NCAA Basketball Vegas Odds: Compare the Best Vegas Lines on College Basketball

The truth behind NCAAb Vegas odds: Are they legit?

To understand the origin of Vegas odds for NCAA basketball, you’ll need to take yourself back to pre-2018 - a time when online sports betting was still prohibited across the US. More specifically, you’ll want to take yourself back to a time when the real odds were created by retail bookmakers in Vegas, and you needed to call or phone to find out the real odds before placing a “blackboard bet" in cash.

We are all familiar with the terms ``the house always wins” or “rigged games”; however, since the overturning of PASPA, you will now find that sports betting sites all need to meet specific requirements before being considered legal to operate.

Among various other checks, online sportsbooks will be required to provide fair NCAA basketball picks against the spread, moneylines, and props. In turn, those who used to believe that the Las Vegas college basketball odds were rigged or somehow determined by the bookmakers alone will now be able to rely on state-specific regulators and confirmation from any external auditors.

So, nowadays, you’ll find that the college basketball Vegas odds are not a way to determine that the odds you are receiving are legit. Instead, NCAAb Vegas odds can be described as any odds found relating to the outcome of a match or the odds relating to an event that happens throughout the quarter, half, event, or competition that has been provided by a licensed and regulated online sportsbook.

How are Vegas odds for NCAA basketball displayed?

The very best online sportsbooks will allow you to choose how your NCAA basketball odds are displayed. However, you’ll find that there are three main formats utilized by these betting sites: American, fractional, and decimal. Next, we focus on highlighting how to read them correctly.

• American: The American odds format is the most common way that odds are displayed across the US sports betting scene. They make use of a plus (+) to highlight the underdog and a minus (-) to showcase the favorite. When looking at the underdog, the number that follows the plus is the value that can be won when placing a $100 bet. Conversely, the number that follows the minus is the amount that must be staked in order to win $100.

• Fractional: As the name suggests, fractional odds are displayed as a fraction. The number on the left of the fractional slash shows how much can be won by placing a stake at the same value as the number on the right of the fractional slash. In other words, the left of the slash shows potential winnings, while the right shows your bet value.

• Decimal: Alternatively, you may find that you want to make use of the decimal format. As expected, odds will be displayed as a decimal and will highlight exactly what can be won by placing a $1 bet. The initial $1 stake will also form part of the college basketball Vegas odds.

Examples of upcoming Las Vegas college basketball lines

Next, we take a closer look at some of the upcoming college basketball Vegas odds across the main betting markets you will find. Of course, the same principles will apply to any of those college basketball prop bets you fancy placing, too.

1. Fixture: Georgia Tech vs. Florida State

• Bet: Georgia Tech moneyline @ -130 or Florida State moneyline @ + 125
• Odds format: American 
• Overview: The Georgia Tech and Florida State game looks set to be a close one. Despite coming in as the favorites, the odds show that $130 must be staked in order to win $100. On the other side of the court, you have a $100 bet on the Florida State returning $125.

2. Fixture: Northern Kentucky vs. Cleveland State

• Bet: Over/Under 127.0  @ 10/11
• Odds format: Fractional
• Overview: In the game between Northern Kentucky and Cleveland State, the odds suggest that roughly 127 points will be scored. As both the under and over markets are equal at 10/11, you’ll be able to bet $110 and win $100, provided you select the right option.

3. Fixture: Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech

• Bet: Notre Dame moneyline @ 3.50 or Virginia Tech @ 1.40
• Odds format: Decimal 
• Overview: Virginia Tech are clear favorites in their upcoming match against Notre Dame. In fact, you’ll win just $0.40 for every $1 placed. As Notre Dame comes into this one at 3.50, you’ll be able to win $2.50 off a $1 wager.

Things to consider before selecting your Las Vegas college basketball odds

Things have advanced somewhat since you had to call up or search the newspaper for legitimate odds. Instead, you can now make use of our dedicated platform and find some great online sportsbooks that provide a safe place to pick up top college basketball Vegas odds. In this next section, we offer a few things to consider before placing those NCAAb bets.

Find college basketball Vegas lines today

The Las Vegas odds for college basketball will differ considerably from times gone by. Thankfully, you are no longer reliant on retail bookmakers providing fair odds across the board, and you are not required to call or check the newspaper in order to confirm that the odds you’ve been presented with are legit. Instead, you’ll be able to head back to Ballislife.com, make use of our operator reviews, and find a credible online sportsbook that suits your preferences.

Provided you are living or visiting a state where online sports betting is deemed legal, we would also suggest taking time to look for odds boosts and alternative bonuses that can help enhance your starting college basketball Vegas odds. From here, you can then decide whether they are displayed in American, fractional, or decimal format before working your way through some stats and facts to cement your final decisions.

College basketball Vegas odds FAQ