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2023 March Madness Odds
Every spring, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament takes center stage for a brief period. Known as March Madness, this tournament showcases the best teams in the country as they compete to crown a champion.
Chicago has frequently served as a hub for the tournament, showcasing the talents of local stars such as Isiah Thomas, Kendall Gill, and Deron Williams who have delivered impressive performances and excelled on the grandest stage.
Illinois now offers legal sports betting, just in time for March Madness, with online registration now available. Check out the latest odds for March Madness and discover the top online sportsbooks in Illinois.
Best March Madness betting apps 2025
Live March Madness odds
Here, you have access to the live odds feed for the latest March Madness game lines (including point spreads, moneylines, and totals) from multiple IL online sportsbooks. Additionally, you can view futures odds for teams to make it to the Final Four or win the National Championship. By selecting any odds, you will be taken to the online sportsbook to claim your bonus and begin placing your March Madness wagers.
How to bet on March Madness online in IL
When you’re prepared to make a bet on March Madness, you’ll need a reputable and regulated sportsbook to facilitate the transaction. All of the sportsbooks we suggest fulfill this criteria. Additionally, starting the process is quick and easy.
To get started, click on our links to create an IL betting account and become eligible for exclusive bonus deals. You will then be taken to the registration page where you can input your name, email address, and date of birth.
After ensuring all details are entered correctly, click the submission button to finalize the creation of your new account. Once completed, feel free to navigate through the college basketball betting options. Before you begin, be sure to download the app from the sportsbook’s website for easy access on your device.
Once you have logged into the app, you must make a deposit using one of the available payment options. After completing this step, you can begin placing your bets.
Keep in mind that sports betting odds are subject to rapid changes, especially during March Madness. Different books may offer varying odds, such as BetRivers Illinois and PointsBet Illinois providing different rates.
By registering for multiple online sports books through our links, you will have access to the most competitive odds as soon as they are released.
Bets for NCAA March Madness
Sportsbooks offer odds and lines for every March Madness bracket game, with the main bet types clearly displayed in online listings as follows:
| Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | +1.5 (-110) | +110 | O 139.5 (-110) |
| Duke | -1.5 (-110) | -120 | U 139.5 (-110) |
The primary bet types show the odds next to the team names. Duke is favored by 1.5 points on the spread and also on the moneyline. The predicted total is set at 139.5 points. Let’s briefly go over how these basketball bets work.
- Point Spread: You can choose to bet on the favored team giving up points or the underdog receiving points. Your chosen team must win by more than the spread for your bet to win.
- Moneyline betting is a straightforward way to bet on the winner of a game. Negative odds represent the favorite, while positive odds indicate the underdog.
- Totals: Oddsmakers establish a benchmark for the total points scored in a game, and bettors can place wagers on whether the actual total will be over or under this number.
While all three of these betting types will attract significant interest during March Madness, it’s important to consider other options as well. Here are some alternative ways to place your bets:
- Props, also known as proposition bets, are wagers placed on specific games or the entire tournament, such as predicting which team will perform best in the first half of a game.
- In-play Betting: Place bets on ongoing games with updated spread and moneyline options available in real-time.
- Parlays are a type of bet where multiple selections are combined on one slip. It is a high-risk, high-reward gamble where all picks must be predicted correctly in order to win the bet.
Participating in bracket contests during NCAA March Madness adds to the excitement of the tournament. While single-game betting offers more chances to win, the thrill of predicting outcomes in multiple games can’t be beat. You can also balance both bracket contests and individual game bets for maximum enjoyment.
Which Illinois teams are expected in March Madness this year?
Please note that according to Illinois sports betting regulations, betting on in-state college teams online is not allowed. This means that if any local teams make it to the championship, you will not be able to place bets on them using a mobile device.
Now, you have the opportunity to place bets in person at retail sportsbooks.
While it may not be ideal, you are still able to support them as they advance in the tournament. Additionally, you have the opportunity to travel to Indiana to place your bets.
Which local teams are most likely to qualify for this year’s tournament? According to KenPom, the top-rated teams from Illinois are:
3 best March Madness bets
With the abundance of games during March Madness, betting may appear overwhelming. However, developing a systematic approach and focusing on the games that pique your interest can help simplify the process. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you strategize your March Madness betting:
- Get a Head Start on Futures Betting: Start looking at futures odds for the Final Four and national champion as soon as they are released in the offseason. Stay on top of these numbers and continue to monitor them throughout the season. If you can find good prices early on for a team that you believe will do well, you could potentially see significant returns if they end up winning it all. <br><br>Be Prepared for Upsets in the Early Rounds: The excitement of March Madness is amplified by the unpredictability of the first two rounds. Keep an eye on lower-seeded teams that are performing strongly, especially against higher seeds that may have barely made it into the tournament. While top seeds typically have high win rates, upsets can and do happen. <br><br>Don’t shy away from using the Moneyline: While the moneyline may not seem enticing in games where one team is clearly superior, it can be a useful tool in close matchups. Despite its reputation, odds of -200 or less should not be overlooked. For example, a $100 bet at this rate could result in a 50% return if successful.
We emphasized the necessity of closely monitoring the odds in the futures market, and the same principle applies to individual game bets. The odds for March Madness are released well in advance of the games, and it is common for the betting line to change.
Monitor the line shifts to track the direction of the money flow. Additionally, be sure to shop around and compare prices from different sportsbooks. For example, DraftKings may have better odds for one game, while Caesars might offer the best odds for another.
3 worst March Madness betting mistakes
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do, especially when it comes to sports betting. Mistakes and bad decisions are inevitable, but recognizing and avoiding them is key to success in this area.
When it comes to betting, there are certain pitfalls to avoid, especially if you know what to look out for. Here are three potential traps to steer clear of as you prepare to bet on March Madness:
- Don’t Overextend Yourself: We know the excitement of events like March Madness can make you want to increase your bets. But it’s important to avoid this temptation. Stick to what you’re comfortable with, both in the number of bets you make and the amount of money you wager.
- Title: The Importance of Focused Research in Handicapping <br><br>Description: A well-structured handicapping system has the potential to greatly increase your profits. Conversely, unfocused research may have a detrimental impact on your bottom line. To maximize the benefits of your research efforts, it is crucial to focus on key factors that have a significant impact on game outcomes. Avoid information overload and instead concentrate on the aspects that truly matter in making informed decisions.
- Neglecting to Compare Betting Lines: Even a small difference in a spread or total can have a big impact on your results. The same goes for slight variations in the moneyline. If you’re not comparing betting lines when making your game analysis, you’re not approaching it the right way. Make sure to always look for the best odds before placing any bets.
To avoid the mistakes mentioned earlier, it is important to have a carefully planned strategy for March Madness. It is crucial to establish a budget for your bets and decide on the number of games you will wager on in each round.
Allocate a set portion of your bankroll for individual game wagers, and set aside some for prop bets and live betting. Determine a manageable amount for each game, then focus on your top picks.
What are March Madness bracket contests?
The release of the March Madness bracket is a highly anticipated moment in the college basketball season, as it unveils the tournament’s schedule and lays the groundwork for various competitions.
Bracket contests vary in complexity, from casual competitions at work or a nearby bar to more elaborate online versions. While some online contests are free to participate in, others may require an entry fee. In any case, the competitor with the top-scoring bracket has the opportunity to win prizes.
While the free contests can be fun, the bigger ones attract a large crowd, making it tough to stand out and win. In contrast, paid contests with fewer participants provide a better chance of success.
Sports betting apps and online sportsbooks provide contests in both areas. We will soon delve into what to be cautious of. While participating in brackets is a great way to join in on March Madness, betting on the games also has its advantages.
There are a total of 67 games in the NCAA basketball tournament, from the First Four to the national championship game. Each game offers multiple betting options, giving bettors more chances to win money.
Best online March Madness bracket contests
The legalization of sports betting in Illinois is expected to result in top operators going all out during tournament season. Fans can look forward to a wide range of betting markets for all games, as well as the possibility of exciting bracket contests.
While we don’t have all the specifics yet, we can look at the recent actions of top stores in other states. For example, DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook have offered notable free-to-play contests in the past.
These competitions operate in the same way as other bracket contests: you choose the winner of each tournament game. Make sure to finish your bracket before the first game starts. Also, check out our guide on how to predict upsets in March Madness.
Although prizes are available for the winner, it is important to note that free games attract a large number of users, making it difficult to win. Therefore, it is recommended to look for paid contests offered by the top companies.
The top-scoring brackets will receive prizes, with a variety of operators besides DraftKings and FanDuel participating. Keep an eye out for March Madness competitions from Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet, and BetMGM sportsbook in Illinois.
March Madness FAQ
CBS Sports and Turner Sports have the current broadcast rights for the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament, and the games are scheduled to be shown on specific networks.
- First Four: TruTV
- The first and second rounds will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV.
- Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games will be televised on CBS and TBS.
- CBS will air the Final Four games and the Championship game.
You can access all the mentioned networks through various cable, satellite, and streaming services. Additionally, you can watch via the network’s app that is airing the game, but please keep in mind that valid login credentials are usually necessary.
The best course of action at this time is to visit NCAA.com and navigate to the men’s basketball section. You can sign up for updates on the Final Four by providing your email address. As more information on prices and packages is released, you will be notified. When tickets are officially on sale, they should be available through major ticket brokers and resellers.
Prices may vary depending on the year and location, but be prepared to invest at least $200. Keep in mind that this is the starting price and tickets on the resale market may be more expensive. On average, expect to pay between $200 and $300 for tickets, or possibly even more.