Betting on NCAA Basketball
Licensed Michigan operators book everything from college basketball moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, and parlays. They also run bracket contests for March Madness.
NCAAB futures are available year-round and single-game wagering is an option throughout the regular season, conference tournaments and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, otherwise known as March Madness.
Here’s a look at the best college basketball wagers and the top operators willing to take them.
Best College Basketball Betting Sites
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win* *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF Use Bonus Code: PLAYMICH Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win* *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF Use Bonus Code: PLAYMICH Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins Game Lines, Prop Bets & Parlays for Days To Claim: Click Play Now Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins Game Lines, Prop Bets & Parlays for Days To Claim: Click Play Now Up to $500 in Bet Credits ONLY 1x Play Through! Stream Pro Sports on Mobile or Desktop Use Exclusive Affiliate Code: PLAYMICH Up to $500 in Bet Credits ONLY 1x Play Through! Stream Pro Sports on Mobile or Desktop Use Exclusive Affiliate Code: PLAYMICH Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook To Claim: Click Play Now Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook To Claim: Click Play Now Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days! Available on Desktop, Android & iOS Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days! Available on Desktop, Android & iOS Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games
College basketball betting apps
Within the Michigan online sports betting market, you can wager on NCAA basketball with one of many Michigan betting apps, provided you are 21 or over and inside state lines. No other method is more convenient for betting on college basketball lines because you can access these apps and place wagers anywhere inside Michigan with internet access.
You will need to download an app, register for an account, and deposit before you can play. However, the top Michigan sports wagering apps on the market will make this an easy process.
Most apps are available for download to iPhone/iPad and Android devices through operator websites. Signing up for an account requires you to provide a minimal amount of personal and account information, including the following:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Social Security number, or the last four digits
Of course, you’re also going to want to sign up using our exclusive promo code, ensuring you receive the best MI sports betting bonus available.
Finally, you can deposit money in your account using one of several convenient methods of deposit. These include online bank transfers, cash at certain retail locations, credit cards, debit cards, and popular third-party e-wallets like PayPal.
After that, you will be ready to browse through the markets on the app and tap on any wagers you wish to make.
Is it legal to wager on college basketball in Michigan?
Yes! As long as you are 21, inside the state, and working with a licensed Michigan sports wagering operator, you can wager on college basketball in Michigan.
Since no restrictions were placed on NCAA betting inside the state, these laws effectively allow licensed online and retail books to offer moneyline, spread, and totals wagers on every Division I college basketball game. There are also multi-game NCAA basketball parlays, futures allowing you to wager on the eventual winner of the NCAA Tournament, and traditional March Madness bracket contests. In Michigan, college basketball player props are also legal to wager on.
How college basketball wagering works
Basic NCAA basketball wagering is quite easy. Putting traditional March Madness bracket contests aside for a minute, here’s a list of the basic ways you can wager on college basketball:
Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a wager on which team will win the game. All other factors besides the final score are irrelevant. Moneylines are denoted by the three-digit number next to each team’s name. A negative number means that the team is the favorite, and the number listed is how much you’d have to wager in order to win $100. Conversely, a positive number denotes the underdog in the match, and the three-digit number is your payout for a successful $100 wager.
Spread: In this type of wager, you are wagering on how accurately you believe the book has estimated the margin of victory. The book will set the spread before the game by assigning positive and negative versions of the same number to each team in a match. The team with the negative number is the favorite, and in order for your wager to win, the team must win the game by more points than the estimate. A positive-numbered team is the favorite, and a winning ticket requires them to lose by fewer points than the spread.
Totals: A totals wager is better known as the “over-under” because you are wagering whether the combined point total in a game will be over or under the sportsbook’s estimate.
Parlays: In parlay betting, you fold multiple wagers into one single parlay. Each constituent wager in a parlay is known as a leg. These wagers are high-risk, high-reward situations because it is necessary for every single leg to be chosen correctly in order for the wager to pay out. The risk is so great that successful parlays with greater than 10 legs are often newsworthy, both for their unlikeliness and their resulting payout.
Live betting: Live betting, or in-play wagering, is a type of proposition wager on games that are already in progress. Thanks to the technology of the day, online operators in Michigan can offer wagers on events as small as single plays.
Player Props: Wager on a single statistic for an individual player. That could be an over/under for points scores, rebounds, assists, or some combination of the statistics.
Best college basketball betting sites
Michigan has no shortage of sites. For college basketball fans looking to get in on the action, though, here are some of our favorites.
DraftKings Sportsbook: Best for NCAAB futures
Think you know who will win the Big Ten Tournament? Do you believe Michigan State will reach the Final Four? DraftKings is the best platform for locking in futures wagers during the college basketball season. You’ll see some of the most competitive odds in the industry here, as well as lines that update regularly. DraftKings boasts one of the deepest markets for futures, too — great for basketball, but specifically NCAAB.
- Early lines and odds for college basketball futures keeps you ahead of the game.
- Futures markets update frequently.
- Bet on more outcomes than just championship winners.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook
To Claim: Click Play Now
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook
To Claim: Click Play Now
BetMGM Sportsbook: Best for NCAAB live betting
Many bettors like placing wagers after a college basketball game starts in order to get better odds. BetMGM provides the perfect platform to do so. It’s simple: BetMGM’s odds update instantly as a game flows, meaning you’re not delayed in placing your live bets. There’s no guessing involved, and you aren’t missing out on the perfect time to place your wager.
- Never miss an opportunity with real-time updates.
- Clean, user-friendly app interface provides bettors with easy navigation.
- Live bet various markets, such as point spreads, moneylines, player props, alternate lines, and more.
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
Use Bonus Code: PLAYMICH
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
Use Bonus Code: PLAYMICH
BetRivers Sportsbook: Best for NCAAB prop bets
If you’re a fan of wagering on player and team props, BetRivers is the sportsbook for you. A few years back, the operator launched what it calls “Prop Central.” It’s BetRivers way at reimagining the prop betting space and keeps things focused for bettors. You won’t need to search for prop bets, as they are clearly laid out.
- Prop bet odds update in real time.
- Save time by avoiding the need to dig through an event’s page, as you would with other sites.
- Numerous college basketball props, just in time for March Madness
Up to $500 in Bet Credits
ONLY 1x Play Through!
Stream Pro Sports on Mobile or Desktop
Use Exclusive Affiliate Code: PLAYMICH
Up to $500 in Bet Credits
ONLY 1x Play Through!
Stream Pro Sports on Mobile or Desktop
Use Exclusive Affiliate Code: PLAYMICH
Caesars Sportsbook: Best for NCAAB profit boosts
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the best platforms for players looking to cash in on profit boosts. Operators will offer these promotions as a way for you to earn more money on your wagers. Caesars frequently utilizes these, especially for new customers. Even for current customers, Caesars will offer promotions using these profit boosts throughout the college basketball regular season and into March Madness.
- More bang for your buck with wagers.
- Profit boosts can be used on single-leg wagers, parlays, futures, etc.
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers (Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost)
Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET
Use Promo Code: MICHDYW
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers (Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost)
Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET
Use Promo Code: MICHDYW
FanDuel Sportsbook: Best for NCAAB same-game parlays
Think two or more wagers in a single game will both happen? FanDuel is one of the best in the biz when it comes to letting users crafter same-game parlays. The app makes it easy and keeps things simple by being crystal clear on which items can and can’t be combined into a parlay. You will get a full view of your betting slip as you add or remove legs of your parlay, letting you play around with your wager before officially submitting it.
- With a tap of your finger, you’ll know exactly what you can and can’t add to your parlay.
- FanDuel loves its parlays, so it frequently offers same-game parlay odds boosts.
- Combine just about anything, such as point spreads, team totals, player props, and even futures.
Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals
Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals
How to wager on the NCAA Basketball Tournament
There are three ways to wager on conference tournaments and the NCAA’s March Madness, including:
- Brackets
- Futures
- Single game betting
Brackets
For the most part, bracket contests are how most people wager on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. You fill out a 68-team bracket prior to the start tournament, then submit it either into a paid pool or a free NCAA Tournament bracket contest. Many Michigan operators will run both.
Pick winners, enter one of the top brackets in the contest or pool, and you’ll pick up a share of the prize pool.
Futures
Michigan operators host futures markets that allow you to wager on teams to win a conference tournament or the National Championship. Futures markets are open year-round with odds that are adjusted throughout the season.
Single-game wagering
Michigan operators allow you to wager on every single NCAA basketball game throughout the regular season, conference tournaments, and March Madness.
Wagering on each game allows you the freedom to pick or choose, whereas using a tournament bracket requires you to make picks for every game in the tournament.
Check out the best March Madness betting sites.
Where can you go to bet on College Basketball in Michigan?
Here are some of the top retail outlets where you can watch and wager on NCAAB while browsing all of the latest odds and lines.
1. MGM Grand Detroit
- Name: BetMGM Sports Lounge
- Address: 1777 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone: (877) 888-2121
- Sportsbook hours: 7 days – 9 a.m – midnight
- Lounge hours: 7 days – 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
- Online sportsbook: BetMGM in Michigan
You won’t miss a second of the action with 60 HDTVs on site. There are plenty of different seating options, six betting windows, 14 self-serve kiosks throughout the casino, as well as a full-service bar for visitors to relax and enjoy.
2. MotorCity Casino Hotel / FanDuel Sportsbook
- Name: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Address: 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
- Phone: (866) 782-9622
- Sportsbook hours: 7 days — 9 a.m. – midnight
- Online sportsbook: FanDuel Michigan
The launch of the FanDuel Sportsbook was met with much fanfare in March 2020. It’s easy to see why, with 67 HDTV’s, a sports ticker, six betting windows and 54 self-serve kiosks among the amenities waiting for visitors.
3. Hollywood Casino at Greektown / ESPN Bet
- Name: ESPN Bet
- Address: 555 E Lafayette St., Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone: (313) 223-2999
- Sportsbook hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (10 a.m. – midnight), Tuesday (2 p.m. – 9 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
- Online sportsbook: ESPN Bet Michigan
ESPN Bet at Greektown offers up a total of 40 kiosks, 25 HDTVs and a 30’ video all for viewing all the daily sports action. Full dining options are included, and it’s easily located at the top of the Grand Staircase inside Hollywood Casino at Greektown.
4. FireKeepers Casino / Dacey’s Sportsbook
- Name: Dacey’s Sportsbook
- Address: 11177 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014
- Phone: (877) 352-8777
- Sportsbook hours: M-F: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. S/S: 9 a.m. – midnight
- Online sportsbook: FireKeepers Online Sportsbook
Dacey’s Sportsbook has received high marks from Casino Player magazine, and the praise is warranted. Beyond the standard betting windows and kiosks, there’s a bar and restaurant on site, as well as several large video screens to soak in all of the action.
These are four outstanding spots to watch and wager on college basketball, but there are several other stellar options to consider when looking for NCAAB lines in Michigan. Included on that list are Caesars Sportsbook at Turtle Creek Casino in Williamsburg, and the Four Winds Casino Sportsbook in New Buffalo.
Tips for wagering on NCAA Basketball
NCAA basketball is fun to watch and even more fun to wager on. Of course, college basketball betting is infinitely more enjoyable when you’re winning.
These beginner betting tips should help:
- Focus: There are more than 350 DI basketball programs across the country. So, it’s almost impossible to closely follow everything happening in the world of NCAA basketball. It’s best to pick a team or two, possibly local schools. Follow and wager on them exclusively. Focusing your research can lead to improved win rates.
- Watch games: Observe as many NCAA basketball games as you can in order to turn your picks from random guesses into educated conjectures. Form wagering opinions based on the data you uncover by watching teams play.
- Do some research: The internet is filled with college hoops information, and you can use it to inform your picks. Check out CBS Sports, ESPN, FOX Sports, and/or local sports affiliates, where you can study game summaries and statistics. Additionally, utilize local resources, including area newspapers and local TV/radio stations, to gain a competitive advantage.
- Make situational picks: Look for rivalry games, scheduling conflicts, and teams ripe for an upset because of the situation the schedule has put them in. You may find yourself a step ahead of oddsmakers by paying attention to more than just the current matchup.
- Look for movement: If a line moves significantly prior to game time, there is an opportunity to make money by “fading” the public. Stick to the oddsmaker’s original predictions and take advantage of movements in the line forced by public money.
Michigan NCAAB teams
Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines represent the Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The Wolverines have played in 31 NCAA Tournaments. From those 31 appearances, Michigan has made it to the Final Four eight times, the Elite Eight 15 times, and the Sweet 16 an impressive 18 times.
Michigan won the 1989 National Championship behind the play of the tournament’s most outstanding player Glen Rice and coaching from Steve Fisher. Michigan beat Seton Hall, 80–79, in overtime in the championship game.
The Wolverines’ latest Final Four appearance came in 2018 when the team beat Loyola-Chicago in the semifinals and lost to Villanova in the championship game, 79–62.
The Wolverines are now coached by Dusty May. May took over for former head coach Juwan Howard before the start of the 2024-2025 NCAAB season.
Check out Wolverines basketball betting sites.
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans represent East Lansing’s Michigan State University in the NCAA’s Big Ten Conference.
The Spartans have appeared in 37 NCAA Tournaments, including a stretch of 22 straight from 1998 to 2019, with two National Championships and 10 Final Four appearances. The Spartans 1977 National Championship team was led by basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The 2000 National Championship team was led by seniors Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson and coached by Tom Izzo.
The Spartans beat the Florida Gators, 89–76 in the 2000 title game.
Izzo is already a Hall of Fame coach and has long sought his elusive second national title.
Check today’s Michigan St. basketball betting sites.
More Michigan NCAA Division I Basketball
Other Michigan-based NCAA Division I Basketball programs include:
- Detroit Mercy Titans (Horizon League)
- Oakland Golden Grizzlies (Horizon League)
- Central Michigan Chippewas (Mid-American Conference)
- Eastern Michigan Eagles (Mid-American Conference)
- Western Michigan Broncos (Mid-American Conference)
Get started wagering on NCAA basketball in Michigan
Before the NCAA Tournament tips off, keep a close eye on how the conference tournaments play out and which teams look like they’re hitting their stride at the right time. And while you try to find that cinderalla or future national champion, monitor the operators for different March Madness and tournament promotions. That way, you’ll be all set for NCAA basketball betting in MI when the season reaches its peak.
College Basketball FAQ
There are 351 schools in 32 different Division I conferences.
The NCAA regular season runs between November and March. Most teams play 25 to 35 games during their seasons, then play conference tournaments at the beginning of March. The best of the best will then enter March Madness in mid-March and play through early April.
- 2023: UConn
- 2022: Kansas
- 2021: Baylor
- 2019: Virginia
- 2018: Villanova
- 2017: North Carolina
- 2016: Villanova
- 2015: Duke
- 2014: Connecticut
- 2013: Louisville
UCLA has won 11 National Championships, making it the winningest program in NCAA Tournament history. However, UCLA has not won a title since 1995.
With 20, the North Carolina Tar Heels have made more Final Four appearances than any other NCAA basketball team.
The Tar Heels have won seven National Championships with the last one coming in 2017.
Not much. Most opening lines for college basketball games in Las Vegas and Michigan sportsbooks are going to be the same.
Differences are found when the lines move because of heavy betting on one side or the other. Since Vegas is a more mature betting market with more money, there’s more line movement.
Yes. Michigan law does not prohibit betting on college sports.
The NCAA has come out against betting on college basketball, citing concerns over corruption of the spirit of the game and the athletes themselves. However, there is no evidence that sports betting negatively affects the games themselves, so don’t sweat it too much.
