Sports betting in US: Americans to Legally Wager Estimated $3.1 Billion on March Madness

“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 the month of March, Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign will serve important messages to fans, encouraging responsible sports betting. The campaign promotes five key principles: 

• 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.  

“‘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 added. 

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in 2018, legal sports betting has expanded to 38 states and Washington, D.C., offering consumers safe and regulated options to engage with their favorite sports. Americans’ support for legal sports betting continues to grow. 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. 

For more information on responsible sports betting, visit www.haveagameplan.org. 

About Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™
Have a Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ is a national initiative designed to educate sports fans on the fundamentals of responsible sports betting. Launched in 2019, the campaign encourages bettors to set a budget, keep betting social, understand the odds, play with trusted and licensed operators, and keep your cool. Supported by sports leagues, teams, media companies, and gaming operators from across the country, Have A Game Plan® reflects the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming and fostering a positive gambling environment. Learn more at haveagameplan.org.