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.

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Please view the press release by visiting our website’s Media Room, as well as DPG’s PGAM toolkit for more information.

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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bet365, the leading sports betting brand, and Incentive Games, a premier B2B games provider, are excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated ‘bet365 Bracket Challenge’—the ultimate free-to-play predictor game with a potential $10 million jackpot.

Launching on Sunday, March 16, just in time for the 2025 Men’s College Basketball Tournament, the ‘bet365 Bracket Challenge’ allows basketball fans to test their knowledge and prediction skills. With a grand prize of $100,000 and a leader board rewarding the top 5,000 players, the competition is set to be bigger than ever.

For the player who achieves the elusive perfect bracket, $10 Million prize awaits!

Participants can access the bet365 Bracket Challenge page and check out the full terms and conditions by visiting nj.bet365.com/olp/bracket-challenge.

This free-to-play game is now open to new and eligible bet365 customers aged 21 and over, residing in the USA across: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana (permitted parishes only), New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. The challenge is also available in Mexico and other jurisdictions. In order to participate, players must be fully verified by bet365, with one entry allowed per person.

Ahmed Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games, commented, “We’re proud to once again partner with bet365 to bring back this high-energy, high-stakes challenge. This game is more than predictions; it’s about exciting players, driving community engagement, and being part of a monumental sporting event. We are honored to play a role in bet365’s continued success in the US and international markets.”

A bet365 spokesperson said, “With the 2025 bet365 Bracket Challenge, Incentive Games delivers yet another slam-dunk free-to-play game! Basketball fans will undoubtedly enjoy every heart-pounding moment, as they make their predictions and compete for a $10 Million prize!”