NCAA Championship Betting Advisory: Michigan Urges Responsible Wagering Ahead of Final Four Weekend

As March Madness reaches its climactic finale, Michigan authorities are taking proactive steps to address the surge in sports betting activity. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has released a comprehensive advisory aimed at protecting consumers and promoting responsible gambling practices during one of the year’s biggest betting events.

Key Takeaways:

• Michigan Gaming Control Board issues public advisory for NCAA Championship betting
• Only platforms partnered with Michigan’s licensed casinos are legal for sports wagering
• Offshore sites like Shazam Casino and Las Atlantis targeted with cease-and-desist orders
• Tournament expected to generate $2.9-3.1 billion in nationwide legal wagers
• Duke commands 40.5% of championship betting handle at major sportsbooks
• Licensed operators must provide deposit limits and self-exclusion tools

April 2, 2025 – The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a comprehensive public advisory ahead of the highly anticipated NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game scheduled for April 7, 2025. The regulatory body is calling for Michigan residents to exercise heightened vigilance and responsible gambling habits as March Madness reaches its climactic conclusion. This advisory comes at a pivotal moment as betting projections for the 2025 tournament are estimated between $2.9–3.1 billion in legal wagers nationwide, positioning this year’s tournament as one of the most significant betting events on the American sports calendar.

Michigan’s Regulatory Framework

As one of 38 states with legalized sports betting, Michigan represents a mature market with robust regulatory frameworks designed to protect consumers. The state first launched online sports betting in January 2021, and the market has since grown substantially, with March Madness consistently ranking as one of the highest-volume betting periods of the year.

“The NCAA Tournament creates unparalleled excitement for sports fans and bettors alike,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director, during a virtual press conference announcing the advisory. “Our primary concern is ensuring that Michigan residents who choose to place wagers do so safely, legally, and responsibly.”

The MGCB emphasized that only operators partnered with Michigan’s three commercial casinos—MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown—or the state’s twelve federally recognized tribal casinos are legally authorized to offer online sports betting services to residents. Currently, fifteen licensed operators provide mobile sports betting in Michigan, including major brands such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.

Crackdown on Illegal Offshore Operators

A significant portion of the advisory focused on the dangers posed by unlicensed offshore gambling websites.

The MGCB recently issued cease-and-desist orders to several illegal operators, including Shazam Casino and Las Atlantis Casino, which have been actively targeting Michigan residents despite lacking proper licensing.

“These illegal platforms operate without any regulatory oversight, putting consumers at serious risk,” Williams warned. “We’ve documented numerous cases where these sites have refused to honor withdrawals, implemented predatory wagering requirements, and even disappeared entirely with customer funds.”

The MGCB has intensified its enforcement actions against illegal gambling operations in recent months. In March 2025 alone, the regulatory body identified and took action against eleven unlicensed gambling websites, working in coordination with internet service providers and payment processors to block access and disrupt their operations within state borders.

Deputy Director of Enforcement, Elizabeth Crosby, outlined the specific risks associated with offshore sites: “Beyond the financial dangers, these platforms also expose users to identity theft and data security risks. They typically lack standard encryption protocols and may sell personal information to third parties without consent.”

Consumer Protection Measures

Licensed operators in Michigan are required by law to implement comprehensive responsible gambling tools.

These include mandatory deposit limits, cool-down periods, self-exclusion options, and prominent placement of problem gambling resources. The MGCB’s advisory highlighted these features as essential safeguards absent on illegal platforms.

Dan Trolaro, a nationally recognized responsible gambling advocate who partners with Michigan’s Problem Gambling Helpline, offered practical advice for casual bettors drawn to March Madness: “The tournament naturally attracts many first-time or occasional gamblers.

fWe encourage everyone to set a strict entertainment budget before placing any bets and to view gambling as entertainment, not as an investment strategy or income source.”

Trolaro emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs of problematic gambling behavior, such as betting more than planned, chasing losses, or experiencing mood changes related to gambling outcomes. “If you notice these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to reach out for support through Michigan’s confidential helpline services.”

Market Analysis and Betting Trends

The advisory comes amid fascinating dynamics in the March Madness betting market.

According to data from H2 Gambling Capital, approximately 169 million bets are expected to be placed on the 2025 tournament, representing a modest 1.5% decrease from 2024 figures. Analysts attribute this slight decline to market saturation in states where sports betting has been legal for several years and the limited number of new state launches in the past year.

Despite this small reduction in overall betting volume, the hold rate—the percentage of wagers retained by sportsbooks—is projected to increase to 7.8%, up from 7.5% in 2024. This improved profitability for operators is largely driven by the tournament’s bracket results, which have featured fewer significant upsets in early rounds compared to previous years.

“When favorites advance, it generally benefits the bookmakers,” explained Jennifer Martinez, senior analyst at Michigan Gaming Analytics. “While casual bettors often gravitate toward underdogs for their potential payouts, the more predictable outcomes we’ve seen this year have helped sportsbooks maintain healthier margins.”

At BetMGM, one of Michigan’s leading licensed operators, Duke has emerged as the overwhelming betting favorite, commanding 40.5% of the total handle for championship futures. The sportsbook reported receiving a record $500,000 wager on the Blue Devils to win the tournament, highlighting the exceptional interest in this year’s Final Four.

“The combination of Duke’s storied program and the presence of freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has driven unprecedented betting interest,” noted Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM. “While large wagers aren’t uncommon for championship events, the volume of action we’re seeing on Duke specifically is remarkable even by March Madness standards.”

Resources and Support Systems

The MGCB advisory concluded with information about available resources for Michigan residents who may be experiencing gambling-related problems. The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-270-7117) provides confidential support 24/7, offering counseling referrals and information about self-exclusion programs.

Additionally, the MGCB maintains a dedicated responsible gaming section on its website (michigan.gov/mgcb) with educational materials, self-assessment tools, and links to specialized treatment providers throughout the state.

“We want everyone to enjoy the excitement of March Madness safely,” Williams concluded. “By sticking to licensed platforms, utilizing responsible gambling tools, and being mindful of your limits, Michigan residents can ensure that their betting experience remains entertaining and doesn’t lead to harmful outcomes.”

As the tournament culminates with the Final Four this weekend and the championship game on Monday night, Michigan authorities will continue monitoring betting activity and responding to reports of illegal gambling operations targeting state residents.

Sources

• MGCB Encourages Responsible Betting for NCAA Championship
• Michigan Gaming Control Board Takes Action Against Illegal Offshore Gambling Websites
• SportsbookReview: Michigan Gaming Control Board Promotes Responsible Gaming
• H2 Data: March Madness Handle to Decline in 2025
• Investopedia: March Madness Sports Betting Is Big Business
• Statista: Total Amount Bet on March Madness
• Michigan Gaming Control Board Official Website
• Legal Sports Report: March Madness Responsible Gambling Awareness 2025
• Michigan Public: March Madness Is a Season for Betting