The NCAA Men’s Division I basketball tournament, known as March Madness, is a cherished yearly sporting spectacle that offers a multitude of captivating moments filled with suspense, fascination, and unexpected acts of valor.
Forbes reports that approximately 100 million individuals actively engage in watching the games unfold every March. Additionally, a significant number of people eagerly complete brackets and take part in complimentary March Madness bracket competitions.
Now that Michigan has entered the realm of legal online sports betting, you also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the annual sports betting craze. Allow me to guide you on how to place your bets on March Madness online in Michigan.
Top Michigan sports betting apps for March Madness odds
Compare March Madness odds at Michigan online sportsbooks
To stay updated with the most recent March Madness odds, refer to the odds feed provided below, sourced directly from MI online sportsbooks. By clicking on any odds displayed in the feed, you can swiftly access the online sportsbook, claim your welcome bonus, and proceed to place your March Madness bets.
How to download a sports betting app to bet March Madness
If you already possess a smartphone or mobile device, the process of downloading a sportsbook app is akin to your previous encounters with other applications. Just adhere to the instructions provided below:
- To access your preferred sportsbook app, locate the provided link above and simply click on the “Play Now” button. It is crucial to utilize our link as we frequently offer unique bonus offers and deals that are unavailable elsewhere.
- Find the suitable download button according to the format of your device. You will have to choose either the Apple or Android version of the app for download.
- There is absolutely no difference in the usual process for Apple users (iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches) when it comes to downloading their apps.
- To access a wide range of apps on Android devices, users can utilize the Google Play store. However, if encountering difficulties with downloads, enabling the option to download from “Unknown Sources” is necessary to obtain the .apk file of the desired app. This can be done by navigating to the “Security” section within the device’s settings.
- Once you have downloaded the app on your preferred platform, you can either create a new account or log in using your existing username and password. Before registering, remember to visit our website and check for any available promo codes that you can enter.
Betting on March Madness
During March Madness, a vast array of betting options will be available. The extensive range of games being played allows sportsbooks to offer countless variations of wagers.
Futures
March Madness often sees a rise in the popularity of futures wagers, which are not typically as commonly placed. However, the tournament’s structure makes it conducive to this type of betting.
A futures bet involves predicting if a specific event will take place within a defined timeframe. Generally, these bets focus on determining future champions or individual award recipients.
March Madness consists of 68 basketball teams competing, presenting a total of 68 potential contenders for the national championship.
Although the top seeds (No. 1, No. 2, and onwards) have a higher probability of winning, it is worth noting that throughout the tournament’s history, teams seeded as low as No. 8 have emerged as the champions.
In addition to the usual array of futures bets in March Madness, there are also some expansions. You have the opportunity to place futures wagers on any team’s progress in the tournament. This usually involves predicting how far they will go. For instance, you can place bets on teams becoming region winners (reaching the Final Four) or advancing to the regional (reaching the Sweet 16).
If you prefer, futures bets can be easily converted into straight odds, although they are typically presented as moneylines.
To find the straight odds, divide the positive moneyline by 100. For instance, if a team has a moneyline of +3000, it means they are a 30-1 underdog because 3000/100 equals 30.
Other common types of March Madness bets
Naturally, individual March Madness games will also offer the other customary types of bets. For every tournament game, the following wager options will be accessible:
- Point spreads are wagers that revolve around the ultimate difference in scores. The favorite team can either surpass the predicted margin of victory, or the underdog team can bridge the gap.
- Moneylines are wagers solely focused on the game’s result, irrespective of the margin. Payouts differ based on the sportsbook’s prediction of the winning team.
- The bet is called “over/under,” where players predict if the teams will score more or less than the sportsbook’s estimated total points.
- Player props refer to bets placed on specific statistics of an individual player during a game. These bets usually involve a predetermined total, and bettors have the option to predict whether the player’s performance will surpass or fall short of that number.
- Parlays offer the opportunity to merge multiple bets into a single wager, where all selections must be correct for a payout. However, while this high-risk bet carries the potential for a greater return.
- Live betting is a type of proposition wager that allows you to place bets on a game that is already underway. These bets are made on the spot and may not be very detailed, but they can certainly enhance the thrill of watching a game.
March Madness betting tips
If you’re a bettor residing in Michigan, March Madness might mark your initial venture into sports gambling. To enhance your March Madness betting outcomes, here are a couple of strategies to consider.
1. Keep track of lines
Before every bet, a sportsbook sets initial lines for the point spread, over/under, moneyline, and other predictions for the game. Nonetheless, these predictions are not consistently precise, prompting astute bettors to flock towards lines that appear incorrect.
When a large amount of money is poured into the sportsbook, it tends to trigger a response where the sportsbook tries to even out its potential payout liability on both sides of the bet. As a result, you can expect significant shifts from the initial position to the current market value.
There is typically a valid reason behind the movement of the smart money.
2. Look for early value in middle seeds
March Madness is adored by many due to the thrilling possibility of upsets. The prospect of an underdog school triumphing over a perennial favorite ignites excitement, captivating even those who are not diehard sports enthusiasts.
However, the seedings in a tournament are typically quite accurate, but only up to a certain extent. It is generally expected that the higher-seeded teams (Nos. 1-4) will emerge victorious in their initial game.
On the other hand, games featuring teams with similar seedings present a reasonable opportunity for upsets. For example, the No. 12 seed has emerged victorious against the No. 5 seed in approximately one-third of the instances.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek out teams ranked 9th to 12th in the seeding who possess impressive records but have been placed lower due to perceived schedule difficulty or a slight underachievement during the regular season. Typically, a conference champion from a middle-tier conference has a fair opportunity to defeat the fourth- or fifth-ranked team from a more dominant conference.
3. Stick to higher seeds late
However, it is generally observed that the teams with higher seeds have a higher likelihood of emerging victorious. Throughout history, only 14 teams seeded below No. 6 have managed to reach the Final Four.
There are two main factors contributing to the drop-off. Firstly, as the tournament progresses, higher-seeded teams tend to showcase their depth, which becomes crucial as fatigue and inconsistency start to affect performance. Secondly, a lower-seeded team’s chances can be jeopardized if their star player has an off night.
Another factor to consider is that the element of surprise diminishes for the lower-seeded team. By the time the second week arrives, the higher-seeded teams would have thoroughly studied and analyzed the strategies and gameplay of the lesser-known college from the first week.
4. Watch for momentum
Achieving six or seven consecutive wins is a challenging feat. At times, it may appear that the sole reason behind winning the national championship is simply because someone had to emerge as the victor.
Nevertheless, a team that ignites at the perfect moment has the potential to overpower the competition, regardless of their initial ranking or past achievements. Hence, it is crucial to observe teams that appear to be clicking and improving as the tournament unfolds.
It may be beneficial to search for teams that experienced a high ranking in the beginning of the season but later declined due to injury or chemistry problems.
A team brimming with talent, yet underachieving, simply requires a spark to transform into the exceptional group everyone anticipated.
March Madness Bracket contests
A bracket is the designated schedule followed by the 68 teams in the tournament, showcasing the matchups between the teams in a hierarchical tree structure.
Bracket contests, whether free or requiring payment, have become the most popular means of betting on March Madness due to the release of matchups a week prior to the tournament’s commencement. It is common for individuals who typically do not engage in sports betting to join in by filling out a bracket and participating in a pool.
According to the Statista Research Department’s estimation in 2022, approximately 36.5 million adults in the United States participated in filling out brackets for March Madness. Numerous platforms, including Michigan sportsbooks and various other sports-related organizations, will organize bracket challenges for this event.
- Participate in DraftKings’ $30k Survivor Pool by selecting a winning team daily. Progress to the final round for an opportunity to win the ultimate prize.
- In the BetMGM $100k Bracket Challenge, participants can earn points for each accurate game selection, and those with the highest-scoring brackets will receive prizes. This year, a fortunate woman from Michigan emerged victorious.
- Participate in FanDuel’s $5k Bracket Pick’em and make your selections as the tournament progresses. Win exciting prizes with the entries that score the highest.
March Madness 2nd Chance Brackets
Before March Madness comes to an end, numerous brackets are shattered. Fortunately, second-chance contests provide an opportunity to make another attempt at victory starting with the Sweet 16. DraftKings offers a variety of options to select from, such as:
- Participate in the Free State Farm $20k Second Chance Bracket and earn points by correctly selecting the winners of each game. By accumulating the highest scores, you can win cash prizes.
- Participate in the Free KFC $20k Second Chance Survivor challenge and if you successfully reach the end without any losses, you will have the opportunity to share in the prize pool.
What’s the best spot for betting on March Madness in Michigan?
March Madness is an immensely celebratory occasion, recognized as one of the most significant sporting events of the year. In Michigan, you can now fully immerse yourself in the excitement by venturing out to witness the action firsthand, all while engaging in some thrilling betting. To ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest odds, here are the prime destinations to explore.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown
- Name: Barstool Sportsbook
- 555 E Lafayette Street, Detroit, Michigan, 48226
- Phone: (313) 223-2999
- The sportsbook is open every day from 10 a.m. until midnight.
- Barstool Sportsbook MI is an online platform for sports betting.
When you make your way up to the higher floor of the casino, you will come across Barstool Sportsbook. In addition to a physical betting window, there are 40 betting kiosks scattered throughout the casino. Moreover, within the dining area of the sportsbook, you will find a 30-foot video wall and 25 high-definition televisions.
MotorCity Casino Hotel
- Name: FanDuel Sportsbook
- The address is 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201.
- Phone: (866) 782-9622
- The sportsbook is open from 9 a.m. to midnight every day of the week.
- FanDuel Sportsbook MI is an internet-based platform for sports betting.
In addition to its online and mobile presence, FanDuel has established itself as a prominent player in the retail sportsbook industry. Located at MotorCity Casino, their sportsbook consistently receives outstanding reviews. Offering numerous amenities such as multiple HDTVs, a sports ticker, eight convenient betting windows, and 44 self-service kiosks, FanDuel ensures an exceptional experience for its customers. Moreover, they provide a VIP Lounge for those seeking an elevated level of comfort and exclusivity.
MGM Grand Detroit
- Name: BetMGM Sports Lounge
- The address is 1777 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48226.
- Phone: (877) 888-2121
- The sportsbook is open from 9 a.m. to Midnight, seven days a week.
- Online sportsbook: BetMGM Michigan
The BetMGM Sports Lounge is situated within the MGM Grand Detroit. This sportsbook boasts six betting windows, 60 HDTVs, and comfortable lounge seating, along with high-top seating options. Inside, you’ll find a fully stocked bar, and throughout the casino, there are 33 self-service kiosks available for your convenience.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel
- Name: Dacey’s Sportsbook
- The address is: 11177 Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan, zip code 49014.
- Phone: (877) 352-8777
- The operating hours for the sportsbook are as follows: Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to Midnight.
- FireKeepers Sports Betting is an online sportsbook.
Dacey’s Sportsbook offers customers everything they need to savor the most significant sporting events. With a complete restaurant and bar, three in-person betting windows, and various self-service kiosks, patrons have plenty of options. The venue also boasts multiple big screen televisions, a sports ticker, and an impressive selection of over 42 beer taps, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
Little River Casino Resort
- The establishment is called River Rock Sportsbook & Grill.
- 2700 Orchard Highway, Manistee, Michigan 49660
- Phone: (231) 398-3976
- The operating hours for the sportsbook are as follows: Monday to Thursday from 2 p.m. until midnight, Friday from noon until midnight, and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until midnight.
- BetRivers Sportsbook MI: Your premier online sportsbook
Visitors will discover a complete bar and food menu, alongside betting windows conveniently located within the restaurant. Additionally, there are 60 diverse HDTVs available for entertainment. For added convenience, self-serve kiosks are open 24/7 to place your bets.
To explore additional choices for March Madness, you can visit DraftKings Sportsbook located at Bay Mills Resort & Casino, or Ascend Sportsbook at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
A brief history of March Madness
In 1939, the NCAA men’s Division 1 basketball tournament started with a mere eight teams vying for the title. The first-ever championship was secured by the Oregon Ducks.
Since then, the field has experienced significant growth, allowing a total of 68 teams to proudly claim their participation in the renowned “Big Dance.”
Nevertheless, due to the elimination of four teams via play-in games, the tournament essentially transforms into a single-elimination contest featuring a total of 64 teams.
The teams in the main field are assigned seeds numbered from 1 to 16. Similarly, the eight teams participating in play-in games have the identical seeds as their initial opponents.
With 11 titles under its belt, the UCLA program stands as the most successful in history. Guided by the esteemed coach John Wooden, the UCLA Bruins secured the championship consecutively from 1967 to 1973.
The University of Kentucky has achieved great success with eight wins, while the University of North Carolina has secured six wins. Duke University and Indiana University have both recorded five wins, making them highly successful programs as well.
Regardless of their record, every conference tournament winner is guaranteed an automatic bid to the tournament. The other 36 teams, known as at-large bids, are selected by the NCAA Selection Committee. This committee carefully considers various factors to choose the most competitive teams.
The NCAA Tournament saw approximately $3.1 billion in wagers placed by 45 million Americans in 2022, as reported by the American Gaming Association.
Photo by Dreamstime
March Madness FAQ
The Final Four is comprised of the four teams that face off during the last weekend of play. To make it to the Final Four, a team must emerge victorious in their own region of the bracket. This feat necessitates winning four or five consecutive games against tough tournament opponents, a considerable accomplishment even if the team doesn’t ultimately win the national championship.
The NCAA Tournament comprises a total of 68 teams. Initially, the tournament’s bracket consisted of 64 slots. However, starting from 2001, the NCAA introduced play-in games as an addition to the event.
The First Four is the initial round of games played by eight teams before the commencement of the main tournament.
The tournament spans over three weekends during the months of March and the beginning of April.
In March Madness, teams compete in a single-elimination format where they continue playing until they are defeated or emerge as the national champions.
Out of the 68 teams competing, 32 are granted automatic bids according to their conference’s specific requirements. The NCAA Selection Committee then chooses the remaining 38 teams to participate in March Madness on the Sunday preceding the tournament. Additionally, the committee is responsible for assigning the rankings to all 68 teams. While there may be some disputes regarding the final few teams chosen, the majority of strong teams manage to secure their place in the bracket.
Certainly! Both online and retail sportsbooks allow Michigan residents and visitors to place bets on March Madness games.
Certainly! March Madness games will be hosting contests by popular daily fantasy sports operators like DraftKings and FanDuel.
No, being ranked the highest does not guarantee success for a No. 1-seeded team. In fact, only one Final Four in 2008 had all four teams as No. 1 seeds.
In 2018, Virginia experienced a significant upset as they became the first No. 1 seed to lose their opening game. Making history, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County became the first-ever No. 16 seed to progress to the next round.
Surprisingly, the game turned out to be quite one-sided. The Cavaliers, who were favored to win, ended up suffering a 20-point loss, with a final score of 74-54.
Despite this, it is still advisable to place your bets on the No. 1 seeds triumphing over the No. 16 seeds. The fact that a single event occurred in the past does not establish a consistent trend, and the teams ranked at the top are typically deserving of their status for valid reasons.
In 1985, Villanova achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the national championship as a No. 8 seed. Along their journey to victory, the Wildcats triumphed over not one, but two No. 1 seeds and two No. 2 seeds. This astounding accomplishment will forever be etched in their historic legacy.
There have been a total of five No. 11 seeds that have successfully reached the Final Four. These notable teams include:
- LSU (1986)
- George Mason (2006)
- VCU (2011)
- Loyola Chicago (2018)
- UCLA (2021)
The odds are truly mind-boggling. The range of estimates goes from an astounding 1 in 128 billion to an astronomical 1 in 9.2 quintillion. To give you some perspective, winning a Powerball jackpot is 438 times more probable than selecting a flawless bracket.
In 2019, a participant in a bracket challenge impressively made forty-nine accurate predictions in a row before experiencing a defeat. It is worth noting that each year, a total of sixty-seven games are played. Hence, it is evident that even the most exemplary performance achieved so far falls significantly short of attaining perfection.