Gambling in the USA
Iowa’s online sportsbooks set to boom with expiration of in-person registration
WITHOUT IN-PERSON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT, IOWA’S ONLINE SPORTS BETTING MARKET POISED FOR DRAMATIC GROWTH
Requirements expired on Jan. 1, opening door for fresh boom, according to PlayIA.com analysts
(LAS VEGAS) — Iowa took a monumental step in its development as a sports betting industry on New Year’s Day with the expiration of the state’s in-person registration requirement to bet online, opening the door to exponential growth that should generate billions in annual wagers, according to analysts for PlayIA, which tracks Iowa’s legal sports betting and gambling industries.
“The in-person registration requirement has unquestionably stunted the growth of Iowa’s online sports betting market, which is the main engine in every state where it is legal,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIA.com. “With the requirement in place, Iowa would have never reached its potential as a market. Letting the requirement to expire is akin to correcting a mistake, and we expect Iowa to finally begin to blossom because of that correction.”
PlayIA analysts projected in 2019 that within five years Iowa would grow into a market that generated more than $4 billion in bets annually, more than $300 million a year in operator revenue, and more than $20 million a year in state taxes. But since launching in August 2019, Iowa has generated a total $682.6 million in wagers and $53.4 million revenue, according to official statistics. That has produced $3.7 million in state taxes.
Iowa’s start has unquestionably been muted by in-person-registration, which required that online bettors sign up in-person at a physical sportsbook.
Illinois launched earlier this year with an in-person registration requirement and then suspended it over the summer. The effect on that market was immediate. With just one operator, Illinois grew wagers to $52.5 million in July 2020 from $8.3 million in June 2020 and saw an immediate influx of 230,000 mobile sports betting accounts in the days after the state lifted in-person registration requirements, all as a slew of new operators launched.
In the months since, Illinois has grown to the fourth largest market in the U.S., generating $434.4 million in wagers in October 2020 alone.
“Illinois showed just how much drag in-person registration puts on a market,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for PlayIA.com. “It was an uneven, unsure start, but almost as soon as the registration requirement was lifted the market embarked on an expansion that has been the most rapid in U.S. history.”
In November, Iowa ranked No. 7 among states where sports betting is legal with a state record $87.2 million in wagers. That still significantly lagged No. 6 Colorado, which has about twice the population as Iowa but attracted $231.2 million in November bets.
Home to some of the best-known brands in online sports betting, operators’ interest in the Hawkeye State has already increased. BetMGM, one of the largest operators in the U.S., launched on Monday. And more could come soon.
“With a fair tax rate and strong regulatory framework, Iowa was already an attractive market for operators,” Welman said. “This was the missing piece. With the in-person registration requirement now gone, Iowa can truly reach its potential as a sports betting market.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Iowa, visit PlayIA.com/news.
Revo Casino and Social House in Conway, New Hampshire, has held its grand opening on Tuesday.
The Conway property is the latest addition to Revo’s growing presence in New Hampshire, joining locations in Dover, Lebanon, Manchester, and Keene.
Revo Casino and Social House’s new amenities include:
• Rebels: A bold dining experience with a full bar and great game-day energy. Revo’s signature restaurant serves up flavorful dishes like the Rebel Smash Burger, flatbread pizzas, and prime rib, making it the perfect spot to eat, drink and enjoy the action.
• Rebel Stage: Featuring live music every weekend.
• Revo Studio powered by iHeartMedia: An in-house broadcast center featuring live iHeart broadcasts. The studio also drives the Soundtrack of the Revolution, a curated music selection that sets the energy and vibe of the property.
Gaming Highlights: 75 thrilling casino machines, including Ultimate Fire Link Explosion, Huff N Even More Puff, and Devil’s Lock. Table games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker tables.
Speakers and guests at the event included Revo President Aaron Gomes, Executive Director of Mount Washington Valley Promotions Lisa DuFault, and the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s exciting to open Revo Casino and Social House and see the community’s enthusiasm for our gaming, entertainment and dining options. Beyond entertainment, Revo Casino and Social House will also support nonprofits across the Mount Washington Valley. We’re proud to be part of this community and contribute to its success,” said Gomes.
“This facility will make such an incredible difference for so many nonprofits in the Mount Washington Valley. The support that Revo Casino and Social House provides allows organizations like ours to better serve our communities and care for those in need. The impact is truly life changing,” said Lisa DuFault, Executive Director of Mount Washington Valley Promotions.
Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has made its US debut after launching an exciting collaboration with a leading operator in the state of New Jersey, and is anticipating many more valuable collaborations with top tier online casinos.
Following impressive growth rates, Spinomenal is making a major move into the New Jersey iGaming market, marking a key step in its global expansion. By entering this crucial U.S. region, Spinomenal will bring its innovative games to a new audience, strengthening its presence and leadership in the iGaming industry.
Spinomenal’s specially selected titles will be going live via Pariplay’s Fusion aggregation platform in the New Jersey market. Some of the outstanding titles being made available for NJ players are Demi Gods II, Majestic Wild Buffalo and Kitsune’s Scrolls.
This marks a major milestone in Spinomenal’s strategic expansion plan, as this debut establishes the company’s initial presence within the New Jersey market, with further growth anticipated across the US iGaming ecosystem. This move underscores Spinomenal’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and further solidifying its position as a leader in the online casino industry.
Lior Shvartz, CEO for Spinomenal commented: “After a decade of establishing and positioning Spinomenal as a leading provider in the iGaming industry, we have now taken a big leap and will provide our exciting content to the esteemed New Jersey audience. We are highly optimistic about entering this prominent market, following the process of obtaining approval from the DGE.”
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