April 2025 | NCAA Tournament — As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament heads into its climactic Final Four, betting activity has surged to new highs. In a rare alignment not seen since 2008, all four No. 1 seeds have advanced—setting the stage for a historic and high-stakes showdown

Betting Trends and Insights

• Duke Blue Devils: Entering the Final Four, Duke is favored to win the national championship, with odds at -115. The Blue Devils have demonstrated offensive dominance, led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg.
• Florida Gators: Florida has shown resilience, overcoming significant challenges with clutch performances from senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. Their strong lineup and late-game poise position them as serious contenders.
• Houston Cougars: Known for their stifling defense and consistent three-point shooting, Houston has navigated a challenging tournament path. Their matchup against Duke is anticipated to be a clash of Houston's defense against Duke's offense.
• Auburn Tigers: Featuring National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, Auburn has displayed versatility and experience. However, Broome sustained a minor arm injury in the Elite Eight but continued to play, which could impact their performance against Florida.

Notable Betting Stories

• AI vs. Professional Gambler: A highly publicized $1 million bet between professional gambler Sean Perry and AI platform 4C Predictions hinges on the Duke vs. Houston matchup. Perry has selected Duke, while the AI has chosen Houston. The outcome of this game will determine the winner of the bet.
• Sportsbooks' Performance: With $3.1 billion in wagers placed, sportsbooks have faced challenges as bettors favored the dominant top seeds. The advancement of all No. 1 seeds to the Final Four has led to significant payouts, impacting the sportsbooks' margins.

As the tournament progresses, bettors are closely monitoring team performances, player health, and historical trends to inform their wagers. The Final Four matchups present intriguing opportunities, with each team bringing unique strengths to the court.