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Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

Published

1 year 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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BIS

BiS Brasília projects growth and boosts betting debate in Brazil

Published

4 hours ago

May 7, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

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Event will bring together leaders and experts at a time of high visibility for the sector

With an expected 20% increase in attendance, BiS Brasília reaches its second edition in a scenario of strong prominence for the sports betting market in Brazil.

Regulatory advances and growing public interest have placed the sector at the center of strategic discussions, boosting the event’s relevance this year.

Held at the Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada, the gathering will bring together experts, executives, and authorities to discuss market trends, challenges, and opportunities, with a focus on innovation, integrity, and the sustainable development of the industry.

“The BiS Brasília arrives at a decisive moment for the Brazilian market, bringing together leaders to discuss the paths of regulation, innovation, and sustainable growth of iGaming and sports betting in the country.

It will be a strategic opportunity to promote qualified dialogue and strengthen an increasingly professional and transparent ecosystem,” explains Flávio Figueiredo, co-founder of BiS SiGMA.

Based in the federal capital—epicenter of Brazil’s main political and economic decisions—the event reinforces Brasília’s role as a convergence point for the different stakeholders involved in shaping the new regulatory landscape.

This edition is expected to consolidate itself as a milestone in the maturation of the debate on the legality of betting in Brazil.

About BiS Brasília

In its second edition, BiS Brasília is an event dedicated to the iGaming and betting ecosystem, promoting dialogue between the private sector, government, and society on the development of the regulated gaming, casino, and lottery market in Brazil.

The event brings together business leaders, authorities, and experts to discuss strategic topics such as Brazilian regulation, taxation, integrity, innovation, responsible gaming, compliance, AML / anti-money laundering, licensing, sports integrity, government relations, advertising, and CONAR.

BiS SiGMA South America is part of the event portfolio of SiGMA World Group, one of the leading global platforms for B2B business and event organization focused on the gaming and betting industry.

The post BiS Brasília projects growth and boosts betting debate in Brazil appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

apuestas

Nuevas reglas del CMN y SPA reorganizan el tablero del iGaming y las apuestas deportivas

Published

4 hours ago

May 7, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

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Rafael Brunati y Celso Basílio, abogados de Silveiro Advogados especializados en mercados regulados, derecho corporativo y derecho de la competencia, analizan las recientes medidas adoptadas por el Consejo Monetario Nacional (CMN) de Brasil y la Secretaría de Premios y Apuestas (SPA/MF), así como su impacto en la industria del iGaming y las apuestas deportivas.

En este artículo, examinan cómo el nuevo marco regulatorio redefine los límites entre las apuestas, los instrumentos financieros y los modelos emergentes de mercados digitales, al tiempo que refuerza la Ley N.º 14.790/2023 como pilar central de la regulación del sector.

Por Rafael Brunati y Celso Basílio

El conjunto de medidas adoptadas recientemente por el Consejo Monetario Nacional (CMN) y la Secretaría de Premios y Apuestas del Ministerio de Hacienda (SPA/MF) representa un nuevo capítulo en la consolidación regulatoria del mercado brasileño de iGaming y apuestas deportivas.

Más que una respuesta puntual a los llamados mercados predictivos, las iniciativas señalan un intento más amplio de reorganizar los límites entre apuestas autorizadas, instrumentos financieros y actividades consideradas irregulares en el país.

La Resolución CMN N.º 5.298/2026 prohibió la oferta y negociación de derivados vinculados a apuestas, eventos deportivos, juegos en línea y temas políticos, electorales, culturales o de entretenimiento sin referencia económico-financiera.

En la misma línea, la Nota Técnica SPA/MF N.º 2.958/2026 encuadró las plataformas de mercados predictivos como explotación ilegal de apuestas de cuota fija, lo que derivó en el bloqueo de decenas de plataformas por parte de la Anatel.

El movimiento refuerza de manera clara la centralidad de la Ley N.º 14.790/2023 como marco regulatorio exclusivo para la explotación de apuestas de cuota fija en Brasil.

En la práctica, el gobierno ha comenzado a delimitar con mayor precisión quién puede operar en este mercado y bajo qué condiciones.

Las plataformas que buscaban posicionarse como mercados financieros, contratos de eventos o estructuras tecnológicas alternativas pasaron a ser tratadas materialmente como operadores de apuestas.

El mensaje regulatorio es directo: si el producto compite por el mismo público, utiliza una lógica económica similar a las apuestas y conlleva riesgo asociado a eventos futuros, tiende a quedar dentro del perímetro regulatorio de la SPA.

Desde la óptica regulatoria y de competencia, esto genera un efecto relevante para los operadores autorizados.

Las empresas que invirtieron en licencias, cumplimiento normativo, prevención de lavado de dinero, integridad deportiva, políticas de juego responsable y estructura regulatoria dejan de competir con plataformas que operaban al margen de estas exigencias mediante encuadres jurídicos alternativos. Se produce así un fortalecimiento indirecto del valor económico de la licencia regulatoria otorgada por la SPA.

Al mismo tiempo, este fortalecimiento viene acompañado de un aumento significativo de las obligaciones operativas y de cumplimiento.

Las recientes medidas también reabren un debate importante sobre los límites regulatorios de las llamadas betting exchanges y los modelos peer-to-peer.

La propia Nota Técnica SPA/MF N.º 2.958/2026 reconoce que la negociación entre apostadores y la existencia de precios dinámicos no desnaturalizan necesariamente la condición de apuesta de cuota fija. Esta interpretación es relevante porque acerca los mercados predictivos a las estructuras de bolsas de apuestas ya previstas en la Ley N.º 14.790/2023.

Este punto podría abrir espacio, en el futuro, para modelos regulados de betting exchange en Brasil, siempre que estén dentro del perímetro autorizado por la SPA.

Sin embargo, la regulación operativa de este formato aún no ha sido desarrollada por la autoridad, lo que mantiene un nivel importante de incertidumbre para los operadores interesados en innovación de producto.

Desde otra perspectiva, las medidas también tienden a generar una intensa judicialización. Existen debates relevantes sobre los límites de la competencia del CMN para restringir ciertos tipos de derivados, sobre la actuación interpretativa de la SPA respecto a los mercados predictivos y sobre el bloqueo de plataformas sin orden judicial.

Independientemente del desenlace de estas disputas, lo cierto es que el mercado brasileño de iGaming y apuestas deportivas entra en una nueva fase.

La lógica regulatoria deja de centrarse únicamente en la autorización formal para operar y pasa a incorporar de forma más intensa temas como integridad financiera, protección de usuarios vulnerables, gobernanza de datos, trazabilidad de pagos y supervisión operativa continua.

El sector continúa creciendo, pero ahora dentro de un entorno significativamente más sofisticado —y más exigente. Para los operadores autorizados, esto representa simultáneamente una barrera de entrada para competidores irregulares y un aumento relevante en los costos de cumplimiento. En un mercado cada vez más regulado, la diferencia competitiva tiende a depender menos de la capacidad de ofrecer apuestas y más de la capacidad de operar con seguridad regulatoria, integridad operativa y rápida adaptación a las nuevas exigencias del Estado.

Rafael Brunati, abogado en las áreas de Derecho Societario, Contratos, M&A y Private Equity, así como del sector bancario en Silveiro Advogados, es graduado en Derecho por la Universidad Presbiteriana Mackenzie, posee un LL.M en Derecho Societario por INSPER y es miembro de la Comisión de Derecho Bancario de la OAB/SP.

Celso Basílio, abogado en las áreas de Mercados Regulados, Telecomunicaciones, Contratos y Derecho de la Competencia en Silveiro Advogados, es máster en Derecho por la FGV Derecho SP, posee un LL.M en Derecho de los Contratos por INSPER y es graduado en Derecho por la Universidad Presbiteriana Mackenzie.

The post Nuevas reglas del CMN y SPA reorganizan el tablero del iGaming y las apuestas deportivas appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

298/2026

New CMN and SPA rules reorganize the iGaming and sports betting landscape in Brazil

Published

5 hours ago

May 7, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

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Rafael Brunati and Celso Basílio, lawyers at Silveiro Advogados specializing in regulated markets, corporate law, and competition law, analyze the recent measures adopted by Brazil’s National Monetary Council (CMN) and the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF) and their impact on the iGaming and sports betting industry.

In this article, they examine how the new regulatory framework reshapes the boundaries between betting, financial instruments, and emerging digital market models, while reinforcing Law No. 14,790/2023 as the central pillar of regulation in the sector.

ByRafael Brunati and Celso Basílio

The set of measures recently adopted by the National Monetary Council (CMN) and the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF) marks a new chapter in the regulatory consolidation of Brazil’s iGaming and sports betting market.

More than a targeted response to so-called predictive markets, these initiatives signal a broader effort to redefine the boundaries between authorized betting activities, financial instruments, and operations considered irregular in the country.

CMN Resolution No. 5,298/2026 prohibited the offering and trading of derivatives linked to betting, sports events, online games, and political, electoral, cultural, or entertainment themes without a financial-economic reference.

In the same direction, SPA/MF Technical Note No. 2,958/2026 classified predictive market platforms as illegal fixed-odds betting operations, leading to the blocking of dozens of platforms by Anatel.

The move clearly reinforces Law No. 14,790/2023 as the exclusive regulatory framework for fixed-odds betting in Brazil.

In practice, the government has begun to draw a sharper line around who can operate in this market and under what conditions.

Platforms that previously positioned themselves as financial markets, event-based contracts, or alternative technological structures are now being materially treated as betting operators.

The regulatory message is direct: if a product targets the same audience, uses similar economic logic to betting, and involves risk linked to future events, it is likely to fall within the SPA’s regulatory perimeter.

From a competitive and regulatory standpoint, this produces a meaningful effect for licensed operators. Companies that have invested in licensing, compliance, anti-money laundering controls, sports integrity, responsible gaming policies, and regulatory infrastructure are no longer competing with platforms operating outside these requirements under alternative legal interpretations.

This indirectly strengthens the economic value of the license granted by the SPA.

At the same time, this strengthening comes with a significant increase in operational and compliance obligations.

The recent measures also reopen an important discussion on the regulatory limits of so-called betting exchanges and peer-to-peer models.

SPA/MF Technical Note No. 2,958/2026 itself acknowledges that betting between users and the existence of dynamic pricing do not necessarily alter the nature of fixed-odds betting.

This interpretation is relevant because it brings predictive markets closer to exchange-style betting structures already contemplated under Law No. 14,790/2023.

This point could, in the future, open space for regulated betting exchange models in Brazil, provided they fall within the SPA’s authorized perimeter. However, operational rules for such formats have not yet been defined by the regulator, leaving a significant area of uncertainty for operators seeking product innovation.

From another perspective, these measures are also likely to generate substantial litigation.

There are important debates regarding the limits of the CMN’s authority to restrict certain types of derivatives, the SPA’s interpretative role regarding predictive markets, and even the blocking of platforms without judicial orders.

Regardless of the outcome of these disputes, the fact is that Brazil’s iGaming and sports betting market is entering a new phase.

Regulatory logic is no longer focused solely on formal authorization to operate, but increasingly incorporates issues such as financial integrity, protection of vulnerable users, data governance, payment traceability, and continuous operational supervision.

The sector continues to grow, but now within a significantly more sophisticated—and more demanding—environment. For licensed operators, this simultaneously creates a barrier to entry for unregulated competitors and increases compliance costs.

In an increasingly regulated market, competitive advantage is likely to depend less on the ability to offer bets and more on the capacity to operate with regulatory security, operational integrity, and rapid adaptation to new state requirements.

Rafael Brunati is a lawyer specializing in Corporate Law, Contracts, M&A, Private Equity, and Banking Law at Silveiro Advogados.

He holds a Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, an LL.M in Corporate Law from INSPER, and is a member of the Banking Law Commission of the São Paulo Chapter of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/SP).

Celso Basílio is a lawyer specializing in Regulated Markets, Telecommunications, Contracts, and Competition Law at Silveiro Advogados.

He holds a Master’s degree in Law from FGV Direito SP, an LL.M in Contract Law from INSPER, and a Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie.

The post New CMN and SPA rules reorganize the iGaming and sports betting landscape in Brazil appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.