How to Bet on College Basketball

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

  1. Current Matchup Odds
  2. Straight Bets
  3. Exotic Bets
  4. Championship & Conference Futures
  5. College Basketball Season Win Totals
  6. College Basketball Standings
  7. Live College Basketball Odds

Current Matchups

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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
  1. Kansas is the -4 point favorite.
  2. Favorite bettors risk $112 to win $100 on Kansas.
  3. North Carolina is the +4 point underdog.
  4. 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
  1. The Over-Under Total line is 151.5.
  2. Over bettors believe the final total will be greater than 151.5. They risk $109 to win $100.
  3. 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
  1. North Carolina is the underdog. Risk $100 to win $160.
  2. 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.

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

  1. Select 2-15 point spreads, totals, moneylines, or a combination of all three.
  2. Matchups from other sports like football, hockey, soccer, or baseball can be included.
  3. All selections must be correct to win.
  4. 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

  1. Select 2-7 point spreads, moneylines, totals, or combinations of all three from one or more different sports leagues.
  2. Your next selection sees action if the previous one wins.
  3. 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.

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

  1. Parlay Cards are readily available at Las Vegas sports books. Bet “off the board” parlays at online sportsbooks.
  2. Review all matchups and player props. Make 3-12 selections. Fill out your card carefully.
  3. Ties are subject to the parlay card’s rules. Ties aren’t possible with ½ point parlay cards.
  4. 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

College Basketball Prop Bets - Next 15 Games
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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

  1. Select the game or event from your sportsbook’s list of upcoming matchups.
  2. Each prop bet outcome will have moneyline odds.
  3. Make a selection and bet your desired amount.
  4. 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 Championship Odds

2023-24 NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Odds

Team
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Kansas
Duke
Purdue
UConn
Michigan State
Kentucky
Houston
Arizona
Tennessee
Texas
Arkansas
Marquette
Creighton
Gonzaga
North Carolina
Villanova
Alabama
UCLA
Baylor
Miami (FL)

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

2023-24 College Basketball PAC-12 Season Win Totals
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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



2022-2023 College Basketball Regular Season A-10 Conference Standings
Team W-L Win% Home Away Conf CGB Conf% Strk
VCU27-80.77115-38-315-3-0.833L1
Fordham25-80.75818-26-512-6+30.667L1
Dayton22-120.64714-25-612-6+30.667L1
Saint Louis21-120.63615-34-712-6+30.667L1
Duquesne20-130.60616-43-710-8+50.556L3
George Mason20-130.60614-24-711-7+40.611L1
Davidson16-160.5007-86-68-10+70.444L1
George Washington16-160.50011-65-610-8+50.556L2
Saint Joseph's16-170.48510-64-78-10+70.444L1
UMass15-160.4848-63-86-12+90.333L1
Richmond15-180.45512-41-117-11+80.389L1
La Salle15-190.4418-75-87-11+80.389L1
St. Bonaventure14-180.43811-42-118-10+70.444L2
Loyola Chicago10-210.3236-83-84-14+110.222L1
Rhode Island9-220.2907-91-105-13+100.278L2

College Basketball Odds Comparisons

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.
  • 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.
  • March Madness Over Under Trends – Our classic study looks at over-under total betting trends for the tournament broken down by seed and conference to identify unique betting opportunities.