Press Releases
PlayIllinois.com: $580 million January at Illinois sportsbooks marks the beginning of a year of growth

Illinois became the fourth U.S. state to take in more than $500 million in sports bets in a single month — nearly reaching $600 million in January — reaching the milestone even as retail sportsbooks remained closed for much of the month. But as rapid as the ascension of Illinois’s sports betting market has been, the state will need new sportsbook operators to come online to help raise the market’s ceiling, according to PlayIllinois, which offers news and analysis of the state’s gaming industry.
“No state has come close to reaching $500 million in handle in such a short time frame after launching, and to reach that mark with just five online operators and retail casinos closed for much of January is even more impressive,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Multiple factors had to come together to make that happen. The next step for the market is to get more operators online, which will help expand the pool of bettors.”
Illinois online operators attracted $581.6 million in bets in January, 98.9%, or $575.2 million, of which came online, according to official data released Wednesday. January’s handle was up 18.3% from $491.7 million in December, the fourth most among legal U.S. markets, behind only New Jersey ($958.7 million), Nevada ($646.5 million), and Pennsylvania ($615.3 million) during that month.
January’s bets pushed Illinois past $2 billion in lifetime handle, but more importantly, it generated a record $49.4 million in operator revenue, up 106.8% from $23.9 million in December. The win yielded $7.2 million in taxes for the state and another $479,052 in local taxes.
January is just the opening month in a year that could bring in more than $6 billion in wagers and $450 million in operator revenue, according to PlayIllinois projections. But that assumes continued maturity, including the addition of new operators.
To that end, Illinois will get a boost with the addition of Penn National’s Barstool-branded app, which is scheduled to launch on Friday and has made waves in Pennsylvania since launching there in September.
“Seeing an impactful operator such as Barstool launch is a reminder that Illinois still has so much more room to grow,” said Joe Boozell, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “A few uncertainties could slow the market, including the potential return of in-person registration. But January’s results are more evidence that 2021 will almost certainly mark a sizable leap forward for the state’s sports betting market.”
January’s results were helped by football wagering, including on the Chicago Bears’ brief playoff appearance. Football brought in $158.3 million bets, or 27.2% of the state’s handle. But with the NBA enjoying its first full month in January, basketball drew in $229.7 million, 39.5% of the state’s total handle.
With the state’s ban on betting on in-state college teams, sportsbooks did miss out on the opportunity to capitalize on the college basketball success of Illinois and Loyola Chicago, both of which have been among the nation’s best teams for much of the year. But legislation is currently proposed that could remove the ban, which would allow bettors to place wagers on local teams.
“In every legal market local teams, particularly those that are playing well, are crucial in fueling bettor engagement with sportsbooks,” Welman said. “Illinois isn’t alone in barring betting on in-state college teams, but it does artificially suppress wagering.”
DraftKings/Casino Queen took in 42% of the state market share with its $244.2 million combined handle in January, which was up from $195.4 million in December. That included $243.5 million in online bets. FanDuel/Par-A-Dice Casino was No. 2 in January with $173.5 million, including $173.3 million online. Overall handle was up from $144.5 million overall. BetRivers/Rivers Casino was No. 3 with $109 million in online betting and $112.7 million overall, up from $111.2 million in December.
Many retail sportsbooks reopened on Jan. 15, when pandemic related closures were lifted. Still, sportsbooks managed to attract $6.3 million in in-person bets.
“Having retail sportsbooks reopen was an important step for the state industry, even if sportsbooks weren’t as busy as they would’ve been during an ordinary year,” Boozell said. “With the retail market back in business, and the roster of online sportsbook operators growing, the coming months should offer a more trustworthy gauge of where Illinois is as a market.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Illinois, visit PlayIllinois.com/news.
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WA.Tech Launches Pick’Em Player Props Tool To Enhance Player-Focused Betting Experience

WA. Technology, the global iGaming solutions provider, has launched its Pick’Em player props product globally, centred on countries across Asia-Pacific, Africa and LatAm, with a particular focus on Brazil.
The newly released tool is designed to put the player at the centre of the wagering experience to bridge the gap between fans and sports.
With increased demand from casual fans for player-focused betting experiences, Pick’Em combines sports betting with fantasy gaming, focusing fully on individual player performance.
Offering between two and six markets across a variety of sports, the numerous benefits for operators include higher margins gained through users combining multiple players from different sports. With the differential from traditional sports betting, operators have the chance to gain an edge over competitors by using the tool.
There is also the opportunity for increased marketing through the creation of engaging and memorable campaigns related to Pick’Em.
Bettors can access a wealth of sports and betting markets, such as goals and assists in football, and then predict whether each player will be over or under their selected line in the specified market.
There are two ways users can opt to play – ‘Power Play’, where every selection must win, or ‘Flex Play’, where it will be settled as a winner even if one selection loses. Users can win up to 25 times their stake with accurate choices.
Users can even combine player picks from multiple sports in a single entry, which creates a unique cross-sport experience that brings them closer to their favourite stars.
As fan behavior shifts toward tracking individual players and athletes over teams, Pick’Em offers an intuitive and rewarding way for users to engage with the sports they love.
Pick’Em also addresses the key challenge in the sports betting world of the learning curve for new users and the lack of personalised, player-focused options. Unlike traditional betting formats that rely on team outcomes and complex odds, Pick’Em delivers a streamlined experience where fans simply predict whether individual players will go over or under specific stat lines.
The simplicity of Pick’Em means there are no confusing odds, instead, there are clear player predictions, which keeps it interesting, fun, and rewarding for both casual fans and more experienced bettors compared with traditional sports betting.
By combining a simple user interface with the excitement of predicting player outcomes, Pick’Em creates a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience that keeps users coming back for more.
Commenting on the launch, Will Booth, Product Owner at WA. Technology said: “With the global sports and fantasy sports industry projected to reach $230 billion by 2030. Rapid mobile adoption across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa is driving demand for simple, engaging, and player-focused betting tools like Pick’Em.
“Generations of adults have been brought up playing more fantasy-led sports games, and WA. Technology’s newest launch makes sports betting appear more relatable without the overwhelming feeling that newer gamblers often get.
“Pick’Em makes sports more exciting and personal for bettors, and opens up the opportunity for casual fans to feel more involved. Demand shows that fans today care more about player performance than ever before. Pick’Em taps directly into that passion, turning it into an easy, thrilling game that anyone can play.”
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Push Gaming makes landmark US debut in Michigan with BetMGM

B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has officially entered the United States, launching its highly anticipated content in Michigan through a landmark exclusive collaboration with leading operator BetMGM.
The milestone debut marks a significant step in Push Gaming’s global growth strategy, bringing its distinctive, player-first approach to one of North America’s most dynamic iGaming jurisdictions.
BetMGM players in Michigan can soon enjoy a selection of launch titles from Push Gaming, including the highly anticipated Big Bamboo and the action-packed 10 Flaming Bisons. The latter made a strong debut in December 2024 and quickly became a fan favourite across the network.
Additionally, Push Gaming will launch a number of exclusive titles for BetMGM, incorporating MGM Resorts International’s IP, such as MGM Grand Gamble, MGM Emerald Nights and Bellagio Diamonds, alongside Push Gaming’s portfolio of popular titles, ensuring a steady stream of fresh, localised content.
The market entry signals the beginning of Push Gaming’s US journey, with its content exclusively available on BetMGM, uniting two forward-thinking brands that share a deep focus on entertainment, innovation and long-term player engagement.
Widely recognised as a key driver of US iGaming growth, Michigan recorded over $218.5 million in gross internet gaming revenue in March 2025, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). With strong smartphone adoption, a loyal player base, and a commitment to innovation, the state provides the ideal launchpad for Push Gaming’s long-term ambitions in the country.
The addition of Push Gaming’s proven and popular titles will strengthen an already flourishing market and offer players fresh and compelling gaming experiences.
Push Gaming’s launch in Michigan directly builds on the successful collaboration established with BetMGM in Ontario. Working as a precursor, it demonstrates the robust nature of the relationship across North American markets.
Andy Bentley, COO at Push Gaming, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be live in the US, and Michigan is the perfect place to start. It’s a hugely important and vibrant market, and we’re proud to launch exclusively with BetMGM, one of the region’s most respected and established operators.”
“This launch is more than just a milestone. It’s a strategic step towards establishing Push Gaming as a market leader in North America. By building on our strong collaboration with BetMGM and delivering standout content, we’re confident we can grow a loyal and engaged player base in the US.”
Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content at BetMGM, added: “A pillar of our content strategy is partnering with exceptional game suppliers like Push Gaming, who have a reputation for high-quality games that have proven to be a hit with players.
“We take pride in being the first operator to bring Push Gaming’s content to the United States, especially in a leading iGaming market like Michigan.”
As BetMGM continues to expand into new markets and introduce new features, responsible gaming remains a key focus. The major brand is continually evolving its commitment to providing resources that help customers play responsibly, including GameSense, an industry-leading programme developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s existing responsible gambling tools, which provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.
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Win Systems successfully held Its exclusive Showroom in Peru

Win Systems, a leading provider of technology for the gaming and entertainment industry, successfully concluded its exclusive showroom event on May 28 and 29 at its offices in Lima, Peru. Over two engaging days, local operators and strategic partners had the opportunity to experience the company’s latest innovations first-hand, with special attention given to the new Gold Club Colors, an innovative evolution of its renowned electronic roulette.
The experience was highly praised by attendees, who interacted directly with the Gold Club Colors and witnessed its advanced aesthetic and functional customization features. This version allows key components such as LED lighting, armrests, cilinder, and game layout to be tailored to the visual identity of each casino, enhancing both the venue’s atmosphere and the overall player experience. Also drawing strong interest was the dynamic paytable, which adjusts rewards based on the flow of each game session.
“This event was truly special for us. Beyond showcasing our products, we wanted to create a space to connect, share ideas, and listen to the local market’s needs firsthand. The response was fantastic and encourages us to continue strengthening our presence in Peru,” said Galy Olazo, Country Manager for Win Systems in Peru.
The showroom not only demonstrated one of the most advanced electronic roulettes on the market in action but also reaffirmed Win Systems’ commitment to ongoing innovation and close collaboration with its clients and strategic partners.
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