The March Madness Toolkit for Responsible Betting
Published: March 6, 2026
Basketball fans across the country are turning their attention to Dayton, Ohio. As the most exciting sporting event for college basketball begins in the Buckeye State, Ohioans may experience increased exposure of betting activities. To help fans, bettors, and athletes have the best experience this year, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before we tip off into the First Four.
Last year, the American Gaming Association estimated that $3.1 billion would be spent by Americans on legally placed bets. This raised concerns by experts, who urged caution for the growing numbers of individuals developing gambling disorders. As sports betting participation continues to rise, so does the number of student athletes impacted by betting-related harassment. In 2025, the NCAA found that 51% of men’s D1 basketball players reported receiving social media abuse based on their athletic performance.
As gambling disorders and student athlete harassment continue to rise in Ohio, it’s important to create a responsible-betting game plan if you choose to bet.
Start at the beginning
March Madness brackets can act as a gateway into gambling-related activities for many users. Remember that brackets may not be appropriate for certain settings like workplaces, as well as in schools and homes when children are around. If choosing to participate in a March Madness bracket this year, we recommend you download and use our custom brackets. Our Pause Before You Play Bracket offers checkpoints to keep betting responsible, and our More Than A Bet Bracket offers checkpoints to remain in-control of your emotions throughout the tournament.
Though brackets are the most popular form of March Madness betting, most users still place bets on platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings. For those betting online, use the tips below to avoid betting-related harms.
Set limits
- Set limits on the time and money you spend.
- Utilize free resources to help you avoid gambling:
- Time Out Ohio — place self-bans from Ohio’s casinos, racinos, & sports gaming for select periods of time.
- Gamban app — a digital platform to place self-blocks on online gambling platforms.
Recognize the risks
- Understand the long-term impacts tied to consistent sports betting — including financial stress and higher risk for mental health and substance use problems, according to the World Health Association.
- Be aware of the risks before you bet.
- Rate your risk for a gambling disorder using our quiz.
Know when to stop
- Educate yourself on the signs of a gambling disorder — visit our website for a list of the warning signs.
- Monitor your behavior and feelings before, during, and after you bet.
- Consider free resources for gambling disorder assistance, listed on our website.
Your words have consequences
With half of D1 men’s basketball players now experiencing social media abuse, and 46% of those directly relating to betting — it’s the players who are experiencing the effects as much as individuals who engage in sports betting. Harassment is shown to have negative impacts on student athletes’ safety, mental health, and performance. And the individuals who are harassing over bets can also experience negative impacts on their finances, relationships, and career. To prevent betting-related harms from impacting you and those around you, follow @MoreThanABet on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay updated on the latest information or visit MoreThanABet.org/tips-prevention for a list of practical steps to utilize.
Remember, anyone can be impacted by sports betting. That’s why it’s best to stay aware and make a plan to keep yourself in control. If you or someone you know is experiencing betting-related harms, help is available 24/7 — call 1-800-589-9966 or text 988 to speak to a trained and understanding specialist at no cost.