In a staggering display of sports enthusiasm and betting participation, the American Gaming Association (AGA) revealed that 68 million Americans placed their bets on March Madness in 2023. This record-breaking number not only underscores the growing popularity of the event among bettors but also highlights the expanding landscape of legal sports betting in the United States.
With 67 games to choose from, March Madness offers an abundance of betting opportunities across states where sports betting is legal. Bettors have their pick of wagers, including spreads, moneylines, totals, and prop bets, making the NCAA tournament a highly anticipated event for both seasoned and novice gamblers alike.
The 2023 tournament saw 31 million traditional bettors engaging online, at sportsbooks, or with bookies, while 21.5 million opted for casual bets among friends. An impressive 56.3 million people participated in bracket contests, a testament to the tournament’s widespread appeal and the communal spirit it fosters among fans. Remarkably, 75% of these bettors reported that 2023 was their first time betting on March Madness, indicating a significant influx of newcomers to the betting scene.
This surge in betting activity can largely be attributed to the increased availability of legal sports betting. As of March 2024, 38 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting, contributing to the ease with which fans can participate in wagering on the tournament. The financial stakes have risen correspondingly, with Americans betting an estimated $15.5 billion on March Madness in 2023, a dramatic increase from the $3.1 billion predicted in 2022. With the legalization of sports betting in five more states since the 2023 NCAA Tournament, these figures are expected to climb even higher.
March Madness betting now contends closely with the Super Bowl for the title of America’s favorite betting event. The AGA estimated that 50.4 million Americans bet on the Super Bowl in 2023, with numbers projected to increase to 67.8 million and $23.1 billion in bets in 2024, showcasing the significant economic impact of these major sports events.
The tradition of March Madness brackets, originating in 1977, has become a cherished part of the tournament’s culture. Last year alone, an estimated 56.3 million Americans filled out brackets, participating in a ritual that has become synonymous with the NCAA tournament. Despite the widespread enthusiasm for crafting the perfect bracket, achieving this feat remains a near-impossible challenge, with odds far exceeding those of some of life’s rarest occurrences.
As March Madness continues to captivate and engage millions across the nation, its impact on the US sports betting industry is undeniable. The record-breaking participation in 2023 is a clear indicator of the tournament’s enduring appeal and its significant role in the evolving landscape of American sports betting.
