Press Releases
PlayIA.com: Betting volume grows for first time since March
Iowa bettors boosted their wagering in August more than 20% from July, the first month-over-month gain in betting volume since March’s record-setting month. August’s uptick to more than $108 million was nearly enough for the state to reach $1 billion in wagering since Jan. 1, a noteworthy milestone ahead of what will likely be the busiest four months of the year, according to PlayIA, a leading source for news and analysis of the Iowa gaming market.
“Futures betting and a handful of college games are enough to move the needle. That’s how important football is to the sports betting industry,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayIA.com. “August is a precursor for what should be the busiest stretch of the year. Optimistic projections for the last four months put the state past $1.7 billion in wagers for the year.”
Iowa’s online and retail sportsbooks accepted $108.4 million in bets in August, up 21.1% from $88.9 million in July, according to official data released Monday. Bettors placed $3.5 million per day over the 31 days of August, up from $2.9 million per day over the 31 days of July.
Despite the volume increase, operator revenue fell 14.3% to $6.6 million from $7.7 million in July, resulting in $486,608 in tax revenue for the state.
Year-over-year, August’s wagering was up 115% compared with $50.3 million in August 2020. Meanwhile, revenue grew 120% in August from $3 million in August 2020. Iowa sportsbooks have now generated $997.0 million in bets since Jan. 1, falling just short of reaching $1 billion in wagering for the year.
“As slow as the summer months have been, the growth over the last year in Iowa remains remarkable,” said Russ Mitchell, lead analyst for PlayIA.com. “Nearly $1 billion in eight months represents a significant jump forward, and that growth should only accelerate over the next four months.”
Baseball led the way in August. But the return of college football, even if for just a handful of games, was a significant reason why volume increased in August.
September will show even greater gains, though. A full college football schedule and the return of the NFL will always bring a boom in sports betting. But Saturday’s showdown between No. 9 Iowa State and No. 10 Iowa — the first time a Cy-Hawk game featured both teams in the AP Top 10 — was something altogether different for Iowa sportsbooks.
“A game that creates that kind of excitement is rare, sending fans on both sides pouring into the state’s online and retail sportsbooks,” Ramsey said. “That made it a unique opportunity for the industry to reach college football fans all across Iowa, including those who have never placed a bet before.”
In August, $96.1 million in bets were made online, representing 88.6% of the state’s handle. Retail betting accounted for the remaining $12.4 million.
William Hill topped the online market with $34.8 million in online wagers, which yielded $229,427 in net receipts. DraftKings was second with $29.9 million in online wagering, generating a market-best $2.3 million in revenue.
Ameristar Council Bluffs topped the retail market with $3.6 million in wagers, netting $643,585 in revenue. Diamond Jo Worth was second with $3.4 million in bets, producing $246,324 in revenue.
“Operators have been jockeying for market share since the beginning of the year, but the real test comes with the beginning of the football season,” Mitchell said. “If operators put in place a solid strategy for reaching out to customers over the summer, the fruits of that labor will start to come in September.”
For more information on regulated sports betting in Iowa, visit PlayIA.com/revenue/.
BETER, the award-winning provider of fast betting content, data, and live streaming, has obtained vendor registration from the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), the regulatory authority in the U.S. state of New Jersey.
This marks BETER’s first regulatory approval in the United States, enabling the company to deliver its real-time data and live streams to licensed operators in New Jersey—empowering them to offer players non-stop, fast-paced betting experiences.
The first product approved by the New Jersey DGE is BETER’s flagship Setka Cup table tennis tournaments, which are already live on the New Jersey domain of tier-one sportsbook bet365, also operating in multiple U.S. states.
BETER arranges over 11,000 Setka Cup matches per month across over 16 arenas worldwide, offering 30+ betting markets per event. All contests are monitored 24/7 by BETER’s in-house integrity team, which is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of fair play and transparency.
In total, the provider organizes more than 46,000 fast betting events monthly across esports and sports disciplines. Its portfolio features ESportsBattle tournaments, which include popular titles such as eFootball, eBasketball, and eHockey, alongside classic sports like basketball, tennis, and table tennis. Additional disciplines are scheduled for release later in 2025.
BETER also provides an Esports Odds Feed which delivers market-leading odds for more than 450 tournaments globally with 40,000+ pre-match and live events each year. Odds are calculated using official data and are compiled by a team of expert traders.
Gal Ehrlich, CEO of BETER, said: “This is a milestone moment for the BETER team, as we see tremendous potential for our fast betting products and solutions in New Jersey and across the U.S.
“We’ve already built a strong reputation as a go-to provider in key markets from Latin America to Europe, and that trust has been instrumental in securing the approvals needed for our U.S. launch.
“Setka Cup has cultivated a loyal following worldwide, and we’re thrilled to introduce it to bettors in New Jersey—and in other U.S. states where we plan to go live in the coming months.”
Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, added: “Securing our first U.S. approval marks a significant legal and operational achievement for BETER. Our legal team, in close collaboration with our trusted partner, the law firm Blank Rome, worked tirelessly with the New Jersey DGE to bring this to life.
“But we are not stopping there. We are accelerating efforts to certify our ESportsBattle product for the New Jersey market, while actively pursuing licenses in all U.S. states where gambling is permitted—the key ones, as of today, being Colorado, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.”
California
California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Suitability Applications in April 2025 Meeting
The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened its latest public meeting to deliberate on a broad range of licensing, regulatory, and suitability matters concerning individuals and entities engaged in California’s gambling and tribal gaming industries. The comprehensive session covered over a dozen agenda items and featured detailed reviews of employee licenses, work permits, third-party proposition services, tribal gaming suitability, and supplier renewals.
Key Highlights from the April 2025 Commission Meeting:
1. Initial and Temporary Key Employee Licenses
The Commission evaluated the initial applications of Louis Garcia and Bounlek Syvilay, with differing staff recommendations. Garcia’s case was recommended for referral to an evidentiary hearing due to concerns related to illegal gambling. Syvilay, on the other hand, received a conditional approval pending regular updates on delinquent tax obligations.
2. Work Permit Renewal Denials
The renewal work permit for Charlene Gonzales was recommended for denial by Commission staff.
3. Third-Party Proposition Player Services Licenses
Applications from entities like KBCH Consultants, Inc. and Players Edge Services were reviewed. Jared Francis (KBCH) received a conditional recommendation, requiring proof of debt resolution, while Jarrel Guieb (Players Edge) was recommended for straightforward approval.
4. Gaming Resource Supplier Suitability Findings
Several major suppliers received approval for either initial or renewal findings of suitability under California’s tribal-state compacts, including:
-
Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
-
Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology America, Inc.
-
HCAL, LLC (Caesars Entertainment)
-
IGT (International Game Technology)
-
Interblock USA, L.C.
-
Surveillance Systems Integration, Inc.
These approvals, spanning expiration dates through 2027, reflect ongoing compliance and operational integrity.
5. Key Employee Suitability Findings for Tribal Casinos
Dozens of applicants across tribal gaming properties received either initial or renewal findings of suitability. Highlights include approvals for employees at:
-
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
-
Jamul Casino
-
Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino
-
Agua Caliente Casinos (multiple locations)
-
Sycuan Casino and Resort
-
Graton Resort & Casino
-
Thunder Valley Casino Resort
-
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
These decisions reflect the Commission’s continued oversight of individuals holding influential roles in tribal casino operations throughout California.
6. Third-Party Employee Licensing – Extensive Review
The Commission reviewed an extensive list of initial and renewal applications for third-party proposition player services employees across several operators including:
-
Blackstone Gaming, LLC
-
Knighted Ventures, LLC
-
Progressive Gaming, LLC
-
F2 TPS, LLC
-
L.E. Gaming, Inc.
Hundreds of individual applications were evaluated, with most receiving recommended approvals through 2027.
7. Commission Work Permits and Renewals
Work permit renewals for cardroom employees at venues such as Casino Merced, Empire Sportsmen’s Association, and Napa Valley Casino were also considered and approved.
8. Tribal-State Compact Supplier and Key Employee Hearings
Default decisions were discussed for applicants who did not respond or attend scheduled hearings. These included applicants for tribal-state compact key employee findings and third-party proposition player licenses. No staff recommendations were issued for these hearings.
9. Authorized Table Requests
Stars Casino submitted a request regarding the number of authorized tables. The staff recommended that the Commission take no action at this time.
10. Consent Calendar Approvals
The Commission recommended approval of multiple consent calendar items, with exceptions noted for select applicants.
EGT Digital took the “Best Aggregator 2025” prize from this year’s SiGMA Americas Awards. At an official ceremony held on 7th April, the Bulgarian iGaming provider received the accolade in recognition of its visionary casino aggregation platform, which offers a vast library of over 13,000 gaming titles from more than 130 leading providers.
EGT Digital’s Gaming Aggregator is one of the 4 main modules of the company’s in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform X-Nave, and can function both as part of the turnkey solution and independently. It stands out with a flexible front-end, allowing the use of iFrame and various widgets for custom casino website development. The easy API integration and numerous fast time-to-market capabilities guarantee quick access to a wide variety of games. In addition the Aggregator offers 24/7 support, as well as in-depth reporting and a comprehensive performance overview. Combined with numerous functionalities for content personalization and tools like the Buy Bonus and Hot and Cold games category, providing live RTP insights, these features enable operators to create offers, perfectly fitting their customers’ preferences and needs.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Celina Guedes, Regional Director Brazil at EGT. “It is an expression of the high appreciation given to our team for their creativity and tireless efforts in enhancing player engagement and operator efficiency. We would like to thank our clients, partners, and friends who have once again shown us their invaluable support. This prize inspires us to continue to contribute to improving and enriching the gaming environment on a global scale through our highly advanced gaming solutions.”
-
Compliance Updates7 days agoBlitzcrown Secures GLI Certification for Three Crash Games in Brazil
-
Latest News6 days agoIGT Wheel of Fortune Video Poker Makes Global Debut at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas
-
Latest News6 days agoMLB Players Sign Licensing Agreement with PENN Entertainment
-
Latest News6 days agoNASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Teams with Hard Rock International as Brand Ambassador
-
Latest News7 days agoBelatra excited to present LatAm innovations at BiS SiGMA Americas 2025
-
Latest News6 days agoCaesars Entertainment Debuts its First Live Dealer Studio Inside One of its Caesars Rewards Destinations
-
Latest News6 days agoSlotozilla Conducts Study on Psychology of Gambling
-
Latest News6 days agoMarker Trax Appoints Michael Daly as its Chief Operating Officer