March Madness is an exciting time for basketball fans, but it's also a popular time for betting on the games, which for many fans means filling out brackets and placing bets on the outcomes. 

While some people fill out brackets purely for fun and bragging rights among friends, others use them for gambling purposes – either through informal bets with friends or through more organized gambling operations like sportsbooks. It's important to note that sports gambling is illegal in some jurisdictions, so individuals should be aware of the laws in their area before engaging in this activity. Additionally, it's important to practice responsible gambling habits and not bet more than you can afford to lose.

With that in mind, here are some tips and strategies to help you increase your chances of winning your bracket whether you have a bet on the line or not:

1. Do your research

Before filling out your bracket, research the teams and players to gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Review the team's win-loss record, their performance in conference play, and their overall statistics, including scoring averages, shooting percentages, and rebounding numbers. Look at a team's performance in previous tournaments, as this can provide insights into their ability to perform under pressure and how they match up against other teams. Keep in mind that no amount of research can guarantee a perfect bracket, but by putting in the effort to learn as much as possible, you can maximize your chances of success.

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2. Look for upsets

March Madness is known for its upsets, so look for teams that may be underrated or overlooked. These teams often have lower seeds and may have less recognition, but they could still win against a higher-ranked opponent. Experienced coaches with a history of successful tournament runs can often lead underrated teams to upset victories.

3. Consider the location

The location of the game can have an impact on the outcome, especially if the crowd is heavily in favor of one team. When a team plays on its home court, they have the advantage of playing in a familiar environment and having the support of their fans, giving them an extra boost and making them more likely to win. Even when a game is played on neutral ground, the crowd can heavily favor one team over the other–teams that have to travel a long distance to get to the game may also be at a disadvantage as travel can be tiring and disrupt normal routines.

4. Keep an eye on injuries

Injuries can greatly impact a team's performance, so be sure to keep up-to-date with the latest injury reports before making your picks. Stay up to speed with injuries by checking team websites for injury reports, follow sports news and team beat writers, watch for pre-game reports, or wait until the last minute to make your picks.

Related: 10 Questions About Injury Prevention & More With Athletic Trainer KatieRose Healey

5. Don't rely solely on rankings

While rankings can be helpful, they aren't always an accurate representation of a team's performance. Look beyond a team's ranking to evaluate their statistical performance in areas like scoring, shooting percentage, rebounds, and turnovers. This can provide a more detailed picture of their strengths and weaknesses. 

6. Use multiple brackets

Consider creating multiple brackets with different strategies and picks to increase your chances of winning. You can choose different teams and strategies for each bracket, giving you a better chance of hitting on a successful combination. As mentioned earlier, upsets are a part of March Madness and can wreak havoc on your bracket if you have all your eggs in one basket. By creating multiple brackets, you can hedge against upsets and minimize the impact on your overall chances of winning. Creating multiple brackets can also make the tournament even more exciting. You can follow different brackets and see how they are performing, creating a sense of competition with yourself and others.

Keep in mind that creating multiple brackets can also increase the cost of entry and make it more challenging to keep track of all your picks. Overall, it's a personal decision that depends on your budget and level of commitment.

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7. Stick to your gut

While research and data can be helpful, sometimes it's best to go with your instincts. If you have a strong feeling about a team or a particular matchup, listen to your gut. If you have experience playing or watching basketball, you may have a good sense of what works and what doesn't in certain situations. Trust your experience and knowledge of the game.

Remember, March Madness is unpredictable, so there's no foolproof strategy for winning your bracket. However, by following these tips and doing your research, you can increase your chances of making informed picks and having a successful tournament.

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* Originally published on March 15, 2023, by Kelly Wick