Press Releases
PlayIllinois.com: Sportsbooks suffer first month-over-month decline, but gain ground on nation’s top markets
Illinois sportsbooks posted a month-over-month decline in betting volume for the first time since launching in late July, continuing what was a national trend in February. But the state still managed to narrowly surpass Pennsylvania to place third among U.S. states for the month. More concerning for what has been a booming industry in Illinois, though, is the return of in-person registration, which could stymie online sports betting growth for as long as it is in place, according to PlayIllinois, which provides news and analysis of the state’s gaming industry.
“Passing Pennsylvania should be momentous but it is almost certainly going to be short-lived, as the decision to return to in-person registration will likely mean the end of growth for the Illinois sports betting industry,†said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Open registration has been a key component in making Illinois one of the largest sports betting markets in the country. Forcing people to physically appear in a retail sportsbook is a counterproductive measure, which should be apparent whenever Illinois April data is released.â€
With open registration still in place in February, Illinois retail and online sportsbooks attracted $509.8 million in wagers, according to official data released Friday. That is down 12.3% from the record $581.6 million in January, an expected dip with fewer days during the month and only one NFL game to bet. That game, the Super Bowl, drew $45.6 million in bets, though some of those bets were accepted prior to February.
Bettors placed $18.2 million per day in the 28 days of February, which was down slightly from $18.8 million per day in January. Illinois’ relatively modest pullback made it the third-largest U.S. market in terms of money wagered, gaining ground on leaders New Jersey ($743 million) and Nevada ($554.1 million), while topping Pennsylvania ($509.5 million) for the first time.
February’s handle also produced $30.3 million in operator revenue, down 38.7% from the record $49.4 million in January. But the month’s win produced $35.4 million in taxable revenue, which yielded $5.3 million in taxes for the state and another $541,832 in local taxes.
“February’s results in Illinois actually compare well to the other major markets in the U.S., showing that the state had yet to reach its ceiling,†said Joe Boozell, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Even with the return of in-person registration, operators have set a good foundation of bettors that will sustain the industry, even as the rules stunt the market’s growth.â€
For the first time in months, retail sportsbooks were open for a full month, attracting $19.6 million in bets. But online betting still drove 96.2%, or $490.2 million, of the state’s handle. That is down from 98.9%, or $575.2 million, in online betting in January.
DraftKings/Casino Queen remained the market leader by accepting $199.8 million in online and retail wagers in February, which was down from the operator’s $244.2 million handle in January but still represented 39.2% of the state’s total handle. $196.5 million of February’s bets came online.
FanDuel/Par-A-Dice Casino was second with its $158.9 million handle, $158.4 million of which came online. The operator’s overall handle was down from $173.5 million in January. BetRivers/Rivers Casino was third with $86.9 million in online betting and $96.4 million overall, down from $112.7 million in January.
The market has also gotten more competitive, most notably from the March 11 launch of Penn National’s Barstool-branded app, which is partnering with Hollywood Casinos. But Barstool’s launch came just weeks before the end of open registration, hamstringing what has been a popular operator in both Pennsylvania and Michigan.
“Barstool had just three weeks to build a customer base in an open environment, which should put it at a permanent disadvantage against the market leaders,†Welman said. “That said, their brand is popular and should draw significant interest, helping to grow the market. It could be the last hurrah, of sorts, as new operators might be deterred by in-person registration.â€
In February, Super Bowl betting drove more action than any other single event, of course. But the NBA and college basketball continued to be a popular bet, drawing $256.7 million, or 50.4% of the state’s total handle, even as college basketball betting is slowed by the ban on wagers on in-state college teams. And bettors placed $45.3 million on tennis, a surprising surge for what is a fringe betting sport in much of the U.S.
“Illinois has grown in ways that are typical of most major markets, with an overwhelming preference for major U.S. sports and driven less by single events,†Boozell said. “But tennis’ popularity shows that the state is unique in some ways, too. We will now see how operators adapt to the state’s regulatory decisions, which have created challenges that sportsbooks will have to overcome to grow in the future.â€
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.â€
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.
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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