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PlayUSA.com: NCAA Tournament likely the first $1 billion event

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TheLines.com:Prop bets a key feature of Super Bowl betting, but not all our legal in the U.S.

 

The 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will almost certainly be the first sporting event in U.S. history to draw more than $1 billion in legal wagering and could approach $1.5 billion, according to projections from PlayUSA, the leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. But without data from last year following the cancellation of the 2020 NCAA Tournament, and a regulated sports betting landscape that has radically changed from 2019, predicting precisely just how much in wagering March Madness will generate is nearly impossible, PlayUSA cautions.

“The 2021 NCAA Tournament will be the most widely bet-on sporting event in U.S. history,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for PlayUSA.com. “The popularity of the NCAA Tournament combined with such a high number of games typically makes March Madness the largest sports betting holiday each year in terms of handle, and there is no reason to suspect that won’t be the case this year. But the number of legal sports betting markets has more than tripled since 2019 and we are still in the midst of a pandemic that could slow retail sportsbooks. Those reasons alone make this year difficult to predict.”

The last time the NCAA Tournament was played in 2019, bettors in seven states could place a wager legally. Those seven states, which includes today’s three largest markets, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, as well as Delaware, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, managed to generate an estimated $440 million in bets, or about 40% of the nation’s overall handle in March, according to PlayUSA.

Now with 20 states and Washington D.C. offering some form of legal sports betting, the U.S. landscape has shifted dramatically. That includes most of the nation’s largest markets behind the Top 3, including Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Tennessee, and Michigan. And Pennsylvania, now the nation’s third-largest market, launched online sports betting after the 2019 tournament.

Today, an adult population of about 86 million can now bet legally in their home states. In 2019, about 26 million adults enjoyed access to legal sportsbooks in their home states.

“The Super Bowl draws the most bets for a single game, but March Madness and its 60+ games should more than double what the Super Bowl draws,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayUSA.com. “But the dramatic expansion of legal markets, as well as the exponential growth within each market, means more people will have an opportunity to bet on the NCAA Tournament than ever before. And that will produce an eye-popping handle number that could reach $1.5 billion.”

2021 also brings multiple factors that will be unique to this year’s tournament. For one, pandemic-related restrictions are still in place in some legal jurisdictions, and most bettors may still be hesitant to make a bet indoors. That could have a significant effect on event-driven markets like Nevada, which relies on retail betting far more than in most of its largest rivals. New Jersey, for instance, accepts about 90% of its bets online, and PlayUSA projects that the Garden State could draw more than $300 million in NCAA Tournament bets this year, more than any other state.

In addition, for the first time in history every game of the NCAA Tournament will be played in a legal sports jurisdiction. With so many games being played locally, that jurisdiction, Indiana, has the potential to far outperform what would normally be expected of the nation’s fifth-largest U.S. sports betting market.

“With so many variables at play, this will be a fascinating NCAA Tournament to watch,” Ramsey said. “We know that the tournament will draw heavy action. But it won’t look like any NCAA Tournament that we have ever seen.” 

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For more information on NCAA Tournament betting, visit www.playusa.com/march-madness-betting/.

Compliance Updates

HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network

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HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network

 

HIPTHER, a leading media and events brand in the Gaming and Tech industries, has launched a new Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool, now live across all of its gaming media platforms. This quick, anonymous self-test is designed to help players better understand their relationship with gambling, encouraging safer play through awareness and early self-checks.

The “Play Responsibly” tool is backed by clinical research and built with user privacy at its core, based on the globally recognized Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) – a 9-question framework used to assess gambling risk levels, from low to moderate or high.

No sign-up needed. No Cost. No data collected. No Judgement. Just honest insight.

Whether you’re simply curious or looking to take a proactive step toward support, this free tool delivers instant results and practical next steps – all in under two minutes.

Key Features:

  • Completely anonymous – no registration or personal data required
  • Instant results with tailored guidance
  • Available in 5 languages
  • Mobile-first and accessible across all devices
  • Fully GDPR compliant

Designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, the tool ensures a smooth and inclusive user experience for everyone. With multilingual support and local resource integration, it helps diverse populations connect with trusted support networks in their region.

While our media platforms primarily serve the B2B side of the industry, we know they’re also visited by players looking for insights and updates. That’s why it’s important for us to go beyond headlines and contribute real tools that support safer play. This assessment is one small, meaningful step toward that.” – Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER.

Take the assessment today and share it with your community.
Because gambling should always be safe, informed, and fun.

Try it now on any of HIPTHER’s gaming media platforms:

By launching this tool, HIPTHER reaffirms its ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, responsibility, and player well-being in the global gaming industry. Together with our partners and audiences, we continue working toward a safer, more informed future for players everywhere.

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Evoplay enters Peru’s lottery vertical through a partnership with Loterías Torito

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Evoplay enters Peru’s lottery vertical through a partnership with Loterías Torito

 

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Loterías Torito, one of the authorised operators of lottery games in Peru, to supply a tailored portfolio of instant win games.

The collaboration will see five of Evoplay’s most popular instant games, including Adrenaline Rush, Adrenaline Rush: Scratch, Penalty Shootout: Street, BBall Blitz, and Hockey Shootout, launch on Loterías Torito’s platform. Each title has been localised and tailored to meet the lottery’s regulatory standards and responsible gaming objectives.

Operating both online and across retail locations, Loterías Torito is a trusted name in the Peruvian lottery sector. Its blend of traditional lottery products and digital offerings makes it an ideal partner for Evoplay’s instant game portfolio, which is designed to attract a broader, mobile-first audience.

Breaking into the lottery space marks a significant achievement for Evoplay, following their strategy to expand its presence in regulated markets across Latin America, delivering localised content and tailored solutions to forward-thinking lottery operators.

Frank Cecchini, Head of Lottery at Evoplay, said: “We are immensely proud to be working with Loterías Torito. “I firmly believe our content can bridge the gap between lottery players and online gamers, helping drive revenue in a safe, responsible, and engaging way.”

José Ludeña Díaz, Director of Operations at Loterías Torito, added: “Evoplay’s games are one of a kind. They’re innovative, high-quality, and exactly what we need to appeal to new generations of players while staying true to our mission and values.”

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Gila River Resorts & Casinos Announces Brand New Bingo Venue

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Gila River Resorts & Casinos has announced the opening of a brand-new bingo hall at its newest property, Santan Mountain. To celebrate the launch of bingo at Santan Mountain and unveil its new bingo club, Gila River Resorts & Casinos will be hosting a grand opening event that is open to the public on Aug. 29 – Sept. 1. The grand opening event will be held from 10a.m. to 12p.m. and 4p.m. to 6p.m., at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Santan Mountain, located at 7101 Gilbert Rd. Chandler, AZ 85249. 

Attendees can look forward to seeing the World’s Largest Bingo drum, giveaways, live DJ, a surprise celebrity guest host and more throughout the grand opening weekend. The first 230 guests in line for each session will get to spin the prize wheel and win a free t-shirt, dauber, gift card, hat, varsity jacket, or other prizes while supplies last. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in Santan Mountain’s inaugural bingo games at 12p.m., 5:30p.m., and 6:30p.m. Santan Mountain is offering a “Buy One, Get One Free” special offer for electronic ticket packages during the grand opening weekend, Friday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 1.

The new state-of-the-art bingo room also will host Bingo After Dark. Also known as B.A.D. Bingo, the exciting late night sessions will take place every Saturday night at 11:30p.m. and include a live DJ, line dancing, glowsticks, cash prizes, and more. Sales start at 9p.m. and spots fill up fast. Attendees won’t want to miss the surprise hosts for the first ever B.A.D. Bingo session at Santan Mountain on Saturday, August 30.

Bingo has consistently been one of the most beloved and high-energy experiences at our Vee Quiva location, drawing loyal guests and new players alike with every session,” said Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ General Manager, Denise Pfaff. “We knew we had something special, and with the excitement and demand continuing to grow, it only made sense to bring bingo to our newest and most modern property—Santan Mountain. We’re thrilled to introduce a vibrant new way to play and win in a one-of-a-kind setting.”

Santan Mountain’s 13,000-square foot Bingo Club boasts an indoor/outdoor open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning panoramic views of the San Tan Mountains. The bingo hall also features a world-class sound system and lighting system for an immersive playing experience, a dance floor, sophisticated decor and modern interior design elements, 98inch HDTV’s, and digital bingo options and playing features. Bingo sessions will be hosted daily, with bingo ticket packages ranging from $30-$225.

In addition to the new bingo club, Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ Santan Mountain is a modern gaming destination and home to the largest casino sportsbook in the state, 900+ slot machines and table games, a luxurious High Limit Room, five culinary concepts, three bars and lounges, and live music on the weekends.

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GamingAmericas.com (part of HIPTHER) is your one-stop portal for the latest news, insights, and analyses in the gaming industry across the Americas. From legislative updates and market trends to interviews with industry leaders, we provide a comprehensive look at the dynamic landscape of both online and land-based gaming. Whether you're a stakeholder looking to stay ahead of the curve or a gaming enthusiast eager for reliable updates, GamingAmericas.com has got you covered. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates and exclusive content. Make informed decisions and stay ahead in the game with GamingAmericas.com.

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