Best March Madness Betting Promos: $9,700+ in Bonuses

The most lucrative March Madness betting promos are often presented as welcome offers from top betting sites and structured as second-chance bets, bet matches, or bet-and-get bonuses. Comparing these welcome offers will help you see the strengths and weaknesses of each bonus type and help you pick the right ones to unlock for the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The SI betting team has drawn on decades of experience using the best March Madness betting sites for the NCAA Tournament. For 2026, we've used our experience to compile our list of the top March Madness betting promos for new-users to claim before the Big Dance begins this year.

BetMGM earns the lead spot in our 2026 March Madness betting promo power rankings, but each of our top six promos offer up some great value to unlock for college basketball bettors.

1. BetMGM - Best for March Madness total value
2. Caesars Sportsbook - Best March Madness bet match
3. FanDuel - Easiest March Madness bonus to claim
4. DraftKings - Biggest bet and get offer for March Madness
5. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best guaranteed bonus for March Madness
6. bet365 - Best March Madness dual promo

BetMGM is our pick for the best overall betting site for the NCAA basketball tournament, and right now, they're giving bettors a chance to claim an elite welcome offer for March Madness.

New bettors with BetMGM who use bonus code SI1500 can claim a second-chance bet of up to $1,500 as their welcome offer, to use on any NCAA basketball game or player prop they choose. The rewards with this offer can be massive, as any profits you make are yours to keep, and any loss will still see your stake refunded in bonus bets, which you'll be able to deploy on future sporting events.  

Leading up to the Final Four, BetMGM typically will also roll out enhanced sportsbook promos on spreads, totals, and popular player props that include odds boosts and more. This gives current users multiple ways to get additional value beyond the standard lines, and after they've cleared the welcome bonus.

💡SI Expert analysis: The $1,500 welcome presents a great risk/reward opportunity for bettors. A winning $1,500 wager at odds of +300 would yield a $4,500 profit, so risk-takers can make off with some big profits. Bettors can also choose smaller bet sizes, such as $100, on their first wager, and still come out well-ahead. March Madness is known for Cinderella storylines, and finding a big underdog to back shouldn't be an issue; just make sure that first wager is backed by solid research before you lock it in.   

Terms and conditions

For a deeper dive into this sportsbook, check out our BetMGM promo code and BetMGM review pages.  

The latest Caesars Sportsbook bonus lets anyone who claims the welcome offer get a bet match of up to $250. This means new users can make their first wager on any March Madness moneyline, prop, or spread at odds of -500 or longer, and, whether they win or lose, they'll be rewarded with a bet match from Caesars when their bet settles.

The bonus is a great add-on for anyone who is looking to take a swing at hitting a same-game parlay during the 2026 NCAA Tournament on one of the best parlay sites in sports betting. Win or lose, after that first bet, you'll still come away with the Caesars bet match bonus and have a chance at even more profits down the road in later rounds. 

New users to Caesars Sportsbook can claim this offer now by inputting promo code SIBONUS250BM and registering via the links on this site. 

On top of this solid welcome offer, Caesars Sportsbook is backed by the Caesars Entertainment brand and features plenty of promos leading up to the Big Game, often tying wagering incentives to its well-known Caesars Rewards program.

💡SI Expert analysis: The Caesars welcome offer allows you to make your initial wager at odds of -500 or longer. I personally like the idea of scouting a well-researched favorite in the early rounds of March Madness at odds around -200 with this promo. That will still give you a high probability of landing a winner and cashing in on some decent profit, while also securing your bet match.  

Terms and conditions

We go into more detail in our Caesars Sportsbook promo code and Caesars Sportsbook review pages. You'll also learn why Caesars ranks as one of the top NFL betting sites.

FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the most popular options for March Madness betting, especially for new users who want access to a great variety of betting markets and NCAA basketball player props, without sacrificing value. 

With the FanDuel promo code, you'll receive $100 in bonus bets if you win your initial bet of $5+. There are no odds restrictions on your first bet, so finding an easy winner shouldn't be overly difficult. With later rounds of the NCAA Tournament offering up closer games, our advice is to act fast and claim the FanDuel welcome bonus early in the tournament, so you can find a big favorite for that first bet. 

To register for March Madness, new users on FanDuel simply need to tap a link on this site and complete their registration. There is no specific FanDuel promo code or complicated terms attached, which makes accessing the bonus during the NCAA Tournament a breeze. 

💡 SI Expert analysis: FanDuel is well known for offering up some of the best ongoing promotions for current and existing users, so make sure you do all you can to secure those $100 in bonus bets early in the tournament and build your bankroll. Take advantage of the lack of odds restrictions and choose the biggest favorite you can for that initial $5 wager to secure your $100 in bonus bets for later rounds.  

Terms and conditions

You can get the full scoop in our FanDuel review and claim the FanDuel sign-up bonus today.

DraftKings Sportsbook is a strong option for March Madness bettors who want a straightforward bet-and-get welcome offer with solid overall value. While your qualifying bet of $5+ does need to win, DraftKings allows odds as short as -500 on your first wager, making it easier to back a heavy favorite and focus on unlocking the $200 bonus.

Once the bonus is credited, it can be used across a wide range of March Madness betting markets, including popular props like rebounds and 3-pointers. DraftKings is also one of the top prop betting sites for basketball and offers plenty of markets, often releasing lines earlier than competitors. This makes it a solid choice for bettors who want a simple path to getting started with an easy-to-claim welcome bonus on a great NCAA March Madness betting site.

💡SI Expert analysis: Claiming this bonus early on in March Madness will allow you to take full advantage of the $200 in bonus bets across multiple rounds. The initial wager can be made at odds of -500 or longer, so take your time and scout out a heavy favorite in Round 1 or 2. You want to take as little risk as possible on that first bet so you can secure the $200 in bonus bets and use any profits you make from them on the Elite Eight, Final Four, and Championship Game.  

Terms and conditions

Be sure to claim the DraftKings promo code offer and see our DraftKings review for more details.

Important terms and conditions:

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit MA Gambling Helpline (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or visit Home (MD).

21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/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: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Fanatics Sportsbook offers March Madness bettors the chance to choose between two great offers.

Bettors who claim the 'Up to $1,000 in FanCash' offer will have the ability to get one $100 bet match from Fanatics every day, for 10 straight days, a perfect bonus to use over the lengthy college basketball season and the March Madness tournament in March and April. Claiming this offer ahead of the Final Four will also allow you to use one of your 10 consecutive daily bet matches over multiple rounds. 

Alternatively, new users on Fanatics can claim a 'bet $50, get $300 in FanCash' offer, which requires less overall commitment but provides $60 in FanCash every day when you make a bet of $10 or more, for five consecutive days. 

Both Fanatics bonuses give March Madness bettors the chance to potentially make some nice profits by leveraging their offers across a multitude of March Madness player prop markets, including 3-pointers and points scored. 

💡SI Expert analysis: The Fanatics 'Up to $1,000 in FanCash' welcome offer was made for big events like March Madness. Since you'll have NCAA college basketball action to bet on almost every single day in March, we recommend claiming the $1,000 offer at the start of of the Tournament. That will ensure you don't run out of games to bet as you clear the 10 consecutive days of bet matches (up to $100 a day) on Fanatics.   

Terms and conditions

Our Fanatics Sportsbook review explores everything you need to know about the operator, including information on the Fanatics Sportsbook promo.

bet365 provides one of the best all-around March Madness welcome bonuses for U.S. bettors. As a new user, you can use the bonus code SIB365 to claim one of two great promos.  

1. Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose: Get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose, just for placing a $5+ wager at odds of -500 or greater.
2. $1,000 First Bet Safety Net: Have the first bet you make on the site refunded in bonus bets up to $1,000 if it loses.

March Madness bettors can choose to take the guaranteed $150 in bonus bets, which requires very minimal investment, as it can be unlocked with a bet of $5+. This is a great option for beginners or those looking to build a bankroll.

Alternatively, the First Bet Safety Net is great for bettors looking to make a big splash in NCAA basketball betting. With the First Bet Safety Net promo, if your first wager loses, you’ll receive a refund in bonus bets that are equal to your stake, up to $1,000.  

Example: If you make your first bet of $1,000 on the Duke Blue Devils at -200 and they win, you would keep your stake and profits and walk away with $1,500 in cash. If they lose, you still get $1,000 back in bonus bets.

As described, this bet365 welcome bonus is a strong safety net for March Madness and is meant to help soften the blow of a tough loss.

💡SI Expert analysis: Take your time to decide which bet365 March Madness promo is best for you. Remember, you only have seven days to use your bonus bets after you receive them, so if you're a low-volume bettor, the bet $5, get $150 promo will be more suitable. Alternatively, if you're a higher-volume NCAA bettor, I fully recommend taking full advantage of the Up to $1,000 First Bet Safety Net bonus.  

Terms and conditions

You can also view our complete bet365 review for a deeper dive into the sportsbook, and check out our bet365 bonus offer page for all the latest deals.  

Getting started with March Madness betting sites is easy, even for first-timers. Most of the best NCAA betting sites have similar registration processes, and we’ve outlined them to help you start betting before the games begin.

1. Choose a sportsbook

Browse the list of licensed U.S. sportsbooks on this page to find one that suits your needs. Compare aspects such as welcome bonuses, betting markets, ongoing promotions, and user experience. Each platform offers unique strengths, so select the one that aligns with your March Madness betting style.

2. Download the sportsbook app

Once you've chosen a platform, click on one of our exclusive links to activate your bonus offer and begin the registration process. Afterward, download the sportsbook’s official app from the App Store or Google Play to finish setting up your account and start exploring March Madness betting markets.

3. Register your account

Create an account by providing your personal details, including your name, email, phone number, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information is used to verify your identity, enhance your account security, and ensure legal compliance.

4. Claim your welcome bonus

After setting up your account, you can claim the sportsbook’s welcome offer, which might include bonus bets, deposit matches, or other promotions for new users. Remember to enter any required promo code and review the terms, including eligibility requirements and expiration dates.

5. Deposit funds

Before you make your initial March Madness bet, ensure your account is funded. Most sportsbooks support various payment options, including debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and bank transfers.

6. Place your first bet

With your account funded, head to the March Madness betting section and review the odds for the wager you want to make. Enter your stake on the bet slip and confirm your selection; the odds and potential payout will adjust automatically.

7. Withdraw your winnings

Once your bet has settled, you can withdraw any winnings using available options such as debit cards, bank transfers, or PayPal. Withdrawal speeds differ by sportsbook; some can release funds in a few business days. However, the best sportsbooks for payouts will likely complete your transaction in a few hours, depending on your chosen method.

Unlocking your March Madness welcome offer is easy on the best betting apps in the U.S., especially when there are plenty of games to bet on. Here are the top college basketball games today you can use to help unlock or clear your bonus before the start of the 2026 Big Dance. 

When you're looking through our list of the top betting sites, you'll come to find that every March Madness sportsbook promo has unique terms and conditions, so it’s smart to review the details before getting involved. Knowing them well will set you apart from bettors who rely solely on promo hype.

We’ve identified the key mistakes to avoid when claiming bonuses on these sports betting sites.

🎲 Minimum odds

Many March Madness promo offers require your qualifying bet to meet a minimum betting odds threshold. This helps the sportsbook limit its exposure, and it is important to check the odds before placing your wager to ensure your bet qualifies.

💵 Wagering requirements

Some bonuses, particularly deposit matches or bonus bets, require a playthrough requirement, which means you'll have to wager the bonus amount a certain number of times before it can be withdrawn. Always review these terms carefully so you know exactly how much betting is needed to turn bonus funds into withdrawable cash.

⚠️ Bet limits

Sportsbooks may set minimum or maximum stakes for qualifying bets. For example, a promo might only apply to bets between $5 and $500, so placing a wager outside this range could disqualify you from the offer.

⏳ Bonus expiration timing

All promotional credits come with expiration dates. Whether they last a week, a month, or longer, it’s essential to use your bonus before it expires so you don’t lose its full value.

🔠 Eligible markets

Certain promos apply only to specific bet types, such as moneylines, spreads, totals, or player props. Double-checking which markets are eligible helps ensure your wager qualifies for the promo.

🇺🇸 State restrictions

Some offers are only valid in certain states due to local gambling laws. Make sure the promo you want to claim is available in your state before registering.

🤝 Trust and transparency

Trustworthy sportsbooks clearly spell out the full terms and conditions for each March Madness promo. Taking a moment to review these details before you bet helps you avoid misleading offers and ensures a safer, more reliable wagering experience.

When exploring March Madness betting promos, it helps to understand the most common types of welcome offers you’ll see. Each has its own rules and ideal use cases, so knowing the differences can make betting simpler and less confusing.

🎁 Bet and get

A “bet and get” offer rewards you with bonus credits after you place a qualifying wager. In most cases, the bonus is issued only after your initial bet settles and often comes with specific usage and rollover requirements, so be sure to review the terms before betting.

💎 Bonus bets

Bonus bets are site-funded credits you can use to place additional wagers. They typically can’t be withdrawn as cash on their own; only the winnings generated from them become withdrawable once they meet the sportsbook’s terms and conditions.

🚀 Odds boosts

Odds boosts increase the potential payout on selected markets without raising your stake. They’re typically applied to specific bets for a limited time, so it’s important to check the terms and any restrictions before opting in.

2️⃣ 👉 Second chance bets

Second-chance bets let you place a wager with reduced risk, as the sportsbook refunds your stake if it loses. These refunds are usually issued as bonus credits rather than cash and often come with expiration dates and usage terms, so be sure to review the details before you bet.

🛡️ Parlay insurance

Parlay insurance protects your multi-leg bet by offering a refund if only one selection loses. The refund is generally issued as bonus credits, helping reduce the impact of a near miss.

• CBS: Airs early rounds and the Final Four, available with cable/satellite.
• TBS: Broadcasts the National Championship and other games, available with cable/satellite.
• TNT: Shares tournament coverage, available with cable/satellite.
• truTV: Covers additional games, available with cable/satellite.
• NCAA March Madness Live: Streams all 67 games, free with TV provider login or offers a 3-hour ad-supported preview.
• Paramount+: Streams CBS games live with a subscription.
• Max with B/R Sports: Covers TBS, TNT, and truTV games with a subscription.
• DirecTV Stream: Includes all four channels with a subscription.
• Hulu + Live TV: Offers CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV with a subscription.
• YouTube TV: Provides all channels with a subscription.
• Sling TV: Includes TBS, TNT, and truTV, but lacks CBS unless paired with another service.

With the 2026 NCAA Tournament now less than two months away, March Madness odds are starting to take shape. Take a look at the latest NCAA men’s national championship futures below:

(Odds sourced from BetMGM as of Feb. 12, 2026)

March Madness sportsbook promos are legal as long as you use a licensed sportsbook in the United States. For example, North Carolina bettors will be able to access March Madness promos on the best NC betting apps. Availability and the types of promotions offered vary by state because each state has its own regulations governing sports betting.

By sticking to licensed operators, you can safely take advantage of bonuses, odds boosts, and other game-day offers while remaining fully compliant with local laws.

When choosing a March Madness betting promo, selecting the right offer for your preferred bet type can maximize value. Here’s a quick guide to the top promotions for the most popular wagers.

At SI, we independently track the latest March Madness betting promos to ensure our information is accurate and up to date. Our approach focuses on transparency and reliability, so you can make informed decisions quickly. Key reasons to trust us include:

• Independent promo tracking
• Frequent updates
• Transparent terms breakdown
• No paid rankings

By following SI, you can compare March Madness promos with confidence and enjoy the 2026 NCAA Men's basketball tournament responsibly.