Learn how to bet on college basketball. Our college basketball betting guide explains point spread, total, and moneyline bets. You’ll also learn about college basketball exotic bets like parlays and props. Next, catch up on the latest National Championship futures odds below. Finally, review season win totals for major college basketball conferences.
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Table of Contents
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How to Bet on College Basketball
This tutorial has two sections. The first contains common college basketball straight bets. These include the point spread, over-under total, and moneyline bets. Winning sports bettors should stick to these bets. They’re the most profitable in the long haul.
The second section discusses exotic college basketball bets. These include the parlay, if bet win-only, parlay card, and props. Careful, all of these bets come with a higher house edge. Smart handicappers only place these wagers when they think they have an advantage.
College Basketball Straight Bets
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How a College Basketball Point Spread Bet Works
A point spread bet is made on the expected score difference. The point spread line attempts to equalize two mismatched competitors. Favorite teams give points to the underdog. The underdog takes points from the favorite.
Sportsbooks commonly offer point spreads for the game, 1st half, and 2nd half. Major events like the National Championship may get point spreads for each quarter.
Placing a Point Spread Bet
Select “Point Spread” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. Next, select a game segment: game, 1st half, 2nd half, or quarter. Finally, select either the favorite or the underdog.
Pick the Favorite or the Underdog
Taking the Underdog
Underdogs have a plus sign next to their point spread line. An underdog bet wins if the final score difference is less than the spread. A +11.5 point underdog must win outright or not lose by more than 11 points.
Taking the Favorite
Favorites have a minus sign next to their point spread line. A bet on the favorite wins if the final score difference is greater than the spread. An -8 point favorite must win by 9 or more for your bet to win.
College Basketball Point Spread Example
| Point Spread Game | Line & Odds |
|---|---|
North Carolina
Kansas
4/04/22 9:20pm EDT | +4 -108 -4 -112 |
- Kansas is the -4 point favorite.
- Favorite bettors risk $112 to win $100 on Kansas.
- North Carolina is the +4 point underdog.
- Underdog bettors risk $108 to win $100 on North Carolina.
Example Result: Kansas wins 72 – 66.
The final score difference is 6 points. 6 points is greater than the 4 point spread. That means all favorite bettors win.
If North Carolina lost by 3 points or fewer, or won outright, all underdog bettors would win.
Note: Tie bets are possible when the point spread is a whole number like 4, 8, 9, or 10. Your bet will be returned if the final score difference equals the spread. This is also called a push. All bets will be refunded.
No NCAABB Game Market Live Example TBD: Check back soon!
More Point Spread Info
Watch our spread betting video and read our spread bet tutorial. You’ll also find betting strategies, spread to moneyline conversions, and other insights.
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How a College Basketball Total Bet Works
A total bet line combines the estimated final scores of each team including overtime. Sportsbooks may also offer total lines for a half or a quarter. You bet on whether the actual result will be Over or Under the sportsbook’s line.
Placing an Over-Under Total Bet
Select “Over-Under Total” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. Next, select a game segment: game, 1st half, or 2nd half. Finally, select either the over or the under.
Pick the Over or the Under
Taking the Over
Over will be abbreviated as “o”. A bet on the Over wins if the final total is greater than the sportsbook’s line. For example, consider a 155 point total line. If the actual game total is 162, over bettors win.
Taking the Under
Under will be abbreviated as “u”. A bet on the Under wins if the final total is les than the sportsbook’s line. Consider again a 155 point total line. If the actual game total is 147, under bettors win.
College Basketball Total Example
| Total Game | Line & Odds |
|---|---|
North Carolina
Kansas
4/04/22 9:20pm EDT | 151.5 o -109 151.5 u -110 |
- The Over-Under Total line is 151.5.
- Over bettors believe the final total will be greater than 151.5. They risk $109 to win $100.
- Under bettors believe the final total will be less than 151.5. They risk $110 to win $100.
Example Result: Final point total is 156.
The 156 point final point total is over the sportsbook’s 151.5 line. That means all over bettors win.
If the final point total was 151 or fewer, all under bettors would win.
Note: Tie bets are possible when the total is a whole number like 136, 142, 150, or 166. Your bet will be returned if the final point total equals the line. This is also called a push. All bets will be refunded.
More Over-Under Total Info
Our total betting video makes the over under bet easy to understand. The reference section explains how to calculate the value for the opposite side of the line when sportsbooks charge more than -110 juice. Note, most sportsbooks provide juice for both sides of a line at their websites. Calculating the opposite side is only necessary when viewing condensed third party odds tables.
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How a College Basketball Moneyline Bet Works
A moneyline bet is placed on a team or side to win the game outright. No point spread is involved. Some sportsbooks also offer moneylines for the 1st half, 2nd half, or quarter.
Favorite
The favorite will have a minus number. A minus number indicates how much you risk to win $100.
Underdog
The underdog will have a plus number. A plus number indicates how much you win for risking $100.
Placing a Moneyline Bet
Select “Moneyline” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. It may also be abbreviated as “ML”. Next, select a game segment: game, 1st half, 2nd half, or quarter. Finally, select either the favorite or the underdog.
Sportsbooks include the juice in each moneyline. They usually add 10 cents commission to each side. A -220 true odds favorite would get a -230 line, while a +150 true odds underdog would get a +140 line.
College Basketball Moneyline Example
| Moneyline Game | Line & Odds |
|---|---|
North Carolina
Kansas
4/04/22 9:20pm EDT | +160 -205 |
- North Carolina is the underdog. Risk $100 to win $160.
- Kansas is the favorite. Risk $205 to win $100.
Example Result: Kansas wins.
All favorite Kansas bettors win. All underdog North Carolina bettors lose.
Note: If the game ties, all moneyline bets push. All bets will be refunded.
More Moneyline Info
Our moneyline video explains this bet completely. The entire moneyline tutorial also includes useful tips and strategies. Use the reference section to convert Moneyline odds to equivalent Fractional or Decimal values. Note required break even percentages for moneyline odds.
How to Bet on College Basketball
Time needed: 4 minutes
How to Bet on College Basketball
- Open a new sports betting account for this college basketball season.
Review our list of sports betting sites. Open a new account and deposit money before your game begins. Don’t forget to add your bonus code.
- Tap to the sportsbook’s College Basketball page, then look for game you want to bet on.
Navigate to the sportsbook’s College Basketball page. Next, look for live or upcoming matchups. You’ll also see futures odds, season win total odds, and prop bets.
- Handicap your game, then review the sportsbook’s betting lines and odds.
Do your own handicapping and see whether it matches the sportsbook’s betting lines and odds. Consider fading the public by tracking current public betting trends. Identify the best wager for your prediction, reviewing alternate betting lines if necessary.
- Place a bet before the game begins.
Place a point spread, total, moneyline, or prop bet on the side you think will win before the game begins.
- The sportsbook will grade your wager after the game.
Your sportsbook will grade the wager after the game is over, including any overtime. Any winnings will be deposited to your account.
Exotic College Basketball Bets
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College Basketball Parlay Betting
A parlay bet combines 2 or more selections into one bet. Point spreads, over-under totals, moneylines, and some prop bets are commonly combined to make a parlay bet.
How to Place a College Basketball Parlay Bet
- Select 2-15 point spreads, totals, moneylines, or a combination of all three.
- Matchups from other sports like football, hockey, soccer, or baseball can be included.
- All selections must be correct to win.
- Each tie reduces a parlay payout by 1 selection. For example, a 3 selection parlay with 1 tie becomes a 2 selection parlay.
More Parlay Bet Info
Our parlay betting tutorial explains this bet in detail with examples and suggested betting options. Learn what happens when one or more parlay selections tie.
The reference section discusses the difference between standard parlay odds and true odds.
Winning bettors should always choose the parlay over separate straight bets. Your +EV (expected value) is much higher for a winning parlay.
College Basketball If Bet Win-Only
An if bet win-only is a sequence of 2-7 straight bet selections. The next selection only sees action if the previous selection wins.
Think of an if bet win-only as a simple chain of “if – then” statements. If my first selection wins, then my second selection sees action. If my second selection wins, then my third selection sees action, etc.
Why place an if bet win-only bet?
Make multiple bets when you only have money for one. That makes if bets ideal for players with small bankrolls.
The if bet win-only is a single action wager.
How to Place a College Basketball If Bet Win-Only
- Select 2-7 point spreads, moneylines, totals, or combinations of all three from one or more different sports leagues.
- Your next selection sees action if the previous one wins.
- The sportsbook will grade a tie selection as a loss.
College Basketball If Bet Win-Only Example
Let’s place a 2 selection if bet win-only. We’ll risk $110 on the first selection. Note how the odds affect the potential payout.
Arizona +11.5 -110 Point Spread
UConn vs. Pittsburgh 152 o -110 Total
The following tables show different outcomes depending on each selection’s result. Remember, the sequence ends after the first losing selection.
This table shows the Win/Loss result when both selections win.
| Selection | Result | Risk/Win | Total Win/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona +11.5 -110 Point Spread |
Win | $110 Risk $100 Win |
$100 |
| UConn vs. Pittsburgh o 152 -110 Total |
Win | $110 Risk $100 Win |
$200 ($100 + $100) |
The second selection, UConn vs. Pittsburgh o 152, sees action after the first selection won.
You win $200 for risking $110 because both selections were correct.
More If Bet Win-Only Info
Our helpful if bet win-only tutorial offers an in-depth explanation of this bet.
The reference section compares the performance of 2 losing straight bets versus a losing 2-selection if bet win-only.
Hint: A losing if bet win-only is less costly than separate losing straight bets. The if-then sequence ends after the first loss while separate straight bets cannot be canceled.
College Basketball Parlay Card Betting
A sportsbook will create a list of point spreads, totals, or player props from one or more leagues. The list will be printed on paper for in-person betting or found on a sportsbook’s website for online betting.
Your parlay card wins if all your selections win. A tie selection counts as a win if you bet a “ties win” parlay card.
Your parlay card loses if any of your selections lose. It also loses if you bet a “ties lose” parlay card and one of your selections tied.
Sportsbooks offer 3 types of parlay cards. Rules and payouts vary for each:
- ½ Point Parlay Card (most common)
- Ties Win Parlay Card
- Ties Lose Parlay Card
A common parlay card minimum bet is $2. Parlay card maximum bets will be subject to sportsbook approval. Most players bet less than $100 per card. Maximum payout amounts range $100,000 – $200,000.
How to Bet a College Basketball Parlay Card
- Parlay Cards are readily available at Las Vegas sports books. Bet “off the board” parlays at online sportsbooks.
- Review all matchups and player props. Make 3-12 selections. Fill out your card carefully.
- Ties are subject to the parlay card’s rules. Ties aren’t possible with ½ point parlay cards.
- Return to the sportsbook with your winning receipt or stub to collect winnings. You may also collect your winnings by mail.
More Parlay Card Info
Our parlay card tutorial offers a comprehensive explanation of this popular exotic bet. It also includes an image of a real parlay card. Review each parlay card’s potential payouts. The more selections you make, the more you can win.
Each payout is fixed in advance. Be sure to read the rules. Carefully review minimums for prop bet cards, contingencies for tie bets, and how to claim your winnings.
Important: Parlay cards are like lottery tickets. They must be filled out completely. Bubble-in your selections with a good pencil or pen. Retain the card until all matchups have finished.
Note the redemption mailing address. Winning cards can be mailed in for a return check.
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College Basketball Prop Betting
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A prop or proposition bet is side bet placed on an event that isn’t dependent on the game’s final outcome.
Common prop bets are for whether a particular event will occur or not. One side of the bet will be “Yes”, the other side “No”. The sportsbook will offer odds for each outcome.
College Basketball Season Win Totals
Season win totals are a combination prop and future bet. These bets are available before the season begins.
How to Place a College Basketball Prop Bet
- Select the game or event from your sportsbook’s list of upcoming matchups.
- Each prop bet outcome will have moneyline odds.
- Make a selection and bet your desired amount.
- Your bet wins if you picked the correct outcome.
Note: Some props cannot be added to parlays.
More Prop Bet Info
Read our expansive prop betting article. These bets are popular with knowledgeable sports handicappers if the numbers are right.
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College Basketball Futures
|
Team | BetMGM |
BetRivers |
|---|---|---|
| UConn | -190 Bet | -230 Bet |
| Purdue | +210 Bet | +190 Bet |
| NC State | +1600 Bet | +2000 Bet |
| Alabama | +1800 Bet | +1800 Bet |
College Basketball Win Totals
The season win total is part prop, part future hybrid. The plus and minus values assign odds to either side of the team’s win total line. This bet functions like a total bet. Choose either over or under the sportsbook’s line.
Example Pittsburgh Regular Season Wins
- 13.5 u -150
- 13.5 o +120
This win total line includes ½ games. That means no tie bets are possible.
Options:
Risk $100 to win $120 that Pittsburgh wins more than 13.5 games. A result of 14 or more wins.
Risk $150 to win $100 that Pittsburgh wins less than 13.5 games. A result of 13 or fewer wins.
Handicap each team’s schedule. A historically strong team with an easy schedule suggests a winning final record. If you think they’ll win more games than the sportsbook’s line, bet over.
Season Win Totals for Major College Basketball Conferences
| BetMGM Bet |
|---|
Tip
Place small bets. Your money will be tied up until the wager can be graded. This commonly happens at the end of the season. Or, when the team can no longer win enough games to exceed the win line. Then the under wins.
College Basketball Standings
| Team | W-L | Win% | Home | Away | Conf | CGB | Conf% | Strk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton | 25-8 | 0.758 | 15-0 | 6-5 | 14-4 | +1 | 0.778 | L1 |
| Loyola Chicago | 23-10 | 0.697 | 15-2 | 7-5 | 15-3 | - | 0.833 | L2 |
| Richmond | 23-10 | 0.697 | 15-1 | 7-6 | 15-3 | - | 0.833 | L3 |
| Duquesne | 25-12 | 0.676 | 13-4 | 5-6 | 10-8 | +5 | 0.556 | L1 |
| UMass | 20-11 | 0.645 | 13-3 | 4-6 | 11-7 | +4 | 0.611 | L1 |
| VCU | 24-14 | 0.632 | 13-6 | 7-5 | 11-7 | +4 | 0.611 | L1 |
| George Mason | 20-12 | 0.625 | 14-3 | 5-7 | 9-9 | +6 | 0.500 | L1 |
| St. Bonaventure | 20-13 | 0.606 | 11-4 | 5-6 | 9-9 | +6 | 0.500 | L1 |
| Saint Joseph's | 21-14 | 0.600 | 14-3 | 3-10 | 9-9 | +6 | 0.500 | L2 |
| La Salle | 16-17 | 0.485 | 11-6 | 3-10 | 6-12 | +9 | 0.333 | L1 |
| Davidson | 15-17 | 0.469 | 9-7 | 4-8 | 5-13 | +10 | 0.278 | L6 |
| George Washington | 15-17 | 0.469 | 12-6 | 1-9 | 4-14 | +11 | 0.222 | L2 |
| Fordham | 13-20 | 0.394 | 6-11 | 4-6 | 6-12 | +9 | 0.333 | L1 |
| Saint Louis | 13-20 | 0.394 | 8-8 | 3-9 | 5-13 | +10 | 0.278 | L1 |
| Rhode Island | 12-20 | 0.375 | 9-8 | 3-8 | 6-12 | +9 | 0.333 | L1 |
College Basketball Matchups
- Purdue vs UConn Basketball Odds
- Alabama vs UConn Basketball Odds
- NC State vs Purdue Basketball Odds
- Indiana State vs Seton Hall Basketball Odds
- Georgia vs Seton Hall Basketball Odds
- Utah vs Indiana State Basketball Odds
College Basketball Betting FAQs
The most popular college basketball straight bets are the point spread, over-under total, and moneyline. The vast majority of college basketball bettors use these wagers to have a profitable season.
The most popular college basketball exotic bets include the parlay, if bet, parlay card, and prop bet. While serious sports bettors don’t place exotic wagers as often as straight bets, they can be carefully deployed to capitalize on a good opportunity. Well placed parlay bets, in particular, can be more profitable for winning sports bettors than straight bets.
We recommend fading the public to determine which team to bet on. When 80% of the betting public is on the favorite team, it’s safe to say the underdog represents a better opportunity. In fact, the point spread line and moneyline odds may be skewed in such a way that an underdog victory would produce a generous payout.
The most common type of college basketball parlay card is the ½ Point Parlay Card. Half-point lines mean your parlay card bet will either win or lose. No ties are possible.
College basketball game prop bets are legal in most US States. While most states prohibit individual player prop bets, a few do allow these bets under certain circumstances. Refer to your sportsbook’s wagering menu and house rules for more information.
If you think a big underdog has a realistic chance of winning the matchup, betting the moneyline almost always offers a higher return than the point spread. For example, a winning -110 point spread bet on a big underdog will pay $100, while a moneyline for the same underdog of +550, +650, or +800 would pay $550, $650 or $800 respectively.
College Basketball Betting Resources
- College Basketball Betting Guide – Learn how to bet on college basketball with point spreads, totals, and moneylines, plus exotic bets like parlays and prop bets.
- College Basketball Betting Sites – We’ve analyzed and reviewed the best legal sportsbooks for college basketball betting.
- College Basketball Odds – Point spread, total, and moneyline odds for upcoming College Basketball games, including March Madness and the Final Four.
- College Basketball Prop Bets – See prop betting lines and odds for upcoming College basketball games, including March Madness and the Final Four.
- College Basketball Futures Odds – Learn more about how to bet on college basketball futures. Review odds to win the National Championship and key D1 college basketball conferences, plus odds to win the John R. Wooden Award.
- Final Four Betting Odds – The latest Final Four futures odds, men’s basketball tournament schedule, matchup odds, and prop bets.
- March Madness Betting Odds – Review odds to win the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament, then learn how to bet on the tournament with the latest matchup lines and odds.
- Basketball Halftime Middling – Learn how to identify halftime middling opportunities that can help you make money betting on college basketball.
- College Basketball Conference Futures Odds – See odds to win college basketball conferences, including the SEC, Pac-12, American, ACC, WCC, Big 10, Big East, and Big 12.
- Undefeated College Basketball Teams – See which teams are still undefeated in the current regular season.
- Early Season College Basketball Betting Tips – The first couple weeks of college basketball present a unique opportunity to get an edge as oddsmakers try to get their lines right. Learn a couple quick ways to improve your NCAA basketball handicapping techniques.