It’s that time of year again as we head deep into 2022, and sports fans begin to turn their attention to the upcoming March Madness tournament. The NCAA men’s basketball tournament draws a huge audience with thousands in attendance and millions more watching the matches live on television. There are lots to look forward to this year as followers prepare to return in their numbers after being locked out due to the pandemic.
March Madness 2022 is one of the most important renewals in college basketball history as it is billed as the start of a new dawn. The sport’s fightback from the devastating effects of COVID-19. The teams are ready, the officials are ready, and the venues are ready. Are you ready to enjoy one of the biggest events on the basketball calendar?
In preparation for the start of play with the first four rounds on March 15 and 16, fans have been making their predictions and organising their March Madness betting strategy. Bettors take many different approaches when attempting to predict the eventual winner of the title. Some study the form of the 68 teams involved, looking for any hints, tips, and clues on how the event may pan out.
Others place their trust in the stats and trends, backing teams that have been successful in recent years. Then there is the “shot in the dark” bettors who go with a team they support or one with big odds attached that will give them a run for their money.
Competition details
March Madness 2022 begins on March 15, with the first four hosted by the University of Dayton. Then we progress to the first and second rounds – also known as the subregionals – and those matches will be settled between March 17 and 19. The hosts for those games have been confirmed as Oregon State, Metro Atlantic, Horizon League, and Texas Christian. Between March 18 and 20, the games will be played at Marquette, Furman, Duquesne, and San Diego.
The regional semi-finals and the finals – also known as the Sweet Sixteen and the Elite Eight – are decided between March 24 and 26. The West Regional will be played at Chase Center, San Francisco, with the South Regional AT&T Center, San Antonio. The games on March 25 to 27 have the East Regional at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia and Midwest Regional from United Center, Chicago.
The National semi-finals and the championship match – the final four and the championship – is when things get serious. The games will be played between April 2 and 4 at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans. This will be the sixth time that New Orleans has staged the Final Four, with the others in 1982, 1987, 2003, and 2012.
Those who are unable to make it along to the venues and dates mentioned can watch the matches live on television with the coverage shared across major networks in the United States. CBS Sports and Turner Sports hold the TV rights, with the latter showing the Final Four and the National Championship game.
Betting and favourites
Major betting brands in the United States and beyond offer odds on each match as well as the final. You can gamble on the outright winner of March Madness before game one of the competition with the book updated after every result. There will also be odds on every match on the schedule, with dozens of markets attached to each game.
A record number of bets will be placed on March Madness 2022 following the relaxation of the gambling rules in the US. Those living in states where betting is permitted can gamble using their home computer or smartphone app.
The leading bookies offer new customers a free bet on March Madness when they register for an account and place a bet. In most cases, the free bet awarded will be equal in value to your first deposit and wager. For example, if you sign up and bet $25 on sport you will bag a $25 free bet for March Madness.
When seeking out these types of promotions it’s crucial that you read the terms and conditions. This will give you a solid understanding of how the welcome bonus works, what’s expected of you as a registered member of that bookie and any steps you must complete before withdrawing winnings made using the free bet.
