Press Releases
PlayIllinois.com: Sportsbooks hit $450 million for first time

Illinois online and retail sportsbooks collected more than $450 million in wagers in November, setting a fresh record for monthly handle to place fourth among legal sports betting markets in the U.S. It’s a remarkable ascent for a fledgling market that has become the fourth state in history to enjoy a month with more than $450 million in bets, according to PlayIllinois, which offers news and analysis of the state’s gaming industry.
“Illinois’ success is more than just a large population fueling impressive numbers that dwarf smaller states,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Illinois is rivaling markets such as Pennsylvania that are far more mature and just as large, and it’s doing it because the top online sportsbooks in the country are investing heavily in the market and Illinois bettors are responding with an unprecedented fervor.”
Illinois bettors placed a record $451 million in wagers in November, according to “approximate” data released Wednesday by the Illinois Gaming Board. That is up nearly 4% from $434.6 million in October. Only New Jersey ($931.6 million) and Nevada ($609.4 million) — the two oldest legal sports betting markets in the U.S. — and Pennsylvania ($491.9 million) generated more in bets during November 2020.
November’s bets produced $41 million in adjusted gross revenue for the operators, down slightly from the state record $42.2 million in revenue generated in October. Those gains yielded $6 million in state taxes.
Despite a relative leveling from October to November, Illinois’ ascent remains unprecedented. New Jersey did not surpass $450 million in monthly handle until its 17th month after launch. It took Pennsylvania even longer, reaching the mark with $462.8 million in September 2020, 23 months after launch.
Aside from the suspension of the state’s in-person registration requirements, much of what has fueled the market is interest in regional sports, particularly the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame. But the Bears went 0-4 in the month, and without baseball and the NBA Finals, November offered less to bet on than in October. In addition, retail sportsbooks were shuttered in mid-November because of Covid-related restrictions.
That did not slow bettors, though, as the Illinois market showed resilience in the face of obstacles.
“At this point, it makes sense to adjust our expectations up for the market,” said Joe Boozell, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “The retail market was shut down in November, and this was the first month since the market really heated up in July that the sports schedule was slower than the month before, and yet sportsbooks still made gains. Such resilience shows that Illinois is maturing more quickly than anyone imagined.”
With retail sportsbooks shuttered for the second half of the month, online sports betting accounted for the vast majority of all bets. Specific operator data was not immediately released.
With only five online operators, Illinois is still home to a relatively short roster of sportsbooks. But Penn National’s Barstool-branded app, BetMGM, and Unibet are among those that are expected to launch in Illinois in the coming months, which should give the state a boost.
“Remarkably, Illinois has done all this with just a handful of operators and without some of the best-known brands in the industry,” Boozell said. “The gains will continue to attract operators, and could have Illinois poised to challenge even the largest market in the U.S., so long as the state’s in-person registration requirement remains suspended.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Illinois, visit PlayIllinois.com/news.
About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches (including PlayIndiana.com, PlayIllinois.com, PlayNJ.com and PlayPennsylvania.com) produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliation to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
Latest News
Casino Guru enriches its portfolio with a dedicated sweepstakes casino database and updated safety index

Casino Guru, the global authority on online casino transparency and player safety, is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of a dedicated sweepstakes casino overview tailored to the rapidly evolving U.S. market.
Following months of in-depth research and development, the company has unveiled a new initiative focused on social sweepstakes casinos — a unique and increasingly popular segment of the online gaming space. As part of this expansion, Casino Guru has adapted its trusted Safety Index to reflect the specific characteristics of sweepstakes casino models.
“We’ve been hearing about sweepstakes casinos for quite some time, from social media buzz to community discussions and expert panels,” said Jozef Krucay, Branch Operations Lead at Casino Guru. “It became clear this wasn’t just a passing trend, but a notable shift in how people engage with online entertainment.”
Unlike traditional online casinos, sweepstakes casinos use virtual currencies such as Gold Coins, Sweeps Cash, or Vegas Gems. Players can enjoy games for free or use purchasable coins to enhance their experience. With some luck, they may receive a special sweepstakes currency, which can be redeemed for real-world prizes — presenting both exciting opportunities and important considerations for player protection.
Casino Guru’s newly launched content includes:
- Listings for 11 published sweepstakes casinos, with over 60 more identified and currently in development
- An adapted Safety Index that reflects the distinct risks and rules of sweepstakes platforms
- Educational materials and player resources, including complaint-handling tools
- Planned detailed reviews to provide deeper insights into each platform
“Our goal is to help players navigate this growing space with the same clarity and confidence we’ve brought to traditional online casinos,” Jozef added. “As always, our focus remains on transparency, safety, and informed decision-making.”
This new direction positions Casino Guru at the forefront of player advocacy in emerging casino formats — with a clear path toward future expansion in the broader world of social and sweepstakes gaming.
Conferences
Fast Track showcases AI-driven CRM, gamification and bonus abuse prevention at SBC Americas 2025

Fast Track announces its participation at the upcoming SBC Summit Americas 2025, taking place between May 13-15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event is one of the most significant gatherings for the Latin American and North American iGaming markets, and will bring together operators and suppliers from across the region, offering a unique platform for innovation and collaboration.
As Fast Track continues to strengthen its’ market regional presence, the tech supplier will showcase its full lineup of solutions that set it apart in the iGaming industry: CRM, AI-driven gamification, and bonus abuse prevention. These core three pillars work together to help operators across Latin America and North America to enhance player engagement, manage risks, and drive sustainable growth.
“Fast Track has established a solid presence across several North and Latin American markets, and the SBC Summit Americas is the perfect platform for us to connect with both existing partners and new operators,” said Simon Lidzén, Co-Founder and CEO of Fast Track. “We’re excited to showcase how our AI-driven ecosystem is helping operators transform player engagement and achieve exponential growth.”
Visitors to Fast Track’s stands D430 and D440 will have the opportunity to explore the company’s complete product offering, including:
- CRM: Built around the innovative concept of Singularity, Fast Track’s CRM enables operators to deliver highly personalised, dynamic player experiences that boost retention and loyalty.
- Rewards: An AI-driven gamification ecosystem designed to seamlessly integrate with CRM operations, turning every player visit into a rewarding experience.
- Greco: The only Gameplay Risk Engine offering operators real-time insights and advanced risk management capabilities by providing detailed insights into player activity.
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LuckBet Named Master Sponsor of LFA 209, Marking MMA History in Mato Grosso

Rising sports betting platform LuckBet has been announced as the master sponsor for LFA 209, the first edition of the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) to be held in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The event, widely known as the top development platform for future UFC fighters, takes place May 24 at the Malai Manso Resort, in Chapada dos Guimarães, and represents a major milestone for mixed martial arts in the region.
The sponsorship deal includes on-site brand visibility, exclusive content for social media, and live activations during the event, which will be broadcast live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.
“We’re proud to be the only betting company from Mato Grosso legally operating in Brazil,” said Ivan Dutra, CEO of LuckBet. “This sponsorship is a strategic move to connect with a new audience while promoting a globally respected sport. It’s even more meaningful as the LFA makes its debut in our home state.”
High Stakes in the Cage
LFA 209’s main event features Brazilians Inglesson De Lara and Bruno “Xinoco” Henrique, battling it out in the featherweight division. The event marks LFA’s 22nd event in Brazil since expanding internationally in 2021 and is the second time the promotion touches down in the Central-West Region, following a prior event in the Federal District.
This edition is supported by the Mato Grosso Secretary of Culture, Sports and Leisure (SECEL-MT) and held at the Malai Manso Resort, the only all-inclusive resort in the Central-West certified by the Brazilian Resorts Association (ABR).
Broadcast starts at 9 PM (Brasília time) / 8 PM (Mato Grosso time) and features live Portuguese commentary by UFC legend and ambassador Rogério Minotouro.
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