The NCAA Tournament Round 1 tips off Friday with four compelling matchups between 12-2 PM ET, featuring potential upsets like Santa Clara vs. Kentucky and Wright State vs. Virginia. New DraftKings users can capitalize on these early tournament games with a generous welcome offer that requires no DraftKings promo code to claim. The $200 bonus bet promotion is available through Friday, March 20, giving bettors instant value on these high-stakes tournament contests.
This offer stands out among current sportsbook promos for its immediate payout structure.
Bet $5, Get $200
DraftKings promo code delivers $200 bonus for the NCAA Tournament
The DraftKings welcome offer provides new users with $200 in bonus bets instantly after placing a qualifying $5 wager on any game. No DraftKings promo code is required, but users must select the promotional token before placing their minimum bet to activate the offer. New customers receive eight separate $25 bonus bets that arrive instantly or within 72 hours if technical issues occur.
The promotion includes several key terms and conditions:
- Minimum $5 deposit and qualifying bet required
- Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance
- Bonus bet stake not included in winnings
- 100% profit boost token for NCAA Tournament winner futures bet
For example, if you bet $5 on Kentucky to cover the spread against Santa Clara and win, you keep your original winnings plus receive the $200 in bonus bets. If your initial wager loses, you still receive the full bonus bet package. The additional 100% profit boost can double your potential winnings on a futures bet for the 2026 NCAA Tournament champion.
What our experts say about Friday's games
In addition to the picks below, be sure to check out all of our expert NCAAB picks.
Santa Clara vs. Kentucky: Otega Oweh o22.5 Points (-110)
Kentucky’s transition offense is elite, scoring an absurd 1.44 points per play (99th percentile). That’s where Oweh thrives as he’s responsible for team-leading 7% of Kentucky’s transition scoring. Santa Clara, meanwhile, allows 1.28 points per play in transition (one of the worst nationally).
Santa Clara vs. Kentucky predictions
Akron vs. Texas Tech: TTU -8.0 (-116)
Try to find somewhere for Akron to go on offense. Transition where they are overly reliant? Texas Tech clamps that at the 99th percentile. Other key tenets of their offense, like attack and kick actions, are also shut down at the 90th percentile.
Akron vs. Texas Tech predictions
Long Island vs. Arizona: Shadrak Lasu o5.5 Rebounds (-120)
In what should be a blowout, there's value in backing LIU players on their props. The Wildcats play at a blistering pace and once they build a big lead, they could rest some of their top players and won't be quite as locked in. LIU forward Shadrak Lasu has grabbed at least six boards in 11 of his last 15 games, averaging 7.1 rpg over that span.
The Sharks have an extremely small lineup, and Lasu is easily their biggest player at 6-foot-9. They'll need him on the court as much as possible against Arizona's imposing frontcourt.
Long Island University vs. Arizona predictions
Wright State vs. Virginia: Wright State u63.5 Team Total (-120)
The Wright State offense is so rim-driven, and you’re looking at a team in UVA that has been one of the elite teams in the country this season defensively at the rim. Ask Duke’s Cam Boozer, who went 3/17 against them in the ACC Tournament Championship game.
Wright State vs. Virginia predictions
Best DraftKings NCAA Boosts
All Users
- CBB Mystery March Offer: Get a Stepped Up, Parlay Profit Boost, or Bonus Bet token for games on 3/20
- Bet 3-2-1 or BTTS First Minute and get a Live CBB Profit Boost
Must be physically located in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY or WV (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/KY/WY).
How to claim your NCAA Tournament betting bonus
Claiming this DraftKings offer takes just minutes and requires no promotional code entry. Follow these steps to secure your $200 bonus bet package:
- Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and complete registration with personal information and identity verification
- Make an initial deposit of at least $5 using any accepted payment method
- Select the promotional token before placing your first bet
- Place a qualifying $5 wager on any Round 1 game
- Receive eight $25 bonus bets instantly, regardless of your initial bet outcome
The bonus bets can be used on any available sports market and must meet a 1x wagering requirement before winnings become withdrawable. Read our comprehensive DraftKings Sportsbook review for additional details about this operator's features and betting options.
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, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org/ (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/ (CT), or visit http://www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/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. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.*
