point totals (ex. choosing over 105.5 points in Michigan vs. Villanova)
- Futures (ex. betting on Marcus Sasser's March Madness MVP odds)
- Props (ex. wagering on a certain player to score over 17.5 points in a single game)
March Madness bracket explained
Every year, the NCAA Division I men’s basketball committee sits down and begins the selection process of the 68 participating teams. They begin by picking the best 36 at-large teams in the country and proceed to determine the other 32 teams based on a variety of factors including record, strength of roster, and strength of conference. This day is called "Selection Sunday."
From there, teams are strategically placed throughout the championship bracket in a way that strives to achieve as much reasonable competitive balance as possible. After each year’s Division I men’s basketball championship, a comprehensive annual review of the principles and procedures ensures everything is up to standard.
The first round is technically the "First Four," which is a play-in round between the bottom-eight teams to determine who will play in the opening round. Once the top 64 teams have been officially established, the Round of 64 begins. Following that, the winner of every game advances, and the round of 32 gets underway.
The winner of each game will then go through to the Round of 16, referred to by many as "The Sweet 16." From there, the winners proceed to "The Elite Eight," which is then followed lastly by "The Final Four." Both Final Four games are played on the same day, and the championship game is played two days afterward in early April.
March Madness key dates and developments
March Madness is set to tip off on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, with the start of the First Four. The Final Four will take place on April 4and 5, 2025, in Arizona and will conclude on April 7, 2025, with the national championship game.
According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), this year's March Madness is expected to top the Super Bowl in total wagers, with an estimated 68 million people planning to make a bet.
Here's a complete list of the key dates to watch for the 2025 tournament:
- Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 16
- First Four: March 18-19
- First round: March 20-21
- Second round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5
- NCAA championship game: April 7
March Madness betting apps
The college basketball betting landscape can be a bit tricky to navigate, thanks in large part to the variety of rules from state to state. While the best sports betting apps can be used in some regions, others will require you to visit a retail sportsbook to submit a bet slip. College sports betting has become more prominent, but it still isn’t as ubiquitous as wagering on professional sports. Here are some things to consider when using March Madness betting apps:
- Sportsbooks must abide by regulations specific to college sports in each state. This can include, but is not limited to, bans on betting on in-state college teams as well as prop bets.
- The best March Madness betting apps offer popular features, including live streaming — which can come in handy for those who don’t subscribe to sports channels.
- Most sportsbooks will be running some kind of March Madness betting promotion throughout the tournament, so it’s important to remember to take advantage of more than one to maximize value.
March Madness live betting
The best March Madness betting sites tend to be the best live betting sites, too. Traditional fixed odds betting requires players to place wagers before the games begin. With live betting, sweating your picks ahead of time morphs into sweating your picks in real time. When participating in March Madness live betting, keep the following considerations in mind:
- Live odds are often boosted during special events, such as March Madness, and taking advantage of them can pay off in spades.
- Live betting often comes with live streaming, providing a convenient way to watch the game via your sportsbook's website or mobile app.
- It can be difficult to prepare for live betting, but having a strong understanding of March Madness betting trends certainly helps.
States with legal March Madness betting
Since sports betting is regulated on a state level, the laws surrounding it change with almost every border crossing. The rules get even more specific when it comes to legal March Madness betting, given the extra stipulations placed upon college sports betting. To find out if you’re old enough to place March Madness bets, please refer to the table below. If sports betting is currently illegal in your state, it will not appear below.
U.S. State | Legal Sports Betting Age |
---|---|
Arizona | 21 |
Arkansas | 21 |
Colorado | 21 |
Connecticut | 21 |
Delaware | 21 |
Illinois | 21 |
Indiana | 21 |
Iowa | 21 |
Kansas | 21 |
Kentucky | 18 |
Louisiana | 21 |
Maryland | 21 |
Massachusetts | 21 |
Michigan | 21 |
Nevada | 21 |
New Hampshire | 18 |
New Jersey | 21 |
New York | 21 |
North Carolina | 21 |
Ohio | 21 |
Oregon | 21 |
Pennsylvania | 21 |
Tennessee | 21 |
Virginia | 21 |
West Virginia | 21 |
Wisconsin | 21 |
Wyoming | 18 |
How we rate and review March Madness betting sites
Deciding where to bet on March Madness can be tricky. There are a lot of things to consider and the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've built our foundation on finding you the best March Madness betting sites. All you need to worry about is which snack to get and where you’re going to catch the game.
While developing the evaluation process, we've managed to zero in on some essential criteria. The best sports betting sites, in particular, need to meet a certain standard to keep up with the increased demand of March Madness wagering. Some of the key performance benchmarks include:
Exclusive March Madness Promotional Offers 💰
Sportsbooks are well aware of the increased interest in college basketball betting around March Madness, and often prepare to attract their wave of new customers with exclusive March Madness offers. For example, some sites will offer a bracket challenge with a low entry fee and the potential to win a massive cash prize.
Affiliated March Madness Sign-Up Offers 🏀
Most sportsbooks run a sign-up offer all year, and that promotion is often available in combination with whichever March Madness promo is available during the tournament. If a specific sportsbook has two offerings with a lot of value and appeal, there’s typically no rule disallowing users from activating both. The only exception is if a sportsbook’s March Madness bonus is also a sign-up bonus, but most March Madness betting sites will elect to keep those offers separate.
Payout Speed 💸
Payout speed, and the speed at which bonus credits from promotions are transferred into account balances, matter more than usual during March Madness. After all, the tournament lasts for under a month, meaning every day spent waiting for a payout or betting credits is a day of missing out on wagering. Most sportsbooks typically have quick payout speeds, but some do not. It’s also important to note which March Madness betting sites will be able to stay consistent under increased consumer demand.
Customer Service 📞
Like payout speed, customer service is more important during March Madness as time is of the essence. Knowing which sportsbooks provide the best customer service can make all the difference, especially since some operators don’t offer instantaneous support. For example, some sportsbooks have phone and live-chat support, whereas others simply use social media and/or email.
Common bonuses at March Madness betting sites
New players dipping their toes into the waters of sports betting will quickly find that three types of bonuses dominate the welcome-offer space at March Madness betting sites: Deposit match bonuses, bet and gets, and first bet insurance.
Deposit match bonus
One of the more traditional offers a sportsbook can put forth, a deposit match bonus is exactly what it purports to be. After registering and making an initial deposit with an operator, it will match the amount you put down via bonus funds, up to a certain percentage.
For example, if a sportsbook provides a 100% deposit match bonus with a limit of $500, you could put down $500 in real cash and receive an additional $500 in bonus funds.
Bet and get
Bet and get offers have become highly popular amongst sportsbooks, especially over the last several months. Since they are generally low-risk entry points for new bettors, industry titans such as BetMGM and FanDuel will use them to tempt first-timers during big events, such as March Madness.
The bonus involves placing an initial bet with a sportsbook, usually at a small amount, such as $5. Then, once that bet has settled — typically, the wager does not need to win — you will obtain bonus funds that far outweigh your wager amount. For example, bet365 is running a bet $5, get $150 sign-up bonus right now.
First bet insurance
Long the king of welcome bonuses amongst sportsbooks, first bet insurance permits you to be riskier with your initial wager and try for a big payday immediately. If you win, great — you'll collect your earnings, and the bonus won't activate. Should you lose, the promo will trigger, and the sportsbook will reimburse your stake in bonus funds, up to a specified amount.
For example, if a sportsbook has a $1,000 first bet insurance sign-up offer, you can make a qualifying wager of $1,000, and if it fails, you'll get that amount back. However, it's important to remember that bonus funds must be used to bet further with a sportsbook and cannot be withdrawn or transferred.
Sportsbooks by category
Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:
Sports betting by region
Sports betting in U.S. states
Each state has its own sports betting development and updates. Stay informed about the latest news in your state.
North Carolina sports betting launched on March 11, 2024, so keep an eye on the best North Carolina sports betting apps and North Carolina sportsbook promos.
March Madness betting FAQs
Where is March Madness held this year?
In 2025, March Madness will be held at a variety of different venues spanning several host cities, including Dayton, OH (UD Arena), Lexington, KY (Rupp Arena), Providence, RI (Amica Mutual Pavilion), Seattle, WA (Climate Pledge Arena), Wichita, KA (Intrust Bank Arena), Cleveland, OH (Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse), Denver, CO (Ball Arena), Milwaukee, WI (Fiserv Forum), Raleigh, NC (PNC Arena), Newark, NJ (Prudential Center), Atlanta, GA (State Farm Arena), Indianapolis, IN (Lucas Oil Stadium), and San Antonio, TX (Alamodome)
The Final Four and Championship game will be played in San Antonio, TX, at the Alamodome.
When will the March Madness bracket be determined?
The March Madness bracket will be released on Selection Sunday on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
What is the best March Madness betting site?
All of the March Madness betting sites detailed in this guide have been dissected and approved by our industry experts. Preferences as to the best site will inevitably vary amongst bettors.
Is it legal to bet on March Madness in the U.S.?
Yes. There are well over 30 states with legal March Madness betting (retail or online). You will typically have to be over 21 years old to make a wager, though, although a handful of states set the legal betting age at 18.
Which sportsbooks offer the best March Madness odds?
Our betting experts at SBR are constantly researching and analyzing the top-rated sportsbooks and have determined that those listed in this guide offer the best March Madness betting odds.
What are the rules and regulations for March Madness betting?
To participate in March Madness betting, a valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required. The state the bettor is currently residing in must allow both sports betting and college sports betting. All participants must also be 18 or 21 years of age, depending on what the state law decrees. Certain restrictions on college sports betting exist in some states as well including bans on in-state team betting and prop bets.
How much do Americans bet on March Madness?
Per the American Gaming Association (AGA), $15.5 billion is expected to be wagered on March Madness in 2023 by 68 million Americans.
Can you bet NCAA basketball on FanDuel?
Yes, all of the March Madness betting sites in this guide — including FanDuel — will have markets for college basketball year-round.