Press Releases
PlayIA.com: Sports betting volume falls to less than $90 million
Iowa’s sportsbooks extended a streak of month-over-month declines in betting volume, taking in less than $89 million in bets in July in what was the 24th month of sports betting in the state. July’s betting volume decrease is historically the single slowest month for sports wagering in the U.S., and even the Olympics and NBA Finals couldn’t reverse the trend in Iowa, according to PlayIA, a leading source for news and analysis of the Iowa gaming market.
“The Olympics and the later-than-usual NBA Finals gave bettors more opportunities to place a bet than what would be a typical July, but neither were able to move the needle much,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayIA.com. “Bettors simply check out in July, when summer vacations and other pursuits take precedence. But a surge in betting will certainly come with the beginning of the football season.”
Iowa’s online and retail sportsbooks took in $88.9 million in July, down 20% from $111.2 million in June to extend a streak of month-over-month declines to four, according to official data released Friday. July marked the lowest handle in the state since November 2020, as bettors placed $2.9 million per day over the 31 days of July, well short of the $3.7 million per day in June.
The betting volume results followed a historical trend. The pandemic skewed 2020 data, but the lowest volume month across the U.S. in both 2018 and 2019 was in July. The boost in volume pushed net operator revenue to $7.1 million in June, down 15.7% from $8.4 million in June. That resulted in $479,479 in tax revenue for the state.
Baseball and basketball held most of Iowa’s betting water in July. Iowa put in place a cautious framework for Olympics betting, which barred wagering on individual events that feature athletes under the age of 18. That took some of the betting inventory off the board.
“Mainstream sports such as basketball and golf, along with a handful of high-profile events, have drawn the most Olympics interest,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for PlayUSA.com and PlayIA.com. “But there was no wave of action from the Olympics. Bettors aren’t as comfortable wagering on Olympic events. And partly it’s because betting on many high-profile events in swimming and gymnastics, which took center stage in the early part of the Olympics, were barred because minors were competing.”
Sports betting launched in Iowa on Aug. 15, 2019, which made July 2021 the 24th month of operation. It has been a winding road with the pandemic that hobbled the industry in 2020 and the removal of in-person registration requirements that has rocketed the market forward in 2021.
In 24 months, Iowa sportsbooks have generated:
- $1.7 billion in wagering
- $122.8 million in gross gaming revenue
- $8.3 million in tax revenue
“Iowa has experienced so many twists and turns over the last two years, but the state’s sportsbooks find themselves in a good place,” Welman said. “Sportsbooks will hit more than $1 billion in wagering by September at the latest, nearly doubling the handle for all of 2020 before football kicks off. That is staggering growth.”
In July, $77.9 million in bets were made online, representing 87.6% of the state’s handle. Retail betting accounted for the remaining $11.0 million.
Caesars Sportsbook, which was rebranded from William Hill, generated 35% of Iowa’s handle in July with $31.1 million in total wagers. That is down from $36.65 million in June. $28.7 million of July’s wagers were made online. In all, July’s wagering yielded $1.0 million in net receipts.
Wild Rose, which includes DraftKings and BetRivers, took in $25.2 million in online and retail wagering, down from $31.5 in June. July’s handle included $25.0 million in online wagering. The wagering was enough to produce $2.6 million in revenue, topping the market.
Diamond Jo, fueled by FanDuel and BetMGM, was third in the state with $21.4 million in combined wagers, down from $26.6 million in June. $18.4 million of July’s wagering came online. That was enough to net a market-leading $2.4 million in revenue.
Bally Bet, the state’s newest operator, collected $1.1 million in wagers and $111,157 in revenue in its first full month of operation.
Latest News
Favbet × Spinner: An Exclusive Live Studio That Has Already Gained Recognition in Ukraine
Ukraine now has its first full-fledged Ukrainian-language live product, created by local specialists for local players.
The format combines modern technology with national identity, turning gameplay into a space where native language is heard from the very first moment.
Favbet opened a new opportunity for the market in the live segment. Without waiting for audience demand, the company shaped it itself, introducing its own branded live studio powered by Spinner. This proactive step secured Favbet’s reputation as an innovator that sets standards and creates trends.
The project was entrusted to Spinner — a modern and ambitious B2B provider with Ukrainian DNA and technological expertise, capable of delivering a fully branded studio in the state language. The partnership united shared values, high standards, and a clear understanding that players choose content closest and most relatable to them.
The studio’s atmosphere reflects Ukrainian character and hospitality. Hosts communicate in a relaxed manner, respond in real time, keep conversations flowing, and add light humor. It is a place players come not only for the game but also for live interaction and a sense of community.
Deep customization, Ukrainian-speaking hosts, and instant support create the comfort level every Favbet user deserves. Demand has grown so rapidly that in just one year the number of tables doubled from six to twelve.
Most importantly, these games are available exclusively on Favbet’s website and mobile applications.
Favbet × Spinner made Ukrainian the foundation and raised the quality bar to the level of global best practices.
PARTICIPATION IN GAMBLING CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION. PLEASE FOLLOW RESPONSIBLE GAMING PRINCIPLES.
License for online casino operations dated 20.04.2021 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 137 of 05.04.2021 (as amended), and license for bookmaking operations dated 28.12.2022 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 433 of 13.12.2022.
EGT’s RK6C roulette made its debut on a global level. The product was installed at the sophisticated Volcano Casino in Ulcinj, Montenegro, earlier this month.
“We are very happy that the first installation of RK6C was accomplished here,” said Milen Dimitrov, Director of EGT’s office, responsible for Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. “We have a long-term, fruitful cooperation with the operator, which we have now strengthened once again. This roulette has enormous potential to become a favorite of the casino’s customers and the results it has demonstrated so far are eloquent testimony.”
RK6C is the latest member of the company’s portfolio of ETG solutions. Standing out with a sleek design featuring 6 play stations and numerous advanced features, including dynamic LED lighting and engaging sound effects, it provides players with a state-of-the-art gaming experience. Guests of the establishment enjoy unparalleled comfort while trying their luck with Blue Power HD and Green Power HD multigame mixes, containing some of EGT’s well-known slot titles combined with widely preferred multiplayer games such as Baccarat, Blackjack, European, and American Roulette.
Adi Plakalo, Chief Executive Officer, Vezuv d.o.o., highly appreciated the product’s performance. He stated: “Having in mind the great popularity that EGT’s slot games and cabinets from General, Phoenix, and General Series have gained among clients on all our casino floors, we had very high expectations for the RK6C. It not only met, but even exceeded them. That is why, next month, another roulette of this model will be available at one of our other locations. We are also considering more installations in the future.”
EGT Digital is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the prominent Kenyan operator Pepeta. Thanks to the provider’s Gaming Aggregator, pepeta.com customers can now enjoy the hit slot titles from the Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash, Single Progressive Jackpot, and Gods & Kings Link jackpots.
“We are very impressed with the performance of EGT Digital’s products, especially Bell Link and Clover Chance, which immediately caught the attention of our players and became their favorites,” said Joseph Mbugua, Kenya Country Manager of Pepeta. “I believe that our cooperation with the Bulgarian company will fully unleash its potential in the coming months, continuing to deliver remarkable results for us and our clients.”
Zsuzsanna Zeibig, Sales manager for Africa at EGT Digital, also shared her positive expectations regarding the partnership, stating that “it is of strategic importance for positioning our company as a leader not only in Kenya, but also in the region as a whole.” She concluded: “I would like to thank Pepeta for placing their trust in us. I am confident that together we will be able to further enhance the gaming experience of local players, providing them with access to innovative gaming solutions at a world-class level.”
-
Latest News7 days agoSlotMatrix ignites the reels of West Virginia with Wild Extravaganza launch
-
Latest News2 days agoQuick Custom Intelligence Welcomes Industry Veteran Melissa Chiaurro as Vice President of Business Development
-
Latest News2 days agoEGT Digital in a strategic partnership with Pepeta in Kenya
-
Latest News2 days agoUruguay Introduces New 0.75% Tax on Casino and Gaming Bets
-
Latest News2 days agoEveryMatrix signals LatAm expansion plans with CIBELAE membership
-
Gambling in the USA4 days agoFanatics Betting and Gaming, Boyd Gaming Announce Missouri Partnership
-
Latest News4 days agoBetHog Chooses Optimove as its Marketing Solution through Ignite+ Program to Jumpstart its Marketing
-
Latest News4 days agoELA Games at SBC Lisbon: New Games, Market Growth, and Awards Night