BetMGM Bonus Code COVERS: Get $1,500 Bonus for NCAA Tournament Round 1 on Thursday

Luc LeBlanc - Betting Editor at Covers.com
Luc LeBlanc • Content Editor 3+ years betting experience
Updated: Mar 19, 2026 , 07:15 AM ET • 3 min read

Use BetMGM bonus code COVERS for a $1,500 First Bet on NCAA Tournament Round 1 games Thursday. Get bonus bets back if your first bet loses.

The BetMGM bonus code COVERS unlocks a $1,500 First Bet for Thursday's NCAA Tournament Round 1 action. New users can claim this welcome offer and receive bonus bets back if their first wager loses on any of Thursday's tournament games.

With exciting matchups like Duke vs. Siena and Arkansas vs. Hawai'i scheduled throughout the day, this Thursday, March 19 promotion provides excellent value among current sportsbook promos.

BetMGM Logo
$1,500 First Bets
COVERS

BetMGM Bonus Code Details for NCAA Tournament Betting

The BetMGM bonus code COVERS provides new customers with protection on their first wager up to $1,500. This welcome offer applies to any NCAA Tournament Round 1 game, from the opening TCU vs. Ohio State matchup at 12:15 PM ET through the final Idaho vs. Houston game at 10:10 PM ET. If your initial bet wins, you keep all winnings and can withdraw them immediately.

However, if your first wager loses, BetMGM returns your stake as bonus bets within 24 hours. For wagers over $50, you receive five separate bonus bets, each worth 20% of your original stake. For example, if you bet $1,000 on Duke to cover the spread against Siena and lose, you would receive five $200 bonus bets totaling $1,000. Wagers under $50 receive one bonus bet equal to the lost amount.

Key terms include:

  • Minimum $10 deposit required to activate the offer
  • Bonus bets expire after seven days
  • Available to new users in eligible states only
  • Bonus bet stakes are not returned with winnings

What our experts say about March Madness Round 1

Siena vs. Duke

  • Best Bet: Cam Boozer o22.5 Points (-110)

Cameron Boozer dominated his way to an average of 22.5 ppg, and the books have decided to set his points prop right at that average. Against an overwhelmed Siena squad, we should expect Boozer to have an above-average game. The Blue Devils have a high team total of 82.5 and should find room to work inside against a Saints defense ranking 211th in near-proximity attempt rate allowed (Haslametrics).

The Blue Devils will likely be without two starters in point guard Caleb Foster and center Patrick Ngongba. Those are no small losses as they combine for 19.2 ppg while ranking third (Ngongba) and fourth (Foster) on the team in OBPR (combined +8.99).

Enter Boozer to fill the scoring void.

Howard vs. Michigan

  • Best Bet: Michigan o90.5 Team Total (-120)

Howard’s opponents draw a free throw rate on average at 38.5%, which is one of the highest in the field.

Michigan hasn’t really played any team this season with a number that high, but you have to legitimately worry about the twin-tower combo of Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara fouling out the entire Bison frontcourt. 

TCU vs. Ohio State

  • Best Bet: Brock Harding o4.5 Assists (-105)

Brock Harding averages 5.7 assists and leads the TCU fast break, with those possessions fueled by creating turnovers. Texas Christian’s offense thrives on ball movement, with one of the higher assist-to-FGM rates in the country (63rd), and Harding dished out five or more dimes in 14 of the final 19 regular season games.

Round 1 projections flirt with six dimes.

Browse all of our expert NCAA Tournament picks during this monumental stretch of the sports calendar.


Check if you can use our BetMGM bonus code in your state

BetMGM Bonus Code Eligible States
 COVERS AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, MS, NC, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC, PR)

Best BetMGM NCAA Tournament Boosts

BetMGM All Users

  • Get an odds boost for any CBB bet

Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Add as a preferred source on Google

How to Claim Your $1,500 NCAA Tournament First Bet

Follow these steps to claim your BetMGM welcome offer for Thursday's tournament games:

  1. Click the registration link and create your BetMGM account using bonus code COVERS
  2. Verify your identity with required documentation
  3. Make a minimum $10 deposit using any accepted payment method
  4. Place your first real money wager on any NCAA Tournament Round 1 game
  5. If your bet loses, receive bonus bets back up to $1,500 within 24 hours

Read our comprehensive BetMGM bonus review for additional details about this sportsbook's features and betting options.


More BetMGM Sportsbook promos, bonuses, and offers

  • Welcome to MGM Rewards: Earn MGM Rewards Points and redeem them for hotel stays, dining, entertainment, and more.

Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com 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. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Pages related to this topic

Luc LeBlanc
Content Editor

Luc has been passionate about sports since he was a child, playing competitive hockey and staying closely tuned to professional leagues. Today, he brings that same energy to his work as a Content Editor, covering NHL games, player props, and betting trends with a sharp, analytical eye.

Since 2023, Luc has been writing picks and analysis for various publications, helping readers discover value in several major sports. While hockey is his specialty, he also closely follows tennis, keeping up with both the ATP and WTA Tours.

A graduate of Saint Mary’s University (BSc, Geography, 2025), Luc approaches sports betting the way he approaches maps and statistics by looking for patterns, trends, and angles that give him an edge. He focuses on research-backed and well-informed picks, spotting correlations, and finding the best opportunities in player props and game markets.

Popular Content

Covers is verified safe by: Evalon Logo GPWA Logo GDPR Logo GeoTrust Logo Evalon Logo