The 84th edition of the globally popular March Madness NCAA basketball tournament is almost upon us. Organizers have released a stunning line-up, with followers speculating that this could be the most competitive we’ve ever seen. We can make a strong case for at least five teams winning the trophy, but which will live up to the hype?
March Madness 2023 begins on 14th March when 68 College Basketball teams enter the race. By the end of the deciding match on 3rd April, the pack will be left with just one team – the champion. Major sportsbooks seem as puzzled as sports fans, and that shows in the industry’s competition betting. There is no clear favorite in the March Madness betting, with traders happy to adopt a “wait and see” approach.
As any experienced online gambler will confess, indecisiveness on the trading floors is a green light for bettors to shoot for the value. If you have a strong pick, why not take the bookies on and back not only your chosen team but also your knowledge of the sport? The March Madness final 4 odds show plenty of value available to those willing to take sides.
Why bookies offer free bets
We’ve all heard about the free bets and generous promotions made by bookies. The industry is awash with specials, but why do they do it, and what should you look out for when using a promo?
The online sports betting industry has become one of the most competitive in business, with the most established bookies fighting against the best of the new talent to catch your eye. They want to stand out from the crowd to ensure a steady stream of new players signing up and long-term success.
Offering new players a free bet to join is the best way to achieve that goal. All welcome bonuses are appealing, but some are better than others. The best way to get the right deal is to read the terms and conditions attached to the new player promo. Doing so gives you a solid understanding of how the offer works and what you must do to get the best deal.
The best free bets and promos
There are many welcome bonuses as bookies try to be unique and edgy in their promotions. But which is the best deal around today? We have selected three worthwhile promotions you should consider when seeking a new online bookie.
Deposit-matched free bet
The deposit-matched free bet is the most popular type of welcome bonus, as it works well for both the bookie and the bettor. Some firms offer a maximum free bet that’s $10, while others are happy to match your deposit up to $300.
When you join a bookie, you must make your first deposit and place a bet. The marketing team will then give you a free bet equal to your opening wager. Suppose you sign up, deposit $100 and bet on an NBA match. You’ll enjoy a $100 free bet to use on the sports and markets of your choosing.
Enhanced odds
The enhanced odds promo is another that is easy to find, as many bookies offer it to new players. The marketing and trading teams will come together around a big sporting event and agree to hike up the odds about a popular selection, usually the favorite.
If the market best price on a team to win is +500, for example, you may get odds of +1000. If you planned to back that team anyway, why wouldn’t you do it at the higher odds? It’s popular with bettors but also helps bookies make noise around events like the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, or NBA Finals.
Risk-free bet
The risk-free bet offered to new customers is similar to the deposit-matched free bet. Registering with a bookie and making your first wager will automatically qualify for this deal.
If your first bet is a winner, you keep the profits as always and start to look for the next bet. But if your first pick is a loser, the bookie will refund your stakes, allowing you another shot at making a profit. This encourages many bettors to shoot at an outsider with impressive odds, knowing they can’t lose their stake.
