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.
Latest News
GO Craps rolls onto the scene at Play’n GO!

Play’n GO expands its table game portfolio with the release of GO Craps, a fresh take on the casino classic that blends authenticity with intuitive gameplay.
Bringing the atmosphere of a high-stakes casino directly to players, GO Craps delivers a streamlined yet immersive experience. Whether seasoned pros or newcomers to the dice table, players can easily place bets, track their statistics, and save strategies for future rounds. The game’s clean interface ensures the focus stays on the action, keeping gameplay smooth and engaging.
GO Craps recreates the thrill of the dice roll across two distinct phases – the Come Out phase and the Point phase – with a variety of betting options that cater to different playstyles. Players can take advantage of classic bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar while exploring additional wagers such as Hardways, Horn bets, and Field bets to keep the excitement rolling.
As part of Play’n GO’s commitment to delivering premium table games, GO Craps stands alongside a renowned selection of titles, including Double Exposure BlackJack MH, European Roulette Pro, and Mini Baccarat. Each game maintains a balance of authenticity and innovation, ensuring that every session is packed with engaging opportunities.
Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, George Olekszy, said: “Craps is a staple in casino gaming, and with GO Craps, we’ve taken great care to make the game both accessible and engaging. Whether you’re a dice aficionado or a newcomer, GO Craps captures the energy and strategy of the game while making it easy to play anytime, anywhere.”
With its sleek design and player-focused features, GO Craps is set to become a standout in Play’n GO’s extensive table game lineup.
The post GO Craps rolls onto the scene at Play’n GO! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry Awards
Italian Gaming Awards 2025: over 110 competitors for 21 awards Jury at work and the gala evening on April, the 9th!

Over 110 nominations to win the 21 awards up for grabs: the IGA – Italian Gaming Awards prizes will be awarded during the gala evening on April, the 9th, at Spazio Novecento and are already highly coveted by an audience of high-profile operators and companies, at a national and international level. Here are all the competitors for the precious awards, which you can find here: Italian
Gaming Awards 2025 – Shortlist
After last year’s success at the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE), the new edition is scheduled for April, the 9th and 10th, 2025 at the Salone delle Fontane in Rome, the one and only selection of excellence and best practices in the Italian public gaming sector is back.
The event dinner on April 9th will be a special evening in an exceptional location, full of charm, like Spazio Novecento. With music, entertainment, good food. And lots of networking.
IGA is an event to award the achievements of operators and affiliates in terms of services, technology and innovation, as well as the suppliers of all the main fields, including payment systems, marketing, platforms, data, certifications and compliance. A real event within the event, which in addition to give value to the industry and its talents, will also have the task of promoting the sector towards the outside, helping to clear the image in the eyes of public opinion, involving, together with experts of the industry, also professionals, VIPs and authorities from other sectors, as guests or judges of the event.
What was the roadmap of IGA 2025?
Launch
The launch took place on December, 15, 2024 with the publication of the dedicated website that began to accept speculative (and free) applications from companies. Applications were closed on March, the 9th.
Short list
From March, the 10th, 2025, the short lists for each category are available.
The floor to the judges
The evaluation period by the jury composed for the special occasion by IGA will end on March, the 31st, 2025 and the respective votes will be decided, the results of which will be announced during the evening of April, the 9th, at Spazio Novecento.
The jury
A great value is expressed by the jury, chosen by Italian Gaming Awards and which perfectly combines the values of the sector, allowing the expression of a quality, authoritative, neutral and very accurate judgment.
In alphabetical order we mention: Ewa Bakun (Clarion Gaming), Michele Bragantini (Tsj Holding), Ludovico Calvi (Ulis), the journalist Massimo Caputi, Gian Luca Comandini (Vesta Calcio), Mauro De Fabritiis (Mdf Partners), Samuele Fraternali (Politecnico Milano Osservatorio Digital Innovation), Fabio Lalli (Entrepreneur, Advisor, Speaker), Matteo Marini (Parlay Capital), Russel Mifsud (KPMG Malta), Pieter Remmer (Assissa Consultancy/Europe/G4 Global), Francesco Rodano (Playtech), Stefano Saladino (Digital Innovation Days/Promofacile), Stefano Sbordoni (Sbordoni&Partners), Cesare Biasini Selvaggi (exibart), Marta Soligo (Unlv), Piermario Tedeschi (Digital Angels), Hélène Thibault (Tonucci&Partners), Christian Tirabassi (Ficom Leisure).
The post Italian Gaming Awards 2025: over 110 competitors for 21 awards Jury at work and the gala evening on April, the 9th! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Casino Innovation to Take Center Stage at SBC Summit Malta

SBC Summit Malta, formerly the CasinoBeats Summit, will build on its strong foundation in casino innovation, providing 5,500 attendees with a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, technological advancements, and strategies shaping the casino industry’s future.
The dedicated ‘Casino Product Excellence‘ conference track will take place on Wednesday, June 11, at the InterContinental Hotel in St. Julian’s, Malta, kicking off the event’s first core day.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said: “CasinoBeats Summit may have evolved, but so too have the trends and challenges faced by those operating in the casino space.
New technology, shifting player habits, and evolving regulations are constantly reshaping the industry. While the agenda is expanding to cover disciplines beyond casino, we will still explore this vertical in depth with dedicated content.”
Attendees can look forward to in-depth discussions on the rise of sweepstake casinos, the influence of video games on slot machines, and strategies for developing games that engage seasoned players while attracting new audiences.
The panel titled ‘Over Gamification of Slot Games? Are we Moving Too Far Away From the Traditional Game’ will explore the excessive addition of gamification features in slot games. Featuring experts Michael Foster (Group Head of Commercial Gaming Operations, FEG) and Dr Eyal Loz (CPO, Ruby Play), the panel will examine the impact of these new features—such as bonuses, multiplayer modes and video game tropes—on player engagement. The experts will also assess whether these innovations are enhancing the overall gaming experience or causing a disconnect amongst core players instead.
The ‘The Art of the Sequel: Balancing Innovation, Success, and Influencer Impact on Gaming Audiences’ session will offer strategies for revamping established and successful games through innovative features and marketing. Hosting a lineup of iGaming experts, including Chris McGowan (Chief Operations Officer, Scatters), David Fall (Business Development Manager, ELA Games) and Alexandru Ababei (Brand Manager, LeapSquare), the panel will provide insights on how game studios can better align with shifting player preferences. Discussions will also explore leveraging influencers to promote new titles and strategies for striking the right balance between attracting new audiences and catering to existing fans.
The panel titled ‘Platforms and Aggregators: Catalysts or Constraints in the Gaming Industry’s Future?’ will examine whether platform providers and aggregators still offer the same value for operators in 2025. The panel, which will feature experts from both sides of the argument, Ewa Kaźmierska (Managing Director, ELA Games), Kristina Murgovska (CPO, Rhino Entertainment) and Jovana Popovic-Canaki (CEO, iGP), will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of utilising these providers and their influence across the industry.
As well as the ‘Casino Product Excellence’ track, delegates will have the chance to attend dedicated tracks covering regulation, affiliation, sports betting, marketing and payments. The event will also feature two dedicated workshop rooms, offering delegates a more hands-on learning experience.
The post Casino Innovation to Take Center Stage at SBC Summit Malta appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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