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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

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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.

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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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LEGENDS by Fire & Ice: July 1st at The BOX Soho

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A gathering for veterans and legends in iGaming

On Tuesday, July 1st (8PM–1AM), London’s most exclusive nightclub, The BOX Soho opens its doors for a night of next-level entertainment, unbeatable networking, and that unmatched energy before day one of iGB L!VE.

LEGENDS by Fire & Ice will bring together iGaming’s veterans, legends, and superstars for an exclusive takeover of The BOX, including its brand-new Speakeasy. A mix of individual invitations and hosted tables will welcome guests to one of the world’s most infamous clubs.

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“Guests will revel in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a total takeover of The BOX,” said Jodie Thind, co-organizer. “A limited number of table bookings are available for those looking to host clients, affiliates, partners, or friends. We’ll also be inviting a few hundred iGaming legends—trailblazers who have shaped the industry into what it is today.”

Lyceum Media is also providing a complimentary venue consultancy service and has put together a curated Venue Guide for companies attending London iGaming Week. Whether you’re organizing a private event, group dinner, or a high-energy DJ party, Lyceum can match you with the perfect venue for your gathering. fireandiceparty.com/venue-guide

🎟️LEGENDS Guest List and VIP Tables are limited, Secure your Spot:
📧 RSVP/Table Booking/Free Venue Consult/Info: [email protected]
🔗 fireandiceparty.com     LI Event Page           IG/LI:  @LYCEUMMEDIA

LEGENDS by Fire & Ice is held during iGB LIVE’s London iGaming Week , uniting the industry’s elite for an unforgettable night of high-energy networking inside one of the city’s most legendary venues.

The post LEGENDS by Fire & Ice: July 1st at The BOX Soho appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Evoplay rolls out nine-month network tournament with €2.5m prize pool

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Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has launched Big Adventures, its most extensive network campaign to date, supported by a €2.5m prize pool.

Spanning nine months from June 2025 to February 2026, the initiative combines monthly tournaments with four rotating phases, enhanced by Wheel of Fortune events and daily Prize Drops to keep players consistently engaged.

Monthly prize pools range from €200,000 to €500,000, scaling during peak periods such as the winter holidays. Each phase features varied win mechanics, including Sum Multiplier, Total Win, and Total Spins, offering broad appeal across player types and gameplay preferences.

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The campaign spotlights a monthly rotation of Evoplay’s high-performing titles, such as Hot Triple Sevens: Hold & Win, Cat’s Blessing, and The Greatest Catch, allowing operators to showcase a diverse content mix throughout the promotion.

To further incentivise participation, Big Adventures introduces long-term player rewards. The Quarterly Player Giveaway will award an iPhone Pro Max to three top-performing players every three months.

Simultaneously, the campaign will culminate in a Grand Mega Prize: an all-expenses-paid luxury trip to the Maldives, awarded via random draw to one of the top 100 players on the final leaderboard.

With in-platform widgets, automated push notifications, and a full suite of promotional assets, Big Adventures is built to help operators attract, retain, and reward players at scale while delivering a high-impact experience across multiple regions.

Diana Larina, Head of Marketing at Evoplay, said: Big Adventures is one of our most ambitious initiatives so far, not just in terms of prize value, but also in how it supports our operators.

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Big Adventures has been designed to deliver long-term engagement, spotlight top games, and provide flexible tools for promotion and the campaign is sure to excite players and bring added value for our partners.”

The post Evoplay rolls out nine-month network tournament with €2.5m prize pool appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Playtech Agrees Deal to Exit Happybet German Betting Operating

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Playtech PLC has struck an agreement to exit its Happybet online gambling and retail betting unit in Germany.

The gambling software company had closed the Austrian Happybet business in the second half of 2024 and in March of this year, said it kicked off a process to sell the remainder of the unit in Germany.

The move was in line with its aim to sharpen its focus as a “predominantly pure-play business-to-business operator”.

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It has now struck a deal with NetX Betting Ltd, a subsidiary of Frankfurt-listed betting group pferdewetten.de AG.

Dusseldorf-based pferdewetten.de will have the chance to contact franchise partners of Happybet shops in Germany.

“As part of this agreement, pferdewetten.de will also assume ownership of certain associated hardware,” Playtech said.

“There will now be a transition period to allow pferdewetten.de to negotiate with the relevant franchise partners and for the relevant regulatory approvals to be sought from the competent authorities in Germany. It is intended that any remaining Happybet assets not transferred to, or assumed by, pferdewetten.de will cease operations and, where relevant, will be wound up.”

Playtech shares fell 0.8% to 319.85 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.

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At the end of last month, Playtech completed the sale of Snaitech Spa to Flutter Entertainment PLC for EUR2.30 billion.

The Isle of Man-based firm said the completion of the deal allowed it to focus on its technology-led offering in high-growth business-to-business gambling markets.

The post Playtech Agrees Deal to Exit Happybet German Betting Operating appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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