NCAA Betting
The NCAA is where the raw passion of college sports meets the thrill of betting. It’s where underdogs shock the world, rivalries become legends, and buzzer-beaters define seasons. Whether you’re betting on the March Madness spectacle, backing your favorite college football team, or taking a shot at lesser-known college baseball or hockey games, betting on NCAA events offers endless excitement.
In this guide, we'll take you through the essentials of NCAA betting, including how to understand the odds, the various types of bets, and specific examples from the 2024 season to help you make informed decisions—and maybe even cash in on those incredible moments that define college sports.
The Rise of NCAA Betting in the United States
With the spread of legalized sports betting across more states in recent years, NCAA betting has skyrocketed in popularity. College sports provide a more unpredictable and emotional dynamic than professional leagues, giving fans countless thrilling opportunities to place wagers. The 2024 NCAA season is no exception, with high-profile matchups, sensational freshman talents, and Cinderella stories turning heads—and wallets—towards NCAA betting.
For many fans, placing a wager on a game isn't just about winning money; it's about proving your knowledge of the game, showing loyalty to your team, or even just adding an extra layer of excitement when watching with friends.
Understanding the Basics: Types of NCAA Bets
Before diving into betting, it's crucial to understand the types of bets available in NCAA football and basketball—the two most popular college sports in America. While these bets can also apply to other sports, let's stick to the marquee matchups to explain the essentials.
1. The Point Spread: Leveling the Playing Field
In NCAA football and basketball, betting on the point spread is the most common way to bet. The point spread levels the playing field between two teams of unequal strength.
For instance, in a 2024 college football game between the powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide and the Vanderbilt Commodores, you might see the following spread:
- Alabama Crimson Tide -20.5
- Vanderbilt Commodores +20.5
This means that Alabama must win by at least 21 points for a bet on them to win. If you bet on Vanderbilt, they need to either win outright or lose by 20 points or fewer for your bet to pay off.
In college basketball, spreads are typically smaller but still play a major role. Let’s say Duke is facing off against North Carolina:
- Duke Blue Devils -7.5
- North Carolina Tar Heels +7.5
If you bet on Duke, they need to win by at least 8 points. If you bet on North Carolina, they can lose by up to 7 points, and your bet still wins.
2. Moneyline: Picking a Winner
The moneyline bet is straightforward—you’re simply betting on which team will win the game outright. In college sports, moneyline odds can vary greatly, especially when powerhouse teams face off against heavy underdogs.
For example, if Ohio State plays against a smaller school, the moneyline might look like this:
- Ohio State: -500
- Smaller School: +400
A $500 bet on Ohio State would yield $100 in profit if they win. On the other hand, if you believe in the magic of an underdog upset and bet $100 on the smaller school at +400, you’d win $400 if they pulled off the unlikely victory.
3. Over/Under (Totals): Predicting the Score
The over/under bet involves predicting whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number. This is popular in high-scoring sports like college basketball, where games often have fluctuating and unpredictable outcomes.
Let’s look at a 2024 March Madness matchup between Gonzaga and UCLA with a total set at 155.5 points:
- If you bet on the over, you need the total points scored by both teams to be 156 or more.
- If you bet on the under, you need 155 points or fewer to be scored for your bet to win.
4. Prop Bets: Getting Creative
Prop bets (or proposition bets) let you bet on specific outcomes within a game. This can include individual player performance, the number of three-pointers made, or whether a game will go into overtime.
For example, in a game involving Kentucky Wildcats, a prop bet could be on whether Player A will score more than 20.5 points. These bets are particularly fun during March Madness, where breakout performances and unexpected heroics are the norm.
5. Futures Bets: Long-Term Predictions
Futures bets involve betting on an outcome far in advance, such as picking the 2024 NCAA Basketball Champion or the winner of the College Football Playoff. These bets can offer big payouts, especially if you correctly pick an underdog to win it all.
For example, betting on TCU to win the College Football National Championship at +8000 could yield a significant payout if they pull off the ultimate Cinderella story.
2024 NCAA Betting Examples: Real Scenarios for Real Wins
To give you a taste of how these betting types play out, let’s explore some specific 2024 scenarios.
1. March Madness: Cinderella vs. Goliath
During March Madness 2024, the 12-seed Belmont Bruins faced off against the 5-seed Michigan State Spartans. The spread was:
- Michigan State -8.5
- Belmont +8.5
Many bettors were aware of the Bruins' history of upsetting higher-seeded teams. Betting on Belmont to cover the spread at +8.5 proved profitable as they narrowly lost by 6 points, keeping the game close to the very end.
Additionally, the over/under was set at 145.5 points, and with both teams trading buckets, the final score reached 153, hitting the over and cashing in for those who expected a high-scoring shootout.
2. College Football: The Red River Rivalry
One of the biggest rivalries in college football—Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners—is always a favorite for bettors. In the 2024 showdown, the odds looked like this:
- Texas Longhorns: +110
- Oklahoma Sooners: -130
- Total Points: Over/Under 68.5
The Sooners entered as slight favorites, but a bet on the Longhorns to win outright paid +110. Texas ultimately pulled off the upset, securing a 38-35 victory. The over 68.5 points also hit, thanks to both teams’ explosive offenses lighting up the scoreboard.
3. NCAA Hockey: Frozen Four Action
College hockey might not get as much attention as football or basketball, but betting on the Frozen Four offers a unique thrill. In 2024, Boston University took on Minnesota, with the following odds:
- Boston University: -115
- Minnesota: +105
The game went into overtime, with Minnesota ultimately prevailing. Bettors who took Minnesota at +105 enjoyed the spoils of an underdog victory in a nail-biting affair.
Strategies for Successful NCAA Betting
Betting on NCAA sports is different from betting on the pros. Here are some strategies to improve your chances:
1. Do Your Research on Teams and Players
College teams are far less predictable than professional squads, largely due to the high turnover of players and the inconsistency that comes with youth. Make sure to study the team stats, player matchups, and injuries. Knowing whether a star player is injured or a freshman phenom is taking over can be the difference between a winning and losing bet.
2. Home-Field Advantage
College sports are notorious for home-field advantage. A packed stadium full of raucous college students can make all the difference, whether it’s Death Valley in LSU for football or Cameron Indoor Stadium for basketball. Betting on the home team in a big rivalry game often comes with added value.
3. Look for Value in Underdogs
One of the joys of NCAA betting is the prevalence of upsets. If you’re betting on March Madness or a regular-season college football game, don’t be afraid to take a shot on an underdog. The volatility of college sports often means that teams get undervalued, and taking the points or even betting the moneyline can lead to big payouts.
4. Pay Attention to Coaching
College sports are heavily influenced by coaching. Unlike in the pros, where talent often outweighs tactics, a great coach can elevate a team to new heights. Whether it’s a legendary basketball coach like Mike Krzyzewski or a tactical mastermind like Nick Saban, understanding the impact of coaching can help guide your bets.
Advanced Betting Options: Parlays, Props, and Live Betting
Once you understand the basics, you can step up your betting game with more advanced options.
1. Parlays: Bigger Risk, Bigger Reward
Parlay betting allows you to combine multiple bets into a single wager for a larger payout. However, all parts of the parlay need to win for you to cash in. For example:
- Alabama to cover -20.5 vs. Auburn (-110)
- Gonzaga to win outright (-200)
- Over 145.5 points in Kentucky vs. UCLA (-110)
The potential payout for this parlay is significantly higher than betting on each game individually, but if even one bet loses, the entire wager fails.
2. Prop Bets: Get Specific
Prop bets are popular in NCAA basketball, especially during March Madness. You might bet on how many points a player will score, or which team will reach 20 points first. These bets are great for adding excitement to games and focusing on individual performances.
3. Live Betting: Adjusting to the Game
Live betting lets you place wagers during the game. If you notice Michigan struggling in the first half against Ohio State but think they’ll turn it around, betting on them at improved odds during the game could yield better returns. College games are often full of momentum shifts, making live betting particularly appealing.
Bankroll Management: Staying in the Game
Betting on college sports can be unpredictable, and it’s crucial to manage your bankroll effectively. Set a budget for each game or each week, and avoid chasing losses. Experienced bettors recommend betting 1-3% of your bankroll per bet to protect yourself from the inevitable variance that comes with betting on the youth and unpredictability of college sports.
Wrapping It Up: Betting on the NCAA in 2024
The 2024 NCAA season has already brought us unforgettable moments, incredible upsets, and thrilling finishes—and betting on these games only heightens the excitement. From the buzzer-beaters of March Madness to the high-stakes drama of college football rivalries, understanding the basics of NCAA betting, employing smart strategies, and sticking to a solid bankroll plan can elevate your experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor looking to fine-tune your approach or a newcomer eager to get in on the action, the college sports betting landscape is full of opportunities. Just remember to bet responsibly, enjoy the game, and revel in the joy that only college sports can bring.