College Basketball Drives Betting Surge as Selection Sunday Nears

As March Madness nears, college basketball has recorded a rise in betting activity among sportsbooks as conference tournaments are underway ahead of Selection Sunday.

Charlotte Capewell

Last Updated: March 10, 2026 2:32 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: Michigan Wolverines guard L.J. Cason cuts down the net as we look at how big of a boost to sports betting March Madness provides. Photo by Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Sportsbooks are seeing considerable betting action this week as the men's college basketball conference tournaments are underway before Selection Sunday. Some rivalry games and late-season matchups are seeing considerable wagering action, with that action set to increase during March Madness.

Conference tournaments are underway as we ramp up toward the announcement of the NCAA tournament bracket. There has been considerable wagering activity, and as such, the best sports betting sites have seen significant activity on high-profile wagers.

On Sunday, Michigan State was the most-bet team to cover the spread and win outright against Michigan. The Spartans entered the game as 9.5-point underdogs on BetMGM, and bettors also heavily backed the moneyline at +375.

Michigan ultimately won the game, 90-80, narrowly covering the spread. The Over 150.5-point total was the most wagered total for the day.

Another major betting event came on Saturday when Duke hosted North Carolina. Duke closed as a 17.5-point favorite and drew 36% of bets and 44% of the total money at BetMGM. The Blue Devils won 76-61, failing to cover the spread.

Looking ahead to the NCAA tournament, Duke is currently the favorite at +320. Michigan is next at +325, while Arizona is at +475. Rounding out the favorites are Florida, Houston, UConn, Illinois, Iowa State, and Kansas.

Prediction market activity adds another layer

The interest in men’s college basketball betting is further demonstrated by prediction market apps. Despite opposition from the NCAA, prediction markets such as Kalshi have seen considerable trading activity on college basketball results as postseason competition draws near.

According to a spokesperson for Kalshi, $2.27 billion was traded across men's college basketball markets in February. That total exceeded trading tied to the NFL during the same month, which recorded $1.8 billion in volume following the Seahawks' 29-13 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

The NBA also generated significant trading activity, totaling $1.74 billion across its markets in February.

The surge in prediction market activity has increased tensions with the NCAA. The organization previously asked Kalshi to stop using the phrase "March Madness," arguing that the term is a trademark and that its use could suggest an official partnership.

The NCAA prohibits athletes, coaches, and athletic department employees from participating in prediction markets tied to college sports. The same restrictions apply to traditional sports betting.

However, the association noted that endorsement or investment deals involving athletes and prediction market platforms may still occur depending on institutional policies and applicable laws.

Written by:
Charlotte Capewell

Charlotte’s love for all things iGaming shines through in everything she writes. From sports betting and U.S. legislation to prediction markets and beyond, she blends sharp analysis with storytelling that makes even the most technical topics come alive. Always chasing the next big scoop, Charlotte keeps a close eye on industry news, eager to share her excitement and insights with readers, whether they’re industry veterans or newcomers discovering iGaming for the first time. When she’s not deep in gaming headlines, you’ll probably find her glued to the F1, cheering on her favorite team, Williams, and driver. Her dream? To be trackside at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, notebook in hand, of course.