SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — March Madness is off and running.
As college teams battle on the courts, some sports fans are betting on the games.
Basketball and the big screen add up to a perfect match for Reed Overweg.
“You can see all the games at once. I mean, no better place,” Overweg said.
Overweg was at Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort Thursday betting that his favorite team would win.
“I took Creighton money line,” Overweg said.
March Madness is one of the busiest times of the year for the sportsbook at Grand Falls.
“I think people really want to come out. We’re in the doldrums of winter and we’re just coming out of long winter and people are ready to get out and play. They’ve been inside watching these games on their TV screen and now they want to come out, be with like-minded fans and just have fun, get something to eat,” Grand Falls Director of Marketing Greta Stewart said.
Staff started preparing for March Madness about three months ago.
“We meet with our food and beverage director to make sure everything’s on point there. Obviously with the sportsbook, making sure the organization is there,” Stewart said.
Last year, people wagered more than $2 million at Grand Falls on sporting events in March, according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Overweg felt pretty good about his odds Thursday afternoon.
“They had a strong first half. Hopefully, they can keep it going,” Overweg said.
The Creighton men ended up winning 89 to 75 against Louisville.
