Make Smarter March Madness Bets

March Madness is one of the biggest betting events on the North American sporting calendar. Find out how to make the most of this annual hoops spectacle!

Mar 18, 2024 • 14:32 ET • 3 min read
NCAA March Madness during a practice at Greensboro Coliseum.
Photo By - USA Today Sports

March Madness is the biggest basketball of the year, and Covers will be on it from Selection Sunday to the Final Four. Get the latest tournament details and betting info with our in-depth coverage.

March Madness details

Round(s) Date(s)
First Four March 19-20
First Round March 21-22
Second Round March 23-24
Sweet 16 March 28-29
Elite Eight March 30-31
Final Four April 6 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
NCAA Championship game April 8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

March Madness odds

One of the most popular ways to bet on March Madness is to pick which team will win. From favorites to long shots, bracket sleepers follow the tournament odds all season long.

All things bracket

March Madness revolves around the bracket, and we've got you covered from all angles:

March Madness props

Prop betting is becoming increasingly popular as regulated sports betting expands throughout the US. We're excited about the variety of March Madness props that will be offered, and we can't wait to cash in on the First-to-5 prop! 

Tournament MVP

Betting on the most outstanding player of the NCAA Tournament is a relatively new futures market that is gaining popularity each year due to the big plus-money odds available on pretty much every player. The key here is to pick someone from the winning team, as the March Madness MVP has come from the national champion every year since 1983.

March Madness picks

With so many games and so many betting markets available, there are always value picks to be found. March Madness features 67 games, and Covers’ betting analysts will deliver 67 March Madness picks,full of smart betting options for you to consider.

Best Bonuses

Along with our best March Madness betting sites, check out the best March Madness bonuses available for the tournament.

March Madness trends

As you build your bracket and handicap tournament games, you'll hear about many trends. Some of these are legit, and others should be dismissed. Jason Logan breaks down some of the March Madness trends, with three you can trust and three you should avoid.

March Madness upsets

A big upset in the early rounds is a staple of March Madness. And there is no better feeling than holding a ticket on a massive underdog and then watching as it cashes in. That's why we've put together a dedicated March Madness upsets page, with the Top 10 betting upsets this century and tips on how to spot an upset before it happens. 

March Madness for beginners

New to March Madness betting? We've got you covered. Learn how to bet on March Madness with our beginner's guide, and then dig deeper with intermediate and advanced strategies so that you're making the smartest bets possible.

March Madness betting sites

March Madness is one of the most popular times of the year for sports bettors, making it one of the busiest times of the year for online sportsbooks. Every betting site will offer March Madness odds, but the top sites are safe and secure, offer a wide range of banking options, and give you a ton of markets for each game. Check out the best March Madness betting sites in your region.

Past March Madness winners

Season National Champion Odds Prior to Round 1 of March Madness
2023-24 TBD TBD
2022-23 Connecticut Huskies +2000
2021-22 Kansas Jayhawks +900
2020-21 Baylor Bears +500
2019-20 Tournament cancelled N/A
2018-19 Virginia Cavaliers +675
2017-18 Villanova Wildcats +570
2016-17 North Carolina Tar Heels +535
2015-16 Villanova Wildcats +1,500
2014-15 Duke Blue Devils +1,000
2013-14 Connecticut Huskies +9,500
2012-13 Louisville Cardinals +450
2011-12 Kentucky Wildcats +185
2010-11 Connecticut Huskies +2,500
2009-10 Duke Blue Devils +650
2008-09 North Carolina Tar Heels +400
2007-08 Kansas Jayhawks +700
2006-07 Florida Gators +400
2005-06 Florida Gators +2,000
2004-05 North Carolina Tar Heels +350
2003-04 Connecticut Huskies +450
2002-03 Syracuse Orange +1,800
2001-02 Maryland Terrapins +350
2000-01 Duke Blue Devils +250

March Madness betting FAQs

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