March Madness 2023: Betting Trends, Star Players, and ChampionshipFavorites
Caitlin Clark’s Lasting Impact on Women’s College Basketball
Caitlin Clark, the standout player from Iowa, has not only elevated the profile of women’s college basketball but has also significantly influenced betting trends. Her impressive performance in consecutive national championship games drew unprecedented attention, attracting a surge in betting activity. BetMGM Sportsbook reported a remarkable 35% increase in wagering on women’s college basketball this season, with a notable 39% rise in female bettors and a 32% overall increase in customers. Since Clark’s emergence in the 2022-23 season, the money wagered on women’s college hoops has skyrocketed by 587%. Hannah Luther, a BetMGM sports trader, attributes this growth to Clark’s influence, increased media visibility, and the rise of player endorsements, setting the stage for a thrilling NCAA Tournament with stars like Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins likely to be focal points for prop bets.
Florida Gators Lead the Pack in Men’s Bracket
The Florida Gators, as the No. 1 seed, are slight favorites to clinch the men’s national championship with odds of +350, closely followed by Duke at +360. Handicapper Bruce Marshall of CBS SportsLine is optimistic about Florida’s chances, comparing their performance to last year’s dominant UConn team. A Florida victory could prove costly for BetMGM, as a bettor placed a $100,000 wager on the Gators when their odds were +900, highlighting the high stakes involved in this year’s tournament.
Injury Concerns and High Stakes for Duke
Duke, another top contender, faces uncertainty due to star player Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury, which has raised concerns about his availability for the tournament. Despite this, BetMGM anticipates increased betting action on Duke if Flagg returns. The sportsbook expects this tournament to be the most wagered on in its history, offering more markets than ever. However, Marshall doubts Duke’s chances, citing a weaker ACC performance this season, despite their impressive win over Illinois.
Underdog Stories to Watch in the Men’s Tournament
Bruce Marshall points to several lower-seeded teams as potential first-round upsets, including UC San Diego, Akron, High Point, Grand Canyon, and Colorado State. Notably, Colorado State is favored over Memphis despite being the lower seed, while UC San Diego’s dynamic, soccer-style offense makes them a compelling underdog against Michigan. These teams add excitement to the bracket, offering betting opportunities for those who dare to pick upsets.
South Carolina Aims for Back-to-Back Titles
In the women’s tournament, defending champion South Carolina is the favorite to repeat, with odds of +270, followed closely by UConn at +275. Teams like UCLA, Southern California, Texas, and Notre Dame also contend, each with odds of +500 or better. South Carolina’s dominance and UConn’s tradition of excellence set the stage for a competitive tournament, with other strong contenders vying for the championship title.
Conclusion: A Tournament Full of Excitement and Uncertainty
The 2023 NCAA Tournament promises to be one of the most exciting and bet-on events in history, with both established powerhouses and underdogs capturing attention. The impact of players like Caitlin Clark and the volatility of the men’s bracket highlight the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Whether you’re backing a favorite or rooting for an underdog, the tournament guarantees thrilling moments and high stakes, making it a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.
