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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.
The post Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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Boomerang Partners opens the Second Half of Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 during the summer of major sports
The First Half of the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 by Boomerang Partners is over, and this annual affiliate tournament is moving into the Second Half. The winner of the opening stage will attend the Wimbledon Championships from June 29 to July 12, 2026, the main prize of the First Half. From June 10 to July 19, the Golden Boomerang Awards will run during one of the busiest periods in the sports calendar, with events such as the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon Championships expected to drive audience attention throughout the stage. For the Second Half, Boomerang Partners is preparing new mechanics, the next Mystery Box draw, and the main prize of the stage – a private dinner with an AC Milan Legend.
Beyond the Moment enters the next phase
The Second Half continues the main idea behind this season’s concept, Beyond the Moment. A strong start still matters, but the tournament increasingly rewards teams that can stay active throughout the competition and react quickly to key moments in the sports calendar. With updated mechanics and a packed summer schedule ahead, even new participants still have enough time to challenge the current leaders.
The Second Half changes the pace of the tournament
The start of the Second Half changes the scoring system of the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026. From June 10, each Sport FTD now brings 3 points instead of 2. This makes sports traffic even more valuable during one of the year’s busiest periods.
The stage runs alongside the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon Championships, two events expected to generate sustained traffic throughout June and July. For affiliate teams, this creates more high-traffic periods across the calendar before the tournament enters its final stretch.
New mechanics keep the competition open
The Second Half brings new mechanics for teams joining the tournament or increasing activity during the stage. Participants entering the competition during the first 14 days of the stage will receive double points through the WELCOME BOOST mechanic until the bonus period ends.
Combined with the updated scoring system and major sports events during the stage, this gives both current participants and new teams more opportunities to close the gap and compete for the leading positions.
Boomerang Partners will also continue the Mystery Box series during the Second Half. After the first draw in the opening stage of the tournament, Mystery Box #2 will now go to 9 randomly selected active participants. This keeps additional rewards open to both long-term participants and teams that joined the competition more recently.
The main prize of the Second Half will be a private dinner with an AC Milan Legend in August 2026, continuing Boomerang Partners’ collaboration with the Club as an Official Regional Partner.
Kristina Shkredova, Affiliate Team Lead at Boomerang Partners, commented: “Closing the first stage doesn’t mean the main race is decided. The Second Half changes the tournament’s pace completely: Sport FTDs are now worth more, the sports calendar becomes even more intense, and teams still have enough space to move up quickly. We’ve already seen how competitive this season has become, but summer is where the pressure really starts. For some teams, this will be the moment to defend their position. For others, it’s the best chance to break into the fight.”
The Second Half of the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 is now underway. As the summer sports season accelerates, affiliate teams still have time to stay active in the competition, use the updated mechanics, and improve their standing before the tournament reaches its decisive stage. Current standings, tournament updates, and registration details for both existing and new participants are available on the official Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 website. It’s TIME TO WIN THE TITLE.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The Agency’s clients’ portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across multiple markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide incentive programs and 24/7 multilingual support.
FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon Championships are made for descriptive purposes only. Boomerang Partners is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to these entities in any way.
10 June 2026
Altenar has received approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), allowing the company to provide sportsbook solutions in Alberta.
The approval positions Altenar to support licensed operators and the launch of Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, expected on July, 13 2026. The province is set to become Canada’s second regulated iGaming jurisdiction after Ontario, creating significant opportunities for operators, suppliers and players alike.
As a leading sportsbook provider, Altenar plans to bring its award-winning technology, flexible platform capabilities and extensive regulatory expertise to operators entering the market.
The approval strengthens Altenar’s position in North America as the company continues to expand its regulated market footprint. Alberta is expected to play a key role in the next phase of Canadian iGaming growth, with operators focused on attracting players from unregulated channels through trusted, high-quality betting experiences.
Altenar aims to support partners with the technology, flexibility and scalability required to compete effectively in the new market while driving long-term player acquisition, engagement and retention.
Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said:
“Alberta represents one of the most exciting regulatory developments in North America, and we are delighted to be preparing for launch.
For Altenar, the priority is enabling operator partners to establish a strong, competitive foothold in a newly regulated environment. A key objective will be supporting the transition of players from grey-market platforms to regulated offerings. That requires not only a compelling product but also trust, ensuring reliability, competitive pricing, and a consistently high-quality user experience. If suppliers can help operators deliver that, they’ll play a central role in shaping long-term market dynamics.
In practical terms, success will be measured by how effectively we empower partners with a market-leading sportsbook that drives acquisition, engagement, and retention”
The conditional licence approval reflects Altenar’s ongoing commitment to meeting the highest regulatory and compliance standards while supporting operators in newly regulated markets.
About Altenar
Founded in 2011, Altenar is a leading turnkey sportsbook provider committed to meeting the unique needs of its clients. Renowned for its flexibility and customer-centric approach, Altenar specialises in customising solutions to new markets, audiences and requirements. With a focus on building enduring partnerships, Altenar aims to be the most partner-oriented iGaming software provider in the industry.
The post Altenar Received Approval to Enter Alberta’s iGaming Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Tom Horn Gaming has unveiled Sweet Gold 3000, a new online slot due for general release on 16 June. The company positions the game as a high-volatility title with multipliers up to 3,000x and maximum exposure of 13,900x.
Sweet Gold 3000 runs a 6×5 scatter-pays setup and introduces Tom Horn Gaming’s BlastX
feature alongside its cascade-style Shatter Wins mechanic, where consecutive wins continue through chain reactions. Random Gold Chocolate multiplier symbols can appear during spins with values from 2x to 3,000x, the company said.
The free spins feature is triggered by landing four or more scatter symbols and uses increasing multipliers. During the bonus round, players can unlock an additional five free spins by landing three extra scatters. A Free Spins Booster is also available for 1.5x the total bet, which Tom Horn Gaming says triples the chance of triggering free spins in the base game.
For players seeking direct access to bonus gameplay, the game includes Bonus Buy entry into Free Spins or Super Free Spins modes.
Ondrej Lapides, CEO at Tom Horn Gaming, said: “Sweet Gold 3000 is unlike anything else in our portfolio. We wanted to create a game that feels rebellious, energetic and visually striking while still delivering the high-intensity gameplay players are looking for today. The combination of urban graffiti culture, candy symbolism and huge multiplier potential gives the game a very distinctive personality that stands out instantly in casino lobbies.”
The post Tom Horn Gaming launches Sweet Gold 3000 slot with 3,000x multipliers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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