New customers
BET
$5
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Earn $200 FanCash with your first bet.
New customers
BET
$5
GET
$200
INSTANTLY
Earn $200 FanCash with your first bet.
The Tournament Hits Different Here
Join Livvy Dunne as she leads an electric March basketball campaign!
Tournament Offers Across Fanatics
FANCASH
So many ways to earn it, so many ways to spend it
Tournament Betting for Beginners:
A Simple Guide to Getting Started
1
Moneyline: Just Pick the Winner
If you’re new to Tournament betting, the moneyline is the simplest place to start. A moneyline bet means you’re picking which team will win the game. That’s it. If you picked a team to advance in your bracket, betting the moneyline is essentially backing that same prediction.
Why it’s great for beginners:
• No math required • No margin of victory needed • Easy to understand
2
Point Spread: How Close Will It Be?
Once you’re comfortable picking winners, the next step in learning how to bet on The Tournament is understanding the point spread.
The spread levels the playing field between a favorite and an underdog.
FOR EXAMPLE:
• Duke -5.5 means Duke must win by 6 or more points
• If you bet the underdog at +5.5, they can lose by 5 or fewer points (or win outright)
3
Over/Under: Bet on the Total Points
Not sure which team to pick? You can still bet on the game.
The over/under (total points) market lets you wager on whether the combined score will go over or under a projected number.
FOR EXAMPLE:
• Over 142.5 means you’re betting both teams will score 143 points or more combined.
• Under means you expect a lower-scoring game.
4
Simple Yes/No Props
Once you’re more comfortable, you can try easy, low-pressure props like:
• Will there be overtime?
• First team to 10 points
• Will the game go over a certain scoring milestone?
TOP MARKETS TO BET ON
1
#5 vs. #12 Matchup (Upset Watch)
The 5 vs. 12 game is a tournament classic. Upsets happen here more than almost any other seed pairing.
Why it’s interesting:
• Close point spreads • Strong underdog value • High bracket volatility
Beginner-friendly markets to consider:
• Moneyline (if you believe in the upset)
• Point spread if you expect a tight finish
2
#No. 1 Seed in Opening Round
Top seeds usually advance — but the question is how dominant they’ll look.
Why it’s interesting:
• Large point spreads
• Blowout potential
• Strong public betting interest
Beginner-friendly markets to consider:
• Point spread (can they cover?)
• Over/Under if you expect fast pace
3
Rivalry Game or In-State Battle
When teams know each other well, games tend to be more competitive and emotional.
Why it’s interesting:
• Lower scoring potential
• Tight finishes
• Strong defensive intensity
4
High-Powered Offense vs. Elite Defense
These stylistic matchups are some of the most intriguing bets of the tournament.
• Will there be overtime?
• First team to 10 points
• Will the game go over a certain scoring milestone?
Why it’s interesting:
• Total points market becomes key
• Contrasting play styles create uncertainty
Beginner-friendly markets to consider:
• Over/Under (pace will determine outcome)
• Moneyline if you trust defense in tournament play
5
Tournament Quarterfinal & Final Eight Preview Game
If you believe a team is going deep in your bracket, this is a great opportunity to back that conviction.
Why it’s interesting:
• Futures implications
• Higher-stakes momentum shifts
• National spotlight games
Beginner-friendly markets to consider:
• Moneyline
• Tournament futures (Final Four / Championship)
WANT MORE TOURNAMENT BETTING TIPS?
Checkout our complete blog to learn more!
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