I’ve been betting on college basketball long enough to know that not all sportsbooks are built the same. Some crash mid-game, some hold your payout for days, and some just flat-out don’t offer the markets you need once March rolls around.
After testing a bunch of them, I’ve found a few college basketball betting sites that get it right. Whether it’s a late-night Pac-12 tip or a full Saturday slate, these are the ones I trust to get my bets in—and my money out—without the hassle. But if you want to also learn more about the best NBA betting sites, check out our review!
College basketball has one of the longest, wildest betting calendars out there—weekday upsets, Saturday chaos, and weeks of nonstop action in March. That’s why the sportsbook you use matters. These are the platforms I’ve actually bet on this season—and they held up under pressure. You can also check our general review of all the best betting sites available to the US market.
Here’s a quick look at how they stack up:
| Sportsbook | Best Feature | CBB Odds Rating | App Quality | Withdrawal Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Player props & early opening lines | 9.5/10 | Excellent | 1–3 days |
| FanDuel | Same-game parlays for March Madness | 9/10 | Excellent | 1–2 days |
| Caesars | Boosted odds on high-profile matchups | 8.5/10 | Good | 2–4 days |
| Hard Rock | Smooth live betting and news features | 8/10 | Good | 2–4 days |
| DraftKings | Team stats and prop depth | 9/10 | Very Good | 1–2 days |
| Bet365 | Live totals and fast-moving markets | 9/10 | Excellent | 1–2 days |
| Betfred | Clean interface & reliable CBB odds | 8/10 | Great | 2–3 days |
| ESPN BET | CBB content + in-app picks | 8/10 | Very Good | 2–4 days |
| BetRivers | Mid-major coverage and in-game stats | 8/10 | Good | 2–5 days |
| Bally Bet | Underdog odds | 8/10 | Good | 2–3 days |
Best for: Early CBB lines, deep props, and real-world VIP rewards
Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first wager loses
BetMGM is my top pick for college basketball betting—mainly because they post lines earlier than almost anyone else. That includes mid-majors and smaller conference games, not just the big-name matchups. The prop markets are solid, especially for nationally televised games, with options like points, rebounds, and made threes. During March Madness, the live betting is fast and reliable, even when dozens of games are in play at once.
What really sets BetMGM apart is their rewards program. You earn points with every bet, and they actually translate into tangible perks—bonus bets, hotel stays, and even meals at MGM properties. If you’re betting regularly through the season, that adds up fast. You can also learn more about their welcome bonus offers in our BetMGM bonus code page.
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Best for: Same-game parlays and innovative tournament betting features
Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets if your wager wins
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FanDuel is one of the most user-friendly sportsbooks out there for college basketball, and they tend to shine when the tournament ramps up. Their “Bet the Bracket” feature is a standout—you can build parlays that span multiple rounds, which adds a fun layer of strategy to March Madness betting. They also offer “Bet Back Tokens,” which return your stake as bonus bets if things go sideways on select wagers.
The app is clean and quick, with easy access to live betting, alternate spreads, player props, and even niche matchups. Whether it’s a Big Ten rivalry or a late-night West Coast game, FanDuel rarely misses a beat.
FanDuel also runs a VIP program, though it’s invite-only. High-volume bettors may get access to faster withdrawals, account managers, and exclusive perks—though it’s not publicly advertised in detail. You can also learn more about the Fanduel promo code here.
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Best for: Unique March Madness props and real-world rewards
Welcome Bonus: Bet $1, get $150 in bonus bets if your wager wins
Caesars is a solid pick for college basketball bettors, especially during March. They offer creative prop bets—like predicting when a team will exit the tournament or how many wins a conference racks up—which gives you more ways to get involved beyond just spreads and totals. The app includes a “Watch and Bet” feature for select games, which makes live betting more interactive.
Their Caesars Rewards program stands out too. Every bet earns credits you can turn into bonus bets or real-world perks like hotel stays, dining, and entertainment at Caesars properties. It’s one of the few books that ties online betting into a bigger experience.
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Best for: Live betting and flexible parlay options
Welcome Bonus: Up to $100 back in bonus bets if your first wager loses
Hard Rock Bet is a clean, no-nonsense sportsbook that works well for college basketball. The app is easy to navigate, and their “Flex Parlay” feature lets you adjust parlay bets so you can still win even if one leg misses—a great option during unpredictable March Madness slates. Odds are competitive, and the platform regularly offers boosts on big games.
Their rewards program is simple but effective: you earn points with every bet, which can be traded for bonus bets or used to climb tiers for additional perks.
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Best for: Bracket parlays and deep college basketball markets
Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets if your wager wins
DraftKings is built for college basketball bettors who want more than just spreads and totals. Their “Parlay the Bracket” and “Exact Path” bets let you wager on how teams move through the tournament—not just if they win. It’s a great way to stay engaged across multiple rounds, especially if you’ve got a read on upsets or sleeper teams.
The app is slick and responsive, with props available on nearly every game—even lower-profile matchups. From regular season to Final Four, coverage is broad and reliable.
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Best for: Live betting, early payouts, and bracket-style contests
Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or up to $1,000 Safety Net
bet365 is one of the best platforms for live college basketball betting, especially when the tournament heats up. Their “Early Payout” feature settles your bet as a win if your team gets a big lead, even if they blow it later—a nice insurance policy during March Madness chaos. They also run bracket-style promos with real cash prizes, and their in-game betting options refresh fast and cover nearly every game on the board.
The interface is clean, and the odds are consistently competitive across spreads, totals, and player props—even for mid-major matchups.
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Best for: Straightforward promos and reliable odds
Welcome Bonus: Bet $50, get up to $1,111 in bonus bets if your wager loses
Betfred is a solid pick for college basketball bettors who prefer a clean interface and simple promos. The sportsbook covers all the major games and keeps things easy to navigate—even during busy tournament slates. You won’t find the deepest prop menus here, but for spreads, totals, and straight bets, they’re consistently competitive.
Their welcome offer is one of the more generous ones out there. If your first bet loses, you can get up to $1,111 back in bonus bets, and the daily odds boosts often apply to key college matchups.
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Best for: Bracket integration and tournament-linked promos
Welcome Bonus: Bet $10, get $200 in bonus bets
ESPN BET is a natural pick for college basketball bettors who already follow the sport through ESPN. During March Madness, you can link bets to your bracket picks through their integrated tools—great for keeping everything in one place. The promos are tournament-focused too, offering bonus bets when your chosen team advances. The app is polished, with clear bet slips and strong coverage for most NCAA matchups.
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Best for: Parlay promos and live college basketball betting
Welcome Bonus: Second-chance bet up to $500
BetRivers is a dependable sportsbook for college basketball fans who like mixing traditional wagers with promos. Their “Squares” promotion adds a bit of fun during March Madness, and they regularly offer parlay boosts tied to big weekend slates. Coverage is strong for both major and mid-major games, and the interface—while not flashy—gets the job done, especially for live betting.
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Best for: A simple, no-frills CBB betting experience
Welcome Bonus: Bet $10, get $50 in bonus bets
Bally Bet keeps it straightforward. You’ll get all the essentials—spreads, totals, moneylines, and parlays—without being overwhelmed by extras. It’s a good fit for casual college basketball bettors who want a clean app and reliable pricing. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles, it handles the basics well.
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If you’re betting on college hoops regularly, small edges add up fast. I’ve compared odds across books all season—from early December matchups to March Madness—and these are the places I consistently find value:
Pro tip: Always check multiple books before locking anything in. One point on a spread or five cents on the moneyline might not seem like much—but over a season, it can shift your ROI in a big way.
Not everyone bets the same way, so the “best” sportsbook depends on your style. Here’s what to think about before committing:
Pick the one that fits how you actually bet—not just the one with the biggest bonus.
Yes—but the rules vary by state. You can legally bet on college basketball in most states with regulated sports betting, but some put restrictions on local teams, player props, or certain tournaments.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Always check your state’s specific laws before betting on college hoops. And keep location services enabled—most apps require geolocation to place a legal bet.
Most of my college basketball bets happen from my phone—either mid-game, during warmups, or when I spot a live line I want to grab fast. If you’re planning to bet on CBB regularly, having a fast, clean mobile app isn’t optional—it’s essential.
I’ve tested them all, and FanDuel has the best mobile betting experience by far. The app is fast, intuitive, and rarely crashes—even when March Madness is in full swing. Whether you’re building a same-game parlay for Duke–UNC or jumping in on a second-half total in a Summit League game, everything loads quickly and cleanly.
What I like about FanDuel’s app for college basketball:
If you want flexibility, speed, and a mobile interface that’s built for busy betting nights, FanDuel is the one to download first.
That said, bet365 and BetMGM are solid backups—especially for live markets and player props. But FanDuel feels tailor-made for the pace of college basketball.
College basketball betting should be exciting—not stressful. Whether you’re wagering during the regular season or going all-in on March Madness, set limits, take breaks, and know when to walk away. If the fun stops, there’s help:
Bet smart, stay in control, and make sure the action stays enjoyable.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but the best sportsbooks for college basketball are the ones that match how you actually like to bet. Whether you want early lines, same-game parlays, live betting, or bracket-style promos, the top platforms on this list have you covered.
Personally? I lean on FanDuel for mobile, BetMGM for early lines and rewards, and bet365 when I want to bet mid-game. But every book has its edge—you just have to find the one that fits your style.
Yes—in most states with legal sports betting. Some restrict betting on in-state schools or player props, so check your local rules before placing a bet.
Absolutely. Every major sportsbook offers March Madness odds, props, and brackets. Some even have special promos tied to team performance or upsets.
FanDuel is my top pick for mobile betting—it’s fast, easy to navigate, and packed with college basketball features. bet365 and DraftKings are strong runners-up.
It depends on the market. bet365 often has strong live odds and alt lines, while FanDuel and DraftKings lead in player props. Line shopping is always worth it.
Yes—platforms like BetMGM, BetRivers, and DraftKings cover hundreds of matchups, including mid-majors and smaller conference tournaments.
