March Madness is one of the most exciting events in sports betting, with millions of fans and bettors eagerly placing wagers on the NCAA basketball tournament’s outcome. One of the best ways to get ahead is by exploring future bets — wagers placed well before the tournament starts — to lock in great odds and maximize your potential payout.

Here are some of the top March Madness future bets to consider for 2025:

1. Tournament Champion

The classic and most popular future bet: Who will win the entire NCAA tournament? Early bets often offer better odds before favorites start dominating the market.

Tip: Look for strong teams with deep rosters, excellent coaching, and good tournament history. Dark horses can offer great value here.

2. Final Four Teams

Betting on which teams will make it to the Final Four is another popular futures market. This bet allows you to diversify by selecting multiple strong contenders.

Tip: Pick a mix of favorites and high-potential underdogs who have shown consistent performance throughout the season.

3. Sweet 16 Teams

For a slightly safer bet with higher chances, consider wagering on teams that will make it to the Sweet 16. The odds are better than Final Four but still offer solid returns.

4. Player of the Tournament

Many sportsbooks offer futures on who will be named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. This bet requires careful research on standout athletes expected to shine.

5. Total Points Over/Under

Some sportsbooks allow you to bet on the total points scored in the entire tournament or in specific games well in advance. This bet is perfect for those who like strategic, numbers-based wagering.

6. Conference Champion Futures

Bet on which conference will produce the tournament champion. This bet can be lucrative if you believe a particular conference is stronger this year.

Tips for Betting Futures on March Madness:

• Do Your Homework: Follow team performances, injuries, and coaching changes leading up to the tournament.
• Shop for Odds: Different sportsbooks offer different odds on futures. Look for the best value.
• Bet Early: Future bets pay off best when placed early before lines shift.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Futures can take months to settle, so bet responsibly.

March Madness futures bets add excitement and strategy to your betting experience. Whether you’re backing a powerhouse or a Cinderella story, placing your futures bets early can offer great rewards!

Here are the 5 biggest mistakes new bettors often make — and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Betting Without Research

One of the biggest errors beginners make is placing bets based on gut feelings, favorite teams, or random picks without doing any research. Successful betting requires understanding the sport, teams, player form, injuries, weather conditions, and even coaching strategies.

Tip: Spend time reading previews, stats, and expert analysis before placing a bet. The more informed you are, the better your chances of making smart wagers.

2. Chasing Losses

It’s natural to want to win back money after a loss, but chasing losses by making bigger bets or impulsive wagers can lead to even bigger losses. This emotional decision-making is a sure way to damage your bankroll.

Tip: Set a budget for each session and stick to it. If you lose, take a break and come back fresh rather than trying to “get even” immediately.

3. Ignoring Bankroll Management

Many new bettors don’t keep track of how much money they’re risking or fail to set limits. Without proper bankroll management, even a few losses can wipe out your funds quickly.

Tip: Decide on a fixed amount to bet per wager (commonly 1-5% of your total bankroll). This helps protect your money and allows you to stay in the game longer.

4. Betting on Too Many Games

Placing bets on too many games or events at once spreads your focus too thin and increases the chance of mistakes. Plus, it’s harder to track all your bets and analyze what’s working.

Tip: Focus on fewer bets with higher confidence. Quality over quantity will help improve your results.

5. Overlooking Value Bets

Beginners often bet only on favorites or teams they like, ignoring the odds and value. Betting smart means looking for opportunities where the odds offer good value — where the payout outweighs the risk.

Tip: Learn how to identify value bets by comparing odds and assessing the true probability of outcomes. This strategy is key to long-term profitability.

Final Thoughts

Sports betting can be thrilling and profitable, but only if you approach it with discipline and knowledge. Avoiding these common mistakes early on will improve your chances of success and make your betting experience more enjoyable.

Remember, betting is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep learning, manage your bankroll, and stay patient — and the wins will come.

Let’s dive deep into the key features, offerings, and overall experience of FanDuel and DraftKings to help you decide.

User Experience & Interface

Both FanDuel and DraftKings offer sleek, user-friendly apps and websites. FanDuel has long been praised for its clean and intuitive design, making it easy for beginners to get started. DraftKings matches this with a polished interface that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned players, though some find it a bit more cluttered due to its wide range of features.

In 2025, both platforms continue to update their user experience, with faster loading times, seamless navigation, and personalized recommendations powered by AI.

Sports Betting Options

When it comes to sports betting, both FanDuel and DraftKings cover a comprehensive range of sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, and more. They both offer live betting, futures, parlays, and prop bets.

However, FanDuel edges ahead with a slightly larger selection of niche sports and international events. Their live betting platform is also considered more responsive and visually appealing.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

DraftKings originally built its reputation as a DFS pioneer, and it still holds a massive DFS community. Its contests are diverse, offering everything from free-to-enter games to high-stakes tournaments with huge prize pools.

FanDuel offers similar DFS contests but has gained ground by integrating innovative contest types and expanding its lineup of sports leagues. In 2025, both platforms continue to innovate with new game formats and social features to keep players engaged.

Bonuses and Promotions

Both FanDuel and DraftKings offer attractive welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and ongoing promotions. In 2025, FanDuel is known for its risk-free bets and loyalty rewards program that gives regular players extra value.

DraftKings counters with competitive odds boosts, leaderboard contests, and frequent free-to-play tournaments.

Payment Methods & Security

Both platforms provide a range of secure payment options including credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and popular e-wallets. Withdrawals are typically fast, with enhanced verification methods to protect user accounts.

Customer Support

FanDuel and DraftKings both offer 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone. FanDuel’s support is often praised for faster response times, while DraftKings provides detailed FAQs and community forums.

Final Verdict

Choosing between FanDuel and DraftKings ultimately depends on your preferences:

• If you prioritize a polished live betting experience and wider sports coverage, FanDuel may be the better choice.
• If you’re a hardcore DFS player looking for a huge variety of contests and high stakes, DraftKings remains a top contender.

In 2025, both platforms are continually improving, and many bettors and fantasy players maintain accounts on both to maximize their options.

In conclusion: Whether you choose FanDuel or DraftKings, both offer top-tier services in sports betting and DFS. Explore both platforms, take advantage of their bonuses, and find the one that fits your style best. The future of sports entertainment is bright on either side!