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March Madness is the biggest basketball event of the year, and Covers has been on the beat since Selection Sunday. Get the latest tournament details and betting info as we rocket towards the National Championship Game on April 6 in Indianapolis.
March Madness 2026 schedule
| Event | Date | Location(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Sunday | March 15 | — |
| First Four | March 17-18 | UD Arena (Dayton, OH) |
| First Round | March 19-20 | Various |
| Second Round | March 21-22 | Various |
| Sweet 16 | March 26-27 | Toyota Center (Houston, TX); SAP Center (San Jose, CA); United Center (Chicago, IL); Capital One Arena (Washington, DC) |
| Elite Eight | March 28-29 | Toyota Center (Houston, TX); SAP Center (San Jose, CA); United Center (Chicago, IL); Capital One Arena (Washington, DC) |
| Final Four | April 4 | Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) |
| National Championship Game | April 6 | Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) |
March Madness odds
One of the most popular ways to bet on March Madness is to pick which team will win. From favorites to long shots, bracket sleepers follow the tournament odds all season long.
Duke entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, but the Blue Devil’s shocking, last-second loss to the UConn Huskies has opened the door for Michigan.
The Wolverines have scored 90 points or more in every game during March Madness and have not lost since January 10.
All things bracket
March Madness revolves around the bracket, and we’ve got you covered from all angles:
- Tournament Bracket Starting on Selection Sunday
- Tips for filling out your bracket
- The best free bracket contests
March Madness props
Prop betting is becoming increasingly popular as regulated sports betting expands throughout the US. We’re excited about the variety of March Madness props that will be offered, and we can’t wait to cash in on the First-to-5 prop!
Tournament MVP
Betting on the most outstanding player of the NCAA Tournament is a relatively new futures market that is gaining popularity each year due to the big plus-money odds available on pretty much every player.
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Brayden Burries |
<<+850>> |
| Jaden Bradley |
<<+850>> |
 Yaxel Lendeborg |
<<+1000>> |
 Keaton Wagler |
<<+1200>> |
| Aday Mara |
<<+1500>> |
| Morez Johnson Jr. |
<<+1800>> |
| Koa Peat |
<<+2000>> |
| Elliot Cadeau |
<<+2500>> |
| Ivan Kharchenkov |
<<+4000>> |
Odds as of April 2.
It should be no surprise to see Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley at the top of the odds board. The Arizona guards have been a force at both ends of the court during March Madness, helping the Wildcats outscore opponents by 20.5 points per game over their first four outings.
March Madness picks
With so many games and so many betting markets available, there are always value picks to be found. March Madness features 67 games, and Covers’ betting analysts will deliver a plethora of March Madness picks, full of smart betting options for you to consider.
Best Bonuses
Along with our best March Madness betting sites, check out the best March Madness bonuses available for the tournament.
March Madness trends
As you build your bracket and handicap tournament games, you’ll hear about many trends. Some of these are legit, and others should be dismissed. Jason Logan breaks down some of the March Madness trends, with three you can trust and three you should avoid.
March Madness upsets
A big upset in the early rounds is a staple of March Madness. And there is no better feeling than holding a ticket on a massive underdog and then watching as it cashes in. That’s why we’ve put together a dedicated March Madness upsets page, with the Top 10 betting upsets this century and tips on how to spot an upset before it happens.
March Madness for beginners
New to March Madness betting? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to bet on March Madness with our beginner’s guide, and then dig deeper with intermediate and advanced strategies so that you’re making the smartest bets possible.
March Madness betting sites
March Madness is one of the most popular times of the year for sports bettors, making it one of the busiest times of the year for online sportsbooks. Every betting site will offer March Madness odds, but the top sites are safe and secure, offer a wide range of banking options, and give you a ton of markets for each game. Check out the best March Madness betting sites in your region.
Past March Madness winners
| Season | National Champion | Odds prior to Round 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 |  Florida Gators |
+800 |
| 2023-24 |  Connecticut Huskies |
+350 |
| 2022-23 | Connecticut Huskies |
+2000 |
| 2021-22 |  Kansas Jayhawks |
+900 |
| 2020-21 |  Baylor Bears |
+500 |
| 2019-20 | Tournament cancelled | N/A |
| 2018-19 |  Virginia Cavaliers |
+675 |
| 2017-18 |  Villanova Wildcats |
+570 |
| 2016-17 |  North Carolina Tar Heels |
+535 |
| 2015-16 | Villanova Wildcats |
+1500 |
| 2014-15 |  Duke Blue Devils |
+1000 |
| 2013-14 | Connecticut Huskies |
+9500 |
| 2012-13 |  Louisville Cardinals |
+450 |
| 2011-12 |  Kentucky Wildcats |
+185 |
| 2010-11 | Connecticut Huskies |
+2500 |
| 2009-10 | Duke Blue Devils |
+650 |
| 2008-09 | North Carolina Tar Heels |
+400 |
| 2007-08 | Kansas Jayhawks |
+700 |
| 2006-07 | Florida Gators |
+400 |
| 2005-06 | Florida Gators |
+2000 |
| 2004-05 | North Carolina Tar Heels |
+350 |
| 2003-04 | Connecticut Huskies |
+450 |
| 2002-03 |  Syracuse Orange |
+1800 |
| 2001-02 |  Maryland Terrapins |
+350 |
| 2000-01 | Duke Blue Devils |
+250 |
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
