Are you looking forward to betting on another exciting season of college basketball but are unsure which betting site is the best for NCAAB?
You’ve come to the right place. Here, we break down the best college basketball betting sites in 2023.
Competitive odds are essential, but making our list of the best online NCAAB betting sites takes more than that. Basketball betting promos, available markets, betting options (i.e., parlays, same-game parlays, moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, etc.), and other factors also come into play.
Best College Basketball Betting Sites in September 2023
- BetMGM (4.9/5 stars)
- Caesars Sportsbook (4.8/5)
- FanDuel (4.7/5)
- BetRivers (4.6/5)
- Bet365 (4.6/5)
- DraftKings (4.5/5)
The best college basketball betting sites and apps for the 2023-24 season will offer bettors a wide range of markets to wager on, competitive odds, same-game parlays, player props, and much more. We’ll keep an eye out for new offers including a possible ESPN Bet promo code for the upcoming season.
Here’s our review of the best NCAAB betting promo codes and sites to start the new season in the meantime:
Online College Basketball Sportsbooks, Ranked
BetMGM (4.9/5 Stars)
BetMGM Sportsbook is a leader in the sports betting industry and one of the best for betting on college basketball, with competitive odds, a solid welcome bonus, and so many NCAAB betting markets to choose from.
Bettors can find the BetMGM app in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
When you sign up, use our exclusive BetMGM promo code TODAY to get up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets if you don’t win your first wager. Offer is not available in DC, MS, NV, or NY.
BetMGM sits atop our list of mobile NCAAB betting apps because of its competitive odds, the quality of the app, and its generous welcome bonus.
Caesars Sportsbook (4.8/5 Stars)
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the best college basketball sportsbooks as well. Bettors can find it in AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, and WV. When you use our exclusive Caesars Sportsbook promo code TODAY1000 during registration, you’ll receive access to the $1,000 First Bet on Caesars welcome offer!
T&C’s: If the player’s Qualifying Wager is graded as a Loss by Caesars, the Participant will earn a one-time Bonus Bet token equal to the lessor of (1) the full value of the Qualifying Wager or 2) $1,000 (the “Bonus Bet”)
Like the other college basketball sportsbooks on this list, Caesars has a solid app available to bettors on iOS and Android devices, competitive odds, and a great selection of betting markets.
FanDuel (4.7/5)
After becoming an industry leader in daily fantasy sports (DFS), FanDuel expanded and moved into the sportsbook industry. It has since become an industry leader and makes our list of the best college basketball betting apps. Bettors can download the FanDuel app in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY.
You can collect a Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets welcome bonus when signing up for a FanDuel account. Bonus bets can be used on college basketball or another sport of your choice.
BetRivers (4.6/5)
BetRivers makes our list of the best college basketball betting sites because of its competitive odds, welcome bonus, and extensive selection of betting markets. Anyone interested in betting on NCAAB will be glad they chose this app. It’s available in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA, and WV.
To take advantage of its generous welcome bonus (a second-chance bet of up to $500), bettors must use our exclusive BetRivers bonus code TODAYRIV when they sign up. There’s no playthrough requirement for the bonus offer, which makes it one of the better offers across the industry.
Bet365 (4.6/5)
Bet365 is a well-known sports betting brand in international markets but is a relative newcomer to the US, with operations in New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, Iowa, and Virginia. The bet365 Kentucky app will launch when mobile sports betting goes live in the state as well. New users can receive $200 in bonus bets after they make a $1 wager.
The U.K.-based sportsbook makes our list of the best mobile NCAAB betting apps due to its welcome bonus, competitive odds, user-friendly app, live streaming, and a wide variety of betting options.
DraftKings (4.5/5)
Like FanDuel, DraftKings established itself as a DFS leader before expanding into the sports betting industry. Since doing so, it has established a reputation as one of the country’s better college basketball betting sites.
Like the rest of the apps on this list, it’s available to users with iOS and Android devices in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY.
It makes this list because the app is one of the best in the industry, the odds are competitive, there are tons of NCAAB betting markets to choose from and its welcome bonus is one of the best you can find anywhere: a $50 bonus bet and up to a $1,000 deposit match bonus (using our exclusive link to register).
What to Look For in College Basketball Betting Sites
There are a few things bettors should look for when determining which college basketball betting site is right for them. Competitive odds are extremely important. You’ll want to do business with the site that allows you to get more bang for your buck whenever possible.
Since every site tries to keep its odds competitive, there are other factors bettors should look for:
- What is the welcome bonus? Are the terms and conditions easy to meet? How reliable is the app?
- Will you have to worry about losing your connection or the app freezing while you are trying to place a bet?
- Are the betting options limited? Does the site offer a variety of player props along with the standard betting lines? What about the futures markets?
- Are there regular promotions for existing college basketball bettors? What about odds boosts?
You can look for many things in search of the best college basketball betting app, but bettors need first to identify what they want in one.
Welcome Offers & Deposit Bonuses
There are different types of welcome offers and promotions available today. Are you most interested in bonus bets or deposit matches? Pick the sportsbooks that will reward you based on your personal preferences.
| 📱Sportsbook | ⭐️Why We Like It | 💰Promotion | 🎯 Promo Code | 🇺🇸 States With Legal App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📱Caesars Sportsbook | ⭐️ Best for deposit match | 💰Up to $1,000 First Bet on Caesars | 🎯 Click to claim with code TODAY1000 | 🇺🇸 AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV |
| 📱BetMGM Sportsbook | ⭐️ Best for new bettors | 💰Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets | 🎯 Click to claim with code TODAY | 🇺🇸 AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, OH, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY - Note: Offer not available in DC, MS, NV or NY |
| 📱BetRivers | ⭐️ Best for easy deposit bonus | 💰Second Chance Bet Credit up to $500 ($100 in AZ, IA, NY, OH, & WV; $250 in CO & NJ) | 🎯 Click to claim with code TODAYRIV | 🇺🇸 AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV |
| 📱FanDuel Sportsbook | ⭐️ Best overall app (iOS & Android) | 💰Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | 🎯 Click to Claim | 🇺🇸 AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY |
| 📱Bet365 | ⭐️ Best welcome offer | 💰Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets | 🎯 Click to claim | 🇺🇸 CO, IA, KY, NJ, OH & VA |
| 📱PointsBet | Best for advanced bettors | 💰Get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets. | 🎯 Click to claim | CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA & WV |
| 📱DraftKings Sportsbook | ⭐️ Best for ongoing promotions | 💰Claim up to $1,400 in Bonus Offers | 🎯 Click to Claim | 🇺🇸 AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, OH, PA, VA, WV & WY |
Competitive NCAAB Betting Odds & Lines
US sportsbooks display the potential payout on a bet using American odds. American odds put a “+” or “-“sign in front of the payout line on a given bet. The betting line for a game will look something like this:
| Point Spread | Total | Moneyline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UConn | -6.5 | Over 130.5 (-110) | -300 |
| SDST | 6.5 | Under 130.5 (-110) | +240 |
If you were to take UConn to win straight up, you would need to bet $300 to win $100. But if you wanted to go with San Diego State, a $100 bet would win you $240.
So, when line shopping for the best odds, SD State supporters would want the highest number they can find (i.e., +300, +400, etc.) because their bet would result in a higher payday. UConn fans would want a smaller number (i.e., -200, -150, etc.) because shorter odds mean they need to risk less to win bigger.
Regarding point spreads, bettors will want to look for higher or lower numbers, depending on which side of the bet they pick (smaller for favorites; larger for underdogs). But bettors should also consider the odds that come with the spread (-110). They will dictate how much of a payday you’ll receive if your bet is a winner.
Variety of College Basketball Bets Offered
The best college basketball betting apps will offer several ways for bettors to wager on their favorite teams, including:
- Spread
- Total
- Moneyline
- Futures
- Props
- Parlays (and same-game parlays)
- Live Bets
Ongoing NCAAB Promotions
The top online NCAAB sportsbooks will also offer a range of betting promotions once the season gets closer. Stay tuned and be ready to take advantage of multiple sign-up bonuses as well as promotions for existing users.
App Reliability & Ease of Use
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to place a bet only to have the app lag or freeze up on you (especially if you enjoy live betting). The strength of your internet connection plays a key role, but you want an app that is easy to use, operates well, and has few (if any) glitches.
The “best-in-class” college basketball betting apps are reliable and easy to use for every type of bettor.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
The best NCAAB betting apps offer multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. Amongst the options often included are:
- Online banking
- PayPal; there are several PayPal sports betting sites
- Visa/MasterCard debit and credit cards
- ACH (e-Check)
- Wire transfer
- PayNearMe
Flexibility is important for sportsbook users, and the top college basketball sportsbooks offer a variety of banking options.
App Availability
The best college basketball betting apps will be available for iOS or Android devices. While sports betting is now legal in over 30 states, every app is not available in every state. To see which sports betting apps are available in your state, check out Gaming Today’s list of states with legal sports betting.
Customer Support
The best college basketball betting apps offer customer support in various ways, i.e., phone, email, or live chat.
How to Choose a College Basketball Betting Site
When choosing a college basketball betting site or app, bettors must first recognize what they want and what’s more important.
- Do you want the best odds or a more lucrative welcome offer?
- Are you interested in player props, futures, or game lines?
- How important are betting options, like parlays and same-game parlays?
- Should ongoing betting promotions, the site’s reputation, or brand name factor in?
Now it can take some time to do all this research yourself, so we recommend you read our reviews of the best sports betting apps in the country instead. If you have trouble picking one, you can sign up for multiple sites (which makes it easier to line shop and find the best odds for your wagers).
How to Sign Up With College Basketball Betting Apps
- Get started by clicking on our exclusive bonus code link for the sports betting app you wish to join.
- If prompted, select your state and enter the promo code.
- Click the ‘Register’ or ‘Sign Up’ button.
- Enter identity-verifying information, including your address and date of birth.
- Complete registration and deposit at least the minimum amount necessary to claim the welcome offer.
- Download the sportsbook app from the App Store (Apple users) or Google Play Store (Android users).
- Make your first wager.
Most Popular Types of NCAAB Bets
Point Spread
NCAA basketball point spreads give bettors a chance to bet on the margin of victory for a game. For the underdog, the number will come with a ‘+’ and get added to the team’s final score. Spreads for the favorite are listed with a ‘-‘ and must get subtracted from that team’s final score.
Moneyline
Bets on the moneyline are for the winner with no spread involved. The number for underdogs indicates how much the wager will win if you bet $100. For the favorite, the number is how much you need to be to win $100.
Total
This number represents the projected total score of the game. Bettors will wager on whether the score will be over or under the given number.
Parlay
Rather than make several individual wagers, bettors can combine them into one bet called a parlay. Each individual bet (called a ‘leg’) must be a winner for the parlay to pay out. If one leg loses, you lose the parlay. However, since the risk is exponentially greater, so is the potential payout.
Prop Bets
Also known as proposition bets, props are bets on whether a specific event will occur during a game. For example, will Player A record more or less than eight rebounds? Which team will lead after the first quarter?
Several states prohibit or have restrictions on prop bets for college games.
Futures
Futures bets focus on whether something will occur in the future for a team or player. For example, will a team make the Final Four, win their conference, or win the national championship? Which player will win the Naismith Award as men’s college player of the year?
You can bet on some futures all year long and these are really fun ways to join the action beyond betting on an individual game.
College Basketball Betting Sites FAQ
The best betting sites for college basketball will depend partially on what you are looking for, but our favorite legal options include BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, BetRivers, Bet365, and DraftKings.
Yes, it is legal to bet on college basketball games online, but only in states with legal sports betting.
The best online college basketball betting sites and mobile apps can be found at BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, BetRivers, Bet365, and DraftKings. You can also bet in-person at retail sportsbooks near you.
It depends on what you want to bet on. Are you interested primarily in games? Then you will want to check out our NCAAB odds page when the season starts. We recommend bettors do their homework first so they can make an informed decision before shopping for the best odds in order to maximize potential payouts.
The answer to that question may depend on the sportsbook, but one better won $495,000 during March Madness in 2023 when they put $33,000 down on Fairleigh Dickinson (+2200 odds) to beat Purdue. Underdogs tend to win a lot during the March Madness tournament and the payouts can be significantly higher than you’d receive betting on favorites.
College basketball betting is allowed in most states with legal betting, but several states have restrictions when it comes to betting on college sports.
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