Press Releases
PlayVirginia.com: State’s sportsbooks off to strong start with $60 million January

Virginia’s sportsbooks are off to an impressive start after collecting nearly $60 million in wagers in the first 11 days after the market launched on Jan. 21, the second-highest monthly total in U.S. history for any state in its first month of legal sports betting, according to PlayVirginia, which provides news and analysis of the state’s gaming industry.
“Like its neighbor in Tennessee, Virginia’s online-only market had some advantages that helped fuel such a successful launch,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayVirginia.com. “Debuting ahead of the NFL’s conference championship games and the Super Bowl ensured there would be heavy interest from bettors. In addition, launching with top-flight sportsbook operators in place to serve a market with years of pent-up demand is a recipe for success.”
Virginia sportsbooks generated $58.9 million in handle in January, according to official data released Monday by The Virginia Lottery. Only neighboring Tennessee, which drew $131.4 million in bets in the 30 days after launching on Nov. 1, generated more than Virginia in its debut month, though Virginia topped Tennessee’ per-day total. Michigan, which opened retail sports betting in 2020, collected $150.8 million in January after launching online sports betting for the first time on Jan. 21.
Virginia’s sportsbooks won $3.6 million in gross gaming revenue on January’s bets. But with an expectedly heavy early promotional push, three of Virginia’s four sportsbooks lost money. That put combined adjusted gaming revenue at a $3.2 million loss.
The promotional credits dampened the state’s take, which was $39,710 and includes a $38,718 infusion in the state’s general fund.
“The relatively small injection in tax dollars is eye-catching, but significant promotional expenses are a given in a market’s first few days,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for PlayVirginia.com. “We saw the very same dynamic play out in the first days of Michigan’s online market, as well. The bottom line is that Virginia’s market is off to a good start, with significant interest from bettors across the state. That will certainly pay off for the state in coming months.”
Virginia’s market launched with the biggest operators in the U.S. at the ready. FanDuel went live on Jan. 21, and DraftKings and BetMGM opened days later on Jan. 24. BetRivers jumped in the fray on Jan. 26. William Hill launched in February, and more are expected soon.
But that is just the opening salvo for Virginia’s sports betting market, which PlayVirginia expects will grow to generate some $5 billion in annual bets at maturity.
“This was a great start for Virginia, but it’s important to remember that this is just the first few days of the market,” Welman said. “More operators will launch in Virginia and the market should quickly evolve. But in just a few days, it’s clear that Virginia is on its way to becoming one of just a handful of major U.S. markets once it reaches maturity.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Virginia, visit PlayVirginia.com/revenue.
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 two dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches, including PlayVirginia.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 affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
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AGS Appoints Arthur Rotziokos and Richard Orozco to Lead International Growth Efforts

AGS (NYSE: AGS), a leading supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products and services to the global gaming industry, today announced two key appointments that will significantly strengthen its international operations. Arthur Rotziokos has been appointed as the Senior Director of Product Management – Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Richard Orozco has assumed the role of Senior Director of Product Management – International. Both report to Rob Ziems, AGS’ Chief Business and Legal Officer, who oversees international business.
“With tremendous growth potential and plenty of greenfield in international markets, AGS is well-poised to seize new opportunities on the global stage. Both Arthur and Richard bring unparalleled expertise and a deep well of gaming industry experience that will be vital to AGS’ global expansion strategy. Their leadership will be instrumental as we accelerate our international reach and advance our product offerings in these key markets,” said Rob Ziems.
Arthur Rotziokos, based in Sydney, Australia, will lead AGS’ entry into the rapidly expanding APAC market. With over three decades of experience in the gaming industry, including his most recent role as Vice President of Research & Development at Light & Wonder, Rotziokos is well-positioned to drive AGS’ strategic expansion across the region. His career spans roles at leading companies such as Ainsworth Game Technology and IGT, where he developed strong industry relationships and pioneered game development initiatives that led to business growth in global markets.
Richard Orozco, an experienced leader in international product management, will oversee AGS’ global product strategies, focusing on regions such as Latin America and Europe. Orozco joins AGS with extensive experience in managing product portfolios across international markets, including his most recent role as Vice President of Product Strategy at Ainsworth Game Technology. In his new role, he will work to drive market performance, optimize product lifecycles, and strengthen AGS’ market share in key international territories.
With both Rotziokos and Orozco taking on pivotal roles, AGS is poised to build its brand and gain a foothold in key international markets, further enhancing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming products and solutions to operators and players worldwide.
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HARRAH’S RESORT ATLANTIC CITY WELCOMES BACK THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® FOR A WSOP CIRCUIT STOP THIS AUGUST

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ACR POKER LAUNCHES ‘MONEYMAKER MAY-HEM’, OFFERING PLAYERS A CHANCE TO JOIN CHRIS MONEYMAKER IN LAS VEGAS FOR $10K MAIN EVENT

As the Sunday Moneymaker tourney approaches its one-year anniversary this summer, ACR Poker is launching a month-long pre-celebration this May with the Moneymaker May-Hem. This promo gives players a chance to join the 2003 WSOP Main Event Champion and poker legend Chris Moneymaker for a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience during the Main Event of Vegas’ hottest summer series.
Throughout the month of May, every player who plays a $109 buy-in Sunday Moneymaker on ACR Poker and reaches a final table in any of the weekly events will earn a spot in a Final Sit & Go Showdown on Sunday, June 1st at 4pm ET.
The Final Sit & Go winner will receive a VIP package complete with a $10,000 buy-in to the Vegas Main Event, $5,000 cash for travel and other expenses, and the chance to meet Chris Moneymaker in Las Vegas. Second and third place finishers will receive $109 Sunday Moneymaker Tickets.
“The Sunday Moneymaker has become something really special, and it’s been incredible to watch it grow since we launched it last year,” said Moneymaker. “This May promo is a huge thank you to our community and every player who’s been part of this ride. I’m looking forward to welcoming the winner in Vegas, talking strategy, and hopefully celebrating a deep run in the Main Event together.”
The Sunday Moneymaker, which launched in July 2024 to honor ACR Pro and poker icon Chris Moneymaker, has quickly grown into one of ACR Poker’s weekly signature events. Since its debut, the Sunday Moneymaker has already attracted over 78,000 entrants and awarded more than $13 million in total prize money. The tournament features a $300,000 guarantee every Sunday, with a $400,000 prize pool on the final Sunday of each month.
Moneymaker noted that players can also qualify for each Sunday Moneymaker through ACR Poker’s satellites in the hours before every tournament, with paths starting at freerolls ($0), Micro Hyper Sats ($1.05, $2.10), and Mega Satellites ($11, $22) offering guaranteed $109 seats.
For poker players looking to follow the action, the Final Sit & Go Showdown will be live-streamed on ACR’s Twitch channel on Sunday, June 1st.
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