How to Bet on College Basketball
Everything you need to know to bet on college hoops and March Madness
8 min read
3 Things You Need to Start Betting
1. A Sportsbook Account
Sign up with a legal sportsbook like FanDuel or DraftKings. Must be 21+ and in a legal state.
2. A Betting Budget
Set aside money you can afford to lose. With 350+ teams, there's always action - don't overextend!
3. Basic Knowledge
Understand spreads, moneylines, and totals. Plus CBB-specific factors like tempo and home court.
Understanding College Basketball Betting Markets
College basketball offers massive betting opportunities with 350+ Division I teams playing thousands of games. The key is understanding the unique dynamics: tempo, home court, and tournament play.
Point Spread Bets: Leveling the Field
The spread is the most popular CBB bet. With huge talent gaps between power conferences and mid-majors, spreads can reach 25+ points.
Example:
Duke -8.5 (-110) vs. NC State +8.5 (-110)
• Duke -8.5: They must win by 9+ points
• NC State +8.5: They can lose by up to 8 points and you still win
Best for: Most bettors prefer spreads due to more favorable odds than extreme moneylines.
Moneyline Bets: Pick the Winner
Simply pick which team wins. Moneylines on big favorites can be extreme, but they're valuable for underdogs in upset spots.
Example:
Duke -350 vs. NC State +280
• Bet $350 on Duke to win $100 (heavy favorite)
• Bet $100 on NC State to win $280 (underdog)
Best for: Underdog moneylines during March Madness when upsets are common.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined Points
Bet on whether both teams will combine for over or under a set number of points. Totals vary wildly based on team tempo.
Example:
Total: 145.5 points
• Over 145.5: Final combined score of 146+ (e.g., 78-70)
• Under 145.5: Final combined score of 145 or less
Key factor: Tempo is everything. Fast teams play 75+ possessions; slow teams play 60. Know both teams' pace.
Key College Basketball Betting Factors
College basketball has unique dynamics that set it apart from other sports:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Tempo | Affects totals dramatically. Fast vs. slow matchups typically play to slower pace. |
| Home Court | Worth 4-5 points on average. Elite venues (Duke, Kansas) worth even more. |
| Conference Play | Teams know each other well. Familiarity can reduce variance and spreads. |
| Tournament Situations | Conference tournaments and March Madness create unique motivation/pressure dynamics. |
| Travel/Scheduling | Mid-major teams traveling to power conference venues face extra challenges. |
Pro tip: KenPom.com is the gold standard for college basketball analytics. Tempo and efficiency ratings help predict totals.
March Madness Betting Tips
The NCAA Tournament is the biggest betting event of the year. Here's what you need to know:
- 12 seeds beat 5 seeds ~35% of the time
This is the most common upset in the tournament
- First-round totals often go under
Tournament nerves and unfamiliar opponents slow pace
- Lines come out Sunday night
Sharp bettors move lines quickly - shop early or wait for counter-moves
- Mid-majors with tournament experience are dangerous
Teams like Gonzaga, San Diego State have proven track records
College Basketball Betting Tips for Beginners
Do This
- Check tempo ratings before betting totals
KenPom tempo is the gold standard
- Respect home court advantage
Worth 4-5 points on average in college
- Consider underdogs in March
Tournament pressure creates upsets
- Focus on conferences you know
With 350+ teams, specialization helps
Avoid This
- Betting every game on the board
Quality over quantity - focus on edges
- Ignoring tempo in totals bets
Fast vs. slow matchups are predictable
- Overreacting to early season results
Teams improve drastically through the year
- Laying huge moneylines on favorites
Upsets happen too often to justify the risk
Where Can I Bet on College Basketball?
Sports betting is legal in 38+ states as of 2026. Popular legal sportsbooks for college basketball betting include:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
You must be 21+ and physically located in a state where sports betting is legal. Note: Some states restrict betting on in-state college teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest college basketball bet for beginners?
Point spread bets are the most popular. College basketball has significant talent gaps like football, leading to large spreads. The spread levels the playing field, making both sides competitive to bet on at -110 odds.
How is college basketball betting different from NBA betting?
College has much more variance - 350+ Division I teams create huge talent disparities and data challenges. Home court is worth more (4-5 points vs. 2-3 in NBA), tempo varies dramatically between teams, and the tournament structure creates unique betting opportunities.
How does March Madness betting work?
The NCAA Tournament offers single-elimination excitement. Lines come out Sunday night for the whole tournament. First-round upsets are common (12 seeds beat 5 seeds ~35% of the time). Totals often go under early rounds due to tournament nerves and unfamiliar opponents.
Why does tempo matter so much in college basketball?
College teams have drastically different styles. Some play 80+ possessions per game (fast), others play 60-65 (slow). When a fast team plays a slow team, the game usually trends toward the slower tempo. This significantly impacts totals and can affect spreads too.
How important is home court in college basketball?
Very important - typically worth 4-5 points, more than NBA or even college football. Student sections, familiarity with surroundings, and young players being affected by hostile crowds all contribute. Some arenas (Cameron Indoor, Allen Fieldhouse) are worth even more.