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DunkOrThree > Basketball Betting Guide 2024 > College Basketball Betting Guide 2024

College Basketball Betting Guide 2024: NCAA Betting Strategies and Tips

Last Updated on 30.10.2024
Fact checked by: Emily Carter

Looking to add an extra layer of excitement to your love of college basketball? Get ready to upgrade your experience with college basketball betting. Top sports betting sites allow you to wager on your favorite teams while watching games.

In this review, I’ll cover what college basketball betting is, how you can get started with legal sports betting, what to look for, and what the top overall NCAAB betting sites are. You’ll also learn about the available welcome bonuses, so it’ll be easy to decide which site offers the best bang for your buck when just starting out.

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Find the best betting sites for college basketball in 2024

Bet365
Recommended
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Over 35 sports.available
  • Competitive odds
  • Sports news and statistics
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Go to Bet365
Bet now
Payment Methods
Find out more on Bet365.
Withdrawal
0 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
EGR – Operator of the year (2017)
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Show less
BetMGM
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Excellent variety of sports
  • Live streaming available
  • Cash Out feature
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetMGM
Bet now
Payment Methods
PayNearMe
Skrill
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
0 – 3 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
GGA – Digital Operator of the Year (2023)
Show less
FanDuel
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Great choice of sports.
  • SGPs, live streaming and Cash Out.
  • Outstanding mobile experience.
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to FanDuel
Bet now
Payment Methods
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
Global Gaming Awards (2022)
Show less
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Good choice of major sports
  • Live streaming and Cash Out available
  • Prop bets and Same Game Parlays
Caesars Bonus
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Copy
Bet now
Payment Methods
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
0 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
BetRivers.com
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Live betting available
  • House specials on certain markets
  • Niche sports like lacrosse and Jai Alai available
BetRivers.com Bonus
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Copy
Bet now
Payment Methods
PayNearMe
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
+
Withdrawal
0 – 3 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
DraftKings
6.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Great choice of sports available
  • Top option for parlay bets
  • DKN news and picks
DraftKings Bonus
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to DraftKings
Bet now
Payment Methods
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
+
Withdrawal
0 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
EGR – Operator of the year (2023)
Show More
BetFanatics
7.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • FanCash rewards when you wager
  • Betting on leagues like the NHL, NBA, and NFL
  • Live betting available
BetFanatics Bonus
Bet $100, Get $100 in Bonus Bets Every Day for 10 Days!
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetFanatics
Bet now
Payment Methods
Skrill
Venmo
PayPal
+
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More

What is college basketball betting?

College basketball betting, more formally known as NCAAB betting, is where you place a wager on the outcome of NCAA basketball games. The betting might be on the total points scored by both teams, the winner of the game, or other aspects such as player stats.

You’ve probably seen people excitedly talking about March Madness college gambling and their bracket wins or losses. This popular college gambling event adds a whole new dimension to enjoying the sport.

Before I made my first wager on the sport, I tracked down a basketball betting bonus to use and I suggest that you do the same. Generally, these bonuses range from offering first deposit matches, bonus bets or bet insurance of some type, so it’s a matter of picking what suits your style.

Basically, whether you’re a die-hard fan looking to add excitement to your game-day experience or a casual observer looking to spice up your bracket, college basketball betting has something for everyone.

How to use a college basketball sportsbook

When I first wanted to dip my toes into college basketball betting, I chose a reputable sportsbook. This was the best thing I could have done to learn the ropes because they offered me good bonuses, friendly odds, and tons of betting markets. Now I’m in a position where I can help you do the same and a good place to start is by checking out the banners of this page. After you find the right sportsbook, follow these steps to get started.

Sign up and deposit

Once you’ve found your perfect sportsbook match, it’s time to sign up! The process is usually a breeze. Just follow the prompts, provide the necessary info, and you’re all set. Most of the top basketball betting sites I recommend make signing up super easy.

Now it’s time to fund your account. Most sportsbooks offer various deposit methods, like credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrency. Choose what works best for you, load up your account, and we’re good to go.

Grab any available bonuses

Now comes the fun part – exploring all the different betting options available for college basketball. But before I make any bets, I always look out for bonuses. This includes boosted odds for specific games or bonus bets given as a reward for signing up.

Start betting

Once you’ve decided what you want to bet on, it’s time to lock it in. Simply click on the odds, enter your stake, double-check everything, and hit that ‘Place Bet’ button.

Cash-out winnings

If you have made the right prediction and your bet wins, you might want to get your hands on the cash right away. All of the sportsbooks I recommend make it easy to withdraw your winnings so that you can enjoy the rewards of your betting as quickly as possible.

What to look for in NCAA basketball betting sites

When it comes to college basketball betting, there’s a sea of options out there. Nailing down the best NCAAB betting site can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. So how do you find the right one? Try to consider the factors we value most below.

Available basketball betting markets

If you want to bet on NCAA basketball games, the number one factor to consider is the available betting markets a specific sportsbook offers. I look for sites that offer a wide array of bet types, including moneyline, point spreads, over/unders, prop bets, and more. The more options available, the more exciting my betting experience becomes.

The best sites are not only the ones that allow you to bet on NCAA games but also cover a range of leagues and tournaments. That includes March Madness. This can make all the difference, allowing us as bettors to explore a different betting approach than an NBA betting strategy.

Bonus bets and promos

I watch for betting sites that offer generous NCAA basketball bonuses and promotions for new and existing customers. Whether it’s a generous welcome bonus, free bets, or ongoing promotions tied to big games or events, these perks add extra value to my betting experience.

User-friendly website design

Trying to work around a clunky or confusing website can really put a damper on my betting enjoyment. That’s why I prioritize user-friendly interfaces when choosing NCAA basketball betting sites.

I appreciate platforms that are intuitive, responsive, and easy to navigate. These platforms allow me to focus on the action without any unnecessary distractions. This also includes sites with an easy-to-use mobile app for on-the-go betting.

Competitive odds and lines

Getting the best bang for my buck is always top of mind. That’s why I seek out NCAA basketball betting sites that consistently offer competitive odds and lines. Comparing odds across multiple platforms ensures I’m maximizing my potential returns on every wager.

In many instances, getting the best available spread can make the difference between winning and losing a bet. This is especially true in mid-major college games when the market is more prone to line movements from larger bets.

Reputation and trustworthiness

A reputable NCAA basketball betting site prioritizes transparency and security. It clearly explains its operations, including licensing, regulations, and security measures. Knowing that my personal and financial information is safe gives me peace of mind while placing my bets.

Prompt payouts are a hallmark of a trustworthy NCAA basketball betting site. I want to bet with a platform that honors winning bets and processes withdrawals in a timely manner. I was blown away by the sites we mentioned below because of their fast and efficient payout processes.

Bet365
4.6/5
Bet365 Review
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
4.6/5
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply, 21+
Bet now
FanDuel
4.5/5
FanDuel Review
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
T&Cs apply, 21+
Bet now

What are the best college basketball betting sites?

After careful research and testing on different sites, I can confidently say these are the best choices to consider for college basketball betting. Let’s see how they compare and which one might suit you best.

Casino NameWelcome BonusLive BettingMobile App
BetMGMBet $5, Win $150YesYes
DraftKingsBet $5, Win $200YesYes
FanDuelBet $5, Get $200 in Bonus BetsYesYes
Bet365Bet $1, Get $150 OR $2,000 in First-Bet InsuranceYesYes
CaesarsUp to $1,000 First Bet MatchYesYes

1. BetMGM

BetMGM sportsbook and casino
  • Tons of promotions and rewards options that update regularly
  • Supports all types of NCAAB bets
  • Live betting is available
  • Bonus bets are only valid for seven days

For me, BetMGM stands out as the top choice for a few reasons. First, the platform has an easy-to-navigate user interface. This makes the platform super easy for beginners who have less college basketball betting experience.

All new players are welcomed with a surprise bonus offer too. If you sign up and bet $5, you instantly get an additional $150 in bonus bets. These bets are valid to use for all college basketball games, including spread bets, parlays, and props.

BetMGM also offers live betting options, allowing customers to wager on games as they unfold in real-time. I really liked that there were live prop bets for NCAA games. This opened up plenty of betting avenues for me.

Sports Bonus
4.6/5
BetMGM
Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Welcome Bonus
|
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetMGM
Get Bonus

2. DraftKings

draftkings main
  • Top-rated iOS and Android mobile apps
  • Wide selection of NCAAB betting markets
  • Vast and reliable customer service
  • Instant payouts and deposits
  • Live betting odds could be improved

Whenever I think about reliable basketball betting platforms, DraftKings is one that always comes to mind. Their broad game coverage is exceptional, with all types of NCAA and NBA betting options. It’s one of the most extensive basketball wagering platforms available today.

As an added bonus, it features numerous daily fantasy sports contests for all to enjoy. But just focusing on their sports betting, I was greeted with a β€˜Bet $5, Win $200’ offer when I signed up and created a brand new player account.

In addition to its generous welcome bonus, DraftKings regularly offers promotions and rewards for both new and existing users. These promotions may include free bets, odds boosts, and special offers tied to specific college basketball events or tournaments.

Sports Bonus
4.5/5
DraftKings
Sports Bonus
4.5/5
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Welcome Bonus
|
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to DraftKings
Get Bonus

3. FanDuel

fanduel main
  • Low minimum bet and deposit requirements
  • Live streaming for many top sports markets
  • Generous odds boost offers and SGP+ promos
  • Regular and ongoing promotions are always available
  • Only available in five states

I’ve always liked FanDuel, particularly for their easy-to-use mobile app. I found the app super useful for placing wagers on the go, and it was built for beginners. FanDuel accepts multiple payment options, making transactions seamless and hassle-free.

FanDuel provides a diverse range of betting markets and options for college basketball fans. Users can wager on moneyline bets, point spreads, over/unders, and prop bets. This site offers cool betting options like same-game parlays and boosted odds too.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel offers the Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets promo. And when you make your account, these bonus bets are available to use on any sport, including college basketball.

Sports Bonus
4.5/5
FanDuel
Sports Bonus
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
Welcome Bonus
|
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to FanDuel
Get Bonus

4. Bet365

  • Cash out available on most bet slips
  • Live streaming and 24/7 customer support
  • Amazing welcome bonuses for new players
  • User-friendly NCAAB betting interface
  • Payouts can take between 1-5 days

Bet365 is a powerhouse in the sports betting world, offering a comprehensive platform for college basketball bettors and fans. It covers NCAA games extensively and, from my experience, provides first-class customer service.

One of the cool things about this site is the β€œBet $1, Get $150 OR $2,000 in First-Bet Insurance” promo. What this means is a new bettor can wager as little as $1 and activate $150 in bonus bets OR make a bet up to $2,000 and get the wager returned in bonus credit if it loses.

Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet365
Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Welcome Bonus
|
Go to Bet365
Get Bonus
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+

5. Caesars

Caesars
  • Live streaming is available for college basketball games
  • Generous welcome offers and ongoing promos
  • Rewards program and referral bonuses when you invite a friend
  • 25% profit boosts and same game parlays
  • Must place a bet within 30 days to qualify for the welcome bonus

Rounding up this list, we’ve got Caesars. You probably know them for their renowned casinos, but their sports betting for NCAAB games is worth mentioning too. From friendly user experience to well-packaged betting options, Caesars has it all.

One thing I was blown away by was their welcome promos. Caesars offers a generous welcome bonus of up to $1,000 as a First Bet Match for new users. This welcome bonus provides users with a fantastic opportunity to kickstart their betting journey on the platform with additional funds.

Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet365
Sports Bonus
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Welcome Bonus
|
Go to Bet365
Get Bonus
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+

Verdict on the best NCAAB betting site

College basketball betting can be a thrilling way to engage with the sport. You have plenty of options with platforms like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars. Each offers its own unique features and benefits to enhance your betting experience.

Remember the variety of betting options available. You can spice up your bets with spread bets, player prop bets, team futures and awards, and Same Game Parlays. And let’s not overlook those bonuses and promotions that can boost your potential returns.

Top bonuses for NCAAB betting

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to Bet365
Get bonus now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
2.
Favicon
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
Go to BetMGM
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
3.
Favicon
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to FanDuel
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
BetRivers.com
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+

College Basketball Betting FAQ

In many states where sports betting is regulated and licensed, it is legal to bet on college basketball. However, the legality varies depending on your location. It’s essential to check the laws and regulations in your area before placing any bets.

πŸ€”What’s the best college basketball betting site?

The best college basketball betting site ultimately depends on your preferences. But our top picks include BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. We recommend exploring different sites and comparing their features to find the one that suits you best.

πŸ€Do college basketball betting sites have bonus offers?

Many college basketball betting sites offer various bonus offers to attract and reward users. These bonuses can include welcome bonuses, deposit matches, free bets, odds boosts, and promotions tied to specific games or events.

Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Bet365
4.6/5
BetMGM
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.5/5
Caesars
4.5/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Review
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Caesars
Caesars Bonus
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Bonus
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Our Team
Emily Carter
Gambling Editor
Jackson T. Pierce
Gambling & DFS Editor
JP Zhang
JP Zhang
Founder
Brendan Heffernan
Editor
Eric Winkler
Editor
Ian Johnson
Editor

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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