by Darren Moore
Sports betting operators are steeling themselves for a massive March Madness handle, but a brewing scandal threatens to steal the spotlight.
As of February 25, 2025, the American Gaming Association (AGA) projects a staggering $16 billion in legal wagers on the NCAA Tournament—up from last year’s $15 billion. Yet, whispers of irregular betting patterns tied to a mid-major team have regulators and bookmakers on edge.
The AGA reports that 68 million American adults plan to bet, with FanDuel and DraftKings tightening odds after spotting a flood of money on Northern Iowa, a 12-seed with +2500 odds to reach the Final Four. Sources say the action—concentrated in New Jersey and Illinois—tripled overnight, triggering alerts at bet365 and Caesars.
The NCAA’s on it too, probing whether players or staff leaked game plans, though no names are public yet. Offshore sites like BetOnline, untethered by U.S. rules, saw similar spikes but aren’t talking.
Legal betting’s grown 30% since 2023, per AGA data, with 38 states now in the game. Operators expect live betting to drive half the handle, with props like “total points in first half” attracting interest. But this scandal could dent trust—X posts from bettors already scream “fix!”
If the NCAA cracks down mid-tourney, voided bets could spark chaos. Sportsbooks are holding firm for now, with UConn still at +450 to win it all. Regulators meet next week—stay tuned.
Darren Moore is an experienced sports writer with over a decade of expertise, having worked with Ladbrokes and Racing Post. He specializes in sports betting, providing expert insights and strategies to help bettors make informed decisions.
