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ILLINOIS SPORTSBOOKS HIT $400 MILLION IN WAGERING IN AUGUST Sports betting volume rises in August, foreshadowing what will be a busy fall, according to PlayIllinois

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Illinois sportsbooks

 

Illinois sportsbooks began to emerge from a summer slowdown in August with an 8.5% gain in betting volume from July, the first month-over-month gain in wagering since March. The boost to more than $400 million in wagering was welcome ahead of a critical time of year for the industry, according to PlayIllinois, which tracks the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.

“Interest in baseball, particularly the White Sox, coupled with the return of football in August, set the stage for what will certainly be the busiest four-month stretch ever for Illinois’ legal sports betting industry,” said Eric Ramsey, an analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayIllinois.com. “After summer, any gain is welcome. But the gains in August should pale in comparison to what we see with a full football schedule.”

Illinois’ retail and online sportsbooks accepted $400.4 million in bets in August, up 185.8% from $140.1 million in August 2020 and up 8.5% from $369.1 million in July, according to official data released Tuesday. The per-day betting volume grew to $12.9 million over the 31 days of August, up from $4.5 million per day in August 2020 and $11.9 million per day in July.

Gross gaming revenue fell 12.3% to $32.7 million in August from $37.3 million in July, which produced $26.8 million in adjusted gross revenue. August’s profit yielded $4.3 million in state and local taxes.

Baseball garnered the most interest in August, drawing $139.6 million in wagers, up from $124.0 million of action in July. Tennis ($43.4 million) and soccer ($30.8 million) drew significant interest, too. With just a handful of college and NFL preseason games, in addition to futures betting, football attracted $17.2 million in wagering.

August’s volume helped push the industry to $4.0 million in wagers and $326.3 million in gross gaming revenue for the year. And with football projected to draw more than $20 billion in wagering across the country, the state could reach $6 billion in wagering and $500 million in gross revenue by year’s end.

“There is little question that the final four months of the year will bring an onslaught of fresh records,” said Joe Boozell, lead analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “The biggest unknown is how much will in-person registration and the ban on wagering on in-state college teams drag on betting volume. We know it will be a strong finish to the year for sportsbooks, but it won’t be as good for the industry as it could have been.”

August’s wagering included $380.2 million in online bets, accounting for 95.0% of the state’s handle. DraftKings/Casino Queen topped Illinois again with $149.2 million in combined online and retail handle, up from $122.7 million in July. The operator took in a market-best $146.6 million in online wagers, too. In all, DraftKings generated a market-leading $11.3 million in gross gaming revenue, a notable gain from $9.5 million in July after the operator began offering profitable same-game parlays.

FanDuel was second with $111.5 million in online and retail wagers, down from $118.5 million in bets in July. $110.9 million of August’s wagering came online. The result was $10.5 million in gross gaming revenue.

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The leaders were followed by:

  • BetRivers/Rivers Casino ($73.5 million in wagers, including $64.8 million online; $6.1 million in revenue)
  • PointsBet/Hawthorne Race Course ($28.9 million in wagers, including $27.3 million online; $2.5 million in revenue)
  • Barstool/Hollywood Aurora ($26.4 million in wagers, including $25.5 million online; $2.1 million in revenue)
  • Caesars by William Hill/Grand Victoria ($6.5 million in wagers, including $5.2 million online; -$157,256 in revenue)
  • Argosy ($3.3 million in retail wagers; $242,700 in revenue)
  • Hollywood Joliet ($771,613 in retail wagers; $74,856 in revenue)
  • Par-A-Dice ($266,658 in wagers; $5,043 in revenue)

“The return of football brings in high betting volume, which is a motivator for every operator,” Boozell said. “But the value of football season for sportsbooks isn’t just in short-term profitability. Strong engagement offers sportsbooks an opportunity to grow their customer base by using aggressive promotions and other marketing strategies. And that can pay off even after the football season ends.”

For more revenue information, visit PlayIllinois.com/revenue.

Latin America

Mexico Gambling Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 40.64 Billion By 2033 | Astute Analytica

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The Mexico gambling market was valued at US$ 11.37 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 40.64 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.71% during the forecast period 2025–2033.

Mexico’s gambling market navigates a transformative legal landscape under the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law (LJRS), amended in 2021 and further refined in 2023 to address emerging challenges. As of 2024, the Dirección General de Juegos y Sorteos (DGOJ) mandates that operators maintain audited capital reserves of at least US$2 million and implement geoblocking tools to prevent cross-border betting—key measures tightening Mexico’s historically porous regulatory regime. State-level disparities complicate compliance: Jalisco imposes a 7% local tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), while Quintana Roo exempts integrated resorts to boost tourism. The FATF’s 2023 audit highlighted AML weaknesses, prompting real-time transaction reporting for bets exceeding $2,500 via SEGOB’s centralized platform.

Despite progress, Mexico State and Guerrero remain hubs for illegal gambling dens in the Mexico gambling market, which SEGOB estimates siphon $450 million annually from licensed operators. Licensing delays (12–18 months) and hefty fines for noncompliance—up to $1.5 million for AML breaches—have consolidated market power among incumbents like Grupo Caliente and Codere. Looking ahead, federal rulings on cryptocurrency betting (pending Q4 2024) could redefine growth, as blockchain adoption accelerates among newer entrants like Betcris.

Key Findings in Mexico Gambling Market

Market Forecast (2033) US$ 40.64 Billion
CAGR 15.71%
By Type Casino (44.86%)
By Channel Type Offline (53.97%)
By Payment method Credits and Debits Cards (39.36%)
By End Users Gambling Enthusiasts (65.10%)
Top Drivers
  • Surging mobile internet penetration enabling online betting platform growth.
  • Legal reforms attracting foreign investment and cross-border partnerships.
  • Rising sports culture, especially soccer, driving domestic wagering demand.
Top Trends
  • Accelerated shift to hybrid land-based and digital gambling experiences.
  • AI integration for personalized betting and real-time fraud detection.
  • Growing adoption of cryptocurrency deposits despite regulatory uncertainty.
Top Challenges
  • Persistent illegal gambling operations eroding licensed market revenue.
  • Infrastructure gaps limiting rural access to online gambling services.
  • Public backlash over youth exposure and problem gambling spikes.

Land-Based Casinos: Adapting to Declining Demand and Tourism Shifts

Mexico’s 347 land-based casinos face structural challenges in the gambling market, with 2023 revenue dipping 5% year-over-year to $1.4 billion due to waning foot traffic and inflationary pressures. Urban centers like Mexico City and Monterrey—home to 45 and 32 casinos respectively—report an 8% decline in per-venue revenue, as labor costs surge by 12% and younger patrons migrate online. Luxury resorts buck the trend: Grupo Caliente’s Tijuana Hippodromo Casino saw VIP table game revenue climb 14% in 2023, driven by cross-border traffic from San Diego. Slot machines, still generating 78% of casino income, are evolving—Aristocrat’s “Skill-based Cash Claw” machines now feature mini-games targeting Gen Z.

Meanwhile, 14 small casinos in Baja California closed since 2022, unable to afford biometric entry systems priced at $120,000 annually per venue in the Mexico gambling market. Diversification strategies are emerging: 22% of ancillary revenue now comes from non-gaming events, such as sold-out concerts at CDMX’s Casino Palace. In coastal regions, hurricane-related closures in Quintana Roo (affecting 7 casinos in 2023) underscore climate risks, prompting operators to invest in $40 million insurance pools.

Online Gambling Boom: Mobile Adoption and Payment Innovations

Mexico’s online gambling market, projected to hit $1.4 billion in 2024, thrives on smartphone penetration (82%) and cheap 4G data plans ($8/month average). Players aged 18–34 dominate the market (71%), drawn to Bet365’s live-streamed Liga MX matches and Codere’s bonus-heavy app. Live dealer games surged 33% YoY, with Evolution Gaming reporting 500,000 monthly users for its Mexico-specific baccarat tables. Payment integration bridges financial gaps: OXXO’s Spin service processes 41% of deposits via cash vouchers, while Bitcoin adoption grows slowly (6% of transactions) despite regulatory ambiguity. However, cybersecurity remains a hurdle—DGOJ’s post-February 2024 DDoS attack now requires SSL encryption and two-hour breach disclosure windows. Regional nuances persist: northern states prefer sports betting (67% of online revenue), while central Mexico favors slots (58%). However, monopolistic practices loom—Spain’s Luckia controls 19% of the poker market through exclusivity deals with Mexican influencers like Andrés “Kraneo” Chaurand. With 5G networks expanding to 15 cities by Q3, latency issues during live bets (a 27% complaint rate) may soon ease.

Sports Betting Dominance: Soccer, Partnerships, and Integrity Risks

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Sports betting fuels 39.51% of Mexico’s gambling market revenue, driven by soccer’s cultural ubiquity. Liga MX’s 2023 Apertura saw $2.1 billion wagered, spiking 18% during América vs. Chivas clashes. Strategic sponsorships deepen engagement: Sorare’s NFT fantasy league with Tigres UANL attracted 200,000 users in six months, while Betcris’ in-stadium kiosks at Estadio Azteca process $3 million per matchday. The 2026 World Cup looms large—DraftKings’ $52 million ad blitz targets Mexican expats in the U.S., leveraging dual-national stars like Julián Quiñones. Yet match-fixing persists: SEGOB’s Integrity Unit uncovered 12 third-division players manipulating yellow card stats for Costa Rican syndicates. Automation is mitigating risks—Sportradar’s AI flags irregular betting patterns in 92% of Liga MX matches—but oversight gaps linger in amateur leagues. Basketball and baseball are niche bright spots; the NBA’s Mexico City games drove a 27% YoY increase in prop bets, while the Sultanes de Monterrey’s partnership with FanDuel boosted baseball handle by $12 million in 2023.

Economic Contributions: Jobs, Tax Revenues, and Regional Disparities

Gambling sustains 148,000 direct jobs in Mexico gambling market, though wages lag—dealers earn $460/month on average, 23% below the living wage. Federally, the industry contributed $700 million in taxes in 2023, with casinos providing 58% via a 30% GGR levy. State-level disparities are stark: Nuevo León (24% of tax contributions) and Quintana Roo (21%) benefit from dense casino clusters, while Chiapas and Oaxaca account for <1%. Tourism multipliers are immense—Cancún’s casino visitors spend $290 daily versus $110 for others—but regional inequality widens: Mexico City captures 34% of revenue despite housing 13% of the population. IMCO estimates illegal operators drain $310 million in annual taxes, though SEGOB’s blockchain payment-tracker pilot (launched April 2024) slashed unlicensed revenue by 19% in three months. Unionization efforts are rising—30% of casino workers now belong to SUTTCLM, which negotiates healthcare benefits—but automation threatens roles: self-service betting terminals will replace 8,000 cashiers by 2026.

Tourism Integration: Casinos, Resorts, and Cross-Border Opportunities in Mexico Gambling Market

Integrated resorts drive Mexico’s $2.1 billion gambling-tourism nexus, blending gaming with luxury stays and golf. Grupo Vidanta’s Nuevo Vallarta property draws 500,000 annual visitors, 44% from the U.S., via packages bundling blackjack tournaments with yacht charters. Cruise tourism amplifies growth: Royal Caribbean’s Cozumel stopovers generate $180 million from casino excursions, targeting retirees with free-play credits. Cross-border betting is surging in gambling market of Mexico—23% of Texas bettors use VPNs to access Caliente’s U.S. college football markets—but peso volatility dampens foreign spending. Post-2023 devaluation, Californian visitors reduced average casino budgets by 14%, prompting operators to lure Argentinian high rollers with direct flights to Mérida. However, climate risks temper gains—Hurricane Otis disrupted 12 coastal casinos in 2023, costing $87 million in closures. For sustainability, SECTUR’s 2024 initiative promotes “golf-and-gaming” circuits in underdeveloped states like Aguascalientes, leveraging partnerships with PGA Tour Latinoamérica.

Technology Adoption: AI, Blockchain, and Virtual Reality Advances

Mexican operators in gambling market invested $230 million in tech upgrades in 2023, prioritizing AI tools for personalization and fraud detection. Codere’s chatbot resolves 83% of inquiries with a 4.7/5 satisfaction score, while Caliente’s machine learning model flags problem gamblers via behavioral cues like 3 AM logins. Virtual Reality casinos are expanding—Win Systems’ VR parlors in Guadalajara offer Meta Quest-powered blackjack, drawing 12,000 monthly users—but remain niche due to $600 headset costs. Blockchain adoption addresses transparency: 15% of licensees use Bitso for Bitcoin payouts, settling withdrawals in 22 minutes versus three days for banks. Cybersecurity gaps persist, evidenced by January 2024’s $4.5 million hack of Apuesta Total’s player database. Rural adoption lags—only 38% of Oaxaca’s casinos have 5G—but partnerships with Telcel aim to launch 150 5G gaming zones by 2025, slashing latency for esports bets.

Social Challenges: Addiction, Crime, and Regulatory Backlash

Problem gambling afflicts 2.3% of Mexican adults, per CONADIC’s 2024 survey—double the global average—with Sonora (4.1%) and Sinaloa (3.8%) hardest hit in the gambling market. SEGOB mandates operators fund 134 addiction clinics via 1% GGR contributions, yet only 17% of users self-exclude despite pop-up prompts. Cartels exploit weak oversight: 2023 saw $270 million laundered through Michoacán casinos, triggering federal raids and 11 venue closures. Public resistance grows—49% oppose new casinos per IEP polls—stalling projects in Querétaro and Puebla. Youth protections tightened in January: influencers like Rivers_GG face $25,000 fines for promoting betting on Twitch. Meanwhile, industry-funded harm reduction campaigns—like Caliente’s “Juego Responsable” school workshops—reach 200,000 teens annually. Balancing growth and ethics remains pivotal, as unchecked expansion risks replicating Spain’s 2010 addiction crisis, warns OECD’s 2024 Mexico report.

Mexico Gambling Market Key Players:

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  • Big Bola Casinos
  • Caliente
  • Codere México
  • PlayCity Casino
  • Strendus
  • Betcris México
  • Other Prominent Players

Key Segmentation:

By Type

  • Sports
    • Fixed Odds Sports Betting
    • Pari-Mutuel Betting (Horse and Dog racing)
    • In-Play/Live Betting
    • Exchange Betting
    • Spread Betting
    • Others
  • Casino
    • Blackjack
    • Baccarat
    • Teen Patti
    • Three Card Poker
    • Four card poker
    • Red Dog
    • Others
  • Lottery Games
    • Scratch-offs
    • Bingo
    • Keno
  • Electronic Gaming Machines
  • Others

By Channel Type

  • Offline
    • Casinos
    • Betting shops/halls
    • Arcades
    • Bookmakers
  • Online
  • Virtual Game

By Payment Method

  • Credit and debit cards
  • E-wallets
  • Prepaid cards and Vouchers
  • Bank Transfers
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Others

By End User

  • Gambling Enthusiast
  • Dabblers
  • Others

 

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AGS Appoints Arthur Rotziokos and Richard Orozco to Lead International Growth Efforts

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AGS (NYSE: AGS), a leading supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products and services to the global gaming industry, today announced two key appointments that will significantly strengthen its international operations. Arthur Rotziokos has been appointed as the Senior Director of Product Management – Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Richard Orozco has assumed the role of Senior Director of Product Management – International. Both report to Rob Ziems, AGS’ Chief Business and Legal Officer, who oversees international business.

“With tremendous growth potential and plenty of greenfield in international markets, AGS is well-poised to seize new opportunities on the global stage. Both Arthur and Richard bring unparalleled expertise and a deep well of gaming industry experience that will be vital to AGS’ global expansion strategy. Their leadership will be instrumental as we accelerate our international reach and advance our product offerings in these key markets,” said Rob Ziems.

Arthur Rotziokos, based in Sydney, Australia, will lead AGS’ entry into the rapidly expanding APAC market. With over three decades of experience in the gaming industry, including his most recent role as Vice President of Research & Development at Light & Wonder, Rotziokos is well-positioned to drive AGS’ strategic expansion across the region. His career spans roles at leading companies such as Ainsworth Game Technology and IGT, where he developed strong industry relationships and pioneered game development initiatives that led to business growth in global markets.

Richard Orozco, an experienced leader in international product management, will oversee AGS’ global product strategies, focusing on regions such as Latin America and Europe. Orozco joins AGS with extensive experience in managing product portfolios across international markets, including his most recent role as Vice President of Product Strategy at Ainsworth Game Technology. In his new role, he will work to drive market performance, optimize product lifecycles, and strengthen AGS’ market share in key international territories.

With both Rotziokos and Orozco taking on pivotal roles, AGS is poised to build its brand and gain a foothold in key international markets, further enhancing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming products and solutions to operators and players worldwide.

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HARRAH’S RESORT ATLANTIC CITY WELCOMES BACK THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® FOR A WSOP CIRCUIT STOP THIS AUGUST

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Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City today announced it will host another World Series of Poker® Circuit stop for avid poker fans who are ready to bring their poker skills to the felt. The return of the WSOP Circuit (WSOP-C) to Atlantic City will happen from Thursday, Aug. 14, through Monday, Aug. 25.
The return of the WSOP-C to Harrah’s is notable, as the casino resort hosted the initial stop on the inaugural WSOP-C tour in 2005. The 2025-26 WSOP Circuit stop marks the first time Harrah’s Resort has hosted a stop since 2020. Before then, Harrah’s was a regular stop on the series schedule from 2005-2020.
“We are thrilled to welcome back the prestigious World Series of Poker Circuit to Harrah’s Resort and the unmatched energy, excitement, and talent it brings,” said Gregg Klein, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Harrah’s Resort. “Hosting this iconic event reinforces our commitment to delivering premier gaming experiences and positions us as a top destination for esteemed players and poker fans alike.”
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City stands out as a premier destination on the WSOP Circuit, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, entertainment, and culinary excellence. Over the past five years, the resort has renovated all hotel rooms and suites, ensuring guests enjoy modern, stylish accommodations. The resort is also home to vibrant nightlife at The Pool After Dark, a state-of-the-art spa, thrilling gaming promotions, and the most celebrity chef restaurants in Atlantic City, including Gordon Ramsay Steak, Bobby’s Burgers, Chicken Guy!, and Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire.
The highly anticipated regional poker tour will begin in late July, immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. WSOP Circuit schedules are subject to change, and the WSOP reserves the right to make changes to all events related to the WSOP Circuit at any time. The full circuit schedule will be announced at a later date.
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