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Latest News

Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

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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

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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.

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The post Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

AI

RG24seven Virtual Training Collaborates with AI Experts to Expand Responsible Gaming Courses

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RG24seven Virtual Training, the industry-leading and free video-based training platform for Tribal and commercial gaming employees, is pleased to offer an exclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) course presented by Better Change and Mindway AI. The course was first announced during the premiere episode of TALK 24 highlighting the future of AI in Responsible Gaming. The new course will introduce gambling industry employees to the role AI can play in Responsible Gaming initiatives and the gambling industry as a whole.

Wendy Anderson, CEO of RG24seven Virtual Training, said, “Our new AI course aims to enhance RG24seven’s existing Responsible Gaming and Safer Gambling content, introducing new perspectives and insight that align with the latest developments in the field. As part of the fast-growing software company operating science-based solutions, Niamh Gallagher from Mindway AI, presents these courses with a deep understanding of AI.”

Gallagher added, “Promoting responsible gambling is a shared responsibility; our commitment to this training is rooted in collaboration. The gaming industry must be aware of the ethical responsibilities that come with the advancements in AI and ensure that it is used transparently, with clear and ethical guidelines in place to support Responsible Gambling behaviors. Simply taking this course helps gaming employees understand the basics of AI and the critical role it can play when used responsibly.”

Victoria Reed, CEO of Better Change and Strategic Advisor for RG24seven, concluded, “The future of AI in the gaming industry is still being written. It’s not just about the technology itself but it’s about how we choose to use it. AI in the hands of people who are committed to ethics and responsibility, has the potential to be a game-changer for player protection and industry integrity. It’s a future we’re working hard to build and it’s one we believe will benefit everyone involved, which is why we are proud to offer this new course in both the U.S. and the U.K.”

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Latest News

GO Craps rolls onto the scene at Play’n GO!

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Play’n GO expands its table game portfolio with the release of GO Craps, a fresh take on the casino classic that blends authenticity with intuitive gameplay.

Bringing the atmosphere of a high-stakes casino directly to players, GO Craps delivers a streamlined yet immersive experience. Whether seasoned pros or newcomers to the dice table, players can easily place bets, track their statistics, and save strategies for future rounds. The game’s clean interface ensures the focus stays on the action, keeping gameplay smooth and engaging.

GO Craps recreates the thrill of the dice roll across two distinct phases – the Come Out phase and the Point phase – with a variety of betting options that cater to different playstyles. Players can take advantage of classic bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar while exploring additional wagers such as Hardways, Horn bets, and Field bets to keep the excitement rolling.

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As part of Play’n GO’s commitment to delivering premium table games, GO Craps stands alongside a renowned selection of titles, including Double Exposure BlackJack MH, European Roulette Pro, and Mini Baccarat. Each game maintains a balance of authenticity and innovation, ensuring that every session is packed with engaging opportunities.

Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, George Olekszy, said: “Craps is a staple in casino gaming, and with GO Craps, we’ve taken great care to make the game both accessible and engaging. Whether you’re a dice aficionado or a newcomer, GO Craps captures the energy and strategy of the game while making it easy to play anytime, anywhere.”

With its sleek design and player-focused features, GO Craps is set to become a standout in Play’n GO’s extensive table game lineup.

The post GO Craps rolls onto the scene at Play’n GO! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Industry Awards

Italian Gaming Awards 2025: over 110 competitors for 21 awards Jury at work and the gala evening on April, the 9th!

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Over 110 nominations to win the 21 awards up for grabs: the IGA – Italian Gaming Awards prizes will be awarded during the gala evening on April, the 9th, at Spazio Novecento and are already highly coveted by an audience of high-profile operators and companies, at a national and international level. Here are all the competitors for the precious awards, which you can find here: Italian

 

Gaming Awards 2025 – Shortlist

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After last year’s success at the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE), the new edition is scheduled for April, the 9th and 10th, 2025 at the Salone delle Fontane in Rome, the one and only selection of excellence and best practices in the Italian public gaming sector is back.

The event dinner on April 9th will be a special evening in an exceptional location, full of charm, like Spazio Novecento. With music, entertainment, good food. And lots of networking.

IGA is an event to award the achievements of operators and affiliates in terms of services, technology and innovation, as well as the suppliers of all the main fields, including payment systems, marketing, platforms, data, certifications and compliance. A real event within the event, which in addition to give value to the industry and its talents, will also have the task of promoting the sector towards the outside, helping to clear the image in the eyes of public opinion, involving, together with experts of the industry, also professionals, VIPs and authorities from other sectors, as guests or judges of the event.

 

What was the roadmap of IGA 2025?

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Launch

The launch took place on December, 15, 2024 with the publication of the dedicated website that began to accept speculative (and free) applications from companies. Applications were closed on March, the 9th.

 

Short list

From March, the 10th, 2025, the short lists for each category are available.

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The floor to the judges

The evaluation period by the jury composed for the special occasion by IGA will end on March, the 31st, 2025 and the respective votes will be decided, the results of which will be announced during the evening of April, the 9th, at Spazio Novecento.

 

The jury

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A great value is expressed by the jury, chosen by Italian Gaming Awards and which perfectly combines the values of the sector, allowing the expression of a quality, authoritative, neutral and very accurate judgment.

In alphabetical order we mention: Ewa Bakun (Clarion Gaming), Michele Bragantini (Tsj Holding), Ludovico Calvi (Ulis), the journalist Massimo Caputi, Gian Luca Comandini (Vesta Calcio), Mauro De Fabritiis (Mdf Partners), Samuele Fraternali (Politecnico Milano Osservatorio Digital Innovation), Fabio Lalli (Entrepreneur, Advisor, Speaker), Matteo Marini (Parlay Capital), Russel Mifsud (KPMG Malta), Pieter Remmer (Assissa Consultancy/Europe/G4 Global), Francesco Rodano (Playtech), Stefano Saladino (Digital Innovation Days/Promofacile), Stefano Sbordoni (Sbordoni&Partners), Cesare Biasini Selvaggi (exibart), Marta Soligo (Unlv), Piermario Tedeschi (Digital Angels), Hélène Thibault (Tonucci&Partners), Christian Tirabassi (Ficom Leisure).

The post Italian Gaming Awards 2025: over 110 competitors for 21 awards Jury at work and the gala evening on April, the 9th! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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