March Madness Betting in Ohio
March Madness is the second-largest betting event of the year in Ohio after the Super Bowl, generating hundreds of millions in handle across the three-week NCAA Tournament. Bracket-style contests, futures, and game-by-game betting all spike. Important note: the Ohio Casino Control Commission banned college player props in February 2026, so March Madness betting is now team-markets only.
Featured Markets for March Madness
Tournament Futures
National Champion futures available year-round; sharpest prices in early November before the regular season ends. By Selection Sunday, top seeds are typically priced too short to find value.
Bracket-Style Pools
DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars run free-to-play and paid bracket contests with cash prizes. Not technically traditional wagers but available within the same apps.
Game Spread + Total
Standard team-level markets on every tournament game. Lines move fast as sharp money arrives Sunday night/Monday morning before First Round games.
First Round Upset Specials
Underdog moneyline value is highest in the 12-vs-5 and 11-vs-6 matchups; historically 35-40% of these go to the underdog.
Live Betting
NCAA Tournament games run heavy live betting volume. bet365 has the deepest live menu; DraftKings and FanDuel have the fastest update speeds.
Conference Tournament Markets
The week before Selection Sunday, conference tournaments (Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12) generate substantial handle. Often softer markets than the main NCAA event.
Strategy Notes
- College player props are banned in Ohio (February 2026). Only team-level markets, spreads, totals, and futures are available; no individual player markets.
- First Round upsets are mathematically frequent. Sharp bettors load up on 11-13 seed +odds underdog moneylines as portfolio plays rather than single-game wagers.
- Sweet 16 lines tend to be sharper than First Round lines because Sweet 16 lines have benefited from a week of public action and adjustment.
- Same Game Parlays are limited compared to NBA/NFL since college player props are unavailable. Spreads + totals + halftime markets are the main SGP options.
- Live betting opportunity is highest in early games when public has overcorrected to an early lead. Watch for momentum-reversal spots.
Historical Context
The NCAA Tournament has generated heavy betting interest in Ohio since legalization in 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission reported a 32.3% year-over-year revenue increase during March 2026 thanks to upset-heavy brackets and high hold.
Ohio Angle
Ohio State has reached the NCAA Tournament regularly under coach Jake Diebler. The Buckeyes lost in the first round of the 2026 tournament to TCU, capping Ohio sportsbook handle that month. Cincinnati Bearcats and Dayton Flyers also draw significant in-state interest during the tournament.
FAQ
Can I bet on March Madness games in Ohio?
Yes. All licensed Ohio sportsbooks offer full team-level March Madness markets; spreads, moneylines, totals, halftime/quarter markets, and tournament futures. Player props were banned in February 2026.
Why are college player props banned?
The NCAA requested all states ban college player props to protect student-athletes from harassment over individual statistical performances. Ohio joined this ban in February 2026.
What's the best sportsbook for the NCAA Tournament?
DraftKings and FanDuel have the deepest team-level college basketball markets in Ohio. Both run bracket-style contests. bet365 has the sharpest opening lines for sharp bettors who line-shop.
Can I bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes in March Madness?
Yes, if they make the tournament; team-level markets only (spread, moneyline, total, halftime, futures). The college player prop ban means no individual Buckeyes player markets are available.