How to Bet on College Basketball: A Complete Beginner's Guide
What is College Basketball Betting?
College basketball betting involves wagering on the outcomes of NCAA Division I men's basketball games. With hundreds of teams and a season that culminates in the highly anticipated March Madness tournament, college basketball offers a dynamic and exciting betting experience for fans and bettors alike.
Basic Rules and Format
The college basketball season is divided into the regular season, conference tournaments, and the NCAA Tournament (March Madness). The regular season runs from November to early March, with teams playing a schedule of conference and non-conference games. Conference tournaments are held in early March to determine conference champions, and the NCAA Tournament is a 68-team single-elimination tournament that crowns the national champion.
Types of Bets Available
College basketball betting offers a variety of wager types, including:
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Point Spread: The most common way to bet on college basketball. The sportsbook sets a margin of victory for the favored team. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can win the bet by winning the game or losing by less than the spread.
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Moneyline: A simple bet on which team will win the game outright.
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Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored by both teams in a game.
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Prop Bets (Propositions): Bets on specific events within a game, such as a player's total points or a team's total rebounds.
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Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes like which team will win the national championship.
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Parlays: A single bet that combines multiple individual wagers. All wagers in the parlay must win for the bet to pay out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Bet
- Choose a Sportsbook: Select a legal and reputable online sportsbook.
- Create an Account: Sign up and deposit funds.
- Find the College Basketball Section: Navigate to the college basketball or NCAAB section.
- Select a Game: Choose the game you want to bet on.
- Choose Your Bet: Select your desired bet type (point spread, moneyline, etc.).
- Enter Your Wager: Decide how much you want to bet.
- Confirm Your Bet: Review your bet slip and confirm your wager.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Betting on Every Televised Game: Don't feel obligated to bet on every game that's on TV. Be selective and only bet on games where you have a clear edge.
- Ignoring Situational Factors: Pay attention to factors like travel, scheduling, and motivation, as they can have a significant impact on game outcomes.
- Not Shopping for the Best Lines: Different sportsbooks can have slightly different odds. Over time, getting the best line can make a big difference to your bottom line.
- Chasing Losses: Don't increase your bet size to try and win back money you've lost. This is a quick way to deplete your bankroll.
Tips for Beginners
- Specialize in a Conference: With so many teams, it can be overwhelming to follow them all. Focus on a specific conference to gain a deeper understanding of the teams and their tendencies.
- Pay Attention to KenPom Ratings: KenPom is a popular college basketball analytics site that provides advanced metrics that can be helpful for handicapping games.
- Look for Value in Mid-Majors: Don't just focus on the big-name programs. There can be a lot of value in betting on mid-major teams that are overlooked by the general public.
- Have Fun and Bet Responsibly: Set a budget and stick to it. Sports betting should be a fun and entertaining activity.