American Gaming Association Predicts $3.1 Billion Wagered On 2025 March MadnessPredicted Total Would More Than Double Amount Bet On The Super Bowl |
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The first round of March Madness tips off on Thursday to the delight of gamblers around the country. According to a report from the American Gaming Association, basketball fans are going to wager plenty of cash on this year’s games.
The AGA estimates Americans will legally wager $3.1 billion on the NCAA men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments this year, up from $2.7 billion in 2024.
The industry continues to grow with legal retail and online sports betting now available in 38 states along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. AGA officials believe that growth is fueled by trust in the country’s legal wagering options.
“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,” AGA Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Joe Maloney said. “As legal wagering expands across the U.S., more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly.”
The amount wagered is expected to be almost twice the $1.39 billion that was wagered on the Super Bowl. The betting figure doesn’t include betting placed with offshore sportsbooks or among friends and acquaintances.
The AGA reports that support for legal sports betting across the country continues to grow. The industry group’s 2024 American Attitudes Survey found that 75% of Americans support legal wagering in their home state, and 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment.
March Madness action officially began on Tuesday with the first two “First Four” play-in games. The second two are set for Wednesday before the first round gets underway Thursday afternoon.
Last year, the University of Connecticut Huskies defeated the San Diego State Aztecs to take the title. On the women’s side, Louisiana State defeated Iowa last year in the championship game.
This year, Duke is the favorite to win the men’s championship at +320, followed by Florida at +380. South Carolina is favored on the women’s side at +240 with UConn just behind at +350.
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