Every spring, millions of Americans fill out brackets, watch buzzer-beaters and follow the excitement of the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) March Madness, the annual, single-elimination tournament for college basketball. However, in recent years, the tournament has become about more than just school pride and competition. Sports betting, especially through mobile apps such as DraftKings, has exploded in popularity. Consequently, March Madness has turned into one of the largest annual gambling events. For some, betting can add excitement while bringing people together; yet, it may also come with serious consequences that raise questions about whether it is truly worth the risk.
Sports betting boomed after a 2018 Supreme Court decision in the Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association case where the court decided that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) violated the 10th Amendment. This struck down a federal ban that prevented legal sports gambling in states.
The decision made betting more accessible than ever before. Instead of going to a casino, people could now place bets instantly on their phones. Apps like FanDuel and DraftKings advertise heavily during games, creating the perception that betting is now a normal part of the fan experience. As a result, millions of new users have started betting, especially during big events like March Madness.
Apps that simulate sports betting, such as Stadium Live, have been created for younger audiences who can not legally bet. These apps normalize risky behavior and target youth who have developing brains and are very prone to addiction.
Another factor behind the rise of sports betting is its ability to enhance the viewing experience. For many fans, placing a small bet makes the games more exciting to watch. A matchup between two unfamiliar teams suddenly matters if money is on the line. Betting can also create a sense of community, as friends compare picks, join betting pools or compete in bracket challenges. Due to this, gambling has become closely tied to sports culture, especially among younger adults.
However, the growth of sports betting has also brought negative effects. One of the biggest concerns is addiction. Since betting has been made extremely easy to access through smartphones, it can quickly develop into a habit. Some people start with small bets but gradually increase the amount of money they risk. Losses can lead to chasing wins and creating a cycle that is hard to break. This can result in serious financial problems, stress and even damage to relationships. Experts warn that the constant availability of betting apps makes it harder for people to control their betting behavior.
“A big risk [of sports betting] is that you could get addicted,” Linganore High School (LHS) parent and March Madness bettor Chad Dorfman said. “If you have an addictive personality, it [betting] can easily spiral out of control and you can lose a lot of money.”
It is also possible for sports betting to have a negative impact on how fans view the game. Instead of focusing on teamwork or athletic performance, some fans become more concerned with spreads, odds and payouts. This can detract from the spirit of competition and decline sports into a business transaction.
Concerns about fairness and integrity also arise. While major leagues have strict rules, the possibility of insider information or game manipulation to be used for the sole purpose of benefitting sports bettors is something that continues to worry officials.
“Sports betting in general I feel rather concerned about,” LHS teacher Gerald Kirk said. “It feels like it’s starting to degrade the drive in sports, and the competition has kind of flatlined.”
The potential impact on athletes themselves and the integrity of the game is also a major concern surrounding sports betting. As betting becomes more widespread, athletes may face increased pressure from fans who have money riding on their performance. In extreme cases, this pressure has led to harassment or even attempts to influence outcomes.
For example, during an NCAA Investigation (2024–2025), the NCAA discovered that six players manipulated their performance and shared insider information to facilitate bets. There is also the risk of corruption, such as point-shaving, in which a player intentionally affects the score to match a betting spread or the sharing of insider information. LHS freshman sees a risk in sports betting.
“I think it [sports betting] affects athletes because the more money people are betting, the more likely corruption is,” LHS freshman Aiden Tanguay said.” For example, they might pay players to point shave.”
While organizations like the NCAA enforce strict rules to prevent this, the growing amount of money involved in sports betting makes these risks more serious. Even the perception of unfair play can damage trust in the game, which is why maintaining honesty and transparency is critical as betting continues to expand.
Despite these possible risks to the integrity of the game, sports gambling does have some positive impacts. For one, it generates significant revenue for states through taxes, which can be used for public services like education and infrastructure. It also creates jobs in technology, marketing and customer service. Additionally, when done responsibly, betting can be a form of entertainment..
Still, the question remains: are the risks worth it? The answer depends largely on how betting is approached. For casual fans who set strict limits and view betting solely as a source of entertainment, the risks may be manageable. However, for those who struggle with self-control or become too invested, the downsides can outweigh the benefits. The easy access provided by mobile apps makes it especially important for users to be aware of their habits and recognize warning signs of problem gambling.
In the end, March Madness continues to be one of the most exciting times in sports, whether or not money is involved. While sports betting has added a new form of excitement, it has also introduced new challenges. As its popularity continues to grow, it is important for individuals, schools and communities to have open conversations about responsible behavior. Betting may make the games more thrilling, but the true excitement of March Madness will always come from the competition, the upsets and the unforgettable moments on the court.
