Gambling in the USA
INDIANA SPORTSBOOKS MAKE MOST OF FEBRUARY WITH $187 MILLION IN BETS Super Bowl and basketball drive state handle to new monthly record, according to PlayIndiana analysts
The Super Bowl helped Indiana’s retail and online sportsbooks post a February that landed another monthly record. And with March Madness ahead and new online casinos launching, Indiana is positioned to weather the launch of retail sports betting in Michigan and Indiana, according to analysts from PlayIndiana.com.
“Indiana’s market continues to mature, including the launch of more online sportsbooks, even as the football season ends,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “The state has a near-perfect storm of success, and will continue to be among the shining stars in legal sports betting even as neighboring states move to legalize sports betting.”
Indiana’s February handle hit $187.2 million, up 9.6% from a then-record $170.8 million handle generated in January, according to official reporting released Tuesday. February produced $11.1 million in adjusted gross revenue, down 15.9% from $12.9 million, yielding $1.1 million in state taxes.
Bettors placed $11.6 million in bets on football, almost entirely on the Super Bowl. And basketball continues to be a significant draw, generating $90.2 million in February wagers. Even Oscars betting appeared to be a hit, accounting for a significant portion of the $39.7 million wagered on the state’s “other” events.
“The Super Bowl was the single most significant event in February, but Indiana has done exceptionally well with basketball,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “That balance is helping Indiana avoid a post-football slump, which is common in jurisdictions such as Nevada.”
Indiana’s market advantages, most notably its ability to attract out-of-state bettors, have continued to hold, too. None of Indiana’s neighbors have launched legal sports betting yet, and because Indiana does not require in-person registration for mobile users, the Hoosier State can easily capitalize by allowing out-of-state bettors to simply cross the state line to make a bet.
Indiana will remain a friendly neighbor for sports bettors for the foreseeable future. Illinois and Michigan have legalized sports betting, with both launching retail betting this week. That will have some impact, but it should be blunted without an online component yet in either state. And progress toward legalizing sports betting is uncertain in both Kentucky and Ohio.
“Indiana’s relationship with out-of-state bettors takes many forms, ranging from those who cross the border to make bets at nearby land-based sportsbooks to those who hop over the state border in cars and place bets by phone,” Welman said. “Indiana’s sportsbooks have been aggressive in attracting that business, of course. It won’t last forever, but Indiana should enjoy the advantage while it’s there.”
Online sportsbooks generated $145.9 million in bets in February, or 77.9% of the state’s handle. And more sportsbooks came online with the Feb. 25 launch of BetMGM, which operates under the Belterra Casino license. PointsBet/Hollywood Lawrenceburg launched on March 5, and BetIndiana/Hard Rock is expected to launch this month, too.
In February, DraftKings/Ameristar Casino remained the online market leader with $74.1 million in bets, up from $66 million in January. That generated $5.7 million in gross receipts, up from $4.6 million. But FanDuel/Blue Chip Casino continued to gain ground on its rival, tallying a $63.8 million handle in February, up from $49.5 million. That resulted in a $2.7 million win, up from $1.9 million.
The market leaders were followed by:
- BetRivers/French Lick Resort ($7.7 million handle, down from $7.8 million; $348,869 win, down from $590,178)
- BetAmerica/Rising Star Casino ($212,953 handle, up from $89,622; -$6,169 win, down from $1,854)
- BetMGM/Belterra ($70,061 handle; $13,175 win)
Market proximity continues to dictate Indiana’s retail market. Horseshoe Hammond, near Chicago, has consistently led the retail market. In February, Horseshoe Hammond posted a $12.4 million handle, down from $13.7 million in January. That generated $52,445 in gross receipts, down from $1.8 million. Horseshoe Hammond was followed by:
- Hollywood Lawrenceburg ($6.8 million handle, down from $7.8 million; $308,577 win, down from $578,993)
- Ameristar Casino ($5.9 million handle, down from $7 million; $345,660 win, down from $1.4 million)
- Indiana Grand ($4.7 million handle, down from $5 million; $516,760 win, up from $365,318)
- Harrah’s Hoosier Park ($4.5 million handle, down from $5.4 million; $301,764 win, down from $321,785)
- Caesars Southern Indiana ($2.2 million handle, down from $2.4 million; $16,774 win, down from $143,966)
- Blue Chip Casino ($2.1 million handle, down from $2.7 million; $3,008 win, down from $279,868)
- Tropicana Evansville ($1.6 million handle, down from $2 million; $31,513 win, down from $210,974)
- Belterra Casino ($864,230 handle, down from $934,724; $46,173 win, up from $8,077)
- French Lick Resort ($387,656 handle, down from $533,634; $27,015 win, down from $14,132)
- Rising Star Casino ($123,393 handle, down from $213,552; $11,723 win, up from -$40,497)
“The successful partnership between DraftKings and Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, which generates the largest combined online and retail handle, crystalizes Indiana’s market advantages,” Welman said. “The DraftKings app was first to the market, and its ease of use has kept it on top. Meanwhile, Ameristar continues to draw heavily from the Chicago market.”
For more revenue information on Indiana sportsbooks, visit PlayIndiana.com/revenue.
Gambling in the USA
Expanse Studios (GMGI) Enters the U.S. Sweepstakes Market
North American Expansion Kicks Off Through Strategic Partnership with Moozi
Golden Matrix Group’s game development division, Expanse Studios, has officially entered the U.S. sweepstakes market, marking a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy. This move is powered by a strategic content partnership with Moozi, one of the most dynamic sweepstakes social casino platforms in the region.
With Moozi now featuring over 50 of Expanse Studios’ top-performing games—including immersive slots, crash games, and table games—this partnership positions GMGI to capture a share of the $5.6 billion U.S. sweepstakes market, projected to more than double to $11 billion by 2025 (Eilers).
Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, commented:
“This partnership signifies our formal entry into the U.S. market, showcasing the innovation and player-first experiences that define Expanse Studios. Collaborating with Moozi enables us to deliver advanced gaming content to a growing audience in North America, a key region for our global growth.”
James Anderson, Moozi’s CCO, added:
“Expanse Studios has set a high bar for engaging and innovative gaming experiences. Their addition to our platform elevates Moozi’s offerings and strengthens our mission to lead the U.S. sweepstakes social casino space.”
This launch underscores Expanse Studios’ commitment to innovation and its long-term growth trajectory in regulated markets. By entering the North American sweepstakes market, Expanse Studios takes a bold step in expanding its footprint while delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences.
Gambling in the USA
Arizona’s Tribal Gaming Contributions Reach $42.5 Million in Q2 FY2025
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has announced an impressive $42,508,200 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. This milestone reflects the continued growth and success of the state’s tribal gaming industry, achieved through strong collaboration between the state government and tribal communities.
A Record-Breaking Year for Tribal Gaming
“This achievement is a testament to the strength of the partnership between Arizona and its tribal communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of ADG. “Consecutive record quarters in FY2025 highlight our shared commitment to fostering a thriving gaming industry. Since FY2004, total tribal contributions have exceeded $2.3 billion, significantly benefiting the state and its residents.”
Supporting Arizona’s Communities
The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88% of tribal gaming contributions, channeling these funds into key areas that directly impact the state’s residents and natural resources. The Q2 FY2025 contributions will be allocated as follows:
- Instructional Improvement in Schools: $21,186,087
- Trauma and Emergency Services: $10,593,043
- Wildlife Conservation: $3,026,584
- Tourism Promotion: $3,026,584
- Problem Gambling Education, Treatment, and Prevention: $850,164
- ADG Operating Costs: $3,825,738
These contributions reflect the state’s commitment to using tribal gaming revenue for meaningful community support, from enhancing education and emergency services to preserving wildlife and promoting tourism.
A Growing Gaming Landscape
Arizona currently hosts 26 Class III casinos, regulated under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact. These casinos contribute a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the Arizona Benefits Fund as well as to cities, towns, and counties. This model of tribal-state collaboration has proven instrumental in bolstering local economies and funding critical programs.
About the Arizona Department of Gaming
Founded in 1995, ADG is Arizona’s regulatory authority overseeing tribal gaming, racing, event wagering, and more. Beyond regulation, ADG is deeply committed to problem gambling education, offering support and resources to affected individuals and families through its Division of Problem Gambling and 24-hour helpline, 1-800-NEXT-STEP.
Looking Ahead
As tribal gaming contributions continue to break records, the partnership between Arizona’s government and tribal communities stands as a model for sustainable growth and mutual benefit. These contributions not only fuel essential state programs but also underscore the lasting value of collaboration in driving economic and social progress.
For a detailed breakdown of contributions by year and further information, visit the Arizona Department of Gaming’s official website.
Gambling in the USA
Industry veteran joins North American operator as chief interactive gaming officer to drive growth in iCasino states and efficiencies in its online sportsbook
Delaware North, a global hospitality and entertainment company with a significant gaming division, has named industry veteran Lee Terfloth as chief interactive gaming officer as it pushes ahead with ambitious plans for its digital offering.
Terfloth has an impeccable track record across some of the biggest land-based and online gaming operators in North America, including Borgata, Resorts Digital, Hard Rock and, most recently, Prime Sports, where he was chief executive officer.
As chief interactive gaming officer at Delaware North, Terfloth will be responsible for two core objectives: Expanding the operator’s Betly mobile sportsbook and casino brand into additional iGaming states while also reviewing its sportsbook business to improve operational efficiency.
The appointment of Terfloth comes hot on the heels of news that Delaware North has chosen to migrate to Playtech’s powerful online sportsbook and casino platform in the states of Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Jason Gregorec, president of Delaware North’s gaming division, said:
“Lee Terfloth is a high-caliber senior iGaming executive who has played a key role in launching and growing interactive gaming divisions at some of the most established and renowned gambling operators in North America.
“We are delighted to be able to leverage this experience and knowledge as we ramp up our own online gaming division via our Betly brand, which has already gained traction in key online sports betting and iGaming states such as Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia.
“I’d like to officially welcome Lee to the team and look forward to working with him as we deploy our ambitious plans for online gaming across regulated U.S. states,” Gregorec said.
Lee Terfloth, chief interactive gaming officer at Delaware North, added: “I’m thrilled to join Delaware North at a pivotal time for the business as it shifts up a gear with its activity in the online gaming space.
“Betly is an incredibly strong brand and now that we are migrating to the Playtech platform, we have the technological foundation to really level up our activity in terms of markets and the quality of the experience we offer to players.
“I have plenty of experience working with operators at this stage in their lifecycle and look forward to working with the incredible team we have in place to not only meet but exceed the goals the business has set for its interactive division,” Terfloth said.
-
Gaming7 days ago
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
-
Latest News7 days ago
Inspired Entertainment Partners with Aristocrat Interactive to Launch Revolutionary Online V-Lottery Gaming Suite for the Virginia Lottery
-
Latest News7 days ago
THE UNIT TO STEP UP EXPANSION PLANS WITH OPENING OF NEW YORK CITY OFFICE
-
Canada7 days ago
Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario
-
Latest News7 days ago
PENN Entertainment Launches New Hollywood Casino App in Pennsylvania
-
Latest News4 days ago
SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator: Largest Content Hub Certified in Brazil
-
Gambling in the USA3 days ago
Expanse Studios (GMGI) Enters the U.S. Sweepstakes Market
-
Gambling in the USA4 days ago
Arizona’s Tribal Gaming Contributions Reach $42.5 Million in Q2 FY2025