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Nothing like a little March Madness to bring out the best in everyone. While some of us have already thrown away our NCAA brackets, the remainder of the 70 million completed brackets continues to inspire competition and good-natured trash talking.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) says this year, Americans will bet $9.2 billion on March Madness. A news release from americangaming.org quotes,
“The number marks an increase from 2015, when fans and casual observers alike bet $9 billion, through office pools, Nevada sports books, illicit offshore sites and illegal bookies. Of the $9.2 billion that will be wagered this year, only about $262 million will be bet legally at Nevada sports books.”
Think that staggering reality brings out the competition in the AGA?
It’s fascinating that even though the odds of choosing a 100% accurate bracket are 1-in-9.2 quintillion (thank you, Ivy League mathematicians), 70 million brackets are slaved and sweated over, dozens of games are watched and lots of money is put on the table.
So it’s a rough time for not only the AGA, but also employers all over the country. Thanks to streaming capabilities, basketball fans rejoice in day after day of following their brackets. A temporary but severe decrease in work productivity has nothing to do with spring allergies.
So how do you win during March Madness? Here are some tips to keep the competition friendly:
Keep perspective – Last year was the first year my daughter filled out a bracket. She didn’t understand the concept. “So it’s like trying to predict the future?” she says. “Why would each team only play once?” It’s a basketball bracket, not estate planning. It’s not the end of the world if you win or lose. It might feel that way to the players, but you are a spectator guessing the future.
Be a good sport – So your officemate had Michigan State winning it all? That was a short-lived bracket. If you know the person well, a good amount of trash talk is obvious, but if you don’t know the person well, you might want to gauge the thickness of their skin. Besides, your bracket might be next to go.
Keep a balance – Tempted to stream every game? See what your employer will tolerate. If you’re in your office’s pool, the boss is probably more open-minded about frequently maintaining your bracket. For the smoothest relations with your boss, see “Be a good sport” above.
Credit other people’s accomplishments – So your buddy picked Hawaii, Middle Tennessee and St. Joseph. Throw some compliments his way. If he wins the pool, he might take you out for a celebratory drink.
The best prediction to keep friendships during March Madness is to keep competition friendly. The odds are definitely better than 1-in-9.2 quintillion.
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By: Melissa Hardin Baysinger
