A Beginner’s guide to betting on college basketball

Betting on college basketball can be exciting – but it can also be overwhelming for newcomers. With different rules from the NBA, a constantly shifting landscape, and countless betting options, it’s easy to feel lost. But don’t worry because we’re here to help you get started. This is your Beginner’s Guide to College Basketball Betting.

This guide won’t guarantee every bet hits (even Nostradamus missed on a few over-unders), but it will give you the confidence to make smarter choices and understand how college basketball betting works. Let’s break it down with this Beginner’s Guide to College Basketball Betting.

1. Know the Basics of Sports Betting

Before you dive into betting on college basketball, it’s essential to understand key betting terms and how odds work. Here are some of the most common terms to help navigate this Beginner’s Guide to College Basketball Betting:

• Odds: Every bet has odds, indicated by a “+” or “-” next to a number.
  • “+” odds (e.g., +200) represent the underdog and show how much you win on a $100 bet. (+200 means a $100 bet wins $200.)
  • “-” odds (e.g., -200) represent the favorite and show how much you need to bet to win $100. (-200 means you must bet $200 to win $100.)
• Moneyline: The simplest bet—just pick the winner of the game. If your team wins, you cash in.
• Over/Under (O/U): Bet whether the total combined score will go over or under a set number. For example, if the O/U is 138.5, you can bet on whether the final score will exceed 138 or stay under it.
• Spread: A bet on how much a team will win or lose by. If the spread is +6.5, your team can lose by 6 points (or win outright), and you’ll still win the bet. Conversely, if it’s -6.5, your team must win by 7 or more.
• Parlay: Combine multiple bets into one. The payout is much bigger if all your bets hit, but if even one bet fails, the entire parlay loses.

2. Understand the NCAA Basketball Landscape

Unlike the NBA, college basketball is far more unpredictable. Roster turnover is high, with many top players staying only one year before heading to the pros or hitting the transfer portal. Team talent and play styles change constantly, and understanding the current landscape is crucial. This is covered extensively in our Beginner’s Guide to College Basketball Betting.

• Know the Conferences: Each conference has its unique style. For example, the Big 12 is often a defensive powerhouse, while the SEC tends to favor fast-paced offensive play. Betting on a game without knowing these nuances can lead to costly mistakes.
  Example: If a game between two defensive-minded Big 12 teams has a low O/U, think twice before blindly betting the Over. This is an essential part of any Beginner’s Guide to College Basketball Betting.
• Stay Updated on Rosters: College basketball rosters change every year. A powerhouse last year could be rebuilding this season. Always check the current lineup and player stats before placing a bet.

3. Key Differences Between NCAA and NBA Betting

College basketball differs from the NBA in several ways, and these differences can affect your betting strategy:

• Game Length: NCAA games are 40 minutes (two 20-minute halves), compared to the NBA’s 48-minute (four-quarter) format. This shorter game length can lead to lower scoring, so adjust your expectations for total points and player props accordingly when betting on college games.
• Foul Rules: The NCAA’s bonus foul system kicks in after seven team fouls in a half, leading to more free throws for teams with aggressive players who draw contact. Good free-throw shooters can be especially valuable for player props in this format.
• Overtime Rules: Most sportsbooks include NCAA overtime in second-half bets, unlike NBA bets where overtime rules can vary. Always check your sportsbook’s rules on this.

4. Do Your Research and Watch the Games

This might seem obvious, but it’s the most important advice we can give when it comes to the Beginner’s Guide to College Basketball Betting.

• Check Injury Reports: College basketball players are young and less consistent than seasoned NBA pros. An injury to a key player can dramatically impact a game—and your bet.
• Study Trends: Keep an eye on which players are heating up and which are slumping. College players can go on wild streaks, both good and bad, so staying informed is critical to your success in the betting landscape.
• Watch the Games: Live betting can be incredibly profitable if you’re watching the action unfold. Pay attention to momentum shifts, body language, and player energy. Sometimes, you’ll spot opportunities that oddsmakers miss.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, success in college basketball betting is all about preparation and smart decisions. Learn the game, study the teams, and watch the action unfold. With the right knowledge and a little luck, you’ll be ready to make smarter bets – and hopefully even cash in along the way using this Beginner’s Guide to College Basketball Betting.

Want to see who we are backing in our futures bets for this year’s March Madness? Check out this article that breaks down two of our favorites and two to avoid.