It’s that time of the year again – March Madness has arrived! People from all over the country (and even the world) are eagerly filling out their brackets, determined to predict the winner of the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
According to the latest information from the American Gaming Association, a total of 36.5 million individuals will participate in filling out brackets and pools for the tournament this year.
There will undoubtedly be a vast number of brackets originating from college campuses, raising the important inquiry: Which forms of betting are permissible within the college campus setting?
Sports betting legal for college students in 26 states – with plenty of exceptions
Sports betting is legal in 30 states, including Washington, DC. Out of these, 26 states mandate that individuals must be at least 21 years old, while the remaining four states set the minimum age requirement at 18.
You have the option to place bets at physical sportsbooks or access mobile apps provided by sportsbook operators in these states.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to bear in mind that the legalization of sports betting in these states does not imply unrestricted betting opportunities on all teams or players participating in the tournament.
In this year’s bracket, the bans in New York and New Jersey on betting on in-state teams have an impact. If you are in New Jersey and wish to place a bet, unfortunately, you will not be able to wager on Saint Peter’s, the surprising No. 15 seed facing off against Kentucky on Thursday.
The aforementioned regulations are also applicable in Virginia and Washington, implying that residents of these states who are Gonzaga fans are prohibited from placing bets on the Zags.
Similarly, college students in Virginia are restricted from placing bets within the state on in-state universities such as Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and other local educational institutions.
Betting pools among friends or dorms: Illegal in most states
In addition to sportsbook betting, pools are highly popular for March Madness betting. As an illustration, you and nine acquaintances contribute $20 each to participate in a bracket pool through an online platform. This competition follows a winner-takes-all approach, where the individual with the highest number of picks or points at the tournament’s conclusion claims the entire prize pool, as per the chosen format.
Another type of popular pool involves squares. In this game, participants contribute an entry fee to claim squares on a grid. These squares are then assigned random scores at the end of quarters, halves, or the entire game. Unlike skill-based contests, this game relies purely on chance.
Most states have laws prohibiting both types of pools, although there are some exceptions found nationwide.
Pool betting is permitted in Washington state, albeit subject to specific conditions. While it is legally permitted to organize a pool, your competition must adhere to the following set of criteria:
- There are 100 squares on the board.
- The pool revolves around one specific athletic event.
- The assignment of squares is random.
- The cost per square can be $1 or lower.
The Washington rules essentially prevent any chance of manipulating a pool, either by ensuring the squares are not randomized or by limiting the prize pools to a size that discourages potential cheating.
Connecticut, as well as Vermont, permits pools under specific circumstances. In Connecticut, pools are allowed as long as all the prize money is distributed among the participants, with no portion taken by the organizer. Similarly, in Vermont, pools are legal on the condition that the entirety of the prize money is awarded to the winners.
If you are unsure about the regulations surrounding sports betting or pools in your state, it is advisable to contact your local law enforcement. During this time of the year, they are likely to be knowledgeable about the laws pertaining to betting.
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