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Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the 2025 March Madness tournament begins with Selection Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on CBS. March Madness is the coined name for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, a single-elimination tournament of 68 teams that compete in seven rounds for the national championship. The penultimate (second to last) round is known as the Final Four, where only 4 teams remain.
Check out the full schedule below:
- Selection Sunday: 6 p.m. ET Sunday, March 16 on CBS
- First Four: March 18-19
- First round: March 20-21
- Second round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
- NCAA championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
With March Madness being one of the most anticipated, watched, and wagered-on events in all of sports, the Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is reminding Arizona residents and visitors to remember to play smart and bet responsibly, remaining within the bounds of the law.
“Every year, March Madness continues to rank among the top sporting events to wager on nationally, as excitement and anxiety builds as fans watch to see if their team will make it to the Final Four,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG Director. “The Department wants to use this opportunity as a chance to remind and encourage Arizona residents, as well as our springtime visitors, to make sure they are enjoying the games responsibly. Protect your bet and ensure your wagers are placed legally and thoughtfully this March.”
Sports Pools – Know What Rules to Follow
In the United States, it is common to see friends, families, and colleagues participate in sports pools for March Madness. These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law (A.R.S. § 13-3301(9)), social gambling requires:
- That gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game;
- Hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s);
- Only participants can win; and
- Players compete on equal terms with each other.
A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling:
- Paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations.
- A host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game.
- A required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.).
- Unequal odds.
- Underage participants (under 21 years of age).
ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report suspected illegal gambling activity, visit our website at gaming.az.gov/about/contact-us, call (602) 255-3886, or email [email protected]. You can remain anonymous.
Responsible Betting – What to Keep in Mind
With sports betting legal in the state, it has become increasingly important to educate yourself on how you can bet responsibly. Listed below are some helpful tips as part of the American Gaming Association’s (AGA)
Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign:
- Set a Budget – It is crucial to keep in mind that everyone will have different budgets; never bet beyond your own means. Be cautious and make sure you set a limit – and stick to it – if you plan on wagering. More information on how to responsibly set a budget for wagering can be found on the AGA’s Have A Game Plan website: How Much Should I Wager?
- Know the Odds – There are plenty of key terms everyone should know when making a sports bet. What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? If you decide to wager, make sure you are briefed on The Basics of Sports Betting.
- Keep it Social – Whenever gambling, be mindful that all forms of gambling are for the purpose of entertainment. This is not a way to make money. By gaming with friends, family, and colleagues, you can keep playing responsibly and have fun.
- Keep Your Cool – No one’s perfect, and in sports, winning and losing are all part of the game. Whether you’re wagering from the sidelines or watching from home, remember to keep your cool. Good sportsmanship isn’t just for the players on the field; it’s for everyone.
- Play Legally – Legal operators provide important player protections that are not found in the illegal market. Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. Visit the ADG website to view a full list of the state’s approved operators and retail locations: Approved Operators.
You can view more information on how to bet responsibly by visiting haveagameplan.org. In recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (“PGAM”), the Department wants to remind Arizonans that if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the Division of Problem Gambling (“DPG”) urges you to get help now by calling 1-800-NEXT STEP (1.800.639.8783), DPG’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling.
The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling – individuals and affected family members, friends, or co-workers. Learn more and access resources at problemgambling.az.gov. Additionally, the ADG published a press release on March 3 recognizing PGAM.
Please view the press release by visiting our website’s Media Room, as well as DPG’s PGAM toolkit for more information.
EGT is excitedly awaiting its participation in this year’s SAGSE Latam. “We have prepared a very strong selection of products that I am confident our guests will highly appreciate. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit us on March 19th and 20th and learn more about our fascinating offerings,” said Christian Graffigna, Director of EGT Argentina.
Among the bestseller solutions on display will be the General Series slot cabinets. Including stunning outlooks with frameless HD displays and numerous ergonomic features for maximum comfort during play, these machines will certainly attract visitors’ attention. The VIP models will further enrich the player experience thanks to the comfortable multimedia chairs, providing full control over the main game functions.
The attendees will also be able to see and test some of the most successful jackpot products from EGT’s portfolio. Among them will be the absolute bestseller Bell Link with its 2 multigames Bell Link 1 and 2, as well as Bell Link Boost. They will present a perfect blend of brand-new games and some of the company’s most popular slot titles, which in combination with the well-known jackpot will offer players attractive bonuses and great entertainment. The option to connect their highest Grand and Major levels with Gods & Kings Link will add even more thrill to the game.
The Asian-themed Sheng Sheng Bu Xi jackpot and the General Series multigames will complement the slot variety at the booth.
Featuring 6 HD touchscreen monitors, the G R6 C roulette from the company’s ETG portfolio will also demonstrate to the guests its eye-catching outlook and enormous flexibility, allowing the addition of American roulette.
“SAGSE Latam is among the most important and authoritative exhibitions in the industry,” commented Mr. Graffigna. “I am confident that our participation in it will help us expand and strengthen our presence in the region and Argentina in particular, providing us with the opportunity to meet with local key players. We will be waiting for them at booth 154 to show them how we can further improve their business performance with our high-potential innovative developments.”
Latest News
RG24seven Virtual Training Collaborates with AI Experts to Expand Responsible Gaming Courses
RG24seven Virtual Training, the industry-leading and free video-based training platform for Tribal and commercial gaming employees, is pleased to offer an exclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) course presented by Better Change and Mindway AI. The course was first announced during the premiere episode of TALK 24 highlighting the future of AI in Responsible Gaming. The new course will introduce gambling industry employees to the role AI can play in Responsible Gaming initiatives and the gambling industry as a whole.
Wendy Anderson, CEO of RG24seven Virtual Training, said, “Our new AI course aims to enhance RG24seven’s existing Responsible Gaming and Safer Gambling content, introducing new perspectives and insight that align with the latest developments in the field. As part of the fast-growing software company operating science-based solutions, Niamh Gallagher from Mindway AI, presents these courses with a deep understanding of AI.”
Gallagher added, “Promoting responsible gambling is a shared responsibility; our commitment to this training is rooted in collaboration. The gaming industry must be aware of the ethical responsibilities that come with the advancements in AI and ensure that it is used transparently, with clear and ethical guidelines in place to support Responsible Gambling behaviors. Simply taking this course helps gaming employees understand the basics of AI and the critical role it can play when used responsibly.”
Victoria Reed, CEO of Better Change and Strategic Advisor for RG24seven, concluded, “The future of AI in the gaming industry is still being written. It’s not just about the technology itself but it’s about how we choose to use it. AI in the hands of people who are committed to ethics and responsibility, has the potential to be a game-changer for player protection and industry integrity. It’s a future we’re working hard to build and it’s one we believe will benefit everyone involved, which is why we are proud to offer this new course in both the U.S. and the U.K.”
Building on the success of its Mystery Bounty Venom events in February, which awarded more than $10 million in prize pools and attracted players from over 70 countries, ACR Poker is gearing up for another action-packed doubleheader this spring, featuring Dual Venom tournaments with $12 million in total guarantees.
NLH and PLO players can take their shot in two massive Venom events: the $10 million guaranteed NLH and the $2 million guaranteed PLO, both starting on Sunday, April 13th at 1:05pm ET.
“Playing in prestigious events like the Venom is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills and feel the thrill of big poker,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With both the NLH and PLO Venoms running side by side, $12 million in guarantees on the line and lots of affordable ways to qualify, this is your chance to get in on the action. See you at the tables.”
The $10 million guaranteed NLH Venom spans four days, starting with the first of five Day 1 flights on Sunday, April 13th. Advancing players will battle through Day 2 on Monday, April 28th and Day 3 on Tuesday, April 29th, leading to a thrilling Final Table on Wednesday, April 30th at 4:05pm ET.
Last April, four-time WSOP bracelet winner Dominik ‘Texxassss’ Nitsche from Germany outlasted a massive field of 5,045 entries, walking away with over $1.8 million. Who will claim the NLH Venom title this year?
Omaha fans can also mark their calendars for the 3-day PLO Venom, featuring a $2 million guarantee and five Day 1 options. It kicks off with Day 1A on Sunday, April 13th, followed by Day 2 on Monday, April 28th, and the final table on Tuesday, April 29th.
Players can stay updated and easily add both Venom events to their calendar via ACR Poker’s online tournament schedule.
The direct buy-in of each Venom is $2,650, but players have the chance to qualify for as little as $0 through ACR Poker’s Venom Fever Satellites, which guarantee over 1,000 Venom seats across The Beast, Venom Madness, Direct and Mega satellites.
In addition to the flagship Venom tournaments, players can dive into ACR Poker’s revamped tournament schedule, compete in the Online Super Series with $25 million in guarantees, and take their shot at the $500,000 guaranteed Venom Warmup in April with just a $66 buy-in.
For more information on the Dual Venom tournaments, visit ACRPoker.eu.
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