2026 NCAA Tournament Online Betting
The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on Tuesday, March 17th and Wednesday, March 18th and then it is First Round games on Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th. The Duke Blue Devils are the overall No. 1 seed and they are the favorite to cut down the nets in early April. The four No. 1 seeds in the March Madness Bracket are Duke, Michigan, Arizona and Florida.
Duke enters the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as the top overall seed, carrying an 11-game winning streak, a 32-2 record, and the nation’s leading player of the year candidate, Cameron Boozer, into the three-week spectacle known as March Madness.
College Basketball Betting Lines
The East Region is loaded with high-profile programs. UConn holds the No. 2 seed, while a trio of Hall of Fame coaches headline other contenders in the bracket: Tom Izzo at Michigan State, Bill Self at Kansas, and Rick Pitino, whose St. John’s team captured the Big East title.
Out West, Arizona is aiming for its first Final Four appearance since 2001. The Wildcats face a difficult path through a region that includes Purdue, which moved up to a No. 2 seed after defeating Michigan in the Big Ten championship game, along with perennial tournament threats Gonzaga, Arkansas, and Wisconsin.
Michigan leads the Midwest Region behind Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg. The Wolverines dominated much of the regular season with an average winning margin of 19.4 points per game, though their conference tournament run proved tougher. Michigan won two close games in Chicago before falling to Purdue, 80-72, in the Big Ten title game.
The South Region could set up a compelling storyline with a possible championship rematch between Florida and second-seed Houston. Adding intrigue, the regional final will be played in Houston, giving the Cougars a potential hometown advantage. Illinois and Nebraska, seeded third and fourth respectively, will look to disrupt that scenario.
2026 NCAA Tournament Dates
First Four: Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18
First Round: Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20
Second Round: Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22
Sweet 16: Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27
Elite 8: Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29
Final Four: Saturday, April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
NCAA Championship Game: Monday, April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
2026 NCAA Basketball Women's Tournament
The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament field is set, with UConn entering as the undefeated top overall seed after a dominant regular season. Following their 2025 title win, the Huskies are the heavy favorites to repeat, led by national player of the year frontrunner Sarah Strong and a healthy Azzi Fudd. Joining them on the top line are UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina, marking the first time in tournament history that the previous year’s Final Four teams have all returned as number one seeds the following season.
The bracket features two primary regional sites in Fort Worth and Sacramento, where the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will be held before the road leads to the Final Four in Phoenix. While the top seeds are formidable, Vanderbilt has emerged as a major threat after securing a No. 2 seed, its highest in nearly two decades. On the defensive end, Notre Dame remains a dangerous out due to the elite two-way play of Hannah Hidalgo, who leads the country in steals and transition scoring.
Tip Off with College Basketball Action
From buzzer-beaters to March Madness magic, every game brings excitement and upsets. Bet on every college basketball game at BookMaker—spreads, totals, moneylines, player props, and live odds all season long.
* Trusted by sharp bettors for over 30 years
* Early odds, fast payouts, and Bitcoin betting
* Live betting and mobile-optimized sportsbook
* Don’t just watch the action — bet on it!
* Sign Up Now and wing into action with your College Basketball picks today!
2026 NCAA Tournament Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Tuesday, March 17 (First Four)
(16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard, 6:40 p.m. | truTV
(11) Texas vs. (11) NC State, 9:15 p.m. | truTV
Wednesday, March 18 (First Four)
(16) Prairie View A&M vs. (16) Lehigh, 6:40 p.m. | truTV
(11) Miami (OH) vs. (11) SMU, 9:15 p.m. | truTV
Thursday, March 19 (First Round/Round of 64)
(9) TCU vs. (8) Ohio State, 12:15 p.m. | CBS
(13) Troy vs. (4) Nebraska, 12:40 p.m. | truTV
(11) South Florida vs. (6) Louisville, 1:30 p.m. | TNT
(12) High Point vs. (5) Wisconsin, 1:50 p.m. | TBS
(16) Siena vs. (1) Duke, 2:50 p.m. | CBS
(12) McNeese vs. (5) Vanderbilt, 3:15 p.m. | truTV
(14) North Dakota State vs. (3) Michigan State, 4:05 p.m. | TNT
(13) Hawai'i vs. (4) Arkansas, 4:25 p.m. | TBS
(11) VCU vs. (6) North Carolina, 6:50 p.m. | TNT
(16) UMBC or Howard vs. (1) Michigan, 7:10 p.m. | CBS
(11) Texas or NC State vs. (6) BYU, 7:25 p.m. | TBS
(10) Texas A&M vs. (7) Saint Mary's, 7:35 p.m. | truTV
(14) Pennsylvania vs. (3) Illinois, 9:25 p.m. | TNT
(9) Saint Louis vs. (8) Georgia, 9:45 p.m. | CBS
(14) Kennesaw State vs. (3) Gonzaga, 10:00 p.m. | TBS
(15) Idaho vs. (2) Houston, 10:10 p.m. | truTV
Friday, March 20 (First Round/Round of 64)
(10) Santa Clara vs. (7) Kentucky, 12:15 p.m. | CBS
(12) Akron vs. (5) Texas Tech, 12:40 p.m. | truTV
(16) Long Island University vs. (1) Arizona, 1:35 p.m. | TNT
(14) Wright State vs. (3) Virginia, 1:50 p.m. | TBS
(15) Tennessee State vs. (2) Iowa State, 2:50 p.m. | CBS
(13) Hofstra vs. (4) Alabama, 3:15 p.m. | truTV
(9) Utah State vs. (8) Villanova, 4:10 p.m. | TNT
(16) Miami Ohio or SMU vs. (6) Tennessee, 4:25 p.m. | TBS
(9) Iowa vs. (8) Clemson, 6:50 p.m. | TNT
(12) Northern Iowa vs. (5) St. John's, 7:10 p.m. | CBS
(10) UCF vs. (7) UCLA, 7:25 p.m. | TBS
(15) Queens University vs. (2) Purdue, 7:35 p.m. | truTV
(16) Prairie View A&M or Lehigh vs. (1) Florida, 9:25 p.m. | TNT
(13) California Baptist vs. (4) Kansas, 9:45 p.m. | CBS
(15) Furman vs. (2) UConn, 10:00 p.m. | TBS
(10) Missouri vs. (7) Miami, 10:10 p.m. | truTV
NCAA Tournament History
The NCAA Tournament began in 1939, growing in size and stature over the years. The first tournament consisted of eight teams, and the format remained unchanged until 1951, when the field was doubled to 16. The number of participating schools doubled again to 32 in 1975 and reached 64 in 1985.
Now, there are slots for 68 of the best D-I college basketball squads in America. There are 32 spaces reserved for automatic qualifiers – teams that win their end-of-the-season conference tournament. The selection committee picks the other 36 teams as at-large entrants based on their overall record, RPI, net rating, and other factors.
We may see another big change coming to March Madness in the very near future. The NCAA Transformation Committee recommended expanding the number of teams in the NCAA Tournament to accommodate the growing number of Division I teams in the country. There are now more than 350 Division I college basketball teams, and the committee wants to guarantee that at least a quarter of those programs can potentially make the NCAA Tournament. That could mean an expansion to a 96-team March Madness in the future.
National Championship Game Winners (2000)
| YEARS |
WINNER |
RUNNER-UP |
LOCATION |
| 2025 |
Florida |
Houston |
Alamodome |
| 2024 |
Connecticut |
Purdue |
State Farm Stadium |
| 2023 |
Connecticut |
San Diego State |
NRG Stadium |
| 2022 |
Kansas |
North Carolina |
Caesars Superdome |
| 2021 |
Baylor |
Gonzaga |
Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 2020 |
Event Canceled |
| 2019 |
Virginia |
Texas Tech |
U.S. Bank Stadium |
| 2018 |
Villanova |
Michigan |
Alamodome |
| 2017 |
North Carolina |
Gonzaga |
University of Phoenix Stadium |
| 2016 |
Villanova |
North Carolina |
NRG Stadium |
| 2015 |
Duke |
Wisconsin |
Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 2014 |
Connecticut |
Kentucky |
AT&T Stadium |
| 2013 |
Louisville |
Michigan |
Georgia Dome |
| 2012 |
Kentucky |
Kansas |
Mercedes-Benz Superdome |
| 2011 |
Connecticut |
Butler |
Reliant Stadium |
| 2010 |
Duke |
Butler |
Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 2009 |
North Carolina |
Michigan State |
Ford Field |
| 2008 |
Kansas |
Memphis |
Alamodome |
| 2007 |
Florida |
Ohio State |
Georgia Dome |
| 2006 |
Florida |
UCLA |
RCA Dome |
| 2005 |
North Carolina |
Illinois |
Edward Jones Dome |
| 2004 |
Connecticut |
Georgia Tech |
Alamodome |
| 2003 |
Syracuse |
Kansas |
Louisiana Superdome |
| 2002 |
Maryland |
Indiana |
Georgia Dome |
| 2001 |
Duke |
Arizona |
Metrodome |
| 2000 |
Michigan State |
Florida |
RCA Dome |
Did You Know?
At BookMaker, we go beyond just providing top-notch sports betting options! Take advantage of these exclusive features and rewards:
BookMaker ATM Card for seamless transactions: Easily access your funds with the BookMaker ATM card, providing instant access to your winnings and secure transactions wherever you go.
Loyalty Levels & BetPoints Programs for additional rewards: Earn BetPoints as you bet, and unlock exciting perks at higher loyalty levels. The more you play, the more you earn!
Seasonal and Reload Bonuses to maximize your earnings: Stay ahead with seasonal promotions and reload bonuses, boosting your bankroll throughout the year.
Early Cashout Option for added flexibility: Cash out your bet early and lock in profits or limit losses—putting you in control of your wagers.
Free Crypto Payouts for fast and secure withdrawals: Enjoy fast, secure withdrawals with zero fees when you choose crypto payouts.
Open Play Option for unique parlay betting: Get creative with your parlays using the Open Play option, offering more ways to win.
Casino Promotions & Contests for extra fun and wins: Join in on exclusive casino promotions and contests, adding excitement to your betting experience.
8% Cash Back on all your horse racing bets: Place horse racing bets and get 8% cash back on your losses, making it easier to bounce back.
Explore all these benefits and more at BookMaker!
Betting Rules & Policies
Free Play Rules
- Free plays cannot be used on proposition bets.
- Free Plays do not earn any BetPoints™
- Bets made using Free Plays do not count towards completing any rollovers. (Free Plays are always subject to a rollover of their own. You must complete the required rollover prior to making a withdrawal).
- The maximum payout for any Free Play is $5,000.
- Free Plays that are left unused for 180 days will be removed from your account.
ROLLOVER
- Did you know that on all deposits made at BookMaker, there is a rollover requirement: an amount of betting action you must fulfill before you are eligible to make a withdrawal.
- Did you know that rollovers are calculated by multiplying the amount initially credited to your account a certain number of times? Yes! If you deposit without claiming any bonus, the rollover will always be 1x (one-time) your deposit amount. If you do claim a deposit bonus, the rollover will be higher and is based on the deposit plus bonus amount.
Wager disputes (claims)
If you disagree with any aspect of a wager you’ve placed, you are welcome to log an official dispute (commonly known as a “claim”). Claims must be reported no later than 15 (fifteen) calendar days following the settlement of the wager.
If following an initial review of the case there remains any doubt regarding the wager type, line, market, amount, or any other detail, the claim will be escalated to the BookMaker management team. All decisions made by them are final.
Wager Cash Out - How it works
With the Cash Out feature you can choose to eliminate a wager that's already been placed, and receive back either a portion, or your full stake amount.
Cash Out is selectively available on certain events, fixtures, and markets.
In order to see if a wager is eligible to be cashed out, simply navigate to your Bet Slip and check the 'My Open Bets' tab. If eligible, the Cash Out button will be displayed.
It’s also important to note that Cash Out is not contributing to any bonus or promotion including Bet Point accumulation and Rollover for releasing bonus cash.
