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Best March Madness Bracket Contests
When it comes to displaying talent during March Madness, few schools have achieved as much success as Michigan and Michigan State. These schools have brought immense joy to their state by reaching the Final Four on numerous occasions. However, they have also caused disappointment among fans with their unexpected exits, leading to many ruined brackets.
Are you unsure whether to pick the Spartans or Wolverines for the Final Four in your bracket this year? Are you considering going all in on bracket contests or futures bets? Our comprehensive March Madness bracket guide for Michigan will provide you with valuable insights to make the best choices for your March Madness betting experience. If you’re eager to get started, you can jump straight to the best bracket contests by clicking here.
Best free March Madness bracket contests in Michigan
In Michigan, there are numerous March Madness contests available that do not require a fee. However, determining the best ones can be challenging. Here, we have compiled a list of our favorite contests.
$30,000 DraftKings Survivor Pool
This is not your typical March Madness bracket challenge. Instead, you have the straightforward task of selecting one team to win each day of the tournament. If your chosen team emerges victorious, you continue to the next round. However, if your team suffers defeat, your journey in the challenge comes to an end.
Every day, a fresh team needs to be selected. Once all the distinct teams have been chosen, elimination follows. The remaining players by the final round will divide the substantial prize pool among themselves.
DraftKings Free $60,000 March Mania Battle
Can you imagine anything less from a company that has revolutionized sports betting? The whole nation has a chance to participate in DraftKings Sportsbook’s free March Madness competition, and if you rank among the best, you can earn a substantial amount of money. Predict the victors of all 63 games and claim your portion of the $60k prize!
BetMGM $10M Perfect Bracket Challenge
Anyone with an account at BetMGM Sportsbook, whether existing or new, can participate in this contest without any fees. Simply predict a flawless bracket and stand a chance to win a staggering $2 million.
However, if you don’t win the jackpot, there is still a consolation prize of $100,000 for the player who accurately predicts the highest number of games. The scoring system is outlined as follows:
- One point is awarded for each accurate tournament pick.
- The individual who makes the highest number of accurate selections will be awarded the entire sum of $100,000.
- In the event of a tie, the prize pool is divided among the players.
Please refer to the promotions tab at BetMGM Sportsbook for the complete contest details. To participate, create a new BetMGM Sports account or log in to your existing one. Please note that the First Four games are excluded from this contest.
$20,000 2nd Chance Bracket Contest
No matter which of the numerous March Madness upsets ruined your bracket this year, DraftKings Sportsbook offers you an opportunity to make it right once more!
The 2nd Chance contest, which is free to enter, typically commences at the Sweet 16 stage and continues until the national championship game. By correctly selecting the outcomes of the Sweet 16 games, you will earn 10 points for each. For the Elite 8, you will receive 20 points, 40 points for the Final Four, and a whopping 80 points if you correctly predict the champion in the title tilt.
To win the $10,000 first-place prize, gather the highest number of points! Additionally, DK offers a $20,000 2nd Chance Survivor Pool as a bonus. Enter both contests using the provided link before the Sweet 16 begins.
Introducing Yahoo’s Best Bracket Millionaire: Believe it or not, Yahoo is still going strong, with Yahoo Sports being one of its prominent features. As a tradition, the website hosts an annual bracket competition where participants can enter for free, with a chance to win a whopping $1 million. By making your picks and emerging as the ultimate bracket genius, you could be the lucky recipient of a real, sizeable check worth $1 million.
Entering is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to join! Keep in mind though, only one prize will be given out.
The ESPN Tournament Challenge is an expected offering from one of the leading names in sports. While the rewards for this free contest are not as substantial as those mentioned earlier (with an estimated value of approximately $25,000), they do not consist of cash prizes. Participants may have the opportunity to win enticing prizes such as a trip to Hawaii, gift cards, or ESPN+ subscriptions.
How do you get paid in March Madness bracket contests?
While organizing an NCAA Tournament bracket challenge is mostly done for enjoyment, there is a certain thrill in winning some cash and also gaining the privilege to boast about it.
If you perform commendably in a March Madness contest at a Michigan sportsbook, how will you receive your payment?
It is important to keep in mind that each sportsbook operates with its own set of rules. You can easily locate these rules by referring to the terms and conditions section of any contest you participate in. Within this section, you will find detailed guidelines specific to the sportsbook you are utilizing.
Brackets usually operate on a points system where the value of correct selections increases with each round. For instance, in the first round, each correct selection may be worth five points. In the second round, it could be worth 10 points, in the Sweet 16, 15 points, in the Elite Eight, 20 points, and in the Final Four, 25 points. The winning selection in the final typically carries a higher point value, and there is often a tie-breaker situation, often based on the final score of the national title game.
However, it is important to note that every sportsbook will have its own set of rules and scoring system. Therefore, it is strongly advised to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before engaging in any activities.
Once you accumulate funds, you will have the option to withdraw your earnings from your online sportsbook account. To proceed, you must choose a withdrawal method, varying from direct bank deposit to PayPal or receiving a physical check via mail. It is essential to note that different sportsbooks may offer slightly distinct deposit and withdrawal methods. Thus, make sure you familiarize yourself with these details before engaging in any free March Madness contests.
How to open a betting account for a bracket contest in Michigan
No matter which online sportsbook or Michigan sports betting app you select in the Great Lakes State, the sign-up procedures may differ. However, fortunately, the overall process remains consistent for all options.
Upon launching the selected app, you will be presented with the choice to either register or sign up. Upon selecting either option, you will be directed to a page where you need to input your personal information.
- Name
- Physical address
- Phone
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
In order to proceed, you must consent to the terms and conditions. Once you have completed all of the necessary steps, you will be able to deposit funds into your account. Following that, you can commence with placing your bets.
3 tips for filling out your March Madness bracket
When it comes to March Madness, everyone has their unique approach in selecting winners. Within your workplace pool, you might encounter a colleague who relies on the outcome of a hypothetical mascot battle to make their picks. Alternatively, some individuals opt for their dog’s decision-making prowess to determine their selections.
While we discourage the usage of those specific approaches, we have three crucial tips to offer for your March Madness selections.
- Don’t rely solely on higher-seeded teams, but also don’t go overboard with underdogs. Upsets are inevitable in bracket tournaments, so it’s important to consider both favorites and potential upsets. While No. 5 vs. No. 12 matchups often produce upsets, it’s crucial not to solely choose underdogs. Instead, thoroughly research the teams and identify games with high potential for early upsets. Double-digit seeds can make it to the Sweet 16 and sometimes even further, so taking a risk on a lower-seeded team can be worthwhile. However, it’s important to note that lower-seeded teams rarely become national champions. Ultimately, the teams that win the NCAA Tournament are usually those who performed well in the regular season, have a deep roster, and benefit from experienced coaching. While supporting underdogs is exciting, it’s important to remember that they don’t receive the same level of recognition as the champions.
3 mistakes to avoid when picking March Madness brackets
Creating a successful bracket requires more than just a strong strategy and fortunate outcomes; it also necessitates steering clear of potential pitfalls.
Avoid these three common mistakes during March Madness to ensure a smooth experience.
- Make sure to dig deeper into those win/loss records. History is accessible for everyone to gain knowledge from, and this applies to sports as well. Simply judging a team’s win/loss record at first glance may not reveal the whole truth. It is important to investigate how it has performed against other strong teams, not just the weaker ones in its conference. Did it finish the season with a series of losses? Does the team struggle when playing nonconference opponents?
- It is incredibly uncommon to witness such massive upsets. Do you remember when University of Maryland–Baltimore County defeated Virginia, marking the first time a No. 16 team had ever upset a No. 1 seed? It was truly a remarkable event. However, this occurrence is so extraordinary that it is advisable not to consider choosing the No. 16 team over the No. 1 team in your bracket. The fact that a No. 1 seed has only lost in the first round once demonstrates just how rare these giant upsets are. Therefore, it is important to refrain from constructing your bracket primarily around the possibility of such upsets. Instead, focus on identifying a few games where the underdog might prevail, but avoid making significant upsets the central theme of your bracket.
- Avoid selecting teams solely based on your personal preferences, even if they happen to be your favorite. It is understandable that you have a strong allegiance to your college team and support them fervently every season. Imagine if your team manages to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, that would be quite extraordinary! However, it is important to prioritize logical reasoning over emotional attachment. If your team lacks the skills and abilities required to secure a significant victory, it is crucial to acknowledge this fact and adjust your selections accordingly.
What if your March Madness bracket is a loser?
Sometimes, that’s just how the NCAA Tournament unfolds, and it’s important to come to terms with that reality. However, there is a possibility of participating in a contest that offers a second chance.
Several sportsbooks and March Madness contest organizers offer the opportunity to create a new bracket, usually from the Sweet 16 round onwards, allowing you to predict the advancing teams. Although the prize pool may not be as substantial as your initial bracket, having this alternative can be beneficial in maintaining your chances of winning.
Brackets are shattered as top teams falter. However, a second-chance bracket provides an opportunity to remain in the game and, in certain instances, make a comeback.
During the late March tournament, it is common for companies like ESPN, CBS Sports, and FOX Sports to offer second-chance brackets.
How do March Madness brackets work?
In regards to the NCAA Tournament, there are multiple paths for a team to secure a spot in the renowned event. The initial route is by triumphing in their respective conference tournament. With a total of 32 conferences, each concluding with a postseason tournament, the crowned champion of each conference is granted an automatic invitation to the NCAA Tournament.
A committee selects the remaining 36 teams, announcing their choices on Selection Sunday before the March Madness tournament kicks off. These at-large bids are awarded by considering teams’ overall performances and impressive showings against other teams participating in the tournament.
In order to narrow down the initial pool of 68 teams to a more manageable field of 64 for the first round, there are four play-in games known as the First Four. These games involve eight teams, with the winners progressing to the next round. The two lowest seeded conference champions compete as No. 16 seeds, while the remaining four teams, who received at-large berths, face off against each other in the double-digit seed range.
Each team in the tournament is assigned a seed number ranging from No. 1 to No. 16 in one of the four regions, typically determined by the schools’ geographical locations. The teams are then matched up to compete against one another. As it is a single-elimination event, any team that loses is eliminated from the tournament, while the winning team moves on to the next round to face a different opponent.
As teams are gradually eliminated, the top performers ascend in the rankings, progressing to the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and ultimately, the national championship game.
2022 March Madness schedule
Due to the uncertainty, we cannot provide a complete schedule for the NCAA Tournament until March. However, we can offer you a detailed timeline of the significant events that will occur during the 2022 tournament.
- Selection Sunday: March 13
- First Four: March 15-16
- First Round: March 17-18
- Second Round: March 19-20
- Sweet 16: March 24-25
- Elite Eight: March 26-27
- Final Four: April 2
- National Championship: April 4
March Madness brackets vs. single-game betting
In Michigan, there are various online sportsbooks offering options for March Madness enthusiasts. You can participate in both free and paid contests, alongside accessing individual game lines and props for each match.
What is the more favorable option for earning money during March Madness? Here we present the advantages and disadvantages of betting on brackets versus betting on individual games throughout the tournament.
Pros of bracket contests
- The range of mathematical possibilities is astonishing, implying that unlikely contenders can triumph and beginners have the potential to excel in their respective fields.
- Even if you are not well-versed in college basketball, you can still join in the free or affordable bracket contests.
- Due to their affordability, brackets serve as an economical means of participating in March Madness betting. Consequently, it is common practice to submit multiple brackets for each contest if desired.
- Filling out brackets is an enjoyable experience, encompassing the thrill of upsets, the underdog stories, and the domination of top-ranked teams. Remember when No. 1 Virginia made history by losing to a No. 16 seed? These moments are what make it all so entertaining.
Cons of bracket contests
- Losing all your points in each round can put you in a tough situation if your Final Four picks underperform and get eliminated early.
- Focusing on all these matchups and conducting proper research can be challenging. Moreover, it becomes even more demanding to anticipate beyond the first round. The uncertainty surrounding the actual matchups, potential injuries, or unexpected hot streaks (recall Loyola-Chicago or Butler runs) makes it even harder.
- Unless you’re willing to guess, which we strongly advise against in any betting situation, it can be quite time-consuming.
Pros of single-game March Madness betting
- Before placing your college basketball bets, it is recommended to focus on researching a single game thoroughly in order to gather all the necessary information.
- There are moments of victory and moments of defeat. (Certain cliches exist for a reason.) However, if you wish to continue, there is always another game to participate in.
- Watching the games with a second screen allows you to justify your focus on the matches, as it enables you to conveniently monitor your wagers, prop bets, and live betting activities.
Cons of single-game March Madness betting
- Bettors and pool participants often lose the excitement that March Madness brackets usually generate.
- The reward may be reduced, but the risk is also diminished.
- One might find their overall interest in the tournament diminishing, despite it being one of the most thrilling sports tournaments globally.
March Madness single-game betting
In regards to wagering on individual games within the NCAA Division I Men’s College Basketball Tournament, there are numerous choices available, particularly when utilizing legally authorized sportsbooks in Michigan.
When considering your main bet types, you’ll be focusing on the moneyline, point spreads, and totals (also referred to as over/under bets).
When making a moneyline bet, you simply need to select the team you believe will win the game. It is the simplest type of bet with minimal factors to consider. The margin of victory, whether by a single point or a wide margin, is irrelevant as long as your chosen team emerges as the winner.
The favorites are teams with negative odds, whereas the underdogs are teams with positive odds. For instance …
- Michigan State -110
- Georgetown +160
If you place a bet on the Michigan State Spartans to win, you would need to wager $110 in order to potentially win $100 if the Spartans emerge victorious. On the other hand, if you select Georgetown, every $100 you bet could earn you a profit of $160 if the Hoyas win.
When it comes to point spreads, oddsmakers provide a game along with the projected winning or losing margin for a team. Your task is to make the right decision, considering the spread, on which outcome to choose.
- Oakland University +13.5 (-110)
- Marquette University -13.5 (-110)
According to the sportsbook, Marquette is favored by 13.5 points in this game. To win your bet, Marquette must win by a margin of 14 points or more. On the other hand, if you wager on Oakland, the team can either win the game or lose by 13 points or less for you to collect.
The third type of main bet is called the totals bet, which is also known as an over/under bet. In this bet, oddsmakers predict the total number of points they believe the two teams in a single game will score. Your task is to decide whether you think the combined score will be higher or lower than the figure set by the oddsmakers. The outcome of the game does not matter; the focus is solely on whether the total points scored surpasses or falls below the projected number.
Let’s take a look at a game featuring Michigan and Duke as an example.
- Over 135.5 (-110)
- Under 135.5 (-110)
The sportsbook has set the total score at 135.5 points, which prevents the game from ending on a specific number and resulting in a push. Although half-points are not feasible, this total ensures that scenario is avoided.
If you believe that the total score of the Duke and Michigan game will be 136 points or higher, you should choose to bet on the over. Conversely, if you think that the defenses will restrict the combined score to less than 135 points, then you should opt for the under bet.
AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File
March Madness Bracket FAQ
The completion of brackets is dependent on the announcements made on Selection Sunday, scheduled for March 13, 2022. However, you can promptly find brackets to be filled out once these announcements have been made.
The outcome is contingent on the specific contest you have decided to join. Generally, each round of the contest is assigned a specific point value for its games. Correct choices made in each round earn you the corresponding number of points. These points are tallied up, and the winner is determined by the overall accumulation of points. In the event of a tie, the final score of the national championship game serves as the customary tie-breaker. Nevertheless, it is important to note that each contest has its own set of regulations, and it is advisable to acquaint yourself with them before taking part.
The limit on the number of entries you can make varies depending on the sportsbook or website contests you choose. While some may impose a cap on the entries, others allow unlimited entries. Additionally, if you prefer, you can participate in multiple contests across different locations. Ultimately, the decision lies in how many brackets you desire to enter.
March Madness brackets have numerous opportunities to go awry, and comprehending the sheer magnitude of possible combinations for a single bracket will help you grasp why. This calculation assumes that each team has an equal 50% chance of winning any game. Considering that there are 63 games in the official bracket (excluding the First Four round), each with two potential outcomes, the total number of conceivable combinations amounts to a mind-boggling 9,223,372,036,854,775,808.
According to DePaul University math professor Jeff Bergen, the chances of having a perfect bracket by randomly filling it out are approximately one in 9.2 quintillion. However, since very few bettors make their selections randomly, the odds are more realistically estimated at one in 128 billion.
Each March, the American Gaming Association approximates that over 70 million NCAA Tournament brackets are completed.