Americans are expected to legally wager $3.1 billion on this year’s men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments, according to estimates from the American Gaming Association (AGA).
This is up from the $2.7 billion wagered on March Madness in 2024, reflecting the growth of legal sports betting and increasing trust in regulated platforms, the trade body said.
“March Madness is one of the most exciting times in American sports, with fans fired up for both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments,” said AGA SVP of Strategic Communications, Joe Maloney. “As legal wagering expands across the U.S., more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly.”
Throughout March, the AGA is amplifying its Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. campaign to promote responsible betting practices during the tournament season. The campaign promotes five key principles, namely Set a Budget, Keep it Social, Know the Odds, Play Legally, and Keep Your Cool.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to it.
- Keep it Social: Betting should be a form of entertainment shared with others.
- Know the Odds: Understand the games and your chances of winning.
- Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.
- Keep Your Cool: The result of a bet – win or lose – is not an invitation to criticize players, coaches, or officials online or in-person.
Maloney noted that the newest principle, “Keep Your Cool,” serves as a reminder that betting should remain fun and respectful, regardless of the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
Legal sports betting is now available in 38 states and Washington, D.C., following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
According to the AGA’s 2024 American Attitudes Survey, 75% of Americans support legal sports wagering in their home state, while 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/03/14/98152-americans-to-legally-wager-31-billion-on-march-madness
