NCAA Basketball Betting - The New Bracket

The basketball crowds are all united in calling: Let the Madness Begin! The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is set to go, with 68 teams vying for the National Championship.

The four No. 1's are set: Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Kansas and Duke. Betting is already open at William Hill Sports, where you can bet on any of the four teams' exit round (stage of elimination). There are long shot odds for the teams' second round exits, and slightly better odds for a third round elimination. Are you ready to place a few dollars (euros or pounds) on an early round surprise?

This year the inaugural First Round is introduced. The 2011 NCAA "First Four" showcases the expanded field for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. There are now 68 worthy teams, up from the regular 64.

This creates a new bracket. Previously, ever since 2001, there was a 65th team, creating a single opening-round game. Starting this year, the 68-team bracket allows for all four regions of the championship to be balanced in size.

888sports features handicap odds on all 1st and 2nd round matches, March 15-18.

So look up a blank NCAA bracket today - popular 2011 NCAA brackets can be found courtesy of ESPN, Yahoo Sports and other sports news sites.

The scores bracket is the comfortable way to bet on NCAA basketball all month long, every single year. Print your bracket and visit the sportsbooks to place your bets. A small bet today can turn out to win you big in 2 1/2 weeks.

Action starts Wednesday.