The first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament is finally here, bringing wall-to-wall college basketball action and one of the busiest betting weeks of the year. With top seeds like Duke, Arizona, Michigan, and Florida entering the bracket as the top title contenders, there is no shortage of matchups to analyze. And with March Madness being one of the most wagered on events in sports, new users at BetMGM can use our BetMGM promo code to get up to $1,500 in bonus bets for the first weekend of the tourney.
BetMGM Promo Code ATSBONUS1500 – Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets
New users signing up at BetMGM can use the promo code ATSBONUS1500 to claim a first-bet offer worth up to $1,500 in bonus bets. If your initial wager loses, BetMGM refunds the stake amount in bonus bets, giving you another opportunity to place a wager without risking additional cash. To get started, you can simply click the Claim Bonus button below.

How to Claim Your BetMGM Bonus Offer
- Click the Claim Bonus button on this page.
- Create a new BetMGM account using the ATSBONUS1500 promo code during registration.
- Verify your identity and ensure you are located in a state where BetMGM operates legally.
- Deposit funds into your account using one of the available banking options on the app.
- Place your first wager on any eligible market, including NCAA Tournament games.
- If your bet loses, receive bonus bets equal to your stake, up to $1,500.
This offer is especially useful during the NCAA Tournament, where unpredictable results and upset potential all over the bracket create both opportunity and risk. Having a backup plan in the form of this first bet offer allows new players to get in on the tournament action with the opportunity for a second chance if their first bet doesn’t go according to plan.
Best First Round Games to Bet at BetMGM
The opening round features several standout matchups that are already drawing attention from college basketball fans. One of the first games on the schedule is the Ohio State vs TCU matchup, with two power-conference teams squaring off for the right to face the Duke Blue Devils in the second round.
Another notable matchup includes High Point vs Wisconsin in a matchup between a 5 and 12 seed that could be a high-scoring game on both sides. While 12 seeds are known for upsets, Wisconsin enters with strong shooting metrics, making this a game where bettors will have to weigh the offensive efficiency of both teams.
Alabama vs Hofstra has also become an interesting game in the first round, though not for the best of reasons. Alabama’s second-leading scorer has been arrested in the days leading up to the tournament and is out of action, which could help the Pride keep things more competitive than originally anticipated.
Other NCAA Tournament Games This Week
- Missouri vs Miami
- Furman vs UConn
- Cal Baptist vs Kansas
- Queens vs Purdue
- UCF vs UCLA
- Northern Iowa vs St. John’s
- Iowa vs Clemson
- Utah State vs Villanova
- Tennessee State vs Iowa State
- Wright State vs Virginia
- Long Island vs Arizona
- Akron vs Texas Tech
- Santa Clara vs Kentucky
- Saint Louis vs Georgia
- Texas A&M vs Saint Mary’s
- South Florida vs Louisville
- VCU vs North Carolina
- McNeese vs Vanderbilt
- Hawaii vs Arkansas
- Troy vs Nebraska
- North Dakota State vs Michigan State
- Kennesaw State vs Gonzaga
- Penn vs Illinois
- Idaho vs Houston
- Siena vs Duke
With dozens of games spread across two days, the first round offers unmatched betting volume and variety. From heavy favorites getting the job done to bracket-busting upsets, every matchup has a different angle to consider. By using the BetMGM welcome offer, new bettors can approach the action with added flexibility, giving them a second chance if their initial read on the board does not go as planned.

