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Gambling regulator warns people about NCAA pools

Posted at 5:25 AM, Mar 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-15 08:52:34-04
Arizona's top gambling regulator is warning residents to be cautious about entering into illegal March Madness office pools.
 
Arizona Department of Gaming Director Dan Bergin said his office wants to clarify for residents what is legal and what isn't when it comes to NCAA pools as the tournament tips off this week.
 
He says the key factor is making sure all the money put into the pool is paid out to the winners. Bergin says pools may be illegal if the operator takes a cut of the winnings or charges a fee to enter.
 
The American Gaming Association estimates that $9.2 billion will be bet on March Madness across the U.S. this year. The group says more than 70 million people will complete tournament brackets - more than voted for President Barack Obama in 2012.