With so many teams, dynamic rivalries, and the unpredictability of March Madness, the potential for excitement is endless when betting on college basketball. And futures betting lets you get in on the action early, making the build-up to big events even more compelling.
College basketball futures odds are all about forecasting long-term outcomes, such as which team will snag the NCAA Championship or who will dominate their conference. These odds come in three main formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional.
American odds, common in the US, show potential profit or how much you need to bet to win $100. Decimal odds, popular in Europe, indicate the total return on a bet, including your stake. Fractional odds, often used in the UK, represent the profit relative to the stake.
But as a US bettor betting on a US sport, you’re more than likely just going to be dealing with American odds for NCAAB futures.
When it comes to placing an NCAAB futures bet, there’s no set rule for timing. Typically, these bets are made well before the season concludes. Betting early can sometimes be advantageous, as you might secure the best odds for March Madness, especially if you have insider knowledge or strong hunches about teams that could surprise everyone.
However, placing bets closer to the season’s climax can also be strategic, based on observed performances and emerging trends. At the end of the day, futures bets can be a smart play at any time of the season, it just depends on the specific scenario.
College basketball futures odds are a result of meticulous calculations by sportsbooks. They take into account a variety of factors, including team performance, top-of-the-line analytical tools, injuries, and historical trends. Additionally, sportsbooks monitor betting patterns and public sentiment to adjust the odds continually.
As the season progresses, these betting odds shift to reflect the latest developments and betting activity. Sportsbooks work hard to set accurate lines that keep them ahead of the game, so you’ll have to bet smart and work hard to beat them at their own game.
Let’s dive into an example using American futures odds for the NCAA Championship at the start of March Madness. Suppose the odds for the top teams are as follows:
These odds mean that if you bet $100 on Kansas and they win the championship, you’d profit $400. Likewise, a $100 bet on Gonzaga would net you $500 if they take the title.
For trendy upset picks, you might see teams like:
These teams have longer odds, reflecting their lower likelihood of winning but offering higher potential payouts, making them some of the best college basketball futures bets if you’re feeling lucky.
When it comes to betting on college basketball, there are a variety of exciting futures odds you can explore. From predicting the national champion to individual player awards, these bets can add a whole new level of detail to your betting experience. Let’s break down some of the most popular types of futures bets you can make on college basketball.
Betting on the NCAA Champion is the most straightforward and popular type of futures bet. Here, you’re predicting which team will win the national championship at the end of March Madness. For example, if you see odds to win March Madness with Kansas at +400 and you place a $100 bet, you’d win $400 if Kansas takes the title.
This type of bet requires you to assess team strengths, potential matchups, and even historical performances to make an informed wager. It’s a long-term investment that you can place throughout the entire season even heading deep into March Madness.
The Wooden Award is given to the most outstanding player in college basketball, essentially the league MVP. Betting on NCAAB futures odds for this award means you’re picking who you think will be the standout player of the season. Consider top contenders like a dominant scoring guard or a versatile forward who impacts every game.
For example, if a player like Gonzaga’s former star forward Drew Timme was listed at +500 to win the Wooden Award, a $100 bet would yield $500 if he wins. The Wooden Award usually goes to a player who combines incredible statistical excellence with team success. Look for players who are either anomalies in the box score or are leading players on an all-time great team.
Another exciting futures bet is predicting the Final Four MVP. This bet focuses on the player who will have the most significant impact during the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. Players from teams with high odds to reach the Final Four are often favorites.
For instance, if a player from a top-seeded team like Baylor has odds of +800 to be named the Final Four MVP, a $100 bet could net you $800. This bet allows you to explore individual player matchups in the biggest games of the season and also delves into the mental side of the game figuring out how a player performs in the clutch.
The Defensive Player of the Year award recognizes the best defensive player in college basketball. When looking at NCAA tournament odds, consider betting on players known for their defensive prowess, such as those leading in blocks, steals, or overall defensive impact. For example, a player with odds of +600 to win Defensive Player of the Year would yield a $600 profit on a $100 bet.
This type of bet requires a deep dive into defensive statistics and player matchups throughout the season, while also keeping a close eye on narratives in the media.
Betting on a team to reach the Final Four is a futures bet focusing on a team’s ability to advance through the tournament brackets. Teams with a strong regular season and a favorable bracket position often have lower odds.
For instance, if you bet on North Carolina State with odds of +1200 to make the Final Four and they succeed, a $100 bet would win you $1200. These bets are great for bettors who follow bracketology and like to find trendy Cinderella picks who could go on a miracle run.
A fun, yet non-consequential bet in the college basketball futures market is predicting which player or coach will cut down the net after winning the championship. This bet is often part of the best odds to win NCAA tournament discussions but focuses on the celebratory aspect of the final victory.
Let’s say you bet on UNC’s coach Hubert Davis at +250 odds to cut down the net, a $100 bet would win you $250 if they win the championship and he climbs the ladder. This bet adds a whimsical touch to your NCAAB betting parlay portfolio and keeps things light-hearted.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started making college basketball futures bets:
When it comes to betting on college basketball, choosing the right sportsbook is crucial for getting the best futures odds. Here are some top sportsbooks that offer great futures odds to make March Madness and occasional odds boosts for NCAAB:
FanDuel is renowned for its competitive futures odds and user-friendly platform, making it a top choice for college basketball bettors. They frequently offer odds boosts, especially during March Madness, which can significantly enhance your potential payouts. FanDuel’s extensive selection of futures markets, including odds to make March Madness, ensures you can always find the best value for your bets.
BetMGM stands out with its excellent futures odds and frequent promotional offers. They provide attractive odds boosts for college basketball, particularly during the NCAA tournament, making it a favorite for those looking to bet on March Madness Vegas odds. BetMGM also offers a variety of futures bets, including conference winners and national champions, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
DraftKings is known for offering some of the best futures odds in the industry, along with regular odds boosts that make betting even more exciting. Their platform provides a comprehensive range of NCAAB futures, from championship odds to player awards. DraftKings also features an intuitive interface and unique free to play pools, helping you ball out even a budget.
BetRivers offers great futures odds and unique promotions tailored for college basketball. One standout feature is their “20% Profit Boost” on multi-leg parlays, which can significantly increase your potential winnings. BetRivers also provides detailed statistical insights and live betting options, making it a top choice for those looking to bet on odds for the NCAA tournament.
Caesars Sportsbook is well-known for its competitive futures odds and excellent promotions. They offer regular odds boosts for college basketball, particularly during the NCAA tournament. Caesars also has a comprehensive loyalty program that rewards bettors with points for every wager, which can be redeemed for various perks both online and at their in-person resort properties.
ESPN BET leverages its extensive 24/7 sports coverage to offer competitive futures odds and unique insights for college basketball. They provide enhanced odds on weekly top 25 matchups and special promotions during the NCAA tournament, making it a strong choice for NCAAB bettors. ESPN BET also integrates rich sports content and expert analysis directly into their platform, helping you make more informed bets.
Betway is a top pick for futures bettors due to its consistently competitive odds and frequent promotions. The European giant’s “Free Bet Club” rewards bettors with weekly free bets for placing NCAAB parlays, adding extra value for regular users. Betway’s detailed live stats and comprehensive market coverage make it a great choice for college basketball futures betting.
Bet365 is highly regarded around the globe for its variety of futures markets and competitive odds. Their early payout promotions are particularly attractive, allowing you to secure winnings if your team gains a significant lead. This feature is especially useful during high-stakes games. Bet365’s platform is user-friendly and packed with features, including live streaming and in-play betting options, making it a top choice for NCAA tournament betting odds.
Borgata offers some of the best futures odds and generous bonuses for college basketball bettors in NJ and PA. They provide up to a 40% boost on 4+ leg NCAAB wagers, making it ideal for those who enjoy creating ambitious parlay bets. Borgata’s platform is user-friendly and offers extensive game coverage, ensuring you have plenty of betting options throughout the season.
Betfred is known for its excellent bonuses and competitive futures odds. Their “10th on Us” promotion rewards you with a free bet after every nine bets placed, providing ongoing value for frequent bettors. Betfred’s platform is reliable and easy to use, making it a favorite among seasoned bettors for college basketball futures.
College basketball betting is as exciting as it gets, but it’s also a complicated and convoluted landscape with 300+ teams to keep track of. To maximize your chances of success, here are some sport-specific tips to guide your wagering strategy and beat the Vegas odds on NCAA tournament futures.
A smart hedging strategy can secure profits and minimize losses in your futures bets. If you have a futures bet on a team with long odds and they make it deep into the tournament, consider placing bets on their opponents in later rounds. This way, you can guarantee a return regardless of the final outcome of the March Madness winner odds.
KenPom rankings are a crucial tool for predicting NCAA tournament success. Remarkably, 18 of the past 21 title winners have been ranked in the top 3 of KenPom’s efficiency ratings. When making your futures bets, prioritize teams that excel in these advanced metrics for a higher chance of picking the winner.
While early bets can secure favorable odds, placing all your futures bets too early can be risky. Injuries, player performances, and team dynamics can change throughout the season. It’s wise to spread your bets over the season, waiting to see how teams develop and looking at computer picks before committing all your funds. This approach helps you adapt to the evolving landscape of college basketball.
College basketball futures are some of the hardest to predict in sports, which makes it all the sweeter when you nail a well-researched pick. By using the latest March Madness odds, you’re able to make smart sports betting and DFS decisions that will put you on the right track toward long-term profitability.
Thanks for reading our page on the latest college basketball futures odds! If you have any more questions about things like how Vegas sets NCAA tournament odds, the difference between NCAAB and NBA futures, and the best places to bet on college hoops, take a minute and scroll through our FAQ section below.
The odds for the NCAA tournament, commonly known as March Madness, vary widely as the season progresses. Early in the season, favorites like Duke or Kansas might have odds around +800, while long shots could be +5000 or higher. These odds shift significantly based on team performance and injuries throughout the season.
You can bet on college basketball futures at major sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, and Caesars. These platforms offer a range of futures markets, including conference winners and national champions, ensuring you have plenty of options to place your bets.
Yes, college basketball futures are different from NBA futures. While both involve betting on long-term outcomes like champions or award winners, NCAA basketball tournament odds are generally more volatile due to the larger number of teams and the unpredictability of single-elimination tournaments like March Madness.
