March Madness Point Spreads: How Do They Work in College Basketball?

A point spread is a betting line that sportsbooks use to balance the odds between two teams. Instead of just picking a winner, you’re betting on whether a team will win by a certain margin (cover the spread) or lose by fewer points than expected.

Understanding Point Spreads

Each game has a favorite (expected to win) and an underdog (expected to lose). The spread sets a margin that the favorite must win by for a bet on them to cash.

Example:

• Duke -6.5 vs. Michigan
  • Duke is the favorite (-6.5), meaning they must win by 7+ points to cover the spread.
  • Michigan is the underdog (+6.5), meaning they must win outright or lose by 6 or fewer to cover the spread.

If Duke wins by exactly 6 points, a bet on Michigan would win, while Duke bettors would lose.

On rare occasions, the spread is a whole number (e.g., -6), and if the final margin lands exactly on that number, the bet is graded as a push, meaning all wagers are refunded.

Why Bet on Point Spreads?

• More Balanced Odds: Instead of betting on a heavy favorite at bad odds, spreads make both teams more evenly priced.
• More Strategy: Factors like pace of play, free throw shooting, and late-game fouling can impact whether a team covers.
• Avoid Moneyline Juice: Betting on a favorite straight-up can have expensive odds, while spreads offer a more reasonable return.

How Point Spreads Move

Sportsbooks adjust spreads based on betting action, injuries, and public perception. A spread that opens at -6.5 might shift to -5.5 if bettors flood money on the underdog.

Point spread betting is a staple of March Madness wagering, giving fans a way to bet on close matchups without just picking winners.

Winning sportsbooks to check out

1.

4.8/5

DraftKings Review

New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us!

USA Welcome

Bet now

21+, Other T&Cs Apply

2.

4.6/5

Bet365 Review

Bet $5 & Get $200 in bonus bets

USA Welcome

Bet now

Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

3.

4.6/5

BetMGM Review

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

USA Welcome

Bet now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (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.

4.

4.5/5

Caesars Review

Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost

USA Welcome

Bet now

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)

5.

4.4/5

Hard Rock Bet Review

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win

USA Welcome

Bet now

The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, 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. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

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