Best March Madness Betting Sites in 2026

All of the top legal sportsbooks in the U.S. allow March Madness betting, although the available betting markets varies depending on what state you're in. Below is our list of leading options, plus their best March Madness betting promos.

Best March Madness betting sign-up offers

1. BetMGM Sportsbook

$1,500 First Bet Offer

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See Sports Betting | Legal Online Sportsbook at BetMGM | BetMGM for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

COVERS

Claim $1,500

Here’s the deal: We recommend adding BetMGM Sportsbook to your March Madness betting rotation for this year's tournament. The online sportsbook provides sharp odds, daily boosts, lots of NCAA men's basketball betting markets, and an excellent customer service team if you have any issues during the tournament. The best part? New users outside of New York can sign-up today our exclusive BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS' to claim one of the best sportsbook promos in 2026.

The bottom line: If your initial wager loses, BetMGM will return your entire stake, up to $1,500, as bonus bets. Bonus bets expire after seven days.

Available in: Arizona, Colorado, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

Up to $3,000 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place your first $5 bet and receive up to $300 every day for 10 days.

Claim $3,000

Here’s the deal: FanDuel is one of the premier basketball betting sites in 2026 thanks to its industry-leading mobile app and slew of great bonuses, including its latest new-customer offer that allows new customers to claim $3,000 in bonus bets. The FanDuel promo code will automatically apply to your account after creating your account on the FanDuel app, which is one of the best U.S. betting apps in 2026.

The bottom line: With up to $300 in bonus bets daily for the first 10 days, FanDuel's offer is perfect for March Madness betting. 

Available in: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas,  Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

3. DraftKings Sportsbook

Bet $5, Get $200

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit https://ccpg.org (CT), or visit https://www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Claim $200

Here’s the deal: DraftKings is a former daily fantasy sports titan that quickly made itself one of the top online betting sites for basketball's biggest annual tournament. It also doesn't hurt that its sign-up bonus is almost equally as potent, permitting you to receive $200 in bonus bets. You'll also receive a 100% profit boost to use on March Madness matchups.

The bottom line: The DraftKings promo code is automatically applied, and the sportsbook demands just a $5 deposit to get started. 

Available in: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming

4. bet365 Sportsbook

Bet $10, Get $365 Win or Lose

Code: COVERS

Code: CVSBONUS (CO, IL, MO, NJ, PA, TN only)

Claim $365

$1,000 First Bet Safety Net

Code: COVERS

Code: CVSBONUS (CO, NJ only)

Claim $1,000

Here’s the deal: bet365's welcome bonus is exceptionally generous and provides a guaranteed bankroll boost to new sports bettors for the upcoming 2026 March Madness tournament, making it a staple of our list.

Use bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' (or 'CVSBONUS' depending on your region) to get started. Following sign-up and initial deposit, you can make a $10 qualifying wager that settles within 30 days. Once it settles, you'll receive $365 in bet credits — regardless of your wager's outcome.

The bottom line: The $10 wagering requirement is a small investment for first-time bettors, and the guaranteed $365 in bet credits is a quick way to grow your bankroll leading up to the Final Four. 

Available in: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia

5. Caesars Sportsbook

Double Your Winnings (10x)

New customers only. Must register using eligible promo code. Place a wager of at least and if you lose, receive 10 100% profit boosts, up to $2,500 each. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms.

COVERSBONUSDYW

Claim Now

Here’s the deal:  Well known in sports betting circles, Caesars Sportsbook easily ranks as one of our top March Madness betting sites since new users can snag a 'Bet $1, Double Your Winnings (10x)' offer.

The bottom line: Use our Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUSDYW' to lock in your profit boosts.

Available in: Arizona, Colorado, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

How to bet on March Madness

We've outlined how you can register, claim bonuses, and use the best March Madness betting sites in 2026 below:

March Madness betting tips and trends

One of the biggest annual sports events in the United States, March Madness attracts millions of spectators and sports bettors alike. Not just for the men's tournament either, as the 2024 NCAA women's finals between Iowa and South Carolina were the most bet on women's event ever. 

Check out our how to bet on March Madness guide for a full rundown on the wide range of wagers and their supported strategies, but point spreads, Over/Under totals, and moneylines are the most popular bets placed during the NCAA basketball tournament. Meanwhile, here are several tourney-friendly tips to use alongside the most common bet types for March Madness betting in 2026.

Covers tip

Most March Madness betting sites display odds in American format, while some show fractions or decimals. Use our odds calculator to switch between formats and determine potential payouts.

What makes a great March Madness betting site?

Tips for March Madness bracket betting 2026

We've outlined several tips and tricks you can have in your back pocket when wagering with the best March Madness betting sites in 2026: 

Mix and match Final Four selections

A major favorite may look like a universal lock to make a deep run before the tournament starts, but then fall victim to an early round upset. It's smart to choose different combinations for later rounds and mix up your national champion picks for a well-rounded March Madness betting strategy.

Don’t get so upset, because there will be upsets

It is a virtual certainty that one or more heavy March Madness betting favorites will fall. Picking a No. 16 seed over No. 1 can happen, but is rare. Make different selections across each of the pools you enter. Going against the grain can help you make up ground against others in the pool but try to be selective.

Method to the March Madness

Going with your gut is a tried, tested, and often true form of picking a winning March Madness bracket. In the end, it is up to you as to which preferred method to roll with. Much like investing, a diversified portfolio mitigates your exposure to risk. Going down that road leaves you with a good chance to win at least one of your pools this year.

If the mundane office or group chat pool is not cutting it, consider entering one or more free March Madness bracket contests. The subsequent bragging rights and big money prizes could be all yours.

States with legal online March Madness betting

The following U.S. jurisdictions have authorized and regulated legal sports betting via a mix of mobile, online, and retail options.

If you see your state on this list, good news — you can bet on March Madness. 

Can I bet on March Madness games involving schools from my states?

We've outlined the states where you can legally wager on local March Madness team games:

Can I bet on March Madness player props?

Check out if you can legally wager on March Madness player props for the 2026 tournament below:

* = Cannot bet on player props from players from their state.

^ = Only pre-live player props available.

Canada's coming along

Canada repealed the federal ban on single-game sports betting in 2021. Keep up with the latest from the Great White North and check out the best sports betting Canada sites available for March Madness in 2026. 

March Madness betting sites with prediction markets

The emergence of the best prediction betting apps has made it possible to wager on March Madness in every state.

• Kalshi: Claim a $10 bonus for March Madness betting with the Kalshi promo code 'COVERS.'
• Crypto.com: The Crypto.com referral code unlocks a $50 bonus.
• Polymarket: A massive looming prediction operator that can be accessed via a Polymarket promo code.
• Novig: Use the Novig promo code 'COVERS100' to claim a $100 bonus.

March Madness betting history

The NCAA men's basketball tournament, more commonly known as "March Madness," first tipped off in 1939, with only eight teams playing in the inaugural competition. Today, the best 64 college basketball teams in the country are grouped into four regions — East, West, Midwest, and South — and battle it out every March in a quest for collegiate athletic supremacy. 

Here are a few facts about basketball's biggest tournament:

Most March Madness appearances: 

1. Kentucky - 62
2. North Carolina - 54
3. Kansas - 52
4. UCLA - 51 
5. Duke - 47

Most March Madness wins: 

1. North Carolina - 134
2. Kentucky - 132
3. Duke - 126
4. Kansas - 113
5. UCLA - 111 

Biggest comeback in March Madness history? BYU was down 25 to Iona in the 2012 NCAA men's tournament. The 25-point comeback is the largest overcome deficit in the tournament's 85-year history.

Most points scored in a March Madness tournament:

1. Christian Laettner (Duke) - 407
2. Elvin Hayes (Houston) - 358 
3. Danny Manning (Kansas) - 328 
4. Tyler Hansbrough (UNC) - 325 
5. Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati) - 324

Quick facts: March Madness betting

	March Madness Betting Sites 2026 Summary
When is Selection Sunday?	March 15, 2026
When does March Madness start?	March 17, 2026
When is the NCAA men's National Championship?	April 6, 2026
Best March Madness betting promo?	BetMGM
Most popular March Madness bet types?	Moneyline, point spread, Over/Under (totals), props
Who is the favorite to win March Madness?	Duke Blue Devils (followed by Michigan Wolverines)
Legal age for March Madness betting?	21; 18 (MT, NH, RI, WY)

Recent March Madness updates

Stay up-to-date with the latest news surrounding basketball's most popular tournament:

March 10, 2026: NCAA to monitor championship referee betting through IC360 technology.

Feb 23, 2026: Dispute raised by the NCAA over Kalshi using the 'March Madness' brand.

April 5, 2025: Bettors are riding Duke and Florida to cover the spreads in their Final Four matchups.

April 3, 2025: New Yorkers feast on the March Madness favorites, forcing the local operators to just a $8.4 million hold on a $522.4 million handle during the week ending on March 30. 

March 28, 2025: New York earns a 3% yearly handle increase during the first week of March Madness.  

March 27, 2025: March Madness bettors are backing moneyline underdogs in the Sweet 16.

March 24, 2025: Kalshi surpasses $200 million in March Madness contracts throughout the first two rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. 

March 24, 2025: The lack of upsets has led to success for moneyline parlays through the first two rounds of the March Madness tournament. 

March 21, 2025: March Madness 2025 drives a Vegas Strip tourism boom during the tournament's first weekend.

March 21, 2025: Sportsbooks take a hit in round one after "the most bet-on underdog" Drake upsets Missouri, who was favored by -11.5 points. 

March 20, 2025: Nevada bettor puts $100K on the ACC champion Duke Blue Devils to win the March Madness Tournament. 

March 19, 2025: Caesars Sportsbook boasts new promotions and enhanced prop markets for March Madness. 

March 19, 2025: BetMGM unveils its 'March Matchups' promotion for March Madness with interactive contests and greater betting options.

March 19, 2025: As March Madness begins, the NCAA launched an anti-harassment campaign targeting failed sports bettors, telling them, 'Don't Be a Loser', as part of the 'Draw the Line' campaign.

March 18, 2025: New Jersey's college sports betting ban on in-state events may cause a March Madness hassle as Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games will be held in the Garden State. 

March 18, 2025: Missouri faces its final March Madness without legal sportsbooks, as legalization later this year will allow Show Me State bettors to wager on the 2026 NCAA tournament. 

March 18, 2025: Texas and the University of North Carolina are popular picks at sportsbooks for the March Madness First Four games.

March 17https://www.covers.com/industry/texas-in-first-four-capturing-bettors-march-madness-attention-march-18-2025, 2025: The ban that prohibits wagering on in-state college teams for the 2025 March Madness tournament remains in effect for Illinois, New York, and Virginia.

March 17, 2025: A recently released survey from the University of Chicago revealed that 60% of Americans don't approve legalized college sports betting in 2025. 

March 17, 2025: Popular trading platform Robinhood unveils prediction markets for March Madness, powered by Kalshi.

March 17, 2025: Sportsbooks expect March Madness action to 'pour in' on Duke. ESPN BET reports that since the bracket was revealed, Duke has seen 18% of the bets and 40% of the handle.

March 16, 2025: bet365 goes live in Illinois and launches in Tennessee ahead of March Madness. 

March 14, 2025: FanDuel announces enhancements for March Madness, including letting customers combine their bracket picks across multiple rounds into a single parlay, for the first time in the tournament.

March 13, 2025: The American Gaming Association estimates that March Madness will take in over $3 billion in wagers during the tournament.  

March 12, 2025: An NCAA director claims that college players betting on themselves is becoming more common. 

March 4, 2025: Check out a state-by-state guide of where you can wager on March Madness.

March 3, 2025: The Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network (OGTN) will push gambling awareness during this year's March Madness NCAA tournament. 

Feb. 24, 2025: Fresno State and the NCAA are reportedly investigating a potential gambling scandal involving multiple members of the school's men’s basketball team placing prop bets on themselves. 

Jan. 22, 2025: Kalshi will launch sports betting-like event contracts in the near future, allowing bettors to wager on predictive markets ahead of the Super Bowl and March Madness 2025.

More March Madness betting resources

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Best NBA betting promos

Find out the top sportsbook bonuses you can claim in 2026.

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Blacklisted March Madness betting sites

See all blacklisted sportsbooks

Despite the increase in legal betting markets stateside, there are bettors who still leverage offshore sportsbooks for their respective wagers. We strongly advise against using these illegal offshore sites for your March Madness betting at all costs. There is little to no recourse for recouping any unpaid winnings with these unregulated sportsbooks, which is why they have found their way onto our blacklisted betting sites.

• Allegations of withdrawal issues
• No license information available on site
• Poor customer service

• Multiple reports of slow payments
• Allegations of non-payments
• Risk of account closure simply for winning bets

• Reports of confiscated winnings
• Slow customer support response times

See all blacklisted sportsbooks

Instant replay: Best March Madness betting sites

Let’s review: March Madness betting sites are plentiful, so researching each is smart. Once you’ve landed on a choice, don’t limit yourself — collecting a motley of welcome bonuses and sportsbook-specific offers is a speedy way to build value. Here again are the best March Madness betting sites in the U.S., along with their most compelling features:

Your search for the best March Madness betting sites led you here. Let us quickly recap how you can cash in safely on your bets for the Big Dance.

• Only wager with regulated and legal sportsbooks.
• Seeding matters, but parity has leveled the playing field to a degree.
• Point spreads, Over/Under totals, parlays, and moneylines are the most popular March Madness bets.
• Sports betting is now legal in 30-plus states, meaning there is no shortage of places to bet. Follow along as we track states with legal sports betting.
• Fill out as many brackets as you would like but remember to diversify your Final Four and national champion picks.

Best betting sites by sport

Interested in the best betting sites for other sports? We've identified and highlighted the top operators for each of the following sports: