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Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

Published

10 months 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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Reelsoft to Unveil Full Vision platform at ICE Barcelona 2026

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Wladimir P.

reelsoft-to-unveil-full-vision-platform-at-ice-barcelona-2026

Reelsoft to Showcase Vision Platform and Next-Gen iGaming Solutions at ICE Barcelona 2026

Reelsoft, the iGaming technology company behind the Vision Platform, will exhibit at ICE Barcelona 2026, taking place 19–21 January at stand 2C72. This global event offers a key opportunity for Reelsoft to present its full ecosystem of gaming solutions—including Vision RGS, Vision Link, and RNG House—to operators, game studios, and aggregators worldwide.

Coinciding with its ICE appearance, Reelsoft has been shortlisted for Up and Coming Brand at the European iGaming Awards, taking place on 19 January in Barcelona. The nomination recognizes Reelsoft’s rapid market impact and innovative product offerings.

A Unified Platform for Ownership, Flexibility, and Growth

At the core of Reelsoft’s offering is the Vision Platform, a modular yet fully unified ecosystem designed for speed, flexibility, and complete partner control. Unlike many other providers, Reelsoft combines a Remote Gaming Server (RGS) and a game aggregation platform within the same infrastructure, alongside hosting and operational support.

Vision RGS supports slots, crash games, table games, and multiplayer formats, enabling studios to retain full IP ownership while launching new games.
Vision Link connects studios to a growing global operator network, with seamless integration, promotional tools, and dedicated support.
RNG House provides reliable hosting, infrastructure, and operations, ensuring partners can scale quickly and confidently.

Next-Generation Engagement Tools

The platform includes Vision Promotions, a proprietary suite embedded across Vision RGS and Vision Link, offering:

Tournaments and Feature Bets
Free Bets and engagement campaigns
Vision Mega Jackpot, a cross-platform progressive jackpot engine compatible with both proprietary and aggregated content

This cross-platform promotional flexibility provides a unique advantage for studios and operators seeking to maximize player engagement across content portfolios.

Meet Reelsoft at ICE Barcelona 2026

“We built the Vision Platform to give partners freedom to create, tools to scale, and infrastructure to succeed,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Reelsoft. “ICE Barcelona is the ideal stage to demonstrate what sets us apart—our unified approach, powerful tech stack, and focus on partner empowerment.”

Visitors to stand 2C72 can:

Demo live tools from the Vision platform
Explore case studies of successful partnerships
Speak directly with Reelsoft experts about game development, aggregation, and tech solutions

To schedule a meeting with the Reelsoft team during ICE Barcelona 2026, visit reelsoft.com or email [email protected].

The post Reelsoft to Unveil Full Vision platform at ICE Barcelona 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

LOW6 and Bettortainment Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Live Sports Betting Engagement Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Wladimir P.

low6-and-bettortainment-announce-strategic-partnership-to-enhance-live-sports-betting-engagement-ahead-of-the-2026-world-cup

LOW6 and Bettortainment Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Live Sports Betting Engagement for the 2026 World Cup

LOW6, the award-winning global sports gamification provider, and Bettortainment, a cutting-edge live betting engagement platform, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing in-play betting experiences for operators, affiliates, and media publishers ahead of ICE Barcelona 2026.

The collaboration combines Bettortainment’s expert-led watchalong live content with LOW6’s gamification suite—including fantasy, pick’em, trivia, and bracket-style games—to deliver a seamless, interactive in-play betting ecosystem. By integrating these tools directly into broadcasts, sportsbooks can retain audience attention and drive engagement throughout live sporting events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In-Play Gamification Designed to Retain Audiences

As live betting volumes surge globally, many operators face challenges keeping users active once matches kick off. The LOW6-Bettortainment solution addresses this by embedding real-time gamification tools—such as leaderboards, predictions, and trivia—directly into live streams.

The partnership focuses on creating fit-for-purpose content and interactive games that foster community-driven engagement. By delivering dynamic, social in-play experiences, operators can encourage sustained interaction and bring quality bettors back to their platforms.

“Live sport is where attention is most valuable, but it’s also where many platforms lose it,” said Jonathan Baxandall, Commercial Director at Bettortainment. “Partnering with LOW6 allows us to deliver a more engaging, social in-play experience that keeps users on-platform. Sportsbooks that fail to entertain in real-time risk falling behind.”

Built for Scale and Global Reach

The integrated solution is designed for rapid deployment and scalability, making it suitable for Tier-1 global operators as well as emerging regional sportsbooks. Initially available in English, the platform also supports localization for diverse markets, ensuring broad accessibility during the World Cup cycle.

Jamie Mitchell, CEO of LOW6, added: “This partnership merges live content with proven gamification to transform live sports moments into deeper engagement—without adding complexity. With experience embedding gamification into platforms like AFTV and United Stand, we know the impact of turning viewership into actionable insights.”

Operators and partners can explore the LOW6-Bettortainment solution ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For more information, visit low6.com.

The post LOW6 and Bettortainment Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Live Sports Betting Engagement Ahead of the 2026 World Cup appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

GGBET UA is the new title partner of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine

Published

6 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Wladimir P.

ggbet-ua-is-the-new-title-partner-of-the-basketball-federation-of-ukraine

GGBET UA has officially signed a title sponsorship agreement with the Basketball Federation of Ukraine (FBU), marking a significant step in the development and promotion of Ukrainian basketball. The strategic partnership is designed to increase the sport’s visibility, expand fan engagement, and deliver innovative digital content to audiences across the country.

Under the agreement, GGBET UA and the FBU will collaborate on content creation, communication initiatives, and interactive fan experiences, ensuring that basketball continues to thrive as one of Ukraine’s most popular and dynamic sports. The partnership will focus on strengthening media presence, enhancing storytelling around teams and players, and introducing creative digital formats tailored to modern sports fans.

Basketball has long held a strong position in Ukraine’s sporting culture. Through this collaboration, both organizations plan to launch special projects, online campaigns, and fan-focused activations that bring supporters closer to national teams and domestic competitions. By leveraging digital platforms and social media, the partners aim to deliver compelling, behind-the-scenes content and immersive experiences that resonate with both existing fans and new audiences.

Sergii Mishchenko, CEO of GGBET UA, emphasized that the partnership reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Ukrainian sports. He noted that basketball’s fast-paced and high-energy nature makes it ideal for innovative communication strategies and integrated promotional efforts. According to Mishchenko, working closely with the FBU and national teams will allow GGBET UA to create engaging content that captures media attention while contributing to the broader popularization of basketball in Ukraine.

From the Federation’s perspective, the agreement represents an opportunity to expand communication channels and reinforce support for athletes and teams. Mykhailo Brodsky, President of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of maintaining visibility for Ukrainian sports, particularly during challenging times. He stated that the title partnership with GGBET UA enables the launch of impactful joint initiatives that can bring renewed energy and attention to basketball nationwide.

The basketball partnership builds on GGBET UA’s rapid expansion within Ukrainian sports throughout 2025. The bookmaker has already secured a three-year partnership with FC Dynamo Kyiv, sponsored FC Polissya Zhytomyr, and acted as an official partner for the globally recognized Usyk vs. Dubois II boxing match. With strong footholds in football and boxing, basketball now represents the next strategic phase in GGBET UA’s multi-sport growth strategy.

Fans can expect the first announcements of joint projects and new content formats to appear soon across the official social media channels of GGBET UA and the Basketball Federation of Ukraine, signaling the start of an ambitious collaboration aimed at elevating Ukrainian basketball to new heights.

The post GGBET UA is the new title partner of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.