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.
Compliance Updates
HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network

HIPTHER, a leading media and events brand in the Gaming and Tech industries, has launched a new Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool, now live across all of its gaming media platforms. This quick, anonymous self-test is designed to help players better understand their relationship with gambling, encouraging safer play through awareness and early self-checks.
The “Play Responsibly” tool is backed by clinical research and built with user privacy at its core, based on the globally recognized Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) – a 9-question framework used to assess gambling risk levels, from low to moderate or high.
No sign-up needed. No Cost. No data collected. No Judgement. Just honest insight.
Whether you’re simply curious or looking to take a proactive step toward support, this free tool delivers instant results and practical next steps – all in under two minutes.
Key Features:
- Completely anonymous – no registration or personal data required
- Instant results with tailored guidance
- Available in 5 languages
- Mobile-first and accessible across all devices
- Fully GDPR compliant
Designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, the tool ensures a smooth and inclusive user experience for everyone. With multilingual support and local resource integration, it helps diverse populations connect with trusted support networks in their region.
“While our media platforms primarily serve the B2B side of the industry, we know they’re also visited by players looking for insights and updates. That’s why it’s important for us to go beyond headlines and contribute real tools that support safer play. This assessment is one small, meaningful step toward that.” – Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER.
Take the assessment today and share it with your community.
Because gambling should always be safe, informed, and fun.
Try it now on any of HIPTHER’s gaming media platforms:
By launching this tool, HIPTHER reaffirms its ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, responsibility, and player well-being in the global gaming industry. Together with our partners and audiences, we continue working toward a safer, more informed future for players everywhere.
Latest News
Evoplay enters Peru’s lottery vertical through a partnership with Loterías Torito

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Loterías Torito, one of the authorised operators of lottery games in Peru, to supply a tailored portfolio of instant win games.
The collaboration will see five of Evoplay’s most popular instant games, including Adrenaline Rush, Adrenaline Rush: Scratch, Penalty Shoot–out: Street, B–Ball Blitz, and Hockey Shootout, launch on Loterías Torito’s platform. Each title has been localised and tailored to meet the lottery’s regulatory standards and responsible gaming objectives.
Operating both online and across retail locations, Loterías Torito is a trusted name in the Peruvian lottery sector. Its blend of traditional lottery products and digital offerings makes it an ideal partner for Evoplay’s instant game portfolio, which is designed to attract a broader, mobile-first audience.
Breaking into the lottery space marks a significant achievement for Evoplay, following their strategy to expand its presence in regulated markets across Latin America, delivering localised content and tailored solutions to forward-thinking lottery operators.
Frank Cecchini, Head of Lottery at Evoplay, said: “We are immensely proud to be working with Loterías Torito. “I firmly believe our content can bridge the gap between lottery players and online gamers, helping drive revenue in a safe, responsible, and engaging way.”
José Ludeña Díaz, Director of Operations at Loterías Torito, added: “Evoplay’s games are one of a kind. They’re innovative, high-quality, and exactly what we need to appeal to new generations of players while staying true to our mission and values.”
Latest News
Gila River Resorts & Casinos Announces Brand New Bingo Venue

Gila River Resorts & Casinos has announced the opening of a brand-new bingo hall at its newest property, Santan Mountain. To celebrate the launch of bingo at Santan Mountain and unveil its new bingo club, Gila River Resorts & Casinos will be hosting a grand opening event that is open to the public on Aug. 29 – Sept. 1. The grand opening event will be held from 10a.m. to 12p.m. and 4p.m. to 6p.m., at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Santan Mountain, located at 7101 Gilbert Rd. Chandler, AZ 85249.
Attendees can look forward to seeing the World’s Largest Bingo drum, giveaways, live DJ, a surprise celebrity guest host and more throughout the grand opening weekend. The first 230 guests in line for each session will get to spin the prize wheel and win a free t-shirt, dauber, gift card, hat, varsity jacket, or other prizes while supplies last. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in Santan Mountain’s inaugural bingo games at 12p.m., 5:30p.m., and 6:30p.m. Santan Mountain is offering a “Buy One, Get One Free” special offer for electronic ticket packages during the grand opening weekend, Friday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 1.
The new state-of-the-art bingo room also will host Bingo After Dark. Also known as B.A.D. Bingo, the exciting late night sessions will take place every Saturday night at 11:30p.m. and include a live DJ, line dancing, glowsticks, cash prizes, and more. Sales start at 9p.m. and spots fill up fast. Attendees won’t want to miss the surprise hosts for the first ever B.A.D. Bingo session at Santan Mountain on Saturday, August 30.
“Bingo has consistently been one of the most beloved and high-energy experiences at our Vee Quiva location, drawing loyal guests and new players alike with every session,” said Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ General Manager, Denise Pfaff. “We knew we had something special, and with the excitement and demand continuing to grow, it only made sense to bring bingo to our newest and most modern property—Santan Mountain. We’re thrilled to introduce a vibrant new way to play and win in a one-of-a-kind setting.”
Santan Mountain’s 13,000-square foot Bingo Club boasts an indoor/outdoor open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning panoramic views of the San Tan Mountains. The bingo hall also features a world-class sound system and lighting system for an immersive playing experience, a dance floor, sophisticated decor and modern interior design elements, 98inch HDTV’s, and digital bingo options and playing features. Bingo sessions will be hosted daily, with bingo ticket packages ranging from $30-$225.
In addition to the new bingo club, Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ Santan Mountain is a modern gaming destination and home to the largest casino sportsbook in the state, 900+ slot machines and table games, a luxurious High Limit Room, five culinary concepts, three bars and lounges, and live music on the weekends.
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