Gambling in the USA
Report: College Basketball’s March Madness brings Joy to Online Betting Companies
The American Gaming Association (AGA) recently reported that over $8.5 billion was wagered on college basketball’s “March Madness” by Americans in 2019 – via a mix of illegal and legal bets.
Of course, 2021 brings with it a new and very different landscape due to the ongoing global health pandemic and also due to the expansion of the legal sports-betting market in the USA.
This year’s NCAA March Madness has begun – but due to COVID-19, for the first time in the history of the competition, the entire tournament is being held in one single state (Indiana this year).
The National Championship Final itself is set to play out on April 5th 2021 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
March Madness – Betting facts, figures, and trends
The latest research and analysis has brought some interesting March Madness sports-betting estimates, facts, and figures to light.
Three times as many Americans planned to wager on this year’s March madness via online sportsbooks compared to 2019.
The pandemic is unquestionably a factor in the huge increase of anticipated bettors, with 17.8 million people expected to gamble on March Madness this year compared with 5.8 million people in 2019.
Even so, 8.3 million bettors are expected to place a bet at a physical sportsbook, which is up 79% from 2019.
That figure is only expected to grow in the future with 45% of American adults now living in a state with legalized sports betting and more states opening up.
“We’ve seen a 200% increase in site searches related to March-Madness betting in 2021 – with sports fans looking for the latest odds & futures for the tournament”
- Tom Nielsen, CTO at sports odds website Vegas-odds.com
The dramatic growth in the popularity of sports betting over the course of the last two years can be attributed to the expansion of the legal market, as 73.6 million more Americans in 14 new legal jurisdictions can legally place bets on March Madness this year compared to the 2019 tournament.
A March Madness tournament bracket might be great fun, but it’s worth looking at more traditional wagers at more realistic betting odds on the Money Line, Point Spread and Totals for those hoping to realistically win a few dollars.
There could be a big jump in traditional bets on this year’s tournament compared to 2019, with 30.6 million Americans expected to wager such bets, up from 17.8 million two years ago.
Other March-Madness facts & figures:
- The odds of picking all 63 March Madness games correctly is 1 in 9.2 quintillions! (That’s 9,200,000,000,000,000,000)
- The longest streak of correct NCAA tournament bracket picks to start the tournament currently stands at an astonishing 49, with an Ohio resident correctly predicting the entire 2019 NCAA tournament into the Sweet 16.
- 47.4 million American adults plan to bet on March Madness (that’s more than 20% of the population), about the same number that indicated they would bet on the tournament in 2019.
- 30.6 million Americans expect to place more traditional bets on this year’s tournament, up from 17.8 million in 2019
- 17.8 million say they will place a bet online, up 206% from 5.8 million in 2019
- 8.3 million expect to place a bet at a physical sportsbook, up 79% from 2019
- Betting with friends/colleagues remains popular – March Madness will likely generate $4.6 billion of wagers from 40 million people betting with friends and colleagues through a total of 149 million brackets, the AGA said.
- Regulated Vs International Sportsbooks: The remaining $3.9 billion of wagers will come mostly by way of international websites and bookmakers, though 4.1 million people will also place legal bets through licensed U.S based casinos and sportsbooks in las vegas and other states with legal sports betting operators.
- Gonzaga University’s “Bulldogs” team is the betting favorite to win the tournament
S Gaming, the fast-growing developer of highly entertaining online slots and casino games, has taken another major step in its US expansion strategy by securing a partnership with leading operator Fanatics Casino.
As part of the agreement, Fanatics Casino will exclusively roll out S Gaming’s standout title, Triple 7 Jackpot, across regulated iGaming markets including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.
What Makes Triple 7 Jackpot Stand Out?
Triple 7 Jackpot delivers a classic slot experience infused with vibrant neon energy. At the heart of the game is its signature Triple 7 feature, which remains visible on-screen throughout gameplay. Players can unlock this feature by landing three Bonus 7 symbols in a single spin.
Once activated, the feature awards one bonus spin and a chance to land the impressive 500x Jackpot prize, adding significant win potential to the experience.
In addition, players can trigger Free Spins by landing three Scatter symbols during the base game, awarding seven Free Games and further opportunities to boost winnings.
Strengthening a Growing US Presence
The partnership with Fanatics Casino marks another milestone in S Gaming’s ambitious US growth strategy. The studio’s focus on sustainable entertainment and accessible, casual gameplay is already resonating with American players.
Charles Mott, CEO and Co-Founder of S Gaming, highlighted the importance of the deal:
“Fanatics Casino needs no introduction and is one of the powerhouse brands in the regulated US market. We’re thrilled to see Triple 7 Jackpot added to its casino lobby and to bring the game to players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan for the first time.”
Mott also noted that the company now works with two major US operators—Fanatics and BetMGM—with additional partnerships expected in the coming months.
Enhancing the Fanatics Casino Portfolio
Fanatics Casino views the collaboration as part of its ongoing strategy to elevate its game offering.
Kieron Shaw, Senior Manager at Fanatics Casino, commented:
“We’re committed to expanding our portfolio to enhance the player experience, which is why we continue to partner with innovative studios like S Gaming. Their focus on fun, combined with strong win potential, brings something fresh and exciting to our platform.”
With this latest launch, S Gaming continues to cement its position in the competitive US iGaming landscape, leveraging premium partnerships to deliver engaging slot experiences to players nationwide.
The post S Gaming ignites US expansion with Fanatics Casino partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona
Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M
The Arizona Department of Gaming today highlighted a major milestone: the upcoming Super Bowl will be the fifth played under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. Since regulated event wagering launched in 2021, Arizona’s oversight—guided by state law and Tribal-State Compacts—has aimed to protect consumers, preserve integrity, and generate public revenue.
Key November 2025 figures: strong wagering growth
In its latest monthly report, the Department said Arizona bettors wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events in November 2025 — about a 7.5% increase versus November 2024. The state collected roughly $5.5 million in privilege fees for the month.* Fiscal year-to-date privilege fees total $26.3 million (about $25.7M from event wagering and $637,399 from fantasy sports).
Arizona also recorded its highest monthly event wagering in October 2025 with $967,141,269, and the second-highest in November 2025 with $965,233,844.*
Regulated framework and consumer protections
Arizona’s regulated model requires licensed operators to follow statutory rules, Tribal-State Compacts, and ongoing regulatory oversight. The Department conducts audits, compliance reviews, and integrity controls designed to prevent fraud and illegal activity. Licensed event wagering operators remit privilege fees, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue — with 90% of those fees directed to Arizona’s General Fund to support state programs and priorities.
There are currently fourteen licensed event wagering operators approved to offer wagering in Arizona, each subject to ongoing Department review and potential audit adjustments.
Responsible play and support resources
The Department emphasizes the importance of using state-licensed event wagering and fantasy sports apps or retail locations. For guidance and safety tips, players are encouraged to visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.
For individuals and families affected by problem gambling, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling offers confidential, subsidized treatment and resources statewide at problemgambling.az.com.
* Disclaimer: Monthly operator figures are self-reported and subject to adjustment after Department audits and review. The Department does not guarantee the final accuracy of the self-reported totals.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gambling in the USA
Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting
Department additionally releases November event wagering and fantasy sports numbers
The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) today recognized that the upcoming Super Bowl will mark the fifth Super Bowl conducted under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. This milestone reflects five years of regulated event wagering operating pursuant to Arizona state law, Tribal-State Compacts, and comprehensive regulatory oversight designed to protect consumers, uphold integrity, and generate public revenue.
“The regulated gaming market in Arizona plays a critical role in ensuring a safe environment for sports wagering – offering responsible entertainment options to millions of Arizonans,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “During major events such as the Super Bowl, regulated gaming supports economic activity, sustains industry jobs, and generates consistent funding that helps finance important local and state programs and priorities.”
Since the launch of regulated event wagering in 2021, the Department has built and executed a regulatory system that serves Arizonans through alignment with consumer protections, responsible gaming, fraud prevention, and more— across major sporting events and marquee games such as the Super Bowl.
The Department oversees licensed event wagering operators through ongoing regulatory processes, audits, and compliance reviews. These efforts are designed to ensure adherence to statutory requirements, responsible gaming standards, and integrity controls, including protections against fraud and illegal activity. Licensed operators are also required to remit privilege fees to the State of Arizona, which are deposited into the state’s General Fund.
As enacted by the Arizona State Legislature and through the 2021 Amended and Restated Tribal-State Compacts, the State of Arizona allows for eligible operators to apply to the Department for an event wagering license. Today, there are fourteen licensed event wagering operators. Event wagering licensees pay privilege fees to the state, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue, with 90 percent of the fees flowing to the state’s General Fund.
On a monthly basis, the Arizona Department of Gaming releases event wagering and fantasy sports figures. Today, it released its latest reporting of monthly figures – covering November 2025, in which bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events. This represents an approximate 7.5 percent increase when compared to November of 2024. The state collected approximately $5.5 million in privilege fees in the month.*
To view the full report, see: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports. Fiscal year-to-date regulated event wagering and fantasy sports privilege fees in Arizona have totaled $26.3 million, including $25.7 million in event wagering and $637,399 in fantasy sports.*
In its five-plus years since the launch of sports betting, the Department saw its highest event wagering activity recorded in October 2025 with a total of $967,141,269 – and the second highest record in November 2025 with a total of $965,233,844.*
To learn about why it’s important to play with a state-licensed event wagering or fantasy sports app or retail location this Super Bowl, visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet, an initiative of the Arizona Department of Gaming.
The Department’s Division of Problem Gambling provides resources statewide to individuals and families impacted by problem gambling. Services include access to confidential, subsidized treatment options. Visit problemgambling.az.com to learn more.
* Disclaimer: These numbers are self-reported by the operators; as such, these numbers are subject to adjustments after audit and review by the Arizona Department of Gaming. The Department makes no assurances regarding the accuracy of these numbers.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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