Ryan Murphy
• Managing Editor
27+ years betting experience
Updated:
Apr 5, 2026 , 09:51 PM ET
• 3 min read
March Madness is one of the biggest betting events on the North American sporting calendar. Find out how to make the most of this annual hoops spectacle!
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
Eternal glory is on the line for Michigan and UConn, as the two storied programs duke it out on Monday night in the 2026 National Championship Game.
Get the latest tournament news, betting odds, and expert insight ahead of their eagerly anticipated showdown in Indianapolis.
March Madness 2026 schedule
| Event | Date | Location(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Sunday | March 15 | — |
| First Four | March 17-18 | UD Arena (Dayton, OH) |
| First Round | March 19-20 | Various |
| Second Round | March 21-22 | Various |
| Sweet 16 | March 26-27 | Toyota Center (Houston, TX); SAP Center (San Jose, CA); United Center (Chicago, IL); Capital One Arena (Washington, DC) |
| Elite Eight | March 28-29 | Toyota Center (Houston, TX); SAP Center (San Jose, CA); United Center (Chicago, IL); Capital One Arena (Washington, DC) |
| Final Four | April 4 | Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) |
| National Championship Game | April 6 | Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) |
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March Madness odds
One of the most popular ways to bet on March Madness is to pick which team will win. From favorites to long shots, bracket sleepers follow the tournament odds all season long.
Duke entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, but the Blue Devils’ shocking, last-second loss to the UConn Huskies has opened the door for Michigan.
The Wolverines have scored 90 points or more in every game during March Madness and have not lost since January 10.
All things bracket
March Madness revolves around the bracket, and we’ve got you covered from all angles:
March Madness props
Prop betting is becoming increasingly popular as regulated sports betting expands throughout the US. We’re excited about the variety of March Madness props that will be offered, and we can’t wait to cash in on the First-to-5 prop!
Tournament MVP
Betting on the most outstanding player of the NCAA Tournament is a relatively new futures market that is gaining popularity each year due to the big plus-money odds available on pretty much every player.
Odds as of 4-5.
It should be no surprise to see Aday Mara at the top of the odds board. The Wolverines big man showed out in Michigan’s dominant win over Arizona, scoring a game-high 26 points and grabbing nine boards.
March Madness picks
With so many games and so many betting markets available, there are always value picks to be found. March Madness features 67 games, and Covers’ betting analysts will deliver a plethora of March Madness picks, full of smart betting options for you to consider.
Best Bonuses
Along with our best March Madness betting sites, check out the best March Madness bonuses available for the tournament.
March Madness trends
As you build your bracket and handicap tournament games, you’ll hear about many trends. Some of these are legit, and others should be dismissed. Jason Logan breaks down some of the March Madness trends, with three you can trust and three you should avoid.
March Madness upsets
A big upset in the early rounds is a staple of March Madness. And there is no better feeling than holding a ticket on a massive underdog and then watching as it cashes in. That’s why we’ve put together a dedicated March Madness upsets page, with the Top 10 betting upsets this century and tips on how to spot an upset before it happens.
March Madness for beginners
New to March Madness betting? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to bet on March Madness with our beginner’s guide, and then dig deeper with intermediate and advanced strategies so that you’re making the smartest bets possible.
March Madness betting sites
March Madness is one of the most popular times of the year for sports bettors, making it one of the busiest times of the year for online sportsbooks. Every betting site will offer March Madness odds, but the top sites are safe and secure, offer a wide range of banking options, and give you a ton of markets for each game. Check out the best March Madness betting sites in your region.
Past March Madness winners
March Madness betting FAQs
Yes, as long as sports betting is legal in your region.
March Madness begins with Selection Sunday on March 15 and ended withe NCAA Championship on April 6, 2026.
March Madness 2026 games will be held in arenas across the U.S. including in Houston, San Jose, Chicago, and Washington. The Final Four and National Championship will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The Florida Gators won the 2025 NCAA Tournament.