Record $3 Billion Expected In Bets For NCAA Tournaments

March Madness is here, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest sports betting event in America yet again. This year, sportsbooks expect a staggering $3.1 billion to be wagered on the NCAA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s basketball championships. That’s nearly 15% more than last year and more than double the amount bet on the Super Bowl!

The American Gaming Association (AGA), which tracks gambling trends across the country, came up with this estimate by analyzing monthly revenue reports from state gambling regulators. Their findings suggest that as legal sports betting becomes more widespread, more fans are jumping in on the action.

March Madness: The Ultimate Betting Event

Unlike the Super Bowl, which is a one-day event, March Madness stretches over multiple rounds, giving fans plenty of chances to place bets. Halvor Egeland, a trading manager at BetMGM, says that the amount of money bet on the first round of the men’s tournament could rival the total handle of the Super Bowl.

“The Super Bowl draws some really big bets, but March Madness keeps people engaged for weeks,” Egeland told ESPN. “It’s a dream for sportsbooks.”

Besides betting on individual games, millions of people also participate in bracket pools, trying to predict the winners of every matchup. While these pools aren’t included in the AGA’s $3.1 billion estimate, they are a huge part of why March Madness is so exciting for casual and hardcore fans alike.

Women’s NCAA Basketball is Gaining Betting Momentum

One of the biggest stories in sports betting right now is the rise in wagers on women’s college basketball. BetMGM reported a 35% increase in bets placed on women’s games this year compared to last year.

Patrick Berbert, who handles college basketball odds for Caesars Sportsbook, credits this growth to the rising popularity of women’s basketball stars. Even after Caitlin Clark, who was a major draw for bettors, moved to the WNBA, new stars like JuJu Watkins (USC) and Paige Bueckers (UConn) have continued to fuel excitement.

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“People are starting to realize how competitive and entertaining women’s college basketball really is,” Berbert said. “And with more games getting national attention, it makes sense that betting interest would follow.”

This growing recognition of women’s sports is an important shift. More television coverage and media discussion are giving fans the chance to engage with the women’s tournament in the same way they do with the men’s games.

Source: Betting on men’s, women’s NCAA tournaments expected to top $3 billion

The Dark Side of Betting: Harassment of Athletes

While betting adds an extra layer of excitement to March Madness, there’s also a downside—online harassment of players. A 2024 NCAA study found that abusive or threatening messages toward athletes skyrocket during the tournament, with 73% of all gambling-related harassment occurring in this period. Worse, female athletes receive nearly 60% more of these messages than their male counterparts.

Some gamblers who lose bets take their frustration out on players, accusing them of throwing games or underperforming. Many athletes have spoken out about receiving aggressive and sometimes threatening messages from angry bettors.

To combat this, the AGA has launched a campaign urging fans to “Keep your cool” and reminding them that betting should be fun—not an excuse to attack players or officials. Responsible gambling advocates stress that no one should let the outcome of a bet ruin their enjoyment of the game or lead to harmful behavior.

Record $3 Billion Expected in Bets for NCAA Tournaments

More States are Legalizing Sports Betting—And It’s Changing the Game

One reason betting on March Madness has exploded in recent years is that more states have legalized sports gambling. Right now, 38 states (plus Washington, D.C.) allow sports betting, and that number is expected to grow.

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This expansion has helped bring sports betting into the mainstream. Instead of shady offshore sites, people can now place bets legally through licensed sportsbooks, which offer better security and transparency. Plus, states benefit from tax revenue generated by legal gambling, which helps fund public projects.

Experts believe that as more states legalize betting and mobile betting apps become more advanced, sports gambling will keep growing. March Madness, with its high-energy games and unpredictable upsets, will likely remain the biggest draw in U.S. sports betting for years to come.

Wrapping It Up: March Madness Betting is Bigger Than Ever

The numbers don’t lie—sports betting on March Madness is booming. With an estimated $3.1 billion in wagers this year, it’s clear that this tournament is the king of U.S. sports gambling.

As legal sports betting continues to spread, more fans are getting involved, and the popularity of women’s college basketball is growing alongside the men’s game. But with this increase in betting comes the responsibility to ensure that it remains a fun and positive experience. The industry is working to crack down on harassment and promote responsible gambling so that fans can continue enjoying the thrill of the tournament in a healthy way.

So whether you’re betting on a Cinderella story, filling out your bracket, or just watching for the love of the game, one thing is certain—March Madness is bigger than ever, both on and off the court.