March Madness Betting Soars, But Risks Rise Alongside the Excitement

For John Romano, 76, betting on March Madness brackets is a yearly tradition. The Lindenhurst, New York resident is a fan of St. John’s University, which made it into the tournament this year, along with Hofstra University and Long Island University.

As March Madness heats up, so does the volume of bets. This year’s sportsbook handle is projected to total $3.97 billion, according to data provider H2 Gambling Capital, a 7.6% increase from last year [1]. New Yorkers wagered over $26 billion through online sports betting in 2025 [1].

The Rise of Accessible Betting

The proliferation of online betting platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars has dramatically changed the landscape, making it easier than ever to place wagers from home. This accessibility, yet, raises concerns about problem gambling.

“You can gamble right from your couch,” says Joshua Mass, problem gambling coordinator at Family & Children’s Association, a Garden City nonprofit. “Accessibility is one of the key factors leading to problem gambling or any addictive behavior.”

Understanding the Bets

For those looking to participate, understanding the different types of bets is crucial. The most common include:

• Spread: A bet on whether a favored team will win by more than a set number of points, or if the underdog will lose by less.
• Moneyline: A straight bet on which team will win.
• Total (over/under): A bet on whether the combined score will be higher or lower than a set number.
• Parlay: Combining multiple bets into one; all must win for a payout.
• Prop Bets: Wagers on specific player or team outcomes.
• Futures: Long-range bets on outcomes like winning the championship.

Stephen Shapiro, a professor of sport and entertainment management at the University of South Carolina, explains that parlays are particularly popular due to their potential for large payouts, despite being difficult to win. The house edge increases with each bet added to a parlay.

The Role of Promotions and Bonus Bets

Sportsbooks heavily utilize promotions, such as bonus bets and “bet and receive” offers, to encourage continued betting. These promotions often require users to deposit money and maintain them engaged within the app.

“This trains individuals to deposit money,” says Brendan Dwyer, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Recognizing Problem Gambling

Experts emphasize the importance of responsible gambling. Warning signs include preoccupation with betting, increasing bet sizes, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, feeling distressed when not betting, betting on credit, and chasing losses.

Eric Short, who led Long Island University to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1981, notes that betting can sometimes detract from the enjoyment of the game itself. “You lose sight of the level of competition, the camaraderie, the passion,” he said.

Resources for Help

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Resources are available for those struggling with gambling issues:

• Family & Children’s Association: Offers counseling and support [1].
• Long Island Gamblers Anonymous: Provides peer support.
• New York State Problem Gambling Helpline: 877-846-7369.

St. John’s in the Tournament

St. John’s University earned a 5-seed in the East Region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament [2]. They will face Northern Iowa in the first round on Friday at Viejas Arena [2]. St. John’s made it to the second round in the 2025 tournament, defeating Omaha before losing to Arkansas 75-66 [1].