March Madness 2024 Odds, First Round Predictions & Best Sportsbook Promos up to $5,550
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It's game time! The 2024 NCAA March Madness officially begins with the First Round tipping off Thursday at 12:15 p.m. ET. The next three weeks will be like a true roller coaster and now is the perfect time to get those bets and bracket picks in place.
For anyone scrambling for last-minute insights, our betting experts at gambling.com have you covered, so make sure to check out the best online betting sites for the latest odds. With the detailed game breakdowns covering spreads, totals, moneylines, and predicted final scores for the top games today, we've distilled their expertise into must-see First Round predictions, including up-to-the-minute odds for all the matchups.
As the NCAA tournament starts, some of the best March Madness betting promos are available below. There is much to choose from, and a bettor can utilize multiple offers. Let's examine some of the offers below, discuss a few of the top games today, and see what's next on the horizon.
Best March Madness Betting Promos Today
Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Promo Code |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win | GAMBLINGCOM |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | No Code Required |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly | No Code Required |
| Caesars Sportsbook | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars | GAMBLING1000 |
| bet365 Sportsbook | First Bet Safety Net Up to $1,000 | GAMBLING |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | 2nd Chance Bet up to $250 | GAMBLING |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets | No Code Required |
| Borgata Sportsbook | Get $100 When You Bet $20 | GDCBONUS |
| Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook | Get Up To $100 Back on Your First Bet | No Code Required |
| Betway Sportsbook | Get up to $250 Back in Bonus Bets | No Code Required |
March Madness 2024 Odds Favorites
Odds have not moved too much since early in the week but as always, we check to see if there are any subtle shifts. Why? This is the time to explore while the action is calm. Come Thursday afternoon, chaos will intensify quickly. Here are the latest March Madness 2024 odds from BetMGM sportsbook and Caesars sportsbook.
- Connecticut: +400/+350
- Houston: +600/+550
- Purdue: +650/+800
- Arizona: +1200/+1000
- North Carolina: +1300/+1500
- Tennessee: +1500/+1500
- Auburn: +1700/+1400
- Iowa State: +1800/+1800
- Kentucky: +2500/+2000
- Creighton: +2500/+2800
March Madness betting involves a lot of shopping around. Numbers will be enticing, especially in the futures market. A few subtle shifts after the conference tournaments have Connecticut an even more entrenched favorite. They moved from +475 to +400. Houston and Purdue have kind of stayed the same, while Kansas has dropped straight out of the Top 10. Going 9-9 in the last 18 games had a heavy impact.
After the three teams at the top, the numbers begin to move around more. Now, Arizona shortened to +1000 in a few markets, while Iowa State came down to as short as +1600 after winning the Big 12 Tournament. Tennessee has been lurking around +1500 to +2000 all season.
When examining the best March Madness betting promos, be bold and explore a little more than usual. Some operators will be higher on teams than others. It is inevitable. Find what you are looking for, bet, and enjoy. Do not put off tomorrow what you can wager on today.
March Madness 2024 Bracket Explained
The March Madness 2024 bracket has four regions in all with 16 teams in each region. Additionally, there are four play-in games that determine those final spots to fill. So, 68 teams make up the NCAA Tournament. The action started on Tuesday, March 19th with the first-four round, and will end on April 8th.
Here are the dates for the rounds once again.
- First Four: March 19th-20th
- First Round: March 21st-22nd
- Second Round: March 23rd-24th
- Sweet 16: March 28th-29th
- Elite Eight: March 30th-31st
- Final Four: April 6th
- National Championship: April 8th
There are four regions in all - East, West, Midwest, and South. It is time to break down each region and list some March Madness 2024 odds.
East Region
Connecticut is the top seed in this region and the number one seed overall. However, several teams expect to challenge the Huskies to make it to the Final Four. San Diego State is a five-seed in this region, while Iowa State is a two-seed, and Illinois is a three-seed. After that, BYU, Washington State, and Florida Atlantic (also in last year’s Final Four) make up arguably the hardest region.
Washington State (the seven seed) is a whopping +15000 to win the national title on Caesars. However, their defensive efficiency ranks second in the nation. A second-round clash with Iowa State could feature the region winner if the Huskies should stumble.
Connecticut likely will advance (+400 on BetMGM) but do expect them to have to earn that Final Four spot. They remain among our best March Madness 2024 predictions.
West Region
North Carolina is the top seed in the West Region. Some experts have ranked the West as the easiest region of the four. However, the Arizona Wildcats possess shorter odds (+1300 on FanDuel) than the Tar Heels at +1700. Arizona plays at a track-like pace, but Alabama (the four-seed) plays even faster.
Saint Mary’s (the five-seed) could be the Cinderella of this region. This Gaels team plays some of the best defense few have seen. At +7000 via Caesars, there is some value in this team getting to the Final Four and potentially winning it all.
The West is like several coin tosses at once. Saint Mary’s is our bet to shock a lot of people and come out of this region.
Midwest Region
Can Purdue (the top seed) repeat what Virginia did in 2019 and win the National Championship? Virginia lost to a 16 seed in 2018, then won it all. Purdue lost to Fairleigh Dickinson last year. The concerns run wild with the Boilermakers and their loss in the Big 10 Tournament drove home their issues in close games.
This is one region that may have a sleeping giant. Utah State is an eight-seed and could end Purdue’s season. The Aggies are +15000 on Caesars, have two great players in Great Osobor and Darian Brown II, and can shut teams down.
Look out for Creighton to win the region (+3000 on Caesars to win it all). After an Elite Eight heartbreak in 2023, few would be surprised to see the Bluejays take the next step.
South Region
The South region has the top-seed Houston Cougars, who ran into a hot-shooting Miami (FL) team last year. At +600 via BetMGM, Houston has won 30 games and has the best defense in the country again (top five the past six seasons).
Keep an eye on Wisconsin. They are streaky, but they can beat anyone when the Badgers are on. Wisconsin is +8000 on BetMGM. The key is AJ Storr and their offense.
While some interesting stories, like Florida and Nebraska, exist, Houston should find a way through this region even with its slight depth issues. They have one of the best chances to win March Madness.
How to Bet on March Madness 2024
The only way to jump into the March Madness 2024 predictions is to get right into the top teams and matchups. Below, we mention Houston, Kentucky, and even Duke in some form.
Thursday, March 21
No. 11 NC State vs. No. 6 Texas Tech Prediction, 9:40 (CBS)
- ATS: Red Raiders -5 (-110) at BetMGM
- Total: 145.5 (-110) at FanDuel
- Moneyline: Red Raiders -210 at Caesars
The North Carolina State Wolfpack come into the tournament off a magical ACC conference triumph where they won five times in less than a week. How fast can they get back to business after that emotional high? Texas Tech has enjoyed plenty of time to prepare and ample scouting on the Wolfpack.
For those who wonder, the Under has been a trend early in the tournaments. Last year, the first 20 games went less than the total 15 times (15-4-1 overall). Does anyone expect NC State to keep shooting around 50%? That answer is no. Texas Tech is arguably one of the Top 25 teams in the nation.
By contrast, the Wolfpack barely makes the Top 60, partially because of that ACC Championship. The clock expects to strike midnight in our NC State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Raiders Prediction here.
Our Suggested Pick: Texas Tech Moneyline while it is at -210 with Caesars.
No. 14 Oakland vs. No. 3 Kentucky Prediction, 7:30 (CBS)
- ATS: Wildcats -13.5 (-110) at BetMGM
- Total: 162.5 (-110) at FanDuel
- Moneyline: Wildcats -900 at Caesars
Kentucky is one of those teams that can go deep into a tournament or bow out in the first weekend. There lies little in between. The Wildcats possess one of the best starting five units in the nation. However, the forgetfulness of their depth (very underrated) sometimes represents more of a problem.
Oakland’s ability to stay in games is intriguing here. They did keep things close early in the season versus Ohio State, Illinois, and Drake. However, the competition in the Horizon Conference is not quite the same. The Golden Grizzlies play fast, but the Wildcats’ pace can be frenetic.
Kentucky might keep things close early, but expect a second-half surge here. Again, trying to figure out the Wildcats is akin to fool's gold. The spread covers here eventually in the Oakland Golden Grizzles vs. Kentucky Wildcats prediction.
Our Suggested Pick: Kentucky to win by 14 or more points (-110) at BetMGM.
No. 12 McNeese vs. No. 5 Gonzaga Prediction, 7:25 PM (TBS)
Gonzaga lost to Saint Mary's 69-60 in the WCC Championship Game. The Zags will try to bounce back Thursday, but it's going to be a tricky matchup for Mark Few's boys. McNeese has won 11 straight games, finishing the season with a terrific 30-3 record (17-1 in the Southland Conference).
The Cowboys rank 53rd in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency (114.0 points per 40 minutes) and 85th in adjusted defensive efficiency (101.3). They are 282nd in pace (65.6 possessions per 40 minutes), but we still expect a high-scoring affair when they meet the Zags, who are ninth in offensive efficiency (121.0) and 45th in defensive efficiency (99.4).
McNeese lack the height and length to compete against Gonzaga. Hereof, take the Zags -6.5 at BetMGM or go with the Over 150.5 Points at FanDuel.
No. 13 Samford vs. No. 4 Kansas Prediction, 9:55 PM (TBS)
The Jayhawks' injury problems will help the Bulldogs to keep it close. Kansas misses Kevin McCullar Jr. (18.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.1 APG), while Hunter Dickinson (18.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG) is questionable for the first-round clash against Samford. Should Dickinson sit out, Kansas will be in trouble.
The Jayhawks have gone 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five outings. They've only covered three times in their previous ten games overall. On the other side, the Bulldogs ride a four-game winning streak and are 3-1 ATS in their last four showings as underdogs.
Samford plays at a rapid pace. The Bulldogs register 72.5 possessions per 40 minutes (14th in the nation) while scoring 113.1 points per 100 possessions (70th). Take Samford +7.5 at BetMGM.
No. 11 Oregon Ducks vs. No. 6 South Carolina Gamecocks, 4:00 PM (TNT)
- ATS: South Carolina -1.5 (-110) at BetMGM
- Total: 133.5 (-110) at FanDuel
- Moneyline: South Carolina -120 at Caesars
The Gamecocks love to play at a slow pace, tallying just 62.9 possessions per 40 minutes (354th in the nation). The Ducks (196th in pace, 67.2) won't mind slowing things down in this matchup, so we expect a low-scoring clash at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
South Carolina will struggle to contain N'Faly Dante. The 6-foot-11 center just dropped 25 points on Colorado in the Pac-12 Championship Game, going 12-for-12 from the field. The Ducks are a dangerous offensive team, and we are backing them to prevail over the Gamecocks. Take Oregon to win (+100) at Caesars.
Best March Madness Betting Promos
Taking advantage of the March Madness 2024 odds requires looking at some of the best March Madness betting promos. New users can take a look at a few choices below.
BetMGM Sportsbook Promo Offer
BetMGM raises the level of March Madness with its BetMGM Promo Code GAMBLINGCOM. If your first bet does not win, you can receive up to $1,500 in bonus bets.
BetMGM is already offering excellent numbers on game props for the NCAA Tournament. Their rewards program is top-notch, and they have one of the best betting apps as well.
With their odds boosts and more to come, BetMGM has something to offer for every level of gambler. One has to appreciate their ability to meet new users halfway with new promotions at every turn.
FanDuel Sportsbook Promo Offer
FanDuel has a win, and you’re in scenario. Just wager $5; if your bet wins, you get $200 in bonus bets. The FanDuel Promo Code requires no numbers or letters to enter. Tap the link and follow the instructions to create an account. Find a bet one thinks can win, and go for it!
Also, FanDuel has the best interface around, and their software is among the safest and easiest to use. College basketball bettors have trusted FanDuel all season, and their odds are extremely competitive. With more props approaching, do not hesitate.
DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Offer
DraftKings is a natural fit for March Madness because it remains among the best March Madness betting promos constantly. Simply wager $5 and get back $150 in bonus bets instantly. A DraftKings Bonus Code is not needed to trigger the bonus. Just click on the banner link.
DraftKings is also ready with their DFS platform for March Madness and their prize pools. Sure, there are all those NBA, NHL, and MLB bets, but right now, college basketball is the king. Do not delay and get in on the betting today.
How to Sign up & Claim the Best March Madness Betting Promos?
BetMGM rolls in with another one of their best March Madness betting promos. Select them via desktop or Google Play / Apple Store. From there, create an account. To use their GAMBLINGCOM promo code, just be aware what you wager is what you get for a bonus.
Click on the banner to begin. Enter that code after you complete the required steps to register. Expect to be geolocated. Find the cashier or deposit link, put some money in your account, and get betting. Betting options are in the center and your betslip appears to the right.
One gets the March Madness experience while wagering with an extremely generous promotion. Do not hesitate, as the offers will change.
As we continue to enjoy the NBA and college basketball season, there's another exciting development for sports betting enthusiasts. The state of North Carolina has officially launched online sports betting on March 11th, 2024. This opened up a new realm of opportunities for fans and bettors alike, including the access to exciting North Carolina sportsbook promos. Stay tuned for more updates on this front.
Best March Madness Betting Promos FAQs
What are the Best March Madness Betting Promos for March?
Some of the best March Madness betting promos include BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. BetMGM’s higher first-bet offer tops Caesars and bet365. Meanwhile, DraftKings and FanDuel carry simple, easy promotions for bettors of all levels. Both FanDuel and DraftKings do not need an actual code to input.
Which teams are the March Madness 2024 Odds Favorites?
Connecticut, Houston, and Purdue are the three March Madness 2024 odds favorites. The Huskies are the top favorite and are as short as +400 in most sportsbooks. It is a step down to teams like Arizona, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Can I sign up with multiple sportsbooks and claim bonuses for March Madness?
While you cannot create multiple accounts with sportsbooks, one can claim multiple bonuses across several different sportsbooks for March Madness. It is encouraged to maximize your betting dollars by shopping around and taking advantage of all the offers.
How do I claim the bonus bets for March Madness?
Again, simply click on the links provided and set up accounts. Follow the steps needed to register and read the fine print. Bonus bets come in the form of credits, so one merely needs to trigger the bonus with the appropriate deposit and/or wager.
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