Gambling in the USA

COLORADO SPORTSBOOKS HIT ANOTHER HIGH WITH $210.7 MILLION IN OCTOBER

Published

4 years ago

December 1, 2020

PlayVirginia.com: Virginia sportsbooks extend historic start with $265 million in February

Estimates show that DraftKings and FanDuel have dominated the market, but more competition is coming, according to PlayColorado analysts

Colorado’s online and retail sportsbooks surged to a new high again in October, capitalizing on a sports schedule that resembled a more normal month than in any other since the Centennial State launched sports betting in May, according to PlayColorado analysts. This while fresh proprietary estimates from gaming researchers Eilers & Krejcik Gaming and obtained by PlayColorado show that sportsbook heavyweights DraftKings and FanDuel have so far captured the vast majority of the Colorado market.

“October’s data shows that Colorado’s market is able to thrive even as the sports schedule normalizes and able to overcome a local team struggling, such as the Denver Broncos,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayColorado. “Another sign that the market is marching toward maturity is that DraftKings and FanDuel have firmed up their market leads in the state, something we’ve seen in every legal market that has launched since 2018 while attracting a large number of competitors to push innovation in the market.”

Colorado’s sportsbooks attracted $210.7 million in bets in October, according to data released Monday by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming. October’s handle was up 2% from $207.7 million in September, generating a record $17.4 million in gross gaming revenue, up 317.7% from $4.2 million in September.

Eilers and Krejcik estimates obtained by PlayColorado show that DraftKings and FanDuel — the nation’s two largest sportsbook operators which both launched in Colorado on May 1 — have generated 84% of Colorado’s gross gaming revenue since the market launched in May.

According to the proprietary estimates:

DraftKings has captured 46% of the online market in terms of gross gaming revenue since the market launched in May. That would equal more than $18 million through October.
FanDuel has generated 38% of gross gaming revenue since launch. That would be more than $15 million through October.

No new operators launched in October, but more competition is coming. PointsBet launched earlier this month, and Penn National’s Barstool-branded app is expected soon after opening a Barstool-branded retail sportsbook in early November at Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk.

“DraftKings appears to be winning the battle so far, but FanDuel is a force as the two jockey for the market lead,” said Ian St. Clair, analyst for PlayColorado.com. “That leaves a lot of smaller operators fighting for the remainder of market share. Colorado’s market is still sorting itself out, though, and that could bring challengers to the dominance of the Big Two.”

Online betting produced 98%, or $206.4 million, of October’s wagers. That was up from $203.9 million, or 98.2%, of September’s handle. All retail and online bets netted $9.6 million in betting proceeds, a jump from a $3.4 million loss in September. October’s winnings yielded $824,700 in taxes.

Colorado’s October handle fell behind Indiana, which attracted $230.9 million, to place No. 6 among the nation’s largest markets behind New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and rapidly expanding Illinois.

“Colorado remains a major player in the U.S. market, with perhaps the most competitive market for operators,” Welman said.

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Even with the Broncos’ struggles, the NFL was easily the most popular bet in October, attracting $68 million in action, up from $38.6 million in September. With the World Series, baseball managed to draw $23 million in bets. And college football, aided by the return of Colorado State and Air Force, jumped to $16.5 million in October from just $3.8 million in September.

“The jump in interest in college football shows how local interest can affect betting, and a bigger jump should be expected after the return of the Buffs,” said St. Clair. “Otherwise Colorado is mirroring other major markets in that the NFL is king in the eyes of bettors.”

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

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Gambling in the USA

California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Published

3 weeks ago

April 25, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.

Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage

The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.

Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved

The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.

Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions

Among key licensing matters:

500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.

Key Employee Licensing Actions

The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:

Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.

Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny

The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.

Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.

Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals

Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:

HCAL, LLC
JCM Global
Konami Gaming, Inc.
PDS Gaming, LLC

Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.

Notable Withdrawals and Denials

In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.

A Broader Look Ahead

With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.

Gambling in the USA

NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

Published

1 month ago

April 8, 2025

Peter Tolan

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.

Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.

The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.

On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.

Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”

For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”

Gambling in the USA

Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

Published

1 month ago

April 8, 2025

Niji Narayan

Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.

“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.

The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.

“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.