March Madness Betting Strategy: 5 Winning Tips for 2025

We are so very close to March Madness and the NCAA basketball tournament. It is never too early to talk about March Madness betting strategy, look for March Madness betting tips, and to check out every March Madness betting guide under the sun. 

Thankfully, we have a few helpful tips to make your NCAA tournament betting strategy a winner.

Tip 1: Focus on Well-Balanced Teams to Spot Championship Contenders

Teams that do one thing well – exceptional offense, tremendous defense – can go quite far. But if you really want to learn how to bet on March Madness games, look for the teams that have good balance on both ends of the floor.

Any good March Madness betting guide worth its salt will tell you to look for well-balanced teams. Just as importantly, find teams that have good depth to handle substitutions and potential injury concerns. Strong top-to-bottom teams will make any March Madness betting strategy seem smart.

Tip 2: Challenge “Expert” Brackets and Do Independent Research

A huge mistake that bettors make is making their entire March Madness betting strategy based on an expert bracket. It doesn’t hurt to see who they like, but make sure to take it with a grain of salt. These “experts” are wrong more often than not, especially with March Madness betting tips.

Take the time to do your own research. Historical performance is worth checking out, but teams change so much from year to year that it shouldn’t be all of your research. Look at how each team finished the regular season, how they did in conference tournaments, and how their impact players are performing.

Tip 3: Leverage Advanced Metrics to Gain a Betting Edge

The real key to creating a March Madness betting strategy is to take a deeper look. Advanced metrics have become a hot-button topic of late because they can give greater insight into what we are seeing during each game.

Pace and efficiency are key components, especially the latter. A team that doesn’t have a ton of possessions but makes the most of them can slow down the faster teams, evening an apparent speed and quickness advantage. If you want March Madness betting tips, look past the standings and box score.

Tip 4: Factor in Home-Court Advantage Even at Neutral Sites

Home-court advantage will always be discussed When it comes to the NCAA tournament, teams are more than likely not playing on their home court even if they are playing in the same city. For that reason, see how teams do as the home team on neutral sites.

For example, maybe the North Region is in New York City. Teams like Syracuse, St. John’s, and others will have an inherent home-court advantage even though they aren’t on their own floor. When learning how to bet on March Madness games, you need to look for little differences and advantages wherever they may arise. Even in March Madness, not every neutral site is truly a neutral site.

Tip 5: Track How Champions Consistently Cover the Spread

Betting the spread during March Madness can be tough. A good strategy involves looking into how the contenders have been doing against the spread throughout the season. On top of that, look historically at how favorites do throughout the NCAA tournament. It’s about taking all the factors into account to make the sharpest bet possible.

Teams that have been hot when covering the spread coming into the tournament bear watching. There is something to be said about bringing momentum into the NCAA tournament, something that could carry over in the early rounds, especially. 

Remember that there is no exact science to sports betting, especially when it has to do with the spread. Look deeper into the stats and recent trends and you may uncover matchups that look more enticing while also finding a team or two to get behind.

🏀 Latest Odds for Top Contenders to Win the 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship

• Duke Basketball Odds to Win the National Championship
• Alabama Basketball Odds to Win the National Championship
• Tennessee Basketball Odds to Win the National Championship
• Houston Basketball Odds to Win the National Championship
• Auburn Basketball Odds to Win the National Championship
• Florida Basketball Odds to Win the National Championship

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About March Madness Betting Strategies

How important is seeding when making March Madness bets

Seeding gives a general idea of team strength but shouldn’t be the only factor in your bets. Lower seeds often pull off upsets, especially in the early rounds. Instead of relying solely on seed numbers, analyze team performance, key player matchups, and betting odds to identify true value.

What are the most common mistakes bettors make during March Madness

Many bettors let emotions drive their picks, overvalue big-name teams, or ignore statistical analysis. Another mistake is chasing losses by making bigger bets after a loss. Successful betting requires patience, research, and discipline to stick to a well-planned strategy instead of reacting impulsively.

Is it better to bet on individual games or full tournament futures

Both approaches have pros and cons. Betting on individual games allows for more control and strategy, while futures bets on tournament winners offer bigger payouts but require long-term patience. Many bettors use a mix of both, placing smart futures bets early while focusing on value in individual matchups.

How can I find the best odds and lines for March Madness bets

Shopping for the best odds across multiple sportsbooks is key to maximizing potential winnings. Lines can vary slightly between sportsbooks, and finding even a small edge can make a big difference over time. Pay attention to line movements and place bets at the most favorable odds.

Should I bet on favorites or underdogs in March Madness

Both favorites and underdogs can be profitable if chosen wisely. Favorites are more likely to win, but their odds may not always offer value. Underdogs can provide big payouts, especially in early rounds, but require deeper analysis. The best strategy is to mix both based on research.

What role does team momentum play in March Madness betting

Momentum can be a major factor, as teams on a winning streak often carry confidence into the tournament. However, don’t rely on momentum alone. Look at how a team has performed against strong competition and whether their play style translates well to tournament settings before placing bets.

What is the best way to manage my bankroll during March Madness

Setting a budget and sticking to a staking plan is essential. Avoid going all-in on a single game and spread your bets wisely to minimize risk. A common strategy is using flat betting, where each bet is the same percentage of your bankroll, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Can I use live betting strategies for March Madness games

Yes, live betting can be a great way to capitalize on in-game shifts. If a strong team starts slow, you may get better odds mid-game. Watching for momentum swings, foul trouble, or injuries in real time can help you place smarter bets during live action.