March Madness is a thrilling time for college basketball fans, filled with buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and, of course, betting opportunities. If you’re looking to get in on the betting action, you’re likely to encounter two popular options: point spreads and moneylines. Both betting types bring their own excitement and challenges, but which should you choose during the NCAA Tournament?
Understanding Point Spreads
Point spreads, also known as “the spread,” are the great equalizer of sports betting. The sportsbook handicaps the teams, assigning a points advantage to the underdog and a points deficit to the favorite. Bettors win or lose based on how much a team wins (or loses) by, not just whether your team wins.
How Point Spreads Work
Here’s an example:
- Duke (-6.5) North Carolina (+6.5)
If you bet on Duke (-6.5), you need them to win by 7 points or more to win your bet. Betting on North Carolina (+6.5) means you win if they lose by 6 points or fewer, or if they win outright.
Spread betting doesn’t just measure “who will win” but instead asks, “By how much?”
Pros of Betting Point Spreads
- Balanced Odds: With standard odds around -110, you get a consistent payoff regardless of which team you bet on.
- More Predictable Returns: Point spreads are favored in matchups where one team is heavily dominant since the spread levels the playing field.
- Enhanced Drama: Even blowouts can keep you on the edge of your seat (will that last-minute free throw cover the spread?).
Cons of Betting Point Spreads
- Vigorish/Gambling Tax: The standard -110 odds mean you must risk $110 to win $100. Even if you win 50% of your bets, you won’t break even.
- Potential Frustration: Betting on the favorite can be heartbreakingly close; a team might win but fail to “cover” the spread. A 5-point Duke win when you need them to win by 7? Painful.
What Are Moneylines?
Moneyline bets keep things simple. You bet on which team will win, no point differentials to worry about. Each team is assigned odds, indicating the payout depending on whether it’s the favorite or the underdog.
How Moneylines Work
Here’s an example:
- Gonzaga (-200) Texas Tech (+170)
If you bet on Gonzaga at -200, you’d need to risk $200 to win $100. A $100 bet on Texas Tech at +170, however, would pay out $170 if they pull off the win.
Bet on the team you believe will win, and if they do, you’re good.
Pros of Betting Moneylines
- Straightforward Wagering: This is betting at its simplest. Pick the winner, and you’re done.
- Higher Upside for Underdogs: Betting on underdogs offers great returns. A risky call, but with the right upset in March Madness, it can pay handsomely.
- Fewer Variables: There’s no worrying about how much a team needs to win by (or if they’re taking their foot off the gas late in the fourth).
Cons of Betting Moneylines
- Lower Payouts for Favorites: Betting on heavy favorites can require significant risk for smaller payoffs. Betting $300 to win $50? Yikes.
- High Risk, High Reward (for Underdogs): The NCAA Tournament is home to chaotic upsets. Underdog bets can be tantalizing but are far from guaranteed. Brace yourself for some heartbreak.
Point Spreads vs. Moneylines: When to Use Each
Here’s how to decide between spreads and moneylines for NCAA Tournament betting:
1. Bet Point Spreads When…
- There’s a big mismatch between teams, and you want better odds on the favorite.
- You feel confident in a specific final margin (e.g., Team A will win by at least 10 points).
- You’re betting on a closely contested matchup. The line can add value when two teams are evenly matched.
2. Bet Moneylines When…
- You believe an underdog has a strong chance to pull off an upset.
- The spread is small (e.g., 1.5 points), and investing in the simple win feels safer.
- You don’t want to sweat the final score margin and just care about who wins.
Combining Both for a Winning Strategy
Why not use both strategies? Here’s an approach that works for many NCAA bettors:
- Stick with moneylines on underdogs early in the tournament. March Madness is famous for shocking upsets, so riding with a Cinderella team can offer huge returns.
- Use spreads for later rounds, when matchups tend to tighten, and team performance patterns are more predictable.
Additionally, line shopping across sportsbooks is critical to maximize your edge. A half-point difference in a spread or better odds on a moneyline can make a significant impact. FanDuel NCAAB odds are updated throughout the tourney, so keep an eye out for changing lines.
Bet Smarter This March Madness
Point spreads and moneylines both have their place in your NCAA Tournament betting arsenal. The decision ultimately comes down to how much risk you’re willing to take and the specific game dynamics. By understanding these wagers and their appropriate use cases, you’ll be well-positioned to make smarter, more profitable bets.
March Madness isn’t just a time to cheer for your bracket; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to test your betting strategies. Whether you’re team spread or team moneyline, remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the ride.
