How to Bet on College Basketball? Strategies To Follow!

Betting on college basketball is an exciting way to engage with the sport, offering a unique blend of strategy, analysis, and luck. With a multitude of games taking place throughout the season, bettors have countless opportunities to capitalize on the unpredictability of college hoops. 

However, to succeed in this dynamic environment, it’s essential to approach betting with a well-thought-out strategy.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to bet on college basketball and the key strategies for betting on college basketball, helping both beginners and experienced bettors refine their approach.

What Is College Basketball Bet?

A college basketball bet involves placing a wager on the outcome of a college basketball game. Bettors can choose from various types of bets, such as moneyline bets, where they pick the winning team, or point spread bets, where they predict the margin of victory.

Over/under bets are also popular, where bettors wager on the total number of points scored in a game. College basketball betting offers a wide range of options, from betting on individual games to wagering on the outcome of entire tournaments like March Madness.

It’s a dynamic and exciting way for fans to engage with the sport while potentially earning some money based on their predictions.

Available Betting Markets In College Basketball

When it comes to college basketball betting, there are various markets available that cater to different strategies and preferences. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular betting markets you can leverage:

Over/Under (Totals)

The Over/Under, or totals market, is a staple in college basketball betting. Here, you’re betting on the combined total points scored by both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a point total before the game begins, and you wager on whether the final score will go over or under that number. This bet allows you to focus on the pace and scoring abilities of the teams rather than picking a specific winner.

Teasers

Teasers are similar to parlays but offer a unique twist. In a teaser, you can adjust the point spread or total in your favor across multiple games, which gives you better odds of winning. However, this comes at the cost of reduced payout odds. Like parlays, all legs of a teaser must win for you to cash out. This type of bet is ideal for those looking to mitigate risk while still enjoying the potential for a decent payout.

Proposition Bets (Props)

Proposition bets, or prop bets, focus on specific events within a game rather than the outcome. For college basketball, popular prop bets include which team will score first or whether a specific player will achieve a certain number of points, rebounds, or assists. Prop bets can add excitement to the game, especially for those with in-depth knowledge of player stats and team dynamics. However, it’s important to note that prop betting on collegiate sports is only legal in certain states.

Point Spread

The point spread is one of the most common betting markets in college basketball. Sportsbooks assign a positive or negative point value to each team, known as the spread. For instance, if -5.5 points favor a team, they must win by at least 6 points for a bet on them to win. Conversely, a bet on the underdog wins if the team either wins outright or loses by 5 points or fewer. This market evens out the playing field, making games between unevenly matched teams more competitive from a betting perspective.

Parlay Bets

Parlay bets involve combining multiple individual bets into one larger wager. This can increase your potential payout significantly if all your picks are correct. Parlays can include multiple bets from a single game or across different games. The downside is that if just one leg of your parlay loses, the entire bet is lost, making this a high-risk, high-reward option.

Moneyline Bet

The moneyline bet is the simplest form of betting: you’re simply picking which team will win the game. It doesn’t matter how much they win; as long as your chosen team comes out on top, your bet wins. This market is popular among novice bettors due to its straightforward nature, especially in games with a clear favorite.

Types of Bets on College Basketball

In college basketball, several types of bets go beyond the traditional money lines, spreads, and totals, offering bettors a variety of ways to engage with the game:

Live Betting

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, is rapidly gaining popularity in college basketball. This type of bet allows you to place wagers on a game while it’s happening, with odds that continuously change based on the game’s progress. For example, you might bet on which team will score the next basket or whether the total points will exceed a certain number by halftime. Live betting offers a dynamic and thrilling experience, especially for those who closely follow the action and can make quick decisions based on the unfolding events.

Props

Prop bets, or proposition bets, focus on specific events within a game rather than the overall outcome. These bets involve predicting which player will score the most points, which team will reach 15 points first, or the number of rebounds a player will collect. Props can be as straightforward as betting on whether a player will score over or under a certain number of points. These bets add an extra layer of excitement and often appeal to those who enjoy analyzing individual performances or team dynamics.

Parlays

A parlay bet combines multiple individual bets into a single wager, increasing both the risk and potential reward. Each bet within the parlay is called a “leg,” and all legs must win for the parlay to be successful. You can include bets from a single college basketball game or across multiple games. While parlays offer the potential for significant payouts, they are riskier because a single incorrect prediction will result in the entire bet losing.

Futures

Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on events that will happen later in the season, such as predicting the winner of the NCAA Tournament or which team will make it to the Final Four. These bets are typically placed before or during the season, with odds that can change as the season progresses. Futures bets require a good understanding of the teams and the season’s dynamics, offering the chance for big payouts if you make accurate predictions early.

How to Bet on College Basketball?

Betting on college basketball is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started:

Choose a Sportsbook and Create an Account

The first step is selecting a sportsbook that offers college basketball betting. We recommend DraftKings for its user-friendly interface and extensive betting options. Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, you’ll need to create an account. This typically involves providing some personal information and verifying your identity. After your account is set up, deposit funds to start placing bets.

Choose a Game

After funding your account, navigate to the college basketball (CBB) section of the sportsbook. Here, you’ll find a list of upcoming games along with various betting options, such as money lines, point spreads, and over/under totals. Select the game you’re interested in and decide on the type of bet you want to place. You can also explore more advanced options like prop bets or parlays if you’re looking for a different betting experience.

Place Your Bet

Once you’ve chosen your game and type of bet, decide how much money you want to wager. Enter the amount in the betting slip, and then click the “place bet” button to confirm your wager. After placing your bet, all that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy the game. Your winnings, if any, will be automatically credited to your account once the game concludes and the bet is settled.

Common Mistakes in College Basketball Betting

When betting on college basketball, many bettors make common mistakes that can lead to significant losses. Here are five common pitfalls to avoid:

Placing Too Many Bets

With a vast number of games available daily, especially compared to other sports like college football, it’s easy to fall into the trap of placing too many bets. Spreading your money across numerous games dilutes your focus and increases the chances of making poor decisions. Instead, concentrate on a single conference or a select few games. This approach allows for more in-depth research and a better understanding of the teams involved, ultimately leading to more informed bets.

Inadequate Bankroll Management

One of the biggest mistakes bettors make is failing to manage their bankroll properly. Chasing losses by increasing bet sizes is a common error, especially among inexperienced bettors. This strategy can quickly deplete your funds and lead to significant losses. Before you start betting, create a bankroll management plan that outlines how much you’re willing to risk on each bet. Stick to this plan regardless of wins or losses to maintain control over your finances.

Betting Without Research

Betting unthinkingly without proper research is a recipe for disaster. College basketball games can be unpredictable, and without understanding the teams, players, and other relevant factors, you’re essentially gambling on luck. Always take the time to analyze statistics, player performance, and other key aspects before placing a bet. This research will give you a better chance of making successful wagers.

Overlooking the Impact of Injuries

Injuries can significantly affect a team’s performance, yet many bettors overlook this factor. Always check the injury reports before placing a bet, as the absence of a key player can drastically change the dynamics of a game.

Ignoring Line Movements

Line movements, or changes in betting odds, can indicate where the money is going and how public perception of a game is shifting. Ignoring these movements can result in missed opportunities or poor bet placements. Keep an eye on how lines move and adjust your bets accordingly.

Basketball Betting Strategies

Developing effective betting strategies is crucial for success in college basketball wagering. Here are five key strategies to consider:

Focus on Underdogs

Betting on underdogs can be a profitable strategy in college basketball. The nature of the sport, with its unpredictable outcomes and frequent upsets, means that underdogs often offer value. Look for situations where the underdog is playing at home or has a strong recent performance record. Additionally, underdogs in conference games tend to perform better due to familiarity with their opponents, making them worth considering.

Monitor Line Movements

Paying attention to line movements is a vital strategy. Line movements reflect where the money is going and can indicate sharp action (bets placed by knowledgeable or professional bettors). Notice a line moving significantly in one direction. It might be worth following that movement, as it suggests that the market is reacting to new information or strong betting interest.

Bet Against the Public

“Fading the public” is a strategy where you bet against the popular consensus. Public bettors often favor well-known teams, leading to inflated lines that offer value to those betting against them. By going against the crowd, especially in heavily bet games, you can often find opportunities where the odds are in your favor.

Consider Home Court Advantage

Home-court advantage is significant in college basketball, where crowd support and familiar surroundings can boost a team’s performance. Teams often perform better at home, and this can be particularly true in smaller conferences where the impact of the home crowd is more pronounced. Weigh this factor when analyzing matchups.

Track Player Injuries

Injuries can drastically alter a team’s chances of winning. Before placing a bet, always check the latest injury reports to see if any key players are sidelined. Betting early in the day can sometimes give you an edge before sportsbooks adjust the lines to account for injury news.

Final Discussion

Betting on college basketball offers a variety of opportunities, from traditional wagers like money lines and point spreads to more complex options such as parlays and live betting. 

Success in this area requires strategic thinking, careful research, and disciplined bankroll management. 

Avoid common pitfalls, such as placing too many bets or betting without research, to enhance your chances of winning. Focus on strategies like betting on underdogs, monitoring line movements, and considering home court advantage to make more informed decisions. 

By staying informed and applying these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of college basketball betting more effectively and increase your potential for long-term success.