As sports betting become more popular around North America, the 2021 March Madness Tournament should be one of the most popular sports betting events of the year. Over $8 billion was expected to be wagered on the 2019 edition. That total could be higher this year with how more and more states are legalizing sports betting.
Constructing the perfect bracket or choosing the tournament’s winner are two of the most popular March Madness betting markets.
However, those markets aren’t for everybody. Some bettors may like something more relaxed, such as prop bets.
If you’re unfamiliar, prop bets (also known as “propositions”) are unique, fun bets that don’t necessarily rely on the outcome of a game. They offer sports bettors a chance to wager on unique scenarios that they may not get to in other situations.
Check out some of the most interesting and unusual 2021 March Madness prop bets that sportsbooks are offering.
2021 March Madness Seed-Related Prop Bets
All odds are via Bovada as of Monday, March 15
Combined Seed Number For Final Four Teams
- Over 10.5 +160
- Under 10.5 -215
Bovada offers an interesting prop that lets you wager on the combined seed number for the Final Four of the 2021 March Madness Tournament. For reference, here is the combined seed number in the Final Four for the last five tournaments:
- 2019: 11
- 2018: 16
- 2017: 12
- 2016: 15
- 2015: 10
So, only once in the last five years has the Final Four combined to under 10.5. This is because of lower-seeded teams making Cinderella-like runs at a few of the tournaments, increasing the seed total.
How Many #1 Seeds Will Make It To The Final Four Of The 2021 Men’s Basketball Championship?
- 0 +1000
- 1 +200
- 2 +145
- 3 +350
- 4 +1600
Round of 64 Prop Bets
All odds are via Bovada as of Monday, March 15
How Many Buzzer Beating Shots Will Occur During The Round Of 64 In The 2021 March Madness Tournament?
- 0 -145
- 1 +225
- 2 +700
- 3 +1200
- 4 +2000
- 5 +3000
- 6 or more +4000
It doesn’t matter if it’s the NBA or NCAA: the buzzer beater is the most exciting play in basketball.
As of 2021, there have been 124 buzzer beaters. The most recent one to happen in the Round of 64 was back in 2018 where two were hit that round. The record for most in the first round is three, which has happened three times.
What Will Be The Highest Margin Of Victory During The Round Of 64 In The 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament?
- Over 38.5 -115
- Under 38.5 -115
What Will Be The Highest Point Total Scored By 1 Team During The Round Of 64 In The 2021 March Madness Tournament?
- Over 97.5 -215
- Under 97.5 +160
In 2019, no team scored over 97.5 points in the Round of 64. The only team that got close was Oklahoma in a 95-72 victory over Ole Miss. You have to go back to 2017 to find when a team last scored over 97.5 in the first round. That honor goes to Kansas when they put up 100 against UC Davis.
2021 March Madness Overtime Props
All odds are via Bovada as of Monday, March 15
How Many Games Will Go Into OT In The 2021 March Madness Championship?
- Over 3.5 +105
- Under 3.5 -135
Overtime games can be one of the most thrilling parts of March Madness. This year, Bovada is projecting that there will be three or fewer overtime games. However, at the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, five games went to overtime. That total includes the championship game that saw Virginia defeat Texas Tech in overtime.
The five overtime games in 2019 were up from the previous year. At the 2018 March Madness tournament, only three games went beyond regulation.
How Many Games Will Go Into Double OT In The 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship?
- Over 0.5 +135
- Under 0.5 -180
How Many Games Will Go Into Triple OT In The 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship?
- Over 0.5 +600
- Under 0.5 -1200
2021 March Madness Individual Player Props
All odds are via Bovada as of Monday, March 15
Odds To Win 2021 NCAA Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player
- Corey Kispert (Gonzaga) +450
- Drew Timme (Gonzaga) +550
- Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois) +600
- Jared Butler (Baylor) +650
- Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga) +1400
- Franz Wagner (Michigan) +1500
The Most Outstanding Player award is given to the player that stands above the rest in any given March Madness tournament. It’s typically given to a player on the championship team, however, it’s gone to another player 11 times in the men’s tournament. The most recent time was when it was awarded to NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon in 1983. It’s safe to say that it’s a rare occurrence.
With Gonzaga being projected to win the 2021 March Madness Tournament, it’s not surprising to see their three top players in the running to win Most Outstanding Player.
