Latest News
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.
N1 Partners continues to strengthen its position in the iGaming market by expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new brand — Goldex Casino.
Goldex Casino is strategically focused on key Tier-1 GEOs, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, and Slovenia. The product supports eight languages with localised content, ensuring broad reach and engagement.
Goldex Casino features a portfolio of over 5,000 games, while its unique Journey Map system transforms gameplay into a personalised adventure with rewards of up to €/$5,000 and 1,000 free spins. VIP players benefit from an exclusive program offering tailored bonuses, higher limits, dedicated account management, and a final prize — a Rolex Sky-Dweller or its cash equivalent of €20,000.
Special attention has been paid to adaptive design across devices, an intuitive interface, and a suite of features that enhance the user experience and drive player retention. Fully licensed, the brand guarantees a high level of transaction security.
With Goldex Casino, partners gain a robust tool to scale traffic across top GEOs and secure long-term profitability. Join N1 Partners and achieve top-tier results together.
On a related note, N1 Partners is currently running its large-scale N1 Puzzle Promo. All registered teams earn puzzle pieces for driving traffic to N1 brands, including Goldex Casino, with the most active participants competing for luxury prizes. The ultimate reward – a private Robinson helicopter, awarded to the winning team at the end of the promo. The campaign runs until the end of the year.
Out of 9,735 total entrants in the third-largest World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in history, only nine players remain as the lineup is set for the 56th annual WSOP Main Event final table.
John Wasnock, Michael Mizrachi, Braxton Dunaway, Kenny Hallaert, Leonor Margets, Luka Bojovic, Adam Hendrix, Daehyung Lee, and Jarod Minghini will return to the Horseshoe and Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday, July 15, with each player eyeing not only the $10 million top prize and WSOP Main Event bracelet, but a chance at forever solidifying their names in poker history. Duking it out over eight days of poker action, the resilience of the nine remaining players has earned them a seat at poker’s most prestigious final table.
Action at the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table will begin at 1:30 P.M. local time and will play down to four players, with the final day of the tournament set for Wednesday, July 16, starting at 1:30 P.M. local time.
A historic WSOP Main Event final table that includes not only a four-time Poker Players Championship winner but also the first woman since 1995, poker fans around the world look forward to a highly anticipated conclusion to the 2025 WSOP Main Event.
2025 WSOP Main Event Final Table Chip Counts:
John Wasnock (North Bend, Washington, United States) – 108,100,000 Chips
John Wasnock, 50, is a poker player from North Bend, Washington who will be proudly representing the Evergreen state at the WSOP Main Event final table as the overall chip leader. Owning over $143 thousand in live tournament earnings, Wasnock’s largest career cash of $56,330 has been far surpassed with his performance in the Main Event.
Michael Mizrachi (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) – 93,000,000 Chips
Michael Mizrachi, 44, is the most decorated poker player to reach the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table. A seven-time WSOP bracelet winner, Mizrachi has already had a historic summer, winning his record fourth Poker Players Championship title. On the cusp of adding a WSOP Main Event title to his already long list of poker accolades, taking down the 2025 WSOP Main Event would add $10 million to Mizrachi’s already impressive live tournament earnings total of just over $19 million.
Braxton Dunaway (Midland, Texas, United States) – 91,900,000 Chips
Braxton Dunaway, 42, lives in Midland, Texas, and is a family man who makes his living in the oil and gas industry. Already having a WSOP bracelet to his name, Dunaway won the $1,500 Monster Stack for $1,162,681 during the 2023 WSOP. Dunaway’s $1.5 million in live tournament earnings could increase tenfold by winning the $10 million top prize in the 2025 WSOP Main Event.
Kenny Hallaert (London, England, United Kingdom) – 80,500,000 Chips
Kenny Hallaert, 43, is a Belgian professional poker player residing in London, England. No stranger to success on the felt, Hallaert has racked up a number of poker tournament titles across poker tournament series around Europe, contributing to $5.9 million in live tournament winnings across his career. Still seeking his first career WSOP bracelet, Hallaert’s first title won in the United States could be the biggest one of them all.
Leonor Margets (Barcelona, Spain) – 53,400,000 Chips
Leonor “Leo” Margets, 41, is not only the last woman standing in the 2025 WSOP Main Event but is also the first woman to reach the WSOP Main Event final table since 1995. Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, Margets is not new to success at the WSOP, having won her lone bracelet in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Closer for $376,850 in 2021. With over $2 million in live tournament winnings, Margets looks to not only add $10 million to her career total but also become the first woman to ever win the WSOP Main Event.
Luka Bojovic (Vienna, Austria) – 51,000,000 Chips
Luka Bojovic, 37, is a Serbian doctor and poker player residing in Vienna, Austria. A member of the Pokercode collective, Bojovic’s largest career score of $134,617 came from his eighth place finish in the 2024 WSOP Europe Main Event, contributing to his live tournament career winnings total of over $700 thousand. Winning his lone piece of WSOP hardware by taking down the Monster Stack event at the 2024 WSOP International Circuit series in Marrakech ($45,600), Bojovic is in contention to win the most prestigious poker trophy of them all
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos announced their strategic partnership that is set to transform the gaming and hospitality landscape in the Minnesota market. This dynamic collaboration represents an exciting fusion of advanced technology and exceptional guest experiences, with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos leading the charge. By leveraging QCI’s cutting-edge data analytics platform, the partnership aims to redefine how casinos operate, providing unparalleled insights into player behavior, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering personalized guest experiences like never before. This bold move positions Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos at the forefront of innovation, setting a new standard in how technology can drive the future of gaming and hospitality.
This partnership marks the beginning of a new era, where the seamless integration of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and world-class service will create an unmatched environment for entertainment and hospitality in the region.
Morgan Fritzinger, Director of Marketing for the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos, said: “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is truly a game-changer for our host and marketing departments, and we’re confident it will not only optimize our operations but also enhance the quality of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI’s innovative solutions, we’re poised to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Minnesota market. This partnership perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence and innovation.”
Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of QCI, said: “We place immense value on partnerships that are built on mutual respect, a shared vision, and a strong commitment to innovation. Our collaboration with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos exemplifies this kind of relationship. From the very beginning, we have been deeply impressed by the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos team’s dedication, their passion for excellence, and their relentless focus on delivering extraordinary guest experiences. I am incredibly proud of what we have already achieved together and even more excited for the future. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to set new benchmarks in the Minnesota market, and I am confident that together, we will redefine what’s possible in the gaming and hospitality industry.”
-
Canada7 days agoHard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration
-
Compliance Updates7 days agoINCENTIVE GAMES SECURES MICHIGAN GAMING LICENSE
-
Canada7 days agoMIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition
-
Gambling in the USA7 days agoSnoqualmie Casino & Hotel Unveils Expanded Non-Smoking Gaming Floor
-
Latest News7 days agoTaDa Further Strengthens its Presence in Brazil with LatAm Leader Betconnections
-
Latest News7 days agoLuckbet Announces Vitor Paulin as its New Chief Marketing Officer
-
Latest News6 days agoZenith expands in LatAm with exclusive CP Games content distribution deal
-
Latest News6 days agoSkillOnNet Expands Nolimit City Partnership to Enter Brazil