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Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

Published

1 year 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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Golf

Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience

Published

2 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

soft2bet-gathering:-an-elite-golf-&-padel-experience

Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, recently brought together industry connections for an exclusive two-day golf and padel experience at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The event brought Soft2Bet’s friends and connections together to enjoy a relaxed day of golf and padel, meaningful conversations, and shared moments in an inspiring setting, celebrating the spirit of connection and community that defines the company’s approach.

Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s best-known sporting estates, the day paired competitive play with the camaraderie and shared spirit that are such a valued part of the game. Attendees enjoyed access to Gleneagles’ most exclusive Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed setting encouraged genuine connection and reflected the supportive atmosphere that made the gathering especially memorable.

Gleneagles was a fitting venue for the occasion. With more than a century of golfing history, three championship courses and a reputation built on world-class hospitality, it remains one of Scotland’s standout golf destinations. Its PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the only golfing destination in Europe to have staged both events.

The event reflects Soft2Bet’s belief that strong connections are built through shared goals, trust and collaboration. Creating space for in-person connection allows the company to deepen those relationships and support long-term success.

Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, commented: “Bringing the industry together in a setting like Gleneagles allows us to go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on what truly drives success, while playing golf and padel. Events like this are an opportunity to align on vision, exchange ideas and celebrate the momentum.”

Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO said: “The time spent at Gleneagles, enjoying the incredible courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was an absolute highlight. It is events like these that reinforce the trust and collaborative spirit at the core of our relations.”

The gathering reflects Soft2Bet’s wider approach to the iGaming community engagement, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration and supporting growth across key markets.

The post Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Booming Games

Booming Games releases Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win

Published

2 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-releases-ultra-buffalo-hold-and-win

Booming Games, a leading provider of premium gaming content, has launched Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win, an electrifying new slot that brings the energy of the plains straight to the reels. Featuring a classic 5×3 grid with 20 fixed paylines, the game offers a maximum win potential of 5,000x. Set against a striking desert backdrop, players encounter iconic wildlife symbols, including buffalo, eagles, and wolves.

The slot delivers a high-stakes experience with a suite of thrilling bonus features. Landing three Bonus symbols on reels one, three, and five triggers the Buffalo Bonus Wheel, offering Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini prize pots, as well as the enhanced Ultra Mode, which adds two extra rows to the grid.

Randomly, the Wild Buffalo Herd feature may activate to transform symbols into wilds and upgrade existing wilds to Wild x2, ratcheting up the excitement. Meanwhile, landing five or more coins triggers the Ultra Hold and Win feature, expanding the grid to 5×8 and raising the potential for massive payouts. Players who fill the extended grid capture the Grand Prize Pot, worth 2,000x their bet.

The intensity ramps up further with the Ultra Reel, unlocked by stacking a full 1×8 reel during Ultra Hold and Win. This dramatic addition multiplies or adds coin values to the rows below, pushing the game’s payout potential to a staggering 5,000x.

April will see Booming Games continue its high-octane release schedule with six new titles, including Fly On! and Fish Tales Monster Bass 10,000, boasting innovative features and maximum wins of 5,000x and 10,000x, respectively. These releases reinforce the studio’s focus on high-quality, high-volatility experiences designed for thrill-seeking players.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said:
“Ultra Hold and Win is an exciting evolution of our classic Hold and Win mechanic. Every spin holds the promise of big rewards, and with features like the Ultra Reel and Buffalo Bonus Wheel, we’ve created a modern, pulse-pounding experience that players are going to love. Step into the herd and feel the charge!”

The post Booming Games releases Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Conferences

R. Franco Digital to showcase next-generation solutions at SiGMA South America 2026

Published

2 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

r.-franco-digital-to-showcase-next-generation-solutions-at-sigma-south-america-2026

R. Franco Digital, the Spanish iGaming provider, is set to exhibit at the SiGMA South America 2026, following a landmark year of commercial expansion.

The company will return to São Paulo from April 6-9 to present its latest suite of highly engaging games and services, tailored specifically for the evolving Latin American landscape.

R. Franco Digital enters this year’s exhibition having solidified its market presence across Portugal, Italy, and Peru, and is focused on leveraging that international expertise to support operators within Brazil’s maturing regulated framework.

Central to the showcase at Booth P105 will be the provider’s most popular games, including recent standouts such as Strange Spins, Genie Triple Bonanza, Diamond King Gorilla, Luxury Blast, Zorro: Final Duel and The Phantom.

These titles are designed to deliver localised, highly engaging player experiences, setting new standards for content in regulated and emerging markets.

In addition, R. Franco Digital will highlight the latest evolution of its IRIS platform. As a comprehensive, GLI-certified solution for casino, sports betting, and retail operators, IRIS is certified in key markets including Portugal, Spain, Colombia and Puerto Rico.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, said: “Brazil continues to be a primary focus for our global strategy, and SiGMA South America is the perfect stage to showcase how our games and technology can drive operational success. Our content portfolio and IRIS platform have evolved to meet the specific demands of players across the LatAm region.”

The post R. Franco Digital to showcase next-generation solutions at SiGMA South America 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.