Gambling in the USA

PlayIllinois.com says launch of sports betting first step in what could be $10B-a-year industry

Published

4 years ago

March 10, 2020

PlayIllinois.com: Sportsbooks post huge month, but March could be 'last hurrah' for major growth

Illinois officially has joined the ever-growing list of legal sports jurisdictions in the U.S. with the launch of BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, and by doing so took the first step in what could be one of the largest markets in the U.S.

If the Illinois market fully matures — which would have to include the widespread launch of online sports betting — the state could generate from $9 billion to $11 billion in wagers annually and $650 million in operator gross revenue, according to projections from PlayIllinois.com, which tracks regulated online and retail gaming in the state.

“Illinois’ potential is enormous, but it has a long way to go to become a major player relative to the largest markets in the U.S.,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst at PlayIllinois.com. “Launching the industry is obviously a momentous first step. But because of regulatory roadblocks to online sports betting, it will be years before Illinois can enjoy the same kind of boom that we’ve seen in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.”

On Monday, Illinois became the 15th state to allow legal sports betting. Of those, only New York and Pennsylvania have a larger population from which to draw. And Illinois’ retail sportsbook market is expected to ramp up quickly, with five more expected to open soon, including sportsbooks at Argosy Casino Alton, Hollywood Casino Aurora, Hollywood Casino Joliet, Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, and Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria. Fairmont Park Racetrack in Collinsville, near St. Louis, has also been approved for a temporary operating permit.

Significant hurdles remain, though, particularly for online sports betting, which isn’t expected to launch until later this year. And when it does launch it will require in-person registration for mobile accounts.

The Illinois law, passed in December, allows for three “stand-alone” mobile operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel. But because of the state’s in-person registration requirement, those would-be operators will not be able to accept a bet for at least 18 months. And with a hefty $20 million fee to obtain one of those three licenses, it’s not clear which operators will apply.

“Illinois’ high licensing fees for online operators and its in-person registration requirements will undoubtedly stunt the growth of the industry,” Gouker said. “Even with the high fees, the appeal of the Illinois market will eventually be too much to resist for the country’s largest operators. But neighbor Indiana will be able to continue to cash in on the Chicago market until Illinois gets up to speed.”

Online sports betting is by far the most significant revenue driver in the major U.S. markets. In New Jersey, which has quickly grown to become the country’s largest market, 87% of all sports bets in January were made online. By contrast, Rhode Island, which put in place a similar in-person registration requirement as Illinois, draws just 15% of its bets from online sources.

Illinois’ 10 existing casinos, three racetracks, and as many as seven sports venues are eligible to apply to open retail sportsbooks. Those sportsbooks will also be able to set up mobile sports betting apps.

“The Illinois model isn’t ideal, but for Illinois bettors today is unquestionably a good day,” Gouker said. “Most of the state’s residents should be able to place a bet in relatively close proximity. And that is much better than the alternative.”

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Illinois, visit PlayIllinois.com/news.

Related Topics:BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois PlayIllinois.com Rivers Casino in Des Plaines sports betting

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Gambling in the USA

Games Global Launches Custom Slot Game Caesars Palace Frenzy with Caesars Digital

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Alan Campbell

Launch marks the first bespoke game launch in the partnership between gaming operator and premier gaming provider

Games Global today announced the exclusive launch of Caesars Palace Frenzy, a Caesars-branded slot title that marks the first bespoke game launch on behalf of Games Global’s partnership with premier gaming operator Caesars Digital. Caesars Palace Frenzy is now exclusively live on Caesars Palace Online Casino in New Jersey with plans to expand to Michigan and Pennsylvania, offering players another highly engaging, operator-specific gaming experience with iconic Caesars Palace branding.

Caesars Palace Frenzy combines the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip’s iconic casino with innovative gaming dynamics crafted by Games Global. Designed exclusively for Caesars Digital online casino players, this game delivers an online slot experience with engaging gameplay, sophisticated graphics and dynamic features like scatter pays, multiplied free spins selected by a concentric wheel and a seven-tier jackpot line-up.

This launch demonstrates Games Global’s continued emphasis on partnering with top iGaming operators to deliver exclusive and custom gaming products to players.

“Working closely with Caesars Digital to create Caesars Palace Frenzy has been an exciting journey,” the Chief Executive Officer for Games Global, Walter Bugno, said. “This game is more than just an online slot experience, it is an adventure that mirrors the thrill and grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic destinations. We’re thrilled to see it come to life and deliver a unique blend of entertainment and gaming.”

“We’re committed to collaborating with top gaming providers to launch custom online casino experiences for our players that can’t be found anywhere else,” the Senior Vice-President and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland, said. “Caesars Palace Frenzy delivers on that commitment by providing an elevated gaming experience that we’re certain our players will enjoy.”

Gambling in the USA

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Announces Plans to Build New Casino Resort

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has announced the plans to build a brand-new casino resort on its Tribal lands in Polk County.

“We are incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter. This new casino resort will not only provide significant economic benefits for those living and working in the region, but it will also become a vibrant destination for visitors,” Ricky Sylestine, Chairman of the Tribal Council, said.

While specific details are still being finalized, the new resort may offer a variety of amenities including a state-of-the-art casino floor, hotel accommodations, and diverse dining and entertainment options.

The Tribe has engaged the architectural firm FFKR to design the new resort. FFKR is known for its innovative and creative designs. The Tribe is confident the firm will create a truly exceptional destination.

In addition to the new casino resort, the Tribe is planning an extensive remodel to its existing Ischoopa/One Stop Convenience Store and Truck Stop. The remodel will include adding electronic bingo machines.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas will be releasing news related to the new resort and any additional developments in the coming months.

Gambling in the USA

BetConstruct to Display Its Products and Services at Sigma Americas

Published

7 days ago

April 18, 2024

Peter Tolan

BetConstruct, a leading company in iGaming technology and services, is heading to Sigma Americas in Sao Paulo, Brazil from April 23-25, 2024.

Sigma Americas is a major event focusing on iGaming with 10,000 delegations and more than 200 professional speakers. This event serves as an exceptional platform for participants to present their innovative offerings, engage with fellow industry leaders, and establish new business relationships.

BetConstruct is poised to introduce its cutting-edge products and solutions to the growing Brazilian market at the upcoming event. As a premier provider of online iGaming solutions, the company will showcase its comprehensive range of services to all attendees, offering diverse solutions tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Moreover, BetConstruct will demonstrate its newest Spettacolare offer by Mr. First, which is a fleeting opportunity to maximise user profits and explore the potential of FTN.

Attendees of the event can find BetConstruct in the Transamerica Expo Center at Stand O60, where they will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of BetConstruct’s products and solutions.