Top March Madness betting promos
- More details
- Fewer details
- BetMGM Benefits
- Only $10 deposit required
- Five bonus bets if wagering $50+
- High maximum value
- BetMGM Bonus Review
- More details
- Fewer details
- Caesars Benefits
- Min. $1 qualifying bet
- Final odds of -500 or longer
- Up to $250 matched in bonus bets
- Caesars Review
- More details
- Fewer details
- bet365 Benefits
- Only $10 qualifying bet
- Guaranteed bonus funds
- $365 bonus useable on any markets
- bet365 Review
- More details
- Fewer details
- FanDuel Benefits
- Only $5 qualifying bet
- No odds restrictions on bonus
- Up to $300 daily for 10 days
- FanDuel Review
- More details
- Fewer details
- Fanatics Sportsbook Benefits
- Only $5 qualifying bet
- Get $200 immediately
- FanCash unlocks merch rewards
- Fanatics Sportsbook Review
- More details
- Fewer details
- DraftKings Benefits
- Only $5 qualifying bet
- Bonus split into eight $25 bonus bets
- Guaranteed bonus
- DraftKings Review
$1,500 First Bet Offer
Comparing the best March Madness betting promos
| Compare | ||||||
| Welcome bonus | $1,500 First Bet Offer | $250 Bet Match, Win or Lose | Bet $10, Get $365 Win or Lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net | Up to $3,000 in Bonus Bets | Choose: Bet $5, Get $200 Immediately or $1,000 in FanCash | Bet $5, Get $200 |
| Promo code | COVERS | COVERS250BM | COVERS | Applies automatically | Applies automatically | Applies automatically |
| Bonus type | Second chance bet | First bet match | Bet and get | Bet and win | Bet and get | Bet and win |
| Bonus form | One (< $50) or five (> $50) bonus bets | $250 in bonus bets, win or lose | $365 in bonus bets | Up to $300 in No Sweat Tokens every day for 10 days. | Up to $1,000 in FanCash | eight $25 bonus bets |
| Wagering period | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days |
| Min. deposit | $10 | $10 | $10 | $5 | $10 | $5 |
| Covers BetSmart Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 | ⭐ 4.7/5 | ⭐ 4.7/5 | ⭐ 4.7/5 | ⭐ 4.6/5 | ⭐ 4.6/5 |
How the top March Madness promos compare to each other
Expert Verdict
I consider the current BetMGM welcome bonus the top March Madness promo for the upcoming 2026 tournament, since it provides new users with a large safety net on their first bet. However, all of the sportsbook offers above have their perks. For example, the simple 'bet and get' structure of FanDuel and DraftKings bonuses makes them ideal for bettors who wager only on big events, such as March Madness. If you're looking for value beyond a dollar amount, I'd suggest Caesars and Fanatics since their offers are tied to their great rewards programs. bet365 offers two great welcome bonuses, so you can choose the one that's right for you. Overall, the best March Madness betting promo is the one that aligns with your betting preferences. We go into more detail about each offer throughout this page.
Best March Madness betting promos (ranked and explained)
March Madness is days away, and the best online betting sites are already competing to stand out to bettors. We've analyzed the market to provide our top six new-user sportsbook promos for the 2026 March Madness tournament, ranked and explained:
1. BetMGM - Best overall March Madness experience
2. FanDuel - Best for March Madness SGPs
3. DraftKings - Best for March Madness props
4. bet365 - Best for March Madness live betting
5. Caesars Sportsbook - Best March Madness rewards program
6. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best for March Madness merch rewards
1. BetMGM - Best March Madness betting experience
Expert Verdict
The self-proclaimed 'King of Sportsbooks' is undeniably one of the best overall March Madness betting sites in 2026. A major reason is because BetMGM offers the highest-valued welcome bonus, which you can use to wager on its wealth of March Madness betting markets, including single-game winners or outright tournament champions. I also suggest checking out the existing BetMGM college basketball promos you can use alongside your welcome bonus for an even bigger payout.
BetMGM March Madness promo terms and conditions
- Enter our exclusive BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS' to qualify for the offer.
- Put down a minimum deposit of $10 or more.
- If your initial wager loses, BetMGM will return 100% of your qualifying stake, up to $1,500, in bonus bets.
- If you bet over $50, you will receive five (5) bonus bets that are each worth 20% of your stake. You will receive one bonus bet if you wager $49 or less.
- The bonus is valid for seven days (168 hours).
- The BetMGM Sportsbook promo expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30, 2026.
Refer to our BetMGM bonus code review for an in-depth analysis.
| BetMGM Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| March Madness sign-up bonus | $1,500 First Bet Offer |
| Bonus code | COVERS |
| Top feature | Best March Madness betting experience |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Payout speed | 48 hours |
| App Store rating | 4.8/5 (253.4K reviews) |
| Android rating | 4.0/5 (39.5K reviews) |
| Available states | 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) |
2. FanDuel - Best for March Madness SGPs
No list of the best March Madness betting promos would be complete without FanDuel. Not only does the iconic sportsbook deliver an excellent FanDuel promo code new-user offer ahead of the tournament, but I also love how streamlined the operator made creating and placing March Madness same-game parlays this year. You can visit 'ParlayHub' for pre-built SGPs and easily create your own using FanDuel's thousands of markets. You can also parlay future bet together. For example, you can get +360 odds on Ohio State and Virginia Tech to both make the NCAA tournament today.
FanDuel March Madness promo terms and conditions
- Download the FanDuel Sportsbook app — one of the best U.S. sports betting apps — to access the sign-up bonus.
- Put down a minimum deposit of $5 into your account.
- You'll get one No Sweat Token every day for your first 10 days.
- If you lose your bet using the token, you'll receive your stake back as a bonus. Each token has a maximum refund of $300, allowing you to claim up to $3,000 total in bonus bets.
- Your bonus bets will last seven days (168 hours).
- This FanDuel Sportsbook promo expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 6, 2026.
Check out our FanDuel review for further analysis.
| FanDuel Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| March Madness sign-up bonus | Up to $3,000 in Bonus Bets |
| Bonus code | Offer applies automatically |
| Top feature | Best for March Madness SGPs |
| Minimum deposit | $5 |
| Payout speed | 24 hours |
| App Store rating | 4.9/5 (2.1M reviews) |
| Android rating | 4.5/5 (384.9K reviews) |
| Available states | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY (+ DC) |
3. DraftKings - Best for March Madness props
What sets DraftKings apart in a crowded NCAA basketball betting landscape is its deep collection of tournament-specific prop markets. Once the tournament gets closer and the bracket is set, use the $200 in bonus bets in your account via the DraftKings promo code welcome offer to explore all of the sportsbook's 2026 March Madness props.
DraftKings March Madness promo terms and conditions
- You do not need a DraftKings promo code to secure this offer.
- Make a first deposit of $5 and wager of $5.
- If your wager is successful, you will receive $200 (eight $25 bonus bets) instantly.
- The bonus is not included in any future winnings. You will also receive a 100% profit boost.
- If you do not use the bonus within seven days, it will expire.
- This DraftKings promo expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 6, 2026.
Our DraftKings promo code review pages offers an in-depth at the operator.
| DraftKings Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| March Madness sign-up bonus | Bet $5, Get $200 |
| Bonus code | Offer applies automatically |
| Top feature | Best for March Madness props |
| Minimum deposit | $5 |
| Payout speed | 24 hours |
| App Store rating | 4.8/5 (965.9K reviews) |
| Android rating | 4.7/5 (219.7K reviews) |
| Available states | AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY (18+), LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NH (18+), NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (18+), TN, VA, VT, WY (18+), WV |
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 NH/OR/ONT/PR. 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. Min. $5 first-time bet req. Max. $5 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in seven days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Plus, upon qualifying bet placement, get 1 100% Profit Boost Token, valid only for a NCAA Tournament Winner bet. Max. Bet: $10. Profit Boost Tokens are single-use and expire on 4/6/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Must select Token BEFORE placing bet. Boost only applies to winnings. Ends April 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Terms: https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.
4. bet365 - Best for March Madness live betting
When it comes to Big Dance betting, few online sportsbooks can touch bet365. You can choose from when you register with our bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' or 'CVSBONUS', depending on your location. What's better? bet365 offers the industry's best live betting experience. Just head to the 'Live' section to get real-time odds that update after every play of the tournament. You can also get great live odds on several novelty markets, such as 'Will there be a buzzer beater in the 2026 NCAA March Madness tournament?'.
bet365 March Madness promo terms and conditions
- Register on the bet365 Sportsbook app with our exclusive bonus code 'COVERS' ('CVSBONUS' if you are in CO, IL MO, NJ, PA, TN).
- Make a minimum first deposit of $10 to unlock the bonus.
- Place an initial $10 bet on any market with -500 odds or longer within 30 days of opening your account.
- Whether your bet wins or loses, bet365 will issue you $365 in bonus bets.
- Your bonus will expire seven days (168 hours) after receipt.
- This bet365 sports betting promo expires at 6:59 a.m. ET on April 7, 2026.
| bet365 Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| March Madness sign-up bonus | Bet $10, Get $365 Win or Lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net |
| Bonus code | COVERS |
| Top feature | Best for March Madness live betting |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Payout speed | 24 hours |
| App Store rating | 4.8/5 (265.2K reviews) |
| Android rating | 4.6/5 (50.8K reviews) |
| Available states | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA |
5. Caesars Sportsbook - Best March Madness rewards program
Caesars Sportsbook is offering all NCAA bettors more than just a dollar-value with its existing new-user welcome bonus. Once you register an account with our Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERS250BM', you automatically gain access to Caesars Rewards — our pick for the best sportsbook rewards programs in 2026. Turn every March Madness wager into credits, which help you ascend tiers and unlock great additional perks, such as bonus bets, free trips to Caesars locations, and more.
Caesars Sportsbook March Madness promo terms and conditions
- Use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERS250BM' to trigger the bonus.
- Make an initial deposit of $10 or more.
- Place a first wager of at least $1 to get $250 in bonus bets, win or lose.
- Caesars Sportsbook will award the bonus within 72 hours of your bet settling.
- Your bonus is valid for 30 days after receipt.
- This Caesars Sportsbook promo ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 18, 2026.
Visit our Caesars Sportsbook review for more information.
| Caesars Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| March Madness sign-up bonus | $250 Bet Match, Win or Lose |
| Bonus code | COVERS250BM |
| Top feature | Best Big Game rewards program |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Payout speed | 24 hours |
| App Store rating | 4.7/5 (100.1K reviews) |
| Android rating | 4.6/5 (33.5K reviews) |
| Available states | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC) |
6. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best for March Madness merch rewards
I appreciate the unique nature of the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code new-player deal, as you can secure a daily bonus for your first ten days or receive a lower-cost secondary welcome promo. However, what I appreciate more is that I can earn FanCash, the operator's on-site virtual currency, on day one of using Fanatics Sportsbook. You will get FanCash back on every March Madness wager you place, which you can later redeem for Fanatics' merchandise, including team jerseys, team hats, and more.
Fanatics Sportsbook March Madness promo terms and conditions
- Make a first deposit of at least $10.
- Place your initial $5 minimum wager.
- Bet on any market with odds of -500 or higher.
- You will receive $1,000.
- Bonus bets will appear in your account within 72 hours of a wager settling as a loss.
- This Fanatics Sportsbook promo currently ends Aug. 23, 2026.
Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook review to learn more.
| Fanatics Sportsbook | |
|---|---|
| March Madness sign-up bonus | Choose: Bet $5, Get $200 Immediately or $1,000 in FanCash |
| Bonus code | Offer applies automatically |
| Top feature | Best for March Madness merch rewards |
| Minimum deposit | $5 |
| Payout speed | 24 hours |
| App Store rating | 4.8/5 (212.5K reviews) |
| Android rating | 4.7/5 (45K reviews) |
| Available states | AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY |
How to claim March Madness promos
Now that you have a thorough understanding of your options for the best March madness betting promos, we'll take you through the steps to ensure you can redeem and use them efficiently.
- With legal online betting open in most states, March Madness bettors have multiple online sportsbooks and the best sports betting apps they can register with today.
- Consider sign-up bonuses, odds pricing, supported banking methods, and the look and feel of each sportsbook before getting started.



- Simply pinpoint your preferred March Madness sportsbook(s) and use the links in this guide to arrive at its sign-up page.
- Enter your name, email, and address, and follow the prompts provided by the online platform.
- Once you’ve confirmed your identity and location, your account will be active.



- The best March Madness betting sites are vying for your attention by offering the most common sportsbook promos, including second chance bets, bet and gets, and deposit match bonuses.
- Be sure to enter a sportsbook promo code, if necessary.



- Navigate to the 'deposit' or 'cashier' button, select your desired payment provider — feel free to refer to our guide on the best sportsbook for payouts — and confirm the amount you wish to put down.
- Bettors should understand each payment method fully and look for potential fees charged by banks or financial institutions.



- Now you're ready to bet on March Madness markets or whatever else you please.
- Enter your stake amount and confirm the wager to have it appear on your bet slip.



- With licensed and regulated NCAA basketball sportsbooks, accessing your sports bet winnings is painless.
- Just head back to the 'cashier' section to do so. But remember: Sportsbooks do not consider bonus bets real money, so you'll need to use those for further betting.






















Understanding March Madness terms and conditions
We've outlined several common terms and conditions typically attached to the best March Madness betting promos in 2026:
✅ Check the minimum deposit and wager initially required to qualify for the promotion. Most sportsbooks range between $5 and $10 for both. However, you must invest a larger amount for 'second-chance' or 'deposit match' bonuses to maximize those types of offers.
✅ How a bonus is issued is a major factor in how you use your bonus in the future. Some March Madness betting sites offer the bonus as a lump sum, while others distribute it in several equal portions that cannot be combined.
✅ Not only do offers expire, but so does the bonus itself after you've claimed it. You typically have between seven and 14 days from issuance to use the bonus before it is voided and removed from your account.
✅ Check to see if the welcome offer can be used in conjunction with any other available ongoing promotion the sportsbook is offering.
✅ A March Madness betting promo may have wagering requirements attached, meaning you'll have to wager the entire bonus amount several times — and at certain odds — before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Best March Madness promos by bettor type
March Madness draws in all kinds of sports bettors every year. We've analyzed and outlined what March Madness promos are best suited for what bettors, depending on their experience and preferences.
First-time bettors
If the March Madness is one of the few days of the sports calendar when you wager, then you may be overwhelmed by the amount of March Madness promos available for this year's NCAA men's basketball tournament. We'd suggest only claiming 'bet and get' welcome offers, as they are the easiest to understand, and usually just require a measly initial investment to qualify.
March Madness betting promo suggestion for first time bettors: FanDuel and DraftKings.
Casual bettors
Semi-regular sports bettors can rely upon their wagering experience to branch out and claim a wider variety of March Madness betting promos. If you bet casually, and have a decent understanding of the different bonuses available, then we'd suggest claiming tournament-specific odds boosts — which allow you to get a better payout on your wager — and square bets for a bit of added excitement.
March Madness betting promo suggestion for casual bettors: Caesars Sportsbook and bet365.
Sharp bettors
Serious sports bettors know the extra value that great March Madness betting bonuses can add to their bankroll. These sharks have seen and claimed all sorts of sportsbook promos, from 'bet and get' to 'deposit matches' and more. For these bettors, we'd strongly suggest targeting operators offering 'second-chance' bonuses, as this bet type allows you to wager confidently, knowing you'll get the full amount back as a bonus if it loses. We'd also recommend securing any profit boost tokens you can find, as these can boost your March Madness bet by a few points, which can mean thousands in extra winnings if successful.
March Madness betting promo suggestion for sharp bettors: BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Common March Madness promo traps to avoid
Every March Madness promo has unique terms and conditions, so you’d be wise to dig into the details before jumping in — skip that step, and you might kiss your reward goodbye.
We’ve pinpointed the critical missteps to dodge when claiming these sports betting sites bonuses.
Current March Madness betting odds
The March Madness 2026 odds are heating up as this year's tournament is less than two months away. Before the Sweet 16, Elite 8, or Final Four start, check out the latest men's NCAA National Championship odds below:
Alternative March Madness promos
Even if traditional sportsbooks aren’t legal in your state, you can still grab valuable March Madness betting promos through the best social sportsbooks, daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms, and prediction market apps. You can score welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and boosted tournament prize pools throughout the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Best March Madness promos for trading event predictions
Check out our top prediction markets March Madness betting promos
1. Kalshi - Bets alternative March Madness promo
To put it simply: Kalshi is the best prediction betting sites in 2026. No betting site does big events like Kalshi, which is great news for March Madness bettors. You can secure real-time odds for every match of the tournament, in addition to a $10 bonus that you can secure easily by registering with the Kalshi promo code 'COVERS'.
2. Crypto.com - Best crypto-focused March Madness promos
Crypto.com delivers a unique edge as a crypto-powered prediction betting platform. You can buy, sell, and trade NCAA tournament contracts before and during every match with over 350 virtual currencies, including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Ethereum. You can score a $50 welcome bonus for March Madness by registering with our exclusive Crypto.com referral code.
March Madness betting and bonuses summary
| March Madness Betting Promos 2026 Summary | |
|---|---|
| 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? | Michigan Wolverines |
| Legal age for March Madness betting? | 21; 18 (MT, NH, RI, WY) |
Why trust Covers' March Madness betting reviews?
Covers is a leading expert in the sports betting industry, with three decades of experience establishing authority in the fields of sports betting odds, lines, picks, and news.
The March Madness betting sites and bonuses that we've recommended here have been personally reviewed, meticulously curated, and regularly updated by our team of experts. For more about the analysts who review each sportsbook, meet the experts behind our ratings →
News outlets look to Covers due to our deserved reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. Here are some of the numerous notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts:
March Madness betting promos FAQ
BetMGM offers the best March Madness bonus in 2026, allowing new users to score a '$1,500 First Bet Offer' by signing up with our exclusive promo code 'COVERS'.
Wagering on the 2026 March Madness tournament is easy. Simply create an account with one of the sportsbooks listed above, claim its welcome bonus, then use the money you receive to wager on available March Madness betting markets. You can bet on individual games or place futures on the outcome of the tournament.
You can bet on the 2026 March Madness tournament through the best legal online sportsbooks and apps available in 2026, including BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and more.
Yes, the majority of March Madness bonuses expire between seven and 30 days after landing in your sportsbook account. It's crucial that you read the terms and conditions attached to any welcome bonus before you claim it, as this is where you'll find these important details.
Several of the best March Madness betting promos require a Covers-exclusive bonus code to claim. If you don't input our code when prompted during registration, then you cannot claim the welcome offer.
Currently, the Michigan Wolverines are the favorite to win the 2026 March Madness National Championship.
A seasoned Editor at Covers, specializing in the North American sports betting and iGaming industries. Since joining in 2022, Christian has played a key role in managing, editing, and publishing commercial content that informs and engages bettors of all levels, with a particular focus on Stake, bet365, BetMGM, and Fanatics.
Having personally reviewed over 35 sportsbooks and DFS sites, Christian brings a sharp, user-focused perspective to the betting landscape, committed to delivering insightful, high-quality content. Outside of work, he serves on the board of an amateur athletics club, championing community engagement through sport.






