Key points:
- The estimated wager total for the college basketball tournament represents an increase from the reported $2.7bn spent during 2024’s edition of March Madness
- Throughout March, the AGA will be promoting its Have a Game Plan, Bet Responsibly campaign which encourages responsible betting through five key principles
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has estimated US residents will wager $3.1bn on the upcoming March Madness college basketball tournament, representing an increase from the $2.7bn bet during 2024.
"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 SVP of Strategic Communications Joe Maloney said.
"As legal wagering expands across the US, more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly."
Since the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, legal sports betting has expanded to 38 states and Washington DC.
Throughout March, the AGA will be promoting its Have a Game Plan, Bet Responsibly campaign which encourages responsible betting through five key principles, including set a budget, keep it social, know the odds, play legally and keep your cool.
Good to know: The AGA released financial figures looking at commercial gaming revenue in the US for both the FY and Q4 2024 on February 19, including a FY2024 GGR of $71.9bn
"'Keep Your Cool,' our newest 'Have A Game Plan' principle, is all about keeping betting fun and respecting the game – no matter how unpredictable March Madness becomes," Maloney said.
According to the AGA's 2024 American Attitudes Survey, 75% of Americans support legal sports wagering in their home state, and 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment.
The 2025 March Madness bracket will be revealed on March 16, before the First Four games take place starting on March 18.
