Most of you — 84 percent — said that March Madness betting is all in good fun, in a recent poll. But did you know that the enjoyment you get while watching the college basketball games will be reduced if you're betting on the outcome? In fact, it even "ruins it for many people," says Stephen Nowlis, professor of marketing at Washington University. Fortune cites Nowlis:
It's basic psychology, he says: lay down a bet for a team to win, and you'll feel jittery and anxious as you watch. We are our own worst enemies.
Everyone may have conflicting opinions about Nowlis's theory. Those who participate (but aren't in it to win) in a betting pool can probably laugh off their losses more easily than those who take it seriously. If you have money on the line, seeing your favored team losing will probably hit you more negatively. What do you think — does betting take the fun away from March Madness?
It's currently the month when America's top college basketball teams start competing for the national title aka March Madness time! I don't think there is anything wrong with placing small bets and having a friendly competition with your pals, but some of you may disagree with me. A good rule of thumb for gambling is to only put forward an amount you're willing to lose and to not assume that you're going to make money off of it. Hey, $5 bets are fun when you're competing with your friends! So what do you think of March Madness betting — is it harmless fun?








There's a lot of excitement about which basketballers are going to the final four this year! Fans around the country are cheering for their favorite teams. Many of those caught up in the March Madness are college alums who now have families of their own. It's hard not to get a bit nostalgic about your younger days while watching the game with your kids. At birth, some moms and dads start buying school gear for their baby. Do you care if your child follows in your academic footsteps?


You don't have to be a basketball fan to enter