The 2024-2025 NCAA March Madness is upon us, and it’s once again showcasing the dominance of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which has placed a record 14 teams in the tournament—a feat that underlines the league’s superiority in men’s college basketball this season. With the brackets set to tip-off, basketball fans and bettors alike are keenly focused on how these SEC teams will perform and whether they can surpass the hefty over/under of 19.5 total wins in the NCAA Tournament.
Among the leading teams are Florida and Auburn, both earning No. 1 seeds in their respective brackets, and their strong performances have reflected in the betting markets. As of now, Florida stands as the second betting favorite to clinch the 2025 National Championship at +390 odds, closely trailed by Auburn at +550. Meanwhile, Alabama and Tennessee, though not as favored, still hold promising odds at +2100 and +2200, respectively, which suggests that if they find their rhythm, they could also prove formidable.
In addition to the excitement unfolding on the court, BetMGM has recently rejuvenated interest among bettors with its enticing offer, where new users can enter the bonus code CUSE150 to "Bet $10, Get $150 if you win." This promotion, freshly extended through the rest of March, provides an excellent entry point for fans in Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to engage more deeply with March Madness. Such promotional codes have gained traction, especially as big matchups commence, like Saint Francis PA versus Alabama State and UNC against San Diego State—two games highlighted in BetMGM’s betting offer.
Breaking down the SEC’s chances of exceeding that total of 19.5 wins, we see promising prospects. Florida and Auburn should theoretically add at least four wins between them if they advance through their regions. If Alabama and Tennessee manage to navigate their paths to the Sweet 16, that could add an additional four wins to the SEC tally. Furthermore, if either team reaches the Elite Eight—or possibly the Final Four—that could push the SEC's win total to 15 or more, which sets up a favorable scenario for hitting that over/under target.
Florida and Auburn are both being heralded as teams expected to reach the Final Four, and analysts are giving them the edge over their competition. Alabama’s defensive advancements and Tennessee’s offensive tactics must elevate as well to improve their chances in the forthcoming rounds. Fans have reason to be optimistic, with the potential for four SEC teams entering the Final Four, which, as one observer pointed out, "is not as unrealistic as it sounds." Indeed, with high stakes involved, the pressure is on!
The betting landscape reflects this belief; oddsmakers have poised SEC teams in various tiers within the National Championship futures market. As we dissect the odds further, the tiering shows that beyond the top-tier favorites, teams like Kentucky (+7000), Missouri (+11000), Texas A&M (+11000), and Ole Miss (+15000) are still considered long shots, while Mississippi State, Arkansas, and others trail with even longer odds.
On the topic of BetMGM promotions, aside from the new user offer, their $1,500 first bet offer remains consistent, providing another route for bettors who desire to place more significant wagers without immediate apprehension of loss. This means if a bettor’s first wager does not hit, they will receive a refund up to $1,500 in bonus bets, a favorable option that enhances security for those involved in the collegiate betting frenzy.
Among today’s popular matchups, the timing couldn’t be better for sports bettors. The game between Saint Francis PA and Alabama State at 3:40 PM ET has guests intrigued. With Alabama State currently listed at -3.5 spread favorites and a moneyline offering of -185, punters are gearing up for an intensely competitive game, which is mirrored in the matchup between UNC and San Diego State at 6:10 PM ET. UNC is currently favored at -4.5, heightening the excitement for fans and bettors.
For New Jersey residents, BetMGM is offering even sweeter deals through a comprehensive bonus program that pairs a 100% deposit match up to $1,500 plus a $25 casino bonus. This type of deal isn’t just an enticing way to boost bankrolls before the games tip-off but also serves as a pathway for those looking to engage more with online casinos, a growing trend amid tightening sports betting laws.
Overall, the anticipation for March Madness is palpable, with SEC teams leading the charge and an array of promotional betting offers on hand. As the tournament progresses and the stakes increase, the real question remains: can the SEC clear that critical mark of 19.5 total wins? If early predictions hold, there’s a good chance they just might.
