Press Releases
PlayVirginia.com: Sportsbooks make gains in August ahead of football season

Virginia’s sportsbooks bounced back with more than $180 million in wagering in August, a modest surge after July’s low. The gains in August were made in part because Virginians were offered their first opportunity to bet on early season football, offering a limited sample of what will likely be record-breaking months ahead for the commonwealth’s fledgling sports betting market, according to PlayVirginia, which offers news and analysis of the Virginia’s sports betting market.
“Baseball did much of the heavy lifting in August, but NFL futures betting, preseason football, and a small sampling of college games make a significant difference for sportsbooks,” said Dann Stupp, lead analyst for PlayVirginia.com. “Seeing any gain is a breath of fresh air after what was the typical slow period for the industry. But August’s gains are just a foreshadow for what will certainly be the busiest stretch since Virginia launched sports betting in January.”
Bettors placed $182.4 million in wagers at Virginia’s sportsbooks in August, up 12.7% from $161.9 million in July, according to data released Friday by The Virginia Lottery. The pace of betting grew to $5.9 million per day over the 31 days of August, topping $5.2 million over the 31 days of July, which was the lowest daily volume in any month this year.
Gross gaming revenue did fall 10.0% to $18.0 million from to $20.0 million in July. That created $8.7 million in adjusted gross revenue, yielding $1.4 million in state taxes, including $34,463 for problem gambling support.
Despite the gains, August’s handle and revenue totals were still well below the highs hit in March, which brought $304.1 million in wagers and $26.6 million in gross revenue. Virginia, though, remains on one of the fastest tracks of any legal sports betting market in U.S. history, attracting $1.7 billion in wagers and $145.0 million in gross gaming revenue since launching in January.
But the final four months of 2021 should bring the market to new heights with full schedules of college and NFL football. In 2020, a year marred by the shutdown of major sports for months, 60.2% of the money wagered legally in the U.S. was placed from September through December. In 2019, 50.8% of all legal wagers were made during the last four months of the year.
“We are entering the most important four months for Virginia’s sports betting industry, and it will be exciting to see how Virginia bettors respond to a full schedule of football,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayVirginia.com. “It is a great bet that from September through the end of the year, the commonwealth’s sportsbooks will shatter just about every record that was set earlier this year.”
The roster of operators in Virginia continues to shift, which is expected during football season. Barstool Sports debuted in August, and Golden Nugget is gearing up for its own launch, pledging funds to five Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Meanwhile, BlueBet Holdings abandoned its pursuit of a license.
Operators often target football season to debut, aiming to capitalize on increased interest. Football season represents an important opportunity for established operators, too.
“College football and the NFL will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in bets at Virginia’s sportsbooks, which is important on its own,” Stupp said. “With increased engagement comes a chance for sportsbooks to grow their customer base. A good promotional strategy set over the summer should start to pay off in September.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Virginia, visit PlayVirginia.com/revenue.
Compliance Updates
ThrillTech secures regulatory approvals to launch jackpots in Latam

Peru and Brazil to provide launchpad for Latam expansion as ThrillTech strengthens presence in emerging regulated markets
ThrillTech, the B2B jackpot specialist, has taken a significant step forward in its international growth strategy after securing a B2B licence in Peru and regulatory certification in Brazil.
The approvals clear the path for ThrillTech to launch its proprietary player-funded jackpot solutions in Latin America for the first time, bringing its flagship ThrillPots product to one of the world’s most exciting and emerging regions for iGaming.
Latin America has become a focal point for operators in recent years, with Brazil’s market liberalisation and Peru’s structured regulatory framework, as set out by the country’s ministry of foreign trade and tourism (MINCETUR), providing fertile ground for innovative engagement tools.
By working tirelessly to secure entry into both countries, ThrillTech is positioning itself to support operators with compliant, performance-driven jackpot mechanics that can drive revenue and enhance retention.
Peter Mares, CTO and co-founder of ThrillTech, said: “Expanding into Latin America is a milestone moment for us. The region is bursting with opportunity, but it also demands solutions that are flexible, transparent, and built to scale. With a licence in Peru and certification in Brazil, we are ready to deliver the same measurable revenue impact to operators in Latam that we’ve already proven in Europe.
ThrillTech’s products are designed to provide operators with new revenue streams through side-bet jackpots, while also offering real-time engagement mechanics via cash-only rewards.
Already integrated with multiple tier-one operators in Europe, ThrillTech is now primed to replicate that success in Latam by delivering regulator-approved solutions to local operators.
Latest News
Inspired Extends Brazil Presence with EstrelaBet Partnership

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading provider of B2B gaming content, systems, and solutions, has expanded its presence in Brazil through a newly launched partnership with EstrelaBet, a leading Brazilian gaming tech company. The collaboration brings Inspired’s acclaimed portfolio of iGaming titles to EstrelaBet’s growing player base, further demonstrating the Company’s commitment to the region’s gaming industry.
Through integration facilitated by Softswiss, EstrelaBet players in Brazil will now have access to a wide selection of Inspired’s top-performing online and mobile slot titles, including localized versions of global hits such as Big Fishing Fortune™ (Super Pescaria da Fortuna), Golden Winner™ (Campeão de Ouro), Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money™ (Polícia e Ladrão Bolada), Centurion Big Money™ (Centurion Muita Grana), among others. The rollout will also include regular new content releases, offering a balance of fan-favourite classics, innovative mechanics, and seasonal experiences designed to maximize player engagement and retention.
Claire Osborne, Vice President of Interactive at Inspired Entertainment, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with EstrelaBet to bring our diverse portfolio of fun games to Brazilian players. From proven hits to innovative seasonal content, our titles are designed to entertain, captivate, and perform. This partnership marks another important step in expanding Inspired’s reach in one of the world’s most exciting and fast-growing iGaming markets.”
Fellipe Fraga, Chief Business Officer at EstrelaBet, added: “This collaboration positions EstrelaBet at the forefront of the Brazilian iGaming sector by offering our players access to some of the most recognized and entertaining slots content available. Inspired’s reputation for quality and variety makes them an ideal partner, and we look forward to delivering their games to our growing audiences across Brazil.”
With localized branding, strong thematic appeal, and a track record of high performance across regulated markets, Inspired’s iGaming content is well positioned to captivate Brazil’s rapidly expanding online player base while delivering added value to operators.
Latest News
NOVOMATIC sets high expectations at GAT Bogotá with launches that redefine multi-games

On September 25, NOVOMATIC will once again take center stage at GAT Expo, with the largest booth at the event at the Hotel Sheraton Bogotá, and a line-up of products that anticipate new trends in the gaming industry.
In addition to showcasing its most advanced technology, the company will offer an exclusive hospitality space, where visitors can enjoy appetizers and drinks in an ideal setting while they discover the latest additions to its portfolio!
A new multi-game platform that will make waves
Among the most anticipated launches, NOVOMATIC will unveil a brand-new multi-game platform that is destined to become a true game changer within its product line. Featuring a selection of must-play titles and offering operators a differentiated approach, this solution is set to generate tremendous excitement in the market.
In the words of Manuel Del Sol, CEO of NOVOMATIC Gaming Colombia: “We are proud to bring a platform to Bogotá that redefines what operators can expect from a multi-game. This is a proposal that not only enhances the player experience, but also represents another step forward in our vision of delivering comprehensive, high-performance solutions across all market segments.”
The company keep is keeping the details under wraps, inviting operators to discover the platform exclusively at GAT Bogotá.
A portfolio that consolidates leadership
- Multi-game Platforms: Magic Games Premium HD Edition 5, available on PANTHER 3.27 and FUNMASTER 2.27 cabinets, and Impera Line™ HD Edition 9, showcased on the PANTHER 3.27, delivering greater versatility and top-performing titles.
- Linked Progressive Jackpots: Superia CASH CONNECTION™ Vol. 1 & 2, IMPERA LINK™ Series 2, and NOVO LINE™ GOLDEN LINK™ Edition 2, all displayed on the flagship BLACK EDITION II 3.27 and MASTER SL™ 3.32 cabinets.
Return of Ruby Package with Globe Link™ Xtension
After its successful debut in Cartagena, the Ruby Package returns, now joined by the GLOBE LINK™ Xtension Vol. 1 & 2. This solution combines cutting-edge hardware and engaging content, enhancing visual appeal and player engagement. The highlights of the package include the BLACK EDITION II 1.49J, which features an upgraded design, luminous infills, and a premium style that maximizes impact on the gaming floor.
Features that captivate players
The GLOBE LINK™ Xtension includes features that are highly appreciated by modern players:
- Golden Spins: with high-impact spins and boosted prize potential
- Free Games: extended playtime and engagement
- Xpress Feature: instant access to Golden Spins for direct action
- Expanding Reels: increased chances of winning in every game
Cabinets designed for every market
At GAT Bogotá, NOVOMATIC will also showcase its renowned BLACK EDITION II line of cabinets, which has been praised by operators worldwide for its premium design, substantial visual impact, and ease of maintenance.
The BLACK EDITION II 1.49J stands out with its J-curved screen, which is designed to maximize immersion and extend player time on the device. The Black Metro finish and ambient LED lighting give the cabinet a commanding presence on the gaming floor, making it a solid benchmark in the portfolio.
Other models from the same line follow this philosophy, combining the ergonomics, visibility, and powerful aesthetics that have made BLACK EDITION II a synonym of innovation and performance.
In parallel, the FUNMASTER 2.27 and PANTHER 3.27 cabinets continue to be in high demand in the Colombian market, thanks to their outstanding price-to-performance ratio and proven reliability. In such a diverse market, their versatility underscores NOVOMATIC’s flexibility in adapting to different operational realities, ranging from premium venues to investment-sensitive operations.
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