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Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

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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.

Aristocrat Interactive

Aristocrat Interactive Extends 13-year Relationship with Portugal’s SCML Through New iLottery Deal

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Aristocrat Interactive announced a renewed agreement with Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML), the national lottery of Portugal, having signed a new three-year deal that ensures continued access to its complete portfolio of NeoGames Studio’s eInstant games for SCML players.

The extension builds on a more than a decade-long collaboration to enhance SCML’s digital instant win offering. Under the new agreement, NeoGames Studio will continue supplying its established library of industry-leading titles while maintaining a steady innovation pipeline to deliver new, entertaining eInstant games.

“This new agreement underscores the continued success of our long-standing work with Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. Together, we will continue to deliver high-performing content that resonates with players, driving long-term value for SCML’s continued digital growth,” said Chris Shaban, Managing Director of Aristocrat Interactive iLottery.

The renewal further reinforces Aristocrat Interactive’s growing presence in Europe’s iLottery sector, with the business supporting 18 European lotteries with NeoGames Studio content that is either live or scheduled to go live.

“Our extension with Aristocrat Interactive reflects the strong appreciation Portuguese players have for NeoGames Studio high quality eInstant content,” said Dr. Ricardo Lavos, General Manager of the Games Department of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa.

“The titles we have at our disposal have been a key driver of our digital offering, and we have full confidence in Aristocrat Interactive’s ability to continue delivering modern, responsible, and engaging experiences that meet our players’ expectations,” Dr. Ricardo Lavos added.

The post Aristocrat Interactive Extends 13-year Relationship with Portugal’s SCML Through New iLottery Deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Exprexion

Flexion Launches Mobile Service Suite Exprexion

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Games marketing company Flexion has announced the launch of Exprexion. This integrated suite of services provides game developers with a single point of entry to alternative app stores, creator-led marketing and direct-to-consumer sales.

The mobile gaming industry is entering a new era. After years of market domination by Google and Apple, game studios are looking for ways to be in command of their own destiny. High store taxes and rising acquisition costs have squeezed profits for too long. The Exprexion suite of services gives developers the freedom to innovate in market engagement and express their ideas directly to users, moving beyond the traditional constraints of the major app stores.

The Exprexion suite consists of three core services:

Exprexion Markets: This service manages all the technical and operational requirements of distributing games on alternative platforms including Amazon, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and ONEstore. Flexion handles everything from integration to platform relations, typically adding more than 10% in incremental revenue. By taking on these tasks, Flexion reduces upfront and operational costs for developers while reducing risk.

Exprexion Creators: This service focuses on influencer-led marketing and social media strategy. By managing the creative process and relationships with influencers, Flexion helps studios find high-value players who engage with games through organic interest. This approach allows developers to reach bigger audiences through broader market channels and innovative user acquisition.

Exprexion Direct: This service enables developers to sell to their players no matter where those players are. By moving transactions outside of the major app stores, studios can make better margins and reclaim the 30% fee typically charged by platform owners. The service uses proven payment technology from trusted suppliers, like Xsolla, to ensure the buying experience remains smooth.

“The mobile industry has reached a point where the old methods of finding and monetizing players are no longer sustainable for many game studios. For years, developers accepted high fees and limited data access as the cost of doing business. Now, the emergence of a more open market and the shift toward direct-to-consumer relationships have changed the math. We launched Exprexion because the market is finally in a place where developers can feasibly run their own stores and distribution networks without the massive operational overhead that used to hold them back,” said Jens Lauritzson, CEO and Founder of Flexion.

Flexion’s technology, people and expertise are unique in the mobile market. The Exprexion services are fully integrated with one another, meaning each service perfectly complements the others. They can be combined seamlessly or used in any combination to generate profit and grow audiences bigger than ever before.

Flexion currently manages 37 top-grossing games. Four of these titles have reached the Top 10 grossing charts on Google Play. By providing a decentralised path to growth, Exprexion serves as a vehicle for a studio’s financial freedom.

The post Flexion Launches Mobile Service Suite Exprexion appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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BetWright

Leyton Orient fan wins £10,000 in BetWright crossbar challenge on League One final day

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A Leyton Orient supporter won £10,000 after hitting the crossbar in BetWright’s Bangers N’ Cash Crossbar Challenge at half-time during Orient’s 2-2 draw with Burton Albion on Saturday, the final day of the League One season.

BetWright said Georgia Wallis was the first participant to hit the crossbar since Graham Pringle in January, ending what the company described as a stretch of near-misses in the half-time competition at the BetWright Stadium.

The operator said the promotion launched at the start of the season with a £3,000 jackpot and increased by £1,000 at each home fixture without a winner. Following Pringle’s January win, the pot reset to £1,000 for the next home match and then continued to rise by £1,000 per game, reaching £10,000 for the final fixture.

Georgia Wallis said: “As soon as I hit the ball, I thought – yeah, that’s the one! I’m absolutely buzzing! It felt really good – ­­­­­­I thought I was going to fall over, so not doing that is a win in itself!

“My dad entered himself to do it every week and was never successful, then when he finally got the email he said, ‘I’m not doing it – you’re doing it’, so I had to step up!”

Yarry Troshchey of BetWright added: “We’ve had some unfortunate near-misses since Graham’s win earlier in the season, so it was fantastic to see Georgia finally step up and deliver on the final day of the campaign at the BetWright Stadium.

“To do so with the pressure of it being the last chance of the season makes it even more impressive, and it’s exactly the kind of moment the BetWright Bangers N’ Cash Crossbar Challenge is all about.

“We’re delighted for Georgia to take home the £10,000 prize and round off the season in style.”

Under the rules described by BetWright, participating supporters get one attempt to hit the crossbar. If they miss, they can pick one of three cards, with two offering a consolation prize and one providing a second attempt.

The post Leyton Orient fan wins £10,000 in BetWright crossbar challenge on League One final day appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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