Tipico Sportsbook has been named the official sports betting partner of the 2023 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference basketball championships, the company recently announced.
The MAAC men’s and women’s tournaments tipped off on March 7 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Both championship games are scheduled for March 11.
Tipico is raffling a chance to win $1,000 with a half-court shot during halftime of the men’s and women’s title games.
David Paschkes, chief commercial officer for Tipico, says the sports betting industry typically sees about 30% more money wagered on March Madness than the Super Bowl.
“It’s only natural for us to provide these fans with unmatched experiences and create slam-dunk moments as they enjoy their favorite game,” Paschkes said in a press release.
No NJ sports betting on MAAC with Tipico or anyone else
Despite being an official partner and the tournament taking place in a city with nine casinos, Tipico Sportsbook cannot offer betting lines to New Jersey gamblers on any MAAC games.
NJ law does not permit licensed sportsbooks to offer bets on college events hosted in the state. The Garden State also prohibits legal sportsbooks from taking wagers on NJ college teams, regardless of where they play. Two NJ teams — Rider University and Saint Peter’s University — play in the MAAC.
Still, Tipico plans to make its presence known at the MAAC tournament in AC. New and existing Tipico customers can access a VIP lounge filled with swag, TVs and a food voucher. Additionally, new users who sign up for the app at Boardwalk Hall will receive a $250 first deposit match and a $100 promo bet on March Madness.
“Taking the game-watching experience to the next level during this championship which leads into one of the most exciting times of the year, March Madness, is our way of showing how dedicated we are to the fans,” says Paschkes.
Atlantic City, Boardwalk Hall home to MAAC until 2026
MAAC officials announced a three-year extension at AC’s Boardwalk Hall before the start of the 2023 tournament.
“Atlantic City and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall will continue to provide a great destination and venue for the student-athletes, administrators, and spectators,” said Jim McDonald, general manager of the iconic venue.
Larry Sieg, president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Sports Commission, said the goal is to increase the number of sporting events in the seaside resort. Seig said the three-year extension with the MACC basketball tournaments is a “crucial step towards that goal.”
Could another Cinderella emerge from Atlantic City?
Last year’s MAAC men’s champion, Saint Peter’s, was the NCAA tournament underdog story. The No. 8-seeded Peacocks of Jersey City made it all the way to the Elite Eight.
“We are thrilled to become the official sports betting app partner of such a prestigious championship that produced one of the greatest Cinderella stories in college basketball history just one year ago,” Paschkes said.
March shines spotlight on problem gambling issues
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an effort spearheaded by the National Council on Problem Gambling. The national advocacy group has spotlighted the rise in problem gambling behaviors among younger Americans, specifically college students, since the widespread availability of legal sports betting.
Several states have banned sportsbooks from partnering with universities or advertising to college students. NJ has no such prohibitions.
