If you decide to try a new hobby, then know that playing chess in the Philippines is one of the trendy options. The ancient game is drawing attention because it is available to everyone, and there is no special equipment required besides the chess board and pieces.

In this blog post, you can find out how the Chess Olympiad 2022 results for the Philippines prove that the game’s popularity is yet to increase even more.

History of Chess in the Philippines – How the Game Crossed Time

Today, anyone can join the thousands of people playing chess in the Philippines. All you need is a chess set, some free time, and an opponent. If we caught your curiosity, here is why chess is still so interesting to players in this country:

Considering all this, it is easy to understand why people are so fond of this strategy board game. Each person ranked as a Filipino chess player has taken his fascination to another level by becoming a professional.

The worldwide popularity of the logical game is the reason for the creation of many international competitions. Before reaching those peaks, Filipinos can enter the Chess Olympiad in the Philippines and other national tournaments.

Is Chess Popular in the Philippines?

The first Filipino chess grandmaster paved the road for many young players. Today, there are thousands of professional chess players and even more casual players. Here is what a chess PH Master says about it:

Chess is very popular in the Philippines; in every corner, you see people playing without clocks, just enjoying the game.FM Alekhine Nouri

Obviously, a game of chess has nothing to do with luck, however, gamblers often place wagers on chess games at the best sports betting sites in the Philippines for 2024. During the rich chess history, there have been ups and downs, but the game resists time and adversities.

The only negative of playing chess in the Philippines is the low monetary prizes for the champions. Players and fans of the game hope that with the increasing popularity, this will change, and the sport will become even more appealing with higher rewards.

Where Do People Go to Play Chess in the Philippines?

If you decide to play chess in the Philippines, you can do so by joining one of the 65 chess clubs registered at the National Chess Federation of the Philippines. There are 23 clubs rated 5 stars and 6 rated 4 stars.

If you prefer to be free from the restrictions of taking time to visit the land-based chess rooms, then know that 26 chess clubs have online chess sites. There are also many international sites open for Filipino players.

Are There Any Filipino Grandmasters?

There is more than one Filipino chess Grandmaster, and they all astonish the crowd in every feasible way. For example, GM Eugenio “Eugene” Torre became the first Filipino and Asian player who qualified for the Grandmaster title.

NM Florencio Campomanes is the only non-European FIDE president (1982-1995). GM Barbossa So is a three-time U.S. Chess Champion and three-time Philippine Chess Champion. And that is just part of the list of Philippines’ chess Grandmasters.

Alekhine Nouri is another name you may see as the best Filipino chess player. He became the youngest Filipino and international FIDE Master and current Philippine Juniors Champion.

The girls also astonish the crowd. In 2017, Janelle Mae Frayna became the youngest Filipino chess Grandmaster – Woman Grandmaster by FIDE and the current Philippine Women’s Chess Champion.

On June 9th, 2023, the 10-year-old Nika Juris Nicolas became the first female chess National Master. It is expected this to be one of the many future achievements of the young player.

Most Popular Chess Tournaments

We can find a lot of sports news about chess in the Philippines about the current best players in the world ranking. There are even PH online casinos that also offer sports betting services and provide players with the opportunity to bet on and support their favorite players in international and Filipino competitions.

Chess Tournaments in the Philippines

The first official chess championship in the country was held in 1908 during President Emilio Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government. The first winner became the Filipino Cabinet Secretary General Fernando Canon.

During the last century, the championships ranked Filipino players and showed who were the National Masters. Today, there are online, in club, and national championships organized by the Philippines Chess Federation.

Filipino Chess International Masters

Every Filipino chess grandmaster has participated in an international chess competition and has a spot in the international ranking. The largest tournaments are the Chess Olympics, Grand Swiss, and FIDE tournaments.

The rank lists change constantly because many competitions and games help players improve their scores. Here is a list of the most popular Filipino players in 2023:

Considering all the above, it becomes clear that in the last 20 years, chess in the Philippines has drawn attention. The glory of the Filipino players grows as they take over higher positions in international competitions.

FAQ

Chess in the Philippines has always had fans, but the question is whether the fanbase is growing or not. We answered this and a few other questions below. If the answers are not enough, the links will lead you to the special blog post dedicated to the popularity of chess.

Ending real money games…for now

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks has been ordered to pay $15m to New York’s gaming commission after operating without a license.

According to a document signed by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) and PrizePicks, the operator had violated the law for years. The amount PrizePicks needs to pay is based on how much the company generated through its contests from June 4, 2019 to December 19, 2023.

operated in New York in a good-faith belief that it had the ability to do so”

On top of the monetary penalty, PrizePicks has agreed to end its real money contests. A spokesperson for the operator states that it “operated in New York in a good-faith belief that it had the ability to do so.”

However, a spokesperson for the NYSGC said that the settlement agreement “[spoke] for itself.”

PrizePicks wants changes to the law

Despite having to pay the $15m and cease its contests to New York players, PrizePicks can still apply for a license. Understandably, the company will now apply for one so that it can continue offering its product to people in the Big Apple.

will work constructively with policymakers on thoughtful legislation”

Speaking of its intentions, a spokesperson said they “…will work constructively with policymakers on thoughtful legislation that allows New Yorkers to play the contests they love, ensure strong consumer safeguards, and generates tax revenue for the state.”

The PrizePicks comments come at a time when lawmakers are taking a hard line against DFS betting. 

In October, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr had been banned in several US states. Based on a lack of consensus on whether pick’em fantasy sports are sports betting or games of skill, platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel asked for clarity on the future of such offerings.

Previous trouble in Florida

The previous month, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr received cease and desist letters from the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC).

According to the FGCC, their position on DFS and pick’em games is that they are illegal. Sharing correspondence on X, CEO of Underdog Jeremy Levine wrote: “…. they are saying that all paid fantasy violates FL law in their view, including our season-long, daily drafts, and pick’em games.”

PrizePicks claims that it was a “smear campaign” and that “larger competitors” have spread misinformation to US regulators which has “driven inaccurate understandings of our contests and the laws governing them.”

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NetBet Italy, a leading operator of online casino and slot games in the Italian market, partners with the reputable content provider Espresso Games to bring its innovative content to the growing Italian online gambling community. The partnership will launch the provider’s unique portfolio on the NetBet Italy platform to expand the operator’s offerings. At the same time, the deal will help Espresso Games to extend its reach in the regulated Italian market.

Cutting-Edge Content Supply

Espresso Games has been improving its in-house software development capabilities and competencies since the foundation to become one of the leading providers of the cutting-edge gaming experience. The latest content supply deal will enable the Italian customers to get acquainted and prospectively accustomed to the supplier’s outstanding portfolio of titles employing high-end solutions to offer an immersive game play and the unique gaming feel.

Increasing Italian Foothold

The supplier is committed to gaming excellence and thrives for continuous improvement of its development practices and solutions. Its innovative approach drives the industry to constantly seek for improvements across technology and content to meet the most selective customer requirements. The content supply deal with the renowned Italian online casino corporation represents another chance for Espresso Games to increase its foothold in Italy.

Such a commitment is completely in line with the NetBet Italy business principles. The operator exclusively partners with industry leaders to secure a wide range of high-quality games to its players at all times. Therefore the partnership with Espresso Games represents an excellent opportunity for NetBet Italy to expand its platform’s offerings and include another industry-leading provider into the supplier portfolio.

Win-Win Partnership

The content supply deal will enable NetBet Italy to access Espresso Games’ library and source the popular titles like Apple Temptation, Rooster Booster, Angel or Joker, and more. The partners’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is set to make the latest deal a win-win situation.

Commenting on the deal, Claudia Georgevici, PR manager at NetBet Italy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Espresso Games to the NetBet Italy family. Espresso Games’ innovative approach to gaming aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment to our players. We are eager to introduce our Italian players to Espresso Games’ exceptional titles and look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

Tiziana Cannizzaro, Italian Commercial Director at Espresso Games, added: “We are excited to collaborate with NetBet which is a brand of great fame in the world and with a high potential in the Italian market. This partnership will allow Espresso Games to conquer a new network of players in Italy and to increase our brand awareness. We have made available our best selection of games and we will make this a fruitful partnership.”

Source: “NetBet Italy Partners with Espresso Games”. European Gaming. February 13, 2024.

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Sin City, where stakes are high and so are the number of visitors! With over 3 million tourists flying into the global entertainment hub each month, it’s no secret that they aim to dodge scams in order to get the best Vegas experience. Google Trends spills the burning questions Vegas-bound travelers ask, such as “best buffet in Las Vegas,” “best shows in Vegas,” and countless resort names for the best stay. 

To make sure visitors are snagging the best deals, we’ve scraped over 1.5 million Tripadvisor reviews of every Vegas resort, entertainment show, and restaurant and bar, to calculate the percentage of reviews that past visitors flagged as scams. We focused on keywords like ‘scam’, ‘rip-off’, ‘waste’, and ‘misleading’, to separate the real deal from deceivers. 

Key Findings: 

• The Blue Man Group is deemed the biggest scam in Vegas, overall and within the show category – with 5.5% of Tripadvisor reviews associated with all-things ‘scam’ related 
• Resort: Blue Vacations Club 36 ranks #1 in resort scams, with 4.2% of reviews pointing to hidden fees and shady package deals 
• Restaurant and Bar: Minus5 ICEBAR left 5% of diners feeling deceived, making it the top rip-off in Vegas 

Sin Scam City: Top 10 biggest scams, according to reviews 

Whether you’re on a budget or looking to maximize your Vegas experience, steer clear of the top 10 ranked shows, restaurants, and resorts based on our findings and past visitors’ feedback.  

Painting themselves blue and as the biggest scam in Vegas, the Blue Man Group steals the spotlight as the ultimate swindle, ranking #1 in our top 10 list. According to 5.5% of past visitors’ reviews, this iconic entertainment show left attendees feeling less dazzled and drained in the wallets. Viewers dubbed their show as “a waste of time and money”, and “a complete rip-off” in the review section. One disappointed showgoer even said, “you are better off gambling your money.” Your $70 might be better spent elsewhere – definitely not here!  

Serving a shot of ice-cold deception, Minus5 ICEBAR ranks 2nd overall – with a cool 5% of visitors feeling deceived. Although many found the concept to be cool, they left with their wallets feeling frostbitten. Take this reviewer’s frosty comment, for example: “Tourist trap rip-off…standing in a meat locker for $17 bucks? No thanks.” Talk about a chilling experience…?  

Don’t be fooled by the word ‘vacation’ in Bluegreen Vacations Club 36 – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows! With 4.2% of reviews deemed as scams, it ranks 3rd in Vegas’s biggest scams list (and #1 in resorts). A whopping 59% of their scam-related reviews specifically mention the keyword ‘scam’ – the highest among the top 10 list. Some of their shady scams include their time-share program, vacation incentives, and cleanliness concerns. You might want to go sipping martinis someplace else.  

Completing the top 5 rankings, Pampas Las Vegas and Criss Angel Mindfreak, tied for 4th, each with 3.9% of scam-related reviews. In 5th place is Saltgrass Steakhouse with 3% of scam-related reviews. 

Resorts with the highest ‘scam’ mentions, according to their reviews 

To check-in, or to check out? That is the question when it comes to booking overnight stays at some of Vegas’s resorts. For a stress-free stay, you might want to stay clear of these spots, as they’ve racked up the highest number of scam-related reviews on Tripadvisor. 

As mentioned earlier, Bluegreen Vacations Club 35 ranks #1 as Vegas’s most scam-dalous stay, according to 4.2% of Tripadvisor reviews.  

Coming in hot at 2nd place is the Jockey Club, with 2.8% of deceitful-related reviews. One unfortunate guest wrote, “We’ve poured over $12,000 into their services. DON’T FALL FOR IT! Dreadful service, zero availability. SCAM, BIG SCAM!” If that’s not enough, nearly half (47%) of their scam-related reviews hold the keyword ‘waste’ – whether it’s a waste of money and/or time. Check out, don’t check-in here! 

In the resort scam stakes, Club Wyndham Grand Desert secures 3rd place, due to their 2.7% share of scam-related reviews. Despite flaunting their “Five-Time Winner of the Certificate of Excellence” on Tripadvisor, some would disagree. Previous guests have labeled their timeshare salespeople as “walking scams” and ‘rip-offs’, and their timeshare presentation full of misleading information. While their hospitality seems to be excellent, indeed, it seems their Achilles’ heel lies in their timeshare program. 

Wrapping up the top 5 rankings, Hilton Vacation Club Cancun Resort (4th) clocks in 2.6% of scam-related reviews. While the Golden Nugget and Palms Casino Resort tied for 5th, both with 2% of scam-related reviews.  

Scam-biz: 10 shows with the highest ‘scam’ mentions, according to reviews

Did you really go to Las Vegas if you didn’t see a show or two? With jaw-dropping shows such as Absinthe, O by Cirque du Soleil, or MJ Live, the city sure does offer an array of entertainment. But before you splash your cash, watch out for the overhyped shows. Save yourself a Benjamin or three, and avoid these shows – as recommended by countless of previous showgoers. 

As mentioned earlier, Blue Man Group takes the stage as Vegas’s #1 showtime scam, according to the 5.5% of their reviews that resonate with scam-related keywords. 

Considering attending the Criss Angel MINDFREAK show? Prepare to have your mind-blown by…nothing? This magician spectacle ranks as Vegas’s 2nd biggest showbiz scam, with 3.9% of reviews claiming to feel tricked. From their swindle-related reviews, a staggering 95% labeled the show as a ‘waste’, with complaints ranging from ‘waste of time’ to ‘poor magic and pure waste of money.’ Others have dubbed it as a “marketing scam” and a “mindfreakin rip-off”. If you’re a magic fanatic, you might want to pull a disappearing act on this show.  

Penn & Teller are pulling off more than tricks, but also securing 3rd place in Vegas’s showbiz scam rankings – according to the 2.9% of their Tripadvisor scam-related reviews. Mirroring the sentiments of Criss Angel’s MINDFREAK show, a whopping 93% of their scam-related mentions also felt the comedy magic show was a waste. Guests found the performance to be underwhelming, and a ‘waste of money’ (they spent $160)! Other displeased visitors labeled the show’s bar a rip-off. One patron shelled out $60 for a beer, coke, and 2 rum and cokes – that’s approximately $20 a drink! Now that’s a (magic) trick no one wants to see.  

Completing the top 5 rankings, Ka by Cirque du Soleil ranks 4th place, with 2.4% of scam-related keywords appearing in their reviews. Jabbawockeez comes in 5th, with 2.3% of its reviews holding scam-related sentiments. 

10 Vegas bars and restaurants that are serving scams 

Las Vegas is the hub for foodies and celebrity chefs, making every dish a star! With countless Instagrammable bites and fine dining options, every visitors’ taste buds will be satisfied. But for those with refined palettes or serious foodie critics, perhaps skip some of these restaurants and bars.  

As previously mentioned, Minus5 ICEBAR is chilling in its 2nd place ranking in our top 10 scam. Due to their 5% of swindle-related reviews from past visitors, they also earn the top spot in the Vegas restaurant industry. 

Pampas Las Vegas, a Brazilian Steakhouse located on the Strip, has definitely cooked up a swindled-storm, as it lands itself in 2nd place for the most scam-related mentions. From their 3.9% of visitors that felt deceived, a whopping 61% found their dining experience to be a waste of money. Another 17% felt they fell into a tourist trap or local rip-off; while 12% claimed the restaurant a scam as they didn’t accept coupons or gift cards from hotels. So if you’re not willing to roll the dice on these high-steaks, perhaps book your reservation elsewhere. 

Adding another steakhouse in the mix, Saltgrass Steakhouse (based in The Golden Nugget), claims 3rd place on our top 10 list – with 3% of scam-related mentions, overall. Previous patrons claimed the price didn’t match the quality expectations or portion sizes, dubbing it a rip-off. Due to its overpriced food and questionable quality, multiple warnings echoed the ‘don’t waste your money and time’ sentiment once again.  
 
Finishing the top 5 rankings, Circus Circus Buffet and Bacchanal Buffet both tie for 4th place – with 2.7% of scam mentions. Keeping the buffet theme rolling, MGM Grand Buffet finishes in 5th, thanks to its 2.6% of swindled-related Tripadvisor reviews. 

Honorable Mentions: Attraction and Transportation scams  

The biggest attraction scam in Vegas, according to Tripadvisor reviews, by a long run is Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum. With 4% of their reviews filled with scam-related mentions, over half (53%) of these reviews labeled the museum as a rip-off. Other previous visitors labeled the museum as “a hauntingly good tourist trap” or a “tacky fake money-grubbing tourist trap”. Try saying that three times fast!  

If you’re looking to ride in style, steer clear of the gondola rides at the Venetian. While it may look like a serene journey, 3.7% of their reviews claimed that paying a minimum of $70 for only 10-15 minutes was a major rip-off. Especially when they charge you an additional $30 for photos! So much for smooth sailing. 

Conclusion

With all the glitz and glamour that is Las Vegas, we understand that navigating the countless options of resorts, shows, and restaurants can feel like a high-stakes game. With our guide to the biggest scams and luckiest casinos in Vegas, let them serve as guides to get the best bang for your buck.  

Methodology

To determine the biggest ‘scams’ in Las Vegas, we conducted a thorough keyword search across all of Vegas’s Tripadvisor pages. The following terms were searched and tallied: scam, rip-off, waste, and misleading. We ensured there was no duplication of keywords within the same person’s review. 

After scraping over 1,500,280 reviews and tallying the numbers, we calculated the percentage of scam-related mentions in each of their respective Tripadvisor reviews.  

This data was collected in February 2024.  

Fair use

Feel free to use the data or visuals on this page for non-commercial purposes. Please be sure to include proper attribution linking back to this page to give credit to the authors. 

For any press questions, please contact rhiannon.odonohoe[at]casino.org 

Following the recent problem gambling and money laundering allegations that costed SkyCity Entertainment Group millions of dollars, a leading casino corporation in Oceania is facing legal consequences again. The latest civil case involving the company and referring to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Act will reportedly see the Australian State Department of Internal Affairs taking the managerial position in SkyCity.

Five Separate Legal Actions Filed:

SkyCity Entertainment Group holds casino licenses to operate the SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, and SkyCity Queenstown casinos in New Zealand. As RNZ reports, the company is to appear before the High Court on February 16, 2024 to attend the hearings on five separate legal actions on the AML and CFT allegations. The action is requested a week after SkyCity reached an agreement with Australian authorities about the alleged breach of the AML and CFT laws related to its casino property at Adelaide. According to the source, the company paid a $75 million fine within the scope of the agreement.

Ongoing Investigations:

The same source reports that this case is still open as Australian state authorities continue investigations into SkyCity’s Adelaide casino license. At the same time, the New Zealand Gambling Commission investigates into a complaint about a breach of host responsibility committed between August 2017 and February 2021. SkyCity reportedly stated that the allegations from the New Zealand competent authorities include significant compliance issues. As reported, these issues are considered rather – but not exclusively – historical. SkyCity reportedly said in a statement: “Some matters relate to incidents of non-compliance which have previously been self-reported to the department.”

Constructive Engagement:

The company also stated that it had been addressing those issues since late 2021, according to RNZ. “This has involved, and continues to involve, significant investment in people and technology, and various reviews of SkyCity’s processes and systems to identify areas which require improvement,” it reportedly said. SkyCity reportedly continued that it was “disappointed” for the failure to meet the standard it needed to hold itself. The company reportedly stated that it was constructively engaged with the Internal Affairs Department to follow the proposed procedure and resolve the issues in an expeditious manner. The company refrained from further comments stating: “Given that the matter will be before the court, it would be inappropriate for SkyCity to comment further at this stage,” according to the source. RZN reports that the five claims filed against SkyCity Entertainment Group are estimated to potentially impose a maximum liability of around $8m in total.

As one of the biggest sports betting days of the year, the Super Bowl garners a lot of attention. Unlike wagering at a casino throughout the year, placing a huge bet on the Super Bowl is bound to garner a bit of attention.

There were some large bets on the big game this year, but there is one that stands out from the rest. One gambler went all-in on the San Fransisco 49ers to walk away with the Lombardi Trophy. How big? Try $1 million dollars.

The Million-Dollar Bet

State record

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has revealed bettors wagered a record $185.6m on Super Bowl LVIII in Nevada’s casinos.

smashed 2022’s Super Bowl record of $179.8m

According to NGCB Senior Economic Analyst Michael Lawton, the unaudited figures show the sportsbooks’ handle earned them a hold of $6.8m, a win percentage of just 3.7%. The $185.6m handle smashed 2022’s Super Bowl record of $179.8m.

The NGCB took to X Tuesday with a news release detailing the record-breaking sum wagered in Nevada’s 182 sportsbooks:

The Kansas City Chiefs memorably fought back for a 25-22 win over the favorites San Francisco 49ers in overtime at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday. NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick congratulated “all the stakeholders involved for delivering such a spectacular event” for the state.

Viva Las Vegas

Although the Chiefs went into Sunday’s game as 2-point underdogs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes steered his franchise to its third Super Bowl win in five years, its second Vince Lombardi trophy in a row.

The Las Vegas Review Journal cited Westgate SuperBook Vice President Jay Kornegay as stating Nevada’s all-time high handle made sense since “the first Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas should break the record.”

Lawton said the wagering met the NGCB’s expectations. He added the drivers behind this included Vegas hosting the Super Bowl, the defending champions the Chiefs taking part, and “having a West Coast team from the No. 2 feeder market for Las Vegas.”

Triumphant Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce fittingly roared out ‘Viva Las Vegas’ as CBS’s Jim Nantz interviewed him post game in the Allegiant.

The hold of 3.7% was, however, the fourth-lowest win percentage for Nevada’s sportsbooks in the past decade. Bettors backing the Chiefs won millions on the overtime prop, with +900 odds on Mahomes’ side. Others, such as high stakes poker player Sean Perry, didn’t fare so good on the day.

Felt it coming

Red Rock Resort Sportsbook Director Chuck Esposito stated he “really felt” Sunday’s Super Bowl was going to smash the record, with his firm “seeing six-figure wagers two weeks out.”

Esposito added: “There was just a different feel with the game being here from the crowds and the atmosphere in every one of our books.”

The Red Rock exec said the record handle for the Super Bowl tallies with what his firm sees in games featuring the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aces, plus prize fights, and UFC bouts.

“When they’re here, the handle on any of those events is always the highest,” Esposito said.

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Following that is the ‘First Four’ play-in round that takes place on Tuesday March 19th and Wednesday March 20th. The bottom-eight teams compete against one another in a one-game playoff, with the winner of each game (four total) earning a spot in the top 64 teams.

Read on to learn more about how to bet on March Madness in Canada and good luck if you decide to place any wagers! Be sure to refer back to this guide if you have any questions.

When and Where to Watch March Madness in Canada

In Canada, TSN has exclusive March Madness broadcasting rights. If you already have a cable package that includes TSN then you’re all set but if not, there are streaming plans available via TSN direct.

Once you’ve established a way to access TSN, you should be able to access most games. With five different channels at its disposal, there are literally games on at all hours every single day.

Those who have regular cable packages and live near American borders may also be able to watch certain games on American channels. For example, those in southern Ontario sometimes get Buffalo sports networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.

For more information about March Madness dates and times, please refer to the table below.

Popular Ways to Bet on March Madness in Canada

There are certainly some unique ways to bet on March Madness compared to other basketball leagues. Here are the bet types that Canadians typically focus on during March Madness.

Filling Out A Bracket

A staple of March Madness betting is filling out what’s called a tournament bracket. Essentially, the 64 teams chosen to participate are strategically subdivided into four 16-team divisions – South, East, West, and Midwest.

It’s called a ‘bracket’ because two divisions (16 teams) are placed on each side, with each winning team advancing to the next stage (refer to the table in the previous section for a refresher on the stages and when they occur).

Many Canadians fill out brackets every year despite not following much college basketball outside of March Madness. It’s a fun way for every fan to get involved, whether casual or hardcore, because brackets are unpredictable and upsets happen all the time.

In fact, no one has EVER filled out a perfect bracket in the history of the tournament. Perhaps this will be the year, and perhaps it will be you! Look below for an example of a March Madness bracket.

Futures Betting

Futures betting concerns wagers attached to the outcome of future events. Often times, this pertains to a championship or some kind of individual award. For example, ‘Outright Championship Winner’ and ‘MVP’ would be futures markets.

This variety of bet is often placed before the tournament, but they can be placed any time before the Final Four. Technically they can be placed ahead of the championship game as well, but there’s little point as the odds will be exactly the same as the moneyline (outright single-game winner) market.

Prop Betting

A prop bet usually focuses on a statistic of an individual player. For example, betting markets such as “First Basket Scorer” or “Zac Edey Over/Under 22.5 Points”.

When it comes to NCAA basketball, the most popular props usually concern points, rebounds, and assists. For those looking to wager on defensive metrics, there are blocks and steals.

Which Team is Most Likely to Win March Madness?

Predicting the winner of March Madness is a very difficult task, with a variety of different schools viewed as championship contenders. That said, there are a handful of teams that have established themselves as perennial powerhouses and are often amongst the most likely to win in terms of March Madness betting odds.

One example of this is last year’s winners – the University of Connecticut Huskies. The team’s championship win during the finals of March Madness 2023 marked the school’s fifth since 1999. This season, the Huskies have only lost a pair of games and look well-positioned to win in consecutive years.

Another team that’s firmly in the mix is the Purdue Boilermakers. Last season, the school suffered a devastating loss as then-ranked No. 1 Purdue fell to No. 16 FDU in the first round. The Boilermakers current roster, led by Toronto-born Zach Edey, is raring to show the NCAA that they have what it takes to win it all.

What Else Should I Know About Betting on March Madness in Canada?

If you’ve read all of the previous sections (feel free to refer back to them any time for guidance), you’re now well on your way to betting on March Madness from Canada. The only thing left to consider is limiting yourself, as you should never spend outside your financial means when it comes to sports betting.

Some of Canada’s main sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, and others have equipped their sports betting sites and apps with responsible gaming tools. If you find yourself struggling to withhold from excessive betting, be sure to use these tools to set limits on daily/weekly spending and/or total spending.

Another key piece of advice is to make a habit of doing a quick news check before placing any bets. Sportsbooks will sometimes refund bets that fall short due to an early game injury, but not always, and certainly not if a player has been deemed ‘injured’ or ‘suspended’ prior to tipoff. Stay in the know, place smart bets, and enjoy the tournament!

Sources