AGA Pegs March Madness Betting at $3.1 Billion 

A Bigger Bracket, A Bigger Bet

“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 Joe Maloney, AGA’s SVP of Strategic Communications.

He tied the uptick to legal betting’s spread, noting, “As legal wagering expands across the U.S., more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly.” With 38 states and Washington, D.C., now in the game post-PASPA’s 2018 demise, the options are plenty.

The AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign is rolling out all month, nudging bettors toward smart habits. It’s built on five rules: set a budget and stick to it, keep betting social, know your odds, stick to legal platforms, and stay cool, win or lose.

Maloney spotlighted the newest twist. “‘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,” he said.

Why the Numbers Are Up

Legal betting’s footprint has ballooned since the Supreme Court axed PASPA, letting states like Maryland and Ohio join the fray. The AGA’s 2024 American Attitudes Survey backs the trend, 75% of Americans now back legal sports betting in their state, and 90% see it as legit entertainment. More folks trusting the system means more cash on the line, especially for a bracket-busting event like this.

The $400 million bump from last year’s $2.7 billion shows the market’s legs. Men’s and women’s tournaments alike are drawing wagers, with legal books offering a safer bet than offshore shadier options. The AGA’s betting the responsible play push keeps it sustainable, no blowups, just steady growth.