Similar to the NBA, NFL and college football, college basketball is predominantly bet on with spreads and totals. Assuming standard -110 juice, bettors need to win 52.38% of their plays in order to break even. In other words, bettors should strive to win 53% of the time. Anything above that means you're doing well and turning a profit.
College hoops is unique because of the sheer number of teams competing across Division I — a whopping 353. With that many teams, not all games are created equal and, as a result, should be approached differently. A nationally televised game between North Carolina and Duke will get massive action while an under-the-radar matchup between Vermont and Albany will attract almost zero public betting.
The popular, heavily bet games provide excellent contrarian value along with shaded lines and a soft, recreational market on which to capitalize. On the other hand, a lightly bet game has no contrarian value because there isn't enough public bias to bet against. However, sharp line moves are easier to spot in those games because only pros with an edge are betting the Incarnate Word-Abilene Christian Under.
VSiN will provide wall-to-wall college hoops betting coverage all season long. In the meantime, let's discuss a few profitable tips to get bettors off on the right foot.