Las Vegas Resorts Host March Madness Events

Venues offer packages and open theaters to cater to college basketball fans

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:09am

As the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments get underway, Las Vegas resorts are rolling out the red carpet for March Madness travelers. Venues across the city are hosting special events, opening theaters, and offering packages to keep fans entertained throughout the hoops action. The American Gaming Association estimates that Americans will legally wager $3.3 billion on the tournaments this year, with Nevada alone seeing an estimated $466 million in bets placed last year.

Why it matters

Las Vegas has long been a hub for sports betting and March Madness is one of the biggest events of the year. The influx of basketball fans and bettors provides a major economic boost for the city's hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues as they compete to attract visitors during this lucrative time.

The details

Resorts across Las Vegas are rolling out the red carpet for March Madness, opening up theaters and offering special packages to keep college basketball fans entertained and betting throughout the tournaments. Venues are transforming into hubs of hoops action, providing large screens, food and drink specials, and other amenities to cater to the influx of tournament travelers.

  • The NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments are currently underway.
  • The American Gaming Association estimates that $3.3 billion in legal wagers will be placed on the tournaments nationwide this year.
  • Last year, an estimated $466 million was wagered on tournament games in Nevada.

The players

American Gaming Association

The national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

The largest daily newspaper serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Las Vegas' status as the sports betting capital of the world is on full display during March Madness, as the city's resorts and venues pull out all the stops to attract college basketball fans and bettors. The influx of tournament travelers provides a major economic boost for the local hospitality industry.