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Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

Published

12 months ago

March 17, 2025

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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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Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation

Published

13 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

win-systems-arrives-at-gat-expo-cartagena-with-its-latest-innovation

Win Systems, a leading provider of technology solutions for the gaming and entertainment industry, will be attending GAT Expo Cartagena 2026 on March 25–26 in Cartagena de Indias. Visitors can find the company at Stand A7, where it will highlight its latest electronic roulette innovations and casino solutions.

At the event, Win Systems will unveil Colors, the next evolution of its successful electronic roulette line. This includes an innovative 6-position wall-mounted version designed to optimize floor space while delivering maximum performance and visual impact on the gaming floor.

Customization and Player Engagement

Colors stands out for its high level of customization, allowing operators to tailor visual elements and configurations to align with their brand identity and market preferences. Whether in compact or large-scale setups, Colors is engineered to capture attention and enhance player engagement from the very first spin.

A key innovation is its dynamic paytable, which enables players to select from four different paytable options. This includes multipliers of up to 120x on inside bets, offering both increased excitement for players and higher revenue potential for operators. By combining design, performance, and flexibility, Colors delivers a highly versatile and profitable solution for modern casinos.

Enhanced Slot Offerings

In addition to Colors, Win Systems will showcase its renowned Sublime and Rhapsody slot machines, now featuring new game releases that blend advanced graphics, innovative mechanics, and high performance. These updates reinforce Win Systems’ commitment to creating engaging content that maximizes both the player experience and operator profitability.

Strategic Industry Presence

“GAT Expo Cartagena is a key platform for the Latin American gaming industry,” said Manuel Wladdimiro, Sales Director for Central America & the Caribbean at Win Systems. “It’s an ideal opportunity to present our latest innovations and strengthen our presence in the region.”

With a proven international track record and a constantly evolving product portfolio, Win Systems continues to prioritize innovation, performance, and results-driven design. Attendees are invited to visit Stand A7 to experience these new developments firsthand.

The post Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

PureWager and MIRACL announce new partnership

Published

13 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

purewager-and-miracl-announce-new-partnership

MIRACL, the world’s only single-step multi-factor authentication (MFA) provider, today announces a strategic partnership with PureWager Group, an emerging leader in next-generation sports betting technology. This collaboration will enable effortless player access via MIRACL’s passwordless, single-step login, boosting security and improving user experience across PureWager’s network.

PureWager Group is at the forefront of delivering innovative retail and online sportsbook solutions across North America, with a particular focus on Tribal Enterprises. Their platform empowers clients with Class 2 and on-premises mobile gaming solutions, alongside engaging social sportsbook and iCasino experiences.

MIRACL replaces traditional login methods entirely, providing passwordless authentication through a simple PIN. Fully compliant with GDPR, AML, and other international standards, MIRACL eliminates the need for usernames, passwords, or separate 2FA tools. With a proven 99.9% login success rate, the solution ensures players enjoy seamless access, while operators reduce potential revenue loss from login friction.

Sandro Di Michele, Chief Revenue Officer at PureWager Group, commented:

“Simplicity sits at the heart of the PureWager platform. As we expand our next-generation sportsbook ecosystem across North America, it’s essential that players can log in quickly and securely. MIRACL’s single-step authentication removes unnecessary friction while delivering the highest levels of security and compliance. This partnership strengthens our ability to offer a modern sportsbook experience that’s intuitive for players, efficient for operators, and scalable for future growth.”

Rob Griffin, CEO of MIRACL, added:

“MIRACL is fast becoming the standard for secure, frictionless logins across iGaming and sports betting. By partnering with leading next-gen technology providers like PureWager, we are removing password-related login barriers while supporting operators in meeting evolving regulatory requirements for multi-factor authentication. This collaboration will give more players access to a secure, seamless experience, keeping them engaged and loyal, while protecting their accounts with best-in-class security.”

MIRACL Trust eliminates the need for passwords, SMS codes, push notifications, or physical key cards. Leveraging patented Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, no personal data is stored or transmitted, meaning there are no “honey-pots” vulnerable to attack, and the solution remains fully GDPR-compliant. Players can log in using a simple PIN or biometric scan in just two seconds, enjoying an average success rate of 99.88%.

By combining ease of access with robust security, MIRACL ensures the online gaming experience is both safe and convenient. For operators, this reduces fraud risk and strengthens the integrity of their platforms, while players benefit from a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience.

The post PureWager and MIRACL announce new partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arman Tsarukyan

Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch

Published

13 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

choice-gaming-launches-high-energy-crash-game-arm’s-punch

Choice Gaming is taking crash games to the next level with the launch of Arm’s Punch, a high-energy title created in collaboration with MMA superstar Arman Tsarukyan. The partnership brings the adrenaline and intensity of the fight arena directly to players’ screens, where every round feels like stepping into the ring and every multiplier offers the chance to land a big win.

Set inside a buzzing boxing arena, Arm’s Punch delivers non-stop action as multipliers climb higher with every passing second. Players must decide the perfect moment to cash out before the round crashes, balancing risk and reward to maximise their potential winnings.

The game offers manual and automatic cash-out options, the ability to place multiple bets per round, and a live feed displaying bets and results in real time, creating a fast-paced and immersive experience that keeps players constantly engaged.

Anna Vardanyan, Partnership Manager at Choice Gaming, said:

“We’re excited to introduce Arm’s Punch and deliver a crash game that combines speed, excitement and real win potential. The collaboration with Arman Tsarukyan adds an extra level of energy to the experience, bringing the thrill of combat sports into the gameplay.”

With lightning-fast rounds, explosive gameplay and the involvement of one of MMA’s rising stars, Arm’s Punch delivers a dynamic crash experience designed for players who enjoy both the strategic timing of crash games and the electrifying atmosphere of combat sports.

More than just a game, Arm’s Punch aims to deliver a true knockout experience for fans of fast-paced gaming and fight-inspired action.

The post Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.