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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
THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® REVEALS FULL SUMMER 2026 SERIES SCHEDULE
The world’s biggest poker series returns to the Las Vegas Strip from May 26 through July 25
The World Series of Poker (WSOP®) today announced the daily event schedule for the 2026 World Series of Poker, the 57th edition of the world’s richest and most prestigious poker series. Returning to the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the 2026 WSOP promises a summer of unparalleled action, where new legends will be made and 100 gold bracelets will be awarded.
The excitement begins on May 26 with a revamped lineup designed to maintain the momentum of 2025’s record-breaking season, which saw GGPoker ambassador Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi capture the Main Event title and a $10,000,000 top prize.
The $10,000 Main Event & Free Daily Stream
As always, the centerpiece of the summer is the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, better known as the ‘Main Event’, which begins on Thursday, July 2. Play will proceed until the final table is reached on July 13, with specifics on the Main Event final table play dates and broadcast coverage to be announced at a later date.
To bring WSOP action to a wider international audience for free, a daily stream will be broadcast live on the official WSOP YouTube channel from May 26 through to the start of the Main Event. This daily broadcast will showcase the new and improved TV set in Paris Las Vegas and feature some of the game’s most recognizable commentators.
WSOP 2026 Highlights
Additional highlight events include:
- Event #7 Heads Up No-Limit Holdem Championship – 64 players max (3-day event) – May 29 – $25,000 buy-in
- Event #18 MONSTER STACK No-Limit Holdem (5-day event) – June 3 – $1,500 buy-in
- Event #34 COLOSSUS No-Limit Holdem (3-day event) – June 10 – $500 buy-in
- Event #41 Super High Roller No-Limit Holdem (3-day event) – June 13 – $250,000 buy-in
- Event #47 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (4-day event) – June 15 – $25,000 buy-in
- Event #50 MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit Holdem (5-day event) – June 17 – $1,500 buy-in
- Event #60 Poker Players Championship (5-day event) – June 21 – $50,000 buy-in
- Event #63 Mystery Millions – No-Limit Hold’em (3-day event) – June 23 – $1,000 buy-in
Additional flights have also been added to several of our most popular bracelet events offering players more opportunities than ever before to play their favorite WSOP events.
New Events & Summer Circuit Momentum
To maximize the excitement, the 2026 schedule introduces several high-impact events and a seamless transition into the Circuit season:
- Event #1 Mini Mystery Millions No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $550 buy-in featuring a massive $1M bounty prize guarantee – May 26
- Event #11 GGMillion$ High Roller No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $10,000 buy-in prestige event with two starting flights – May 31
- Event #16 U.S. Circuit Championship No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $1,700 buy-in event following the success of WSOP Paradise – June 2
- Event #53 Five Card Pot-Limit Omaha (3-Day event): A $1,500 buy-in PLO event – June 18
- Event #91 “Pick Your PLO” (3-Day event): A $1,500 buy-in Dealer’s Choice format including PLO, PLO8, Five-Card PLO (High), and Big O – July 9
- Summer Circuit: For the first time, a WSOP Circuit will begin during the final days of the bracelet series, running from July 14 – 25, ensuring the action in Las Vegas never slows down. The full schedule and other details will be available at WSOP.com
Executive & Ambassador Reaction
“As we saw in 2025, thousands of incredible stories are waiting to be told at the World Series of Poker,” said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP. “We’re more committed than ever to being poker’s unquestioned biggest stage and to shining a brighter spotlight on our favorite game.”
“Our favorite time of year is around the corner, and we cannot wait to once again welcome the poker world back to the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas,” said Jack Effel, Senior Vice President of Poker Operations at Caesars Entertainment. “This summer’s World Series of Poker promises more action and more opportunities to play your favorite events than ever before, from the first ‘Shuffle Up and Deal!’ to the crowning of the Main Event champion.”
“GGPoker’s WSOP Express satellites allow enthusiasts all over the world to follow in the footsteps of their heroes. Whether you are an international player qualifying via GGPoker or a domestic U.S. player winning your seat via WSOP Online, we want to see you taking your shot at the gold in 2026!” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador and seven-time WSOP bracelet winner.
WSOP+ Registration & Accommodations
Players can now access all tournament details via the WSOP+ app, which has already been updated with the full schedule. Registration for all summer events will open soon, streamlining the path to the podium. Players planning to visit the WSOP this summer should install the app and complete registration before arriving in Las Vegas; those who participated in WSOP 2025 and previously verified their identity do not need to do so again this year unless their personal information has changed or a new payment method is used.
Reduced room rates are available across Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts for the series. To access them, visit caesars.com, select a date between May 26 and July 25, 2026, and use promo code WSOP26.
WSOP Player Of The Year
The 100 bracelet events that make up the World Series of Poker 2026 will shape the race for the revamped WSOP Player of the Year (POY) competition. New for 2026, WSOP will award $1M in total to POY competitors, with the player who finishes first receiving a $100,000 WSOP Paradise 2026 package.
This year’s POY race starts at the World Series of Poker Europe 2026, which will be hosted in Prague, Czechia, from March 31 through April 12. For more details on the 2026 POY competition, please visit the WSOP POY page.
More Information & Online Qualification
Players should follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates.
To qualify online for WSOP 2026, please visit GGPoker.com to find out more about WSOP Express, or wsoponline.com if located in the United States.
The post THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® REVEALS FULL SUMMER 2026 SERIES SCHEDULE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
CEO of GGBET UA Serhii Mishchenko
GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign
A leading gaming brand in Ukraine has launched a collection of ads featuring the tagline “Keep it GG” as part of an extensive communications initiative. The videos are currently being broadcast on Ukrainian TV, online platforms, and the brand’s social media accounts.
“GG” (Good Game) started in video game culture, yet its significance has far surpassed the literal meaning of “well played.” Currently, it symbolizes a worldwide sign of honor and gratitude for the feelings exchanged following a match, no matter the outcome. This concept served as the basis for GGBET UA’s latest marketing campaign. The video series embodies a unique GG atmosphere: rather than using a conventional voiceover, it incorporates complete audio tracks; the narrative features both literal and metaphorical allusions to sports and esports terms, alongside in-game and casino aspects; and prominent Ukrainian footballers are among the main characters.
“Every game, every match, every tournament is a moment that brings people together. For us, it’s important that every interaction with GGBET gives users that good game feeling — an experience that outlives the result and leaves vivid emotions behind, just like after watching a match,” comments CEO of GGBET UA, Serhii Mishchenko.
Going beyond the traditional view of GG also signifies a more profound implication — the brand’s strategic focus. The international brand, which has concentrated on esports for several years and attained significant success in esports betting and collaborations, is now adopting best practices to enhance traditional sports in regional markets. GGBET UA showcases a wider strategy for Good Game via collaborations (FC Dynamo Kyiv, FC Polissya, and the Ukrainian Basketball Federation), by organizing its own events and special projects, including initiatives that blend sports with esports, like the Match of LeGGends: Derby showmatch on the server featuring esports athletes and football players.
The brand’s creative team collaborated with a Ukrainian advertising agency and a Ukrainian production company to develop the commercials. GGBET UA made this choice to assist the local creative sector amid the war.
The post GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Berlin
BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem
Global esports entertainment company BLAST, in partnership with Brawl Stars, is bringing the first-ever live in-person Brawl Cup to Berlin from 15–17 May 2026. The three-day event promises top-tier international competition alongside a full fan experience at the Uber Eats Music Hall.
This landmark event is part of BLAST’s new multi-year partnership with Brawl Stars, creating a refreshed, large-scale competitive ecosystem for the mobile action game available on iOS and Android. The collaboration introduces a global calendar of events, expanded live broadcasts, and blockbuster arena shows, setting a new standard for Brawl Stars esports.
A Milestone for Brawl Stars Competitive Scene
As BLAST’s first standalone live event for Brawl Stars, Brawl Cup Berlin marks a key milestone in the new competitive season. The 3-day format showcases BLAST’s growing footprint in Europe and reinforces Supercell’s commitment to expanding Brawl Stars’ global competitive circuit.
Under this partnership, BLAST will:
-
Deliver 32 broadcast days per year across six competitive seasons
-
Host three major live events annually
-
Enable teams to qualify through regional competitions across EMEA, North America, South America, APAC, and China
Top teams from each region will compete in marquee in-person events, bringing world-class competition directly to live audiences.
Event Details: Brawl Cup Berlin
-
What: Brawl Cup Berlin
-
When: 15–17 May 2026
-
Where: Uber Eats Music Hall, Berlin, Germany
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Tickets: On-sale dates and pricing to be announced
What Fans Can Expect
The Berlin event will deliver a full arena experience, combining:
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High-energy live competition
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BLAST’s signature broadcast spectacle
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On-site fan activations and interactive experiences
Further announcements will reveal participating teams, broadcast schedules, and detailed fan experiences in the coming weeks.
Media and Press Opportunities
Media representatives will have access to:
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Accreditation for the full event weekend
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Player and spokesperson interviews
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Exclusive coverage of the new-look Brawl Stars competitive circuits
This event represents a pivotal step in BLAST and Supercell’s mission to elevate Brawl Stars esports on a global stage.
The post BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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