Latest News
Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness
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.
John O’Reilly
John O’Reilly Joins UK Tote Group Board as Non-Executive Director
The UK Tote Group has announced the appointment of John O’Reilly as a non-executive director of its Board, effective from 1 May 2026.
John has over 35 years’ experience in the horseracing, betting and gaming sectors, having most recently served as CEO of the Rank Group PLC – the UK’s largest casino and bingo operator. He was formerly a non-executive director of William Hill plc and, between 2011 and 2015, Managing Director of Coral’s digital business. Prior to joining Gala Coral, John was an executive director on the board of Ladbrokes Plc. He has served as a non-executive director of Telecity Group Plc and Chair of the digital design and development business Grand Parade Ltd. He currently serves as Chair of Weatherbys and a trustee of the New Bridge Foundation, alongside his new position as a UK Tote Group board member from next month.
John Williamson, Chairman of the UK Tote Group, said: “We are pleased to welcome John to the UK Tote Group Board. As one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the betting industry, John will provide valuable support to the Tote team, particularly in relation to product development and customer experience. We are delighted to have John join the team, alongside Andrew Weir who joined the UK Tote Group board earlier this month.”
John O’Reilly said: “Like so many people deeply involved in gambling and horseracing, I have had many connections with, and fond memories of the Tote over the years. While the Tote has a century of history, I believe it has a very valuable role to play in the future of horseracing, both in the UK and Ireland and around the globe. The Tote has an impressive story to tell of innovation and growth in recent years, and through further enhancements to the pool product, alongside developing deepening international partnerships, I believe the Tote has its best days ahead of it. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the UK Tote Group board and to support the Tote’s future success.”
The post John O’Reilly Joins UK Tote Group Board as Non-Executive Director appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
Reflex Gaming Releases “Piggies Prize Party”
Reflex Gaming, the UK’s largest independently owned omni-channel game supplier, has released its latest video slot “Piggies Prize Party”.
Powered by Yggdrasil, this vibrant video slot reimagines the arcade hit into a highly engaging digital experience designed to drive repeat play with broad player appeal.
Bursting with character and colour, Piggies Prize Party centres around a cheerful piggy bank party theme, combining low-to-medium volatility with frequent wins and smooth, accessible gameplay. Built on a familiar 5×3 reel layout with 25 paylines, the game delivers constant activity on the reels, while layering in a series of feature-driven moments that keep players firmly engaged from spin to spin.
At the heart of the game are four distinct Piggy Bank features, each linked to coloured coins that build anticipation in the base game before unlocking their full potential. Red Coins feed into Red Free Spins, where collected spins accumulate before being awarded in a burst of action. Green coins trigger Elimination Free Spins, stripping symbols from the reels to improve win potential and reshape gameplay. Blue coins power Prize Pot Free Spins, introducing increasing pots that enhance reward opportunities while maintaining a clear and familiar flow.
Adding another dimension, Yellow coins build towards the Wheel feature, where collected Piggies are transformed into a fortune wheel spin offering a mix of multipliers, Free Spins combinations or both. Designed to create standout moments, the Wheel cannot be triggered alongside Free Spins, ensuring each feature lands with its own distinct impact.
For players looking to accelerate the action, Bonus Buy options provide direct access to the Fortune Wheel, with Standard, Mystery and Super Free Spins configurations available depending on player preference and jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Golden Bet can be activated to increase the stake by 50%, boosting the chances of triggering one or more features while keeping all wins aligned to the base game paytable.
Mat Ingram, CPO at Reflex Gaming, said: “Piggies Prize Party has already proven itself as a standout performer on the land-based side, so we’re excited to bring it online.
“The different piggy bank mechanics give the game real variety, while the Wheel adds those big, memorable moments. It’s fun, it’s engaging and it’s built to keep players coming back.”
The launch of Piggies Prize Party further strengthens Reflex Gaming’s omni-channel strategy, delivering consistent, high-performing experiences across both land-based and online environments through its continued partnership with Yggdrasil.
The post Reflex Gaming Releases “Piggies Prize Party” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BetConstruct
BetConstruct AI offers operators three months free sportsbook access ahead of World Cup 2026
The deal includes a fee waiver across its core suite plus setup and third-party integration discounts for the first three months.
BetConstruct AI has launched a World Cup 2026-focused commercial offer that waives fees for operators across its sportsbook and other core products for three months.
Under the terms published in the release, the company is offering “Complete fee waiver for the first 3 months across Sportsbook, CreedRoomz, Popok, Pascal, Choice, Virtual Sports, and Poker Network,” alongside a “SETUP DISCOUNT (50%)” for “all global market entry setups.” It is also applying a “3RD PARTY INTEGRATION (51%)” discount to “all 3rd Party Game Providers for the first 3 months.”
BetConstruct AI also included two complimentary add-ons it said would be available at “€0 cost” to partners. “Powerfull (Pre-Tournament)” is scheduled to run “8–10 weeks before kickoff” and is positioned around “weekly turnover challenges,” with prizes including “Free Bets (€1–€1,000) or a World Cup Final ticket,” which the company said are “100% funded by BetConstruct AI.”
The second product, “Bet on League (In-Tournament),” is described as an iFrame-based tournament hub that “requires no UI rebuilds,” with features including “an integrated module resembling a prediction market and personalized bet suggestions driven by AI.”
The company framed the campaign around operators preparing for what it called “the highest-concentration betting opportunity of the next four years,” referring to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
More data as follows:
- BetConstruct: https://www.betconstruct.com/ Official company site for product and commercial context referenced in the offer.
- FIFA World Cup 2026: https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canada-mexico-usa2026 Authoritative tournament reference to support the timing and context of the World Cup 2026 campaign.
- BetConstruct AI: https://www.betconstruct.com/ Use for verification of the ‘BetConstruct AI’ naming and related product descriptions if published on the company domain.
The post BetConstruct AI offers operators three months free sportsbook access ahead of World Cup 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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