2025 March Madness Betting Odds: NCAA Tournament First Round Spreads, Moneylines, Totals

The first slate of 2025 March Madness odds tips off on Tuesday with the First Four odds before first-round odds begin on Thursday in the Round of 64. Online sportsbooks have released markets for the upcoming games just after the bracket was revealed on Selection Sunday.

The single-elimination tournament continues through the Final Four in San Antonio on April 5 and the national championship game on April 7.

Find the best odds for the NCAA men's basketball tournament after sportsbooks open them. We're referencing DraftKings Sportsbook's March Madness opening lines for the spread and over/under below, which were posted immediately after the bracket was released up through 6:40 p.m. ET on March 16. Click on the tables below to bet now.

SOUTH Region First-Round Odds

Opening Odds After Selection Sunday Show

The South Region is potentially the most loaded in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn is the top overall seed and one of the favorites to win it all. Michigan is coming off a Big Ten Tournament title. Michigan State is the regular season Big Ten champ, and teams like Marquette and Iowa State have some excellent veteran guards who will be tough matchups for any opponent.

Key Matchups

No. 8 Louisville vs. No. 9 Creighton

The 8/9 matchups are always good, but each team has been in the top 25 at various points this season. Creighton has one of the best centers in college basketball in Ryan Kalkbrenner at 7-foot-1 (19.4 PPG & 8.8 RPG), and they surround him with strong scoring guards like Steven Ashworth (16.3 PPG 36.9% 3P%) and Jamiya Neal (11.5 PPG). Louisville can score the basketball as well as anyone. They have four guards averaging double figures, and when they get hot from three, they can run teams out of the gym.

No. 4 Texas A&M vs. No. 13 Yale

If you are looking for a double-digit seed to pull an upset in the South Region, keep your eyes on Yale. The Bulldogs have tournament experience, as this is their third appearance in the last four seasons. Last season, they pulled an upset as a #13 seed over Auburn, so they are not strangers to this moment. Look for John Poulakidas, who dropped 28 against Auburn last season and has had a stronger senior season for Yale, averaging 19 PPG and shooting 40.2% from three.

South Region Betting: Current Odds

[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query="bkc/ncaab_winner_region_south" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 16 Alabama State

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592962" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Bryant

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592772" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 14 Lipscomb

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592774" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 4 Texas A&M vs. No. 13 Yale

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592761" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 UC San Diego

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592763" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592963" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 7 Marquette vs. No. 10 New Mexico

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592780" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 8 Louisville vs. No. 9 Creighton

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592769" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

EAST Region first-round odds

Opening Odds After Selection Sunday Show

The East Region is led by most sportsbooks betting favorite to win it all: the Duke Blue Devils. It will be crucial for Duke to get Cooper Flagg back if they want to make a run. Teams like Oregon, BYU, and Wisconsin have shown that when at their best, they can beat anyone in the country.

Key Matchups

No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 9 Baylor

This is a fantastic eight-nine matchup between two power conference schools that each stand a great chance to give Duke all they can handle in the second round. The matchup between two of the most talented guards in the country in Baylor's VJ Edgecombe (15 PPG) and Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard (18.7 PPG), should be a great watch. Expect at least one of these two guys to go off for a huge scoring game, maybe even both.

No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Akron

Arizona's season has been a roller coaster, and they are as likely to go on a deep run as they are to lose in the first round. Meanwhile, Akron is playing some of the best basketball in the country, having won 21 of its last 22 games. If Caleb Love for Arizona has one of his high-volume, low-scoring games, the Zips could put the Wildcats on upset watch.

East Region Betting Odds

[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query="bkc/ncaab_winner_region_east" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 American/Mount St. Mary's

Odds post after American vs. Mount St. Mary's is settled in the play-in game.

No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 15 Robert Morris

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592771" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 14 Montana

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592759" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Akron

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592776" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 Liberty

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592778" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 VCU

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592765" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 7 Saint Mary's vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592779" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 9 Baylor

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592782" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

MIDWest Region First-Round odds

Opening Odds After Selection Sunday Show

The Midwest region has good sleeper teams like Georgia, McNeese, Illinois, and UCLA. If we had to pick one region for the number one seed and not go to the Final Four, this is it, as Houston has a tough path.

Key Matchups

No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia

This matchup should be a lot of fun, and don't be shocked if the winner of this game upsets Houston in the second round. The post-matchup between senior Graham Ike (17.1 PPG & 7.5 RPG) of Gonzaga and freshman Asa Newell (15.3 PPG & 6.8 RPG) of Georgia could be explosive. Will the crafty veteran get the job done, or will the talented freshman's athleticism be too much?

No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 12 McNeese

Clemson is excellent but might lack the guard scoring to make a run, while McNeese is in its second NCAA Tournament and is a trendy upset pick. What makes McNeese so strong is that they are incredibly balanced, with not a player to identify as the go-to guy but five players averaging double figures, making it hard to slow them down.

Midwest Region Betting Odds

[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query="bkc/ncaab_winner_region_midwest" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 1 Houston vs. No. 16 SIU Edwardsville

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592755" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 15 Wofford

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592757" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 14 Troy

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592773" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 13 High Point

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592760" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 12 McNeese State

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592762" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Texas/Xavier

Odds post after Texas vs. Xavier is settled in the play-in game.

No. 7 UCLA vs. No. 10 Utah State

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592767" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 8. Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592768" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

west Region First-Round odds

Opening Odds After Selection Sunday Show

The West Region is Florida's to lose, but two-seed St. Johns is playing as well as anyone in the country. One of the favorite sleeper teams in the field is in the region with Drake, and teams like Memphis, Kansas, and Texas Tech have the talent to make a run.

Key Matchup

No. 6 Missouri vs. No. 11 Drake

A few weeks ago, Missouri looked like a potential two or three-seed but only won two of their final six games. They get a horrible matchup, too, facing Drake, who is 30-3 on the season and, simply put, is better than their seed, but they play in the MVC. Drake beat every team they faced from power conferences, including Miami, Vanderbilt, and Kansas State. Bennet Stirtz is a star, and don't be surprised if he drops 25+ points as Drake pulls off the upset.

West Region Betting Odds

[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query="bkc/ncaab_winner_region_west" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592770" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 2 St. John's vs. No. 15 Omaha

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592756" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 UNC Wilmington

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592758" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592775" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592777" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 6 Missouri vs. No. 11 Drake

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592764" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592766" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

No. 8. UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma

[metabet_core_game_tile query="592781" size="100%x250" site_id="thelines"]

watcH: march madness betting preview

You can subscribe to the audio-only version of the show on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

USE MARCH MADNESS ODDS FOR BRACKET CHALLENGES

Sign up for the best free bracket contests, and use these odds to bet on Round 1 NCAA Tournament matchups.

TheLines is running a Perfect 16 game: Anyone who picks all teams correctly to reach the Sweet 16 will win $1K.

BEST College Basketball Sportsbook promo codes

#

Sportsbook

Bonus

Features

Bet

1

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

• Wide coverage of US and international sports
• Linked to MGM Rewards loyalty program
• Regular odds boosts and promos

Bet Now BetMGM Review

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

2

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

• Wide coverage of US and international sports
• High-quality iOS and Android apps
• Very fast withdrawal times

Bet Now DraftKings Review

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

3

Up to $250 Bonus Bet

• Wide coverage of US and international sports
• High-quality iOS and Android apps
• Very fast withdrawal times

Bet Now Caesars Review

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

4

Double Your Winnings on Your First 10 Bets! $50 Max Bets

• Only sportsbook legal in Florida
• Hot Bets feature
• Live NFL streaming

Bet Now Hard Rock Bet Review

To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in an Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. GAMBLING PROBLEM Arizona Customers: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or Text NEXTSTEP to 53342. Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia Customers: Call 1-800-GAMBLER Indiana Customers: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT Tennessee Customers: Call or text the Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789

5

Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

• Offers one of the best same-game parlays
• Highly rated mobile app
• Impressive sports coverage

Bet Now FanDuel Review

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

6

Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash

• Unique FanCash loyalty program
• Variety of bonuses and ongoing promos
• Fast, reliable app with live betting and streaming

Bet Now Fanatics Review

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

21+ in most states to use sportsbook bonus codes. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.

Where Can You Bet On College Basketball Player Props?

Among CBB online betting regulations, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia prohibit gambling on college basketball player props.

Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, New York, Tennessee, and Virginia don’t allow betting on in-state schools (some exceptions for playing in the tournament) and/or in-state player props. The remaining states with legal online sportsbooks, such as new bet365 state Tennessee, authorize wagering on college basketball player prop odds, including in-state teams.

Oregon does not allow online wagering on college sports. Sorry, Ducks flock.