Betting on the NCAA March Madness Online

On the list of annual major basketball events there are few more high profile than the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. It is also colloquially called March Madness. These tournaments feature 68 of the biggest college basketball teams. Single elimination games are used to determine the very best team. The National Collegiate Athletic Association runs them.

As the name suggests they take place every year in March. Gamblers will need to wait until this time of year for online sportsbook companies to open markets for the event.

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Everything you need to know about betting on NCAA March Madness

Everything you need to know about betting on NCAA March Madness

There is no single venue for these games. Like other large basketball leagues they are spread throughout different cities across the United States. There is a prize pool of $170 million, which each Division I school receives a portion of. If they do well during March Madness tournaments their share of this fund can increase.

Those unfamiliar with the sport might consider college basketball to be somewhat amateurish. However, in recent decades sports teams in the NCAA have made this event an important date in the professional basketball calendar.

Online bookmaker websites all over the world analyze the performance of teams to determine their odds of reaching the number one spot.

Everything you need to know about betting on NCAA March Madness
All You Need to Know About Basketball

All You Need to Know About Basketball

Basketball is one of the biggest forms of popular sports. During games for these tournaments two teams compete against each other. There are five players to each team. The main goal is to shoot as many basketballs as possible into the hoop of the opposing team.

At the same time the players need to defend their own hoop from attacks. A standard field goal will net the team two points. If it is done whilst positioned behind the three-point line then three will be awarded.

Fouls are a key aspect of basketball tournaments. When they occur the clock is stopped. The team that has been fouled can shoot a number of free hoop shots. These are worth a point each. By the end of the game the team that has earned the highest number of points is declared the winner. During sporting events they typically advance to the next stage.

Sometimes both teams will draw. If this is the case it is standard regulation for overtime to occur. The ball is moved by bouncing it whilst running. This is known as dribbling. Players on offense are able to employ a wide range of different shot types.

All You Need to Know About Basketball
How to Bet on NCAA March Madness

How to Bet on NCAA March Madness

If the gambler wants a simple wager type they could place moneyline bets. This can involve picking a prevailing team, as well as how money points they will win by. As the person layers up their bet type the potential payouts often increase. However, the trade-off is that odds will diminish.

Numerous online bookmaker sites let users include match stats in their wagers. These can include three-pointers, blocks and rebounds. Many gamblers like to pick a potential MVP for individual March Madness games.

A parlay bet allows several teams to be added onto one single wager. The maximum is usually eight teams. Their totals have to cover the match point spread. The lower the amount of teams the better the odds of winning will be. If eight are chosen the odds can be as much as 150/1. Whilst the payout may seem enticing it is highly unlikely that the predictions will come true.

Basketball tournaments such as March Madness are ideal for futures betting. The punter picks one team that they believe will end up becoming number one. It is important to take into account current stats and past performances. Niche bookmakers may offer more exotic bet types.

How to Bet on NCAA March Madness
The Best NCAA March Madness Betting Sites in 2024

The Best NCAA March Madness Betting Sites in 2024

The game of basketball is extremely popular within online betting communities. On some bookmaker sites it is second only to football. With such a prevalence a first time punter may find it difficult to choose decent brands. When it comes to betting on basketball three sites stand out. The first is William Hill. When NCAA championships start this site will offer a range of enticing markets.

In the past William Hill was mostly known for its brick and mortar bookies. More recently it has moved online. Their site layout is streamlined in its design, making it easier for users to quickly place basketball wagers.

Alternatively, the gambler could utilize 888 Sports for wagering on March Madness championships. Overall its site ticks all of the important boxes. It offers good security, plenty of banking methods, a variety of bet types and friendly customer support. 888 Sport will appeal to people looking for a solid bookmaker. Another option is Mr Play.

As a brand it is less well known than William Hill and 888 Sport. Despite this, the Aspire Global owned platform has proven to be very popular with fans of basketball. It features a match tracker and in-play betting.

The Best NCAA March Madness Betting Sites in 2024
History of NCAA March Madness

History of NCAA March Madness

In 2011 the broadcaster CBS Sports rebranded the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament as "March Madness". As a result some sports fans might assume that this event is just over a decade old.

However, its history is much richer. In fact, its origins go all the way back to 1852. Universities such as Yale and Harvard challenged each other to rowing races. By the late 1800s this had expanded to other sports including basketball.

In the early 20th century there was a push to create an organization focused on changing college sports rules and making it safer. By 1905 the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) was formed. Its name was changed to the NCAA in 1910.

The NCAA created a range of rules for basketball during the 20th century. There was an increase in both membership and the number of championships. Deals were made with networks to broadcast these games. As a result more gamblers were able to watch and bet on them.

This led to NCAA championships (and March Madness in particular) becoming very high profile. The organization now has annual net revenues in the tens of millions of dollars.

History of NCAA March Madness
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Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma
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Mumbai-born Priya is India's rising star in the realm of online casino guides. With a knack for fusing traditional Indian gaming narratives with cutting-edge digital dynamics, she's an essential bridge between classic and contemporary gaming for a vast Indian audience.

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