Can I Bet on March Madness Individual Player Awards (Tournament MVP etc.)?

Yes! Betting on individual player awards is a popular way to wager on March Madness, especially for those looking beyond standard game lines. The most common award to bet on is the Most Outstanding Player (MOP), given to the best player of the NCAA Tournament.

How Tournament MVP (Most Outstanding Player) Betting Works

• Before the tournament starts, sportsbooks set odds for star players from top teams to win MOP.
• As the tournament progresses, odds shift based on player performances.
• The award is typically given to a player from the championship-winning team, though there have been exceptions, such as Hakeem Olajuwon in 1983, who won the MOP despite Houston losing in the title game.

Example of MOP Betting Odds (Before the Tournament Starts)

• Star Player A (+400): Hot favorite from a No. 1 seed
• Star Player B (+700): Key scorer from a Final Four contender
• Dark Horse Player C (+2000): Lower-seeded team’s star with longshot odds

If you bet $100 on Player C at +2000, and they win MOP, you’d collect $2,000 in profit.

Other Individual Player Award Bets

While the MOP is the primary player award available, some sportsbooks may offer:

• Most Points Scored in the Tournament: Bet on the player who will lead in total scoring.
• Most Three-Pointers Made: Wager on the best perimeter shooter of the tournament.
• Most Rebounds in the Tournament: Predict which player will grab the most boards.

Betting Strategy for Player Awards

State Restrictions on Player Award Betting

Not all states allow betting on individual college player awards. Some states that restrict bets on in-state college teams also prohibit player prop bets and futures on individual awards. Be sure to check your local regulations before placing a wager.

Player award betting adds another layer of excitement to March Madness betting sites and can provide excellent value if you spot a rising star early in the tournament.

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Gamble Responsibly

Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:

Set a Budget:

Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.

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Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.

Play with a Clear Head:

Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.

Set Time Limits:

Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.

Know Your Stuff:

Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.

Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.

If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:

Gamblers Anonymous

National Council on Problem Gambling

Gaming Addicts Anonymous

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Nick Slade as part of our fact-checking process.