Latest analysis by online marketplace intelligence specialists, YieldSec, commissioned by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), has revealed a stark contrast between legal and illegal online gambling activities during the 2024 NCAA Men’s & Women’s March Madness Basketball Tournaments in the US. YieldSec’s monitoring unveiled an overwhelming majority of betting-related social media posts and video content, reaching up to 73% and 78% respectively, directing audiences toward illegal betting and gambling operators.

YieldSec’s findings shed light on the strength of the illegal gambling grip on the American marketplace, with 378 illegal sports betting operators and 651 illicit affiliates aggressively targeting US March Madness audiences and claiming 64% of the total market share, generating $4.3 billion in illegal and untaxed wagering. The remaining $2.4 billion wagered legally amounts to just 36% of the total market share.

These statistics underscore the challenges in controlling the proliferation of unlicensed gambling operators that have historically capitalized on the fragmented legal landscape of online betting in the US.

Key findings for March Madness 2024:

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1. Illegal gambling on March Madness comprised 64% of US online marketplace wagering ($4.3 billion Handle).
2. Total value of March Madness betting (legal and illegal) amounts to a handle of $6.7bn.
3. 378 illegal sports betting operators actively targeted the US.
4. 651 affiliates promoted illegal sports betting operators that actively targeted the US.
5. Illegals dominated social media content with up to 73% of all social posts in favor of illegal operators.
6. 78% of all video content that linked to March Madness betting was linked to illegal operators.

Derek Webb, Founder of CFG, said: “This Yield Sec special report illustrates the dire need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle illegal gambling in the US. The lack of a united government approach and lax oversight by states have only compounded the problem, enabling entities with dubious backgrounds to operate freely. It’s high time for U.S. leadership to spearhead a unified solution to this pervasive issue.”

Ismail Vali, Founder and CEO of YieldSec, said: “The overwhelming presence of illegal gambling during one of the biggest sports betting events of the year is a clear signal that enforcement and monitoring need to be prioritized. Our findings are a call to action for stakeholders across the board to intensify efforts in combating the spread of unlicensed gambling operations that exploit the online marketplace. With the dominance of illegals across our social media channels, it’s clear that the threats to American commerce, community and consumers are a lot closer to home than ever imagined.”

The Campaign for Fairer Gambling is now advocating for a cohesive governmental response to illegal gambling, urging the Department of Justice, Treasury, Federal Trade Commission, and the Trade Representative’s Office to consider the findings of the YieldSec report as a basis for developing effective countermeasures.

BetMGM has announced a partnership with GameCode, a distinguished iGaming company focused on the North American market. The partnership includes the launch of Boom Boom Boom, HammerCash, Gold Gold Gold and Super3 series which are now live at BetMGM in Michigan and New Jersey through direct integration. BetMGM plans to offer GameCode’s full portfolio of games in all jurisdictions where the operator’s iGaming platform is live pending regulatory approvals.

GameCode’s portfolio of slot titles are built on innovative and one-of-a-kind mechanics. They develop a deep understanding of players’ tastes, and it enables them to develop games that deliver a unique and immersive experience. The initial lineup of titles includes Gold Gold Gold Miners Way, Gold Gold Gold Lions Way, HammerCash, CashPile, Triplestones, and the top performing Boom Boom Boom. Boom Boom Boom is an American-themed 5-reel, 3-row video slot featuring Wild Multipliers and the hold and respin feature on multiple reel sets.

“Boom Boom Boom and other GameCode titles have already proven to be strong performers in their first few weeks of launch at BetMGM. Our mission is to always innovate with in-house, exclusive content with Entain and partners like GameCode to provide our players with an iGaming experience that rises above the rest. This will continue to position us as a destination for players and first choice for suppliers of premium content,” Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content at BetMGM, said.

“At GameCode, we focus on creating good games rather than disposable online gaming content. With experience gained in North American land-based casino, we provide a unique understanding of the market and player needs. We aim to make an impact with each title we release and so far we do so. We innovate at a pace that is difficult to catch up with, providing something new every time we launch a title that players have not seen before. So far, in the states we are live, GameCode’s titles are at the top of the rankings. More is coming,” Matt Hanski, Chief Executive Officer at GameCode, said.

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“I’m excited to announce our launch with BetMGM, introducing advanced online slot games powered by our robust in-house technology. These games are hosted on our state-of-the-art Remote Gaming Server (RGS) which is the backbone of its performance and security. It is a long-term play to develop and maintain a RGS that is designed with multiple layers of protection, ensuring the highest standard of data security and integrity in compliance with U.S. regulations. This launch is a testament to our dedication to providing secure, reliable, and immersive gaming experiences,” Wojciech Ziniewicz, Chief Technology Officer at GameCode, said.