CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — As March Madness will get underway, sports betting is seeing a main spike each nationwide and right here in Iowa.
According to a report from the American Gaming Association, Americans are estimated to legally wager $3.3 billion on this years NCAA ladies’s and males’s basketball tournaments, which is a 54% improve over the previous three years.
Officials say the NCAA match is among the busiest occasions of yr for wagering, second solely to soccer season.
“Football is king, but that is followed quickly thereafter by March Madness,” Tina Eick, administrator for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, mentioned. “And so this is a busy time of year for sports wagering.”
Since sports betting was legalized in Iowa in 2019, participation has steadily elevated yr after yr. That development is constant in 2026.
So far this fiscal yr, Iowans have already wagered thousands and thousands on sports. Nationally, the numbers are even greater.
“This is the biggest time of the year when it comes to sports betting,” Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Collaborative, mentioned. “Analysts expect that people will wager more than $3.3 billion on games during March Madness.”
Jacquez says the construction of the match performs a massive function in its recognition amongst bettors.
“You have weeks of play, and you have dozens of games going on every single day for opportunities for people to bet on,” Jacquez mentioned.
While most individuals take part with out challenge, specialists warn that the fast development of sports betting can include dangers.
“If you’re losing and you’re trying to chase those losses by betting more, that’s a red flag,” Eick mentioned.
Jacquez added that a small portion of customers usually accounts for almost all of playing exercise.
“We’ve seen that 86% of revenue comes from just 5% of bettors,” Jacquez mentioned.
With betting extra accessible by means of cell apps, he says it’s vital for customers to remain in management.
“Never bet anything you can’t afford to lose,” Jacquez mentioned.
State officers additionally stress the significance of utilizing regulated platforms to make sure security and accountability.
“The best way for Iowans to protect themselves is to wager with a licensed sportsbook,” Eick mentioned.
As the match continues and bets pile up, specialists say the bottom line is balancing the joy of March Madness with accountable playing habits.
March can also be downside playing consciousness month. If you or somebody you understand wants assist, sources can be found by means of the state, click on here to be taught extra.