Press Release
PlayVirginia.com: Sports betting volume slows in July
Virginia’s sports betting volume slumped in July to the lowest level since sportsbooks first launched, echoing a trend that has affected every major market in the U.S. But the seasonal decline in wagering will be short-lived as causal bettors return home from summer vacations and turn their attention to football, according to PlayVirginia, which tracks the state’s gaming market.
“July brings a relatively light sports schedule and summer vacations that typically make it the slowest month in sports betting, and Virginia is not immune from a trend that has affected every major market,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayVirginia.com. “The momentum should change quickly as football draws nearer and casual bettors return home. The next five months should bring significant growth to Virginia’s fledgling sports betting industry.”
Bettors placed $161.9 million in wagers at Virginia’s sportsbooks in July, down 31.1% from $234.9 million in June, according to data released Wednesday by The Virginia Lottery. The pace of betting was the slowest ever, too, dropping from $7.8 million in wagers per day over the 30 days of June to $5.2 million over the 31 days of July.
Gross gaming revenue did remain relatively high, dropping 9.3% to $20.0 million in July from $22.0 million in June. The hold percentage was 12.3% in July, which helped partially offset the low volume. Adjusted gross revenue dropped to $12.7 million, yielding $1.9 million in state taxes, including $46,611 for problem gambling support.
The pandemic skewed 2020 data, but July was the lowest volume month across the U.S. in both 2018 and 2019 so a dip in Virginia was hardly a surprise. The NBA Finals and the opening week of the Olympics made this July a bit busier than normal. But the NBA Finals represents just six games, and bettors were not particularly moved by the Olympics.
“The NBA Finals and the Olympics, which featured a stark time difference, didn’t particularly move the needle,” said Dann Stupp, lead analyst for PlayVirginia.com. “The Olympics should do modestly better in August, when high-profile team sports like basketball reached the medal rounds. But in the end, there just isn’t enough to attract widespread betting, which makes a relatively large win key in helping sportsbooks weather the seasonal slowdown.”
Despite a slow July, Virginia continues to perform well as a sports betting market. Since Jan. 21, Virginia sportsbooks have accepted $1.5 billion in wagers, which has resulted in $127.0 million in gross gaming revenue. With the busiest months likely still ahead, the state could bring in more than $3 billion in wagers by year’s end.
To that end, Barstool Sports made its debut on Aug. 10, giving Virginia another high-profile brand. And more are planning to launch either before or during the football season.
“Virginia’s sportsbooks remain in an excellent place, and new operators are a good sign that the market is healthy and attractive,” Stupp said. “Increasing competition should help engage new customers and force the largest operators in the state, including FanDuel and DraftKings, to continue to vie for attention. The most important months of the year are still ahead, and competition will help spur the entire market.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Virginia, visit PlayVirginia.com/revenue.
Latest News
ProntoPaga Transforms its Operating Model in Brazil to Ensure Risk-Free Transactions
ProntoPaga, a leading payment solutions company in Latin America, announces a key transformation in its operating model for the Brazilian market.
By implementing a new model as a Technology Service Provider (TSP), ProntoPaga is setting an important milestone in the evolution of the payments industry in Brazil for the new regulated online betting market, generating a positive impact on transparency and security for operators.
This implementation takes place in a key context for the gambling sector in Brazil, where the market regulation is undergoing modifications. The new legislation, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, aims to increase control over gaming operators’ transactions, a sector that has been affected in previous years by irregular practices and tax fraud. In this scenario, ProntoPaga takes the initiative to operate under a model that ensures operators more security in the administration of their funds.
Operating Model: Payment Facilitator without Money Handling
Under the TSP structure, ProntoPaga does not manage funds in their own accounts in Brazil, instead, operator’s funds will always be in bank accounts in their own names. These accounts are opened in 3 banks, with mandates that allow these openings to be frictionless. ProntoPaga will act as a facilitator, providing its technology to process transactions securely, efficiently, and without risk.
Technology for Zero-Risk, Maximum Transparency Transactions
With a robust technological infrastructure, ProntoPaga is responsible for “routing” transactions intelligently from the operators’ accounts to banking entities, completing transactions without directly accessing the operator’s funds. This process offers operators a transparent, secure, and risk-free experience in the Brazilian market, since their funds are always intact and not mixed in bank accounts with other operator’s funds.
Trust in an Evolving Market
ProntoPaga’s adoption of the TSP model in Brazil responds to the need to adapt to a more regulated Brazilian market, where bad practices created significant irregularities. Before the new legislation, cases of tax fraud and other offenses tarnished the reputation of certain PSPs, leaving operators and clients exposed to unnecessary risks. This migration to a TSP model guarantees a clear separation between operators’ finances and payment processing, ensuring strict regulatory compliance and eliminating any risk associated with fund management. ProntoPaga will continue strengthening its presence in the region, providing cutting-edge technology that supports the evolution of payment markets and financial regulation.
Certifications and Regulations
ProntoPaga holds international certifications that guarantee the security, transparency, and reliability of its operations. Among these are PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and ISO 27001 certifications, which validate and ensure that transactions are protected against fraud and cybersecurity threats. The company also holds certifications related to compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) and other regulations that govern and support the regulatory compliance of its operations in the countries where it operates. This is essential to provide security to its clients and partners, especially in markets with strict regulations like Brazil. These certifications, in addition to its advanced encryption and authentication technologies, reinforce its commitment to integrity and trust in each transaction in the markets where it operates.
Latest News
Mohegan Appoints Joseph J. Hasson as Chief Operating Officer
Mohegan, a leader in developing integrated entertainment resorts worldwide, announced, subject to all regulatory approvals, that Joseph J. Hasson has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing the development and execution of short and long-term strategic business plans across all Mohegan properties. Hasson has served as Mohegan’s interim COO since April of this year.
“Joe Hasson’s expertise, garnered over more than 40 years in the gaming and hospitality industries, coupled with his exemplary leadership at our Las Vegas property, positions him uniquely to ensure strategic alignment and continuity across Mohegan’s diverse portfolio,” said Ray Pineault, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan. “We are confident that his leadership as our Chief Operating Officer will be instrumental in our sustained success.”
As Mohegan’s COO, Hasson will oversee the day-to-day operations of Mohegan’s resorts across the United States, Canada and Northern Asia. He will also maintain his responsibilities as General Manager of Mohegan Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas while the casino transitions ownership. Mr. Hasson will report to Ray Pineault, Mohegan’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
As COO, Hasson will continue to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction while maintaining the high service standards that define Mohegan. He will also work with Mohegan’s leadership team to align all strategic processes with company-wide goals, emphasizing the sustainable growth of Mohegan’s portfolio of entertainment resorts.
Prior to joining Mohegan, Hasson served as COO of Station Casinos LLC and Red Rock Resorts, Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Rider University, NJ.
Press Release
BETMGM LAUNCHES MOBILE SPORTS BETTING APP THROUGHOUT WASHINGTON, D.C.
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, launched mobile sports betting operations across Washington, D.C. Previously accessible within only a two-block radius of the sportsbook’s location at Nationals Park, sports fans district-wide now have access to the BetMGM sports wagering experience along with rewards tied to both MGM Resorts and Marriott Bonvoy destinations.
The launch follows the D.C. Council’s approval of its FY2025 budget that included a provision to open the digital sports betting market. BetMGM will retain exclusivity for the two-block radius surrounding Nationals Park where it operates the BetMGM Sportsbook as part of a multi-year partnership with the Washington Nationals.
“After three years of bringing unparalleled, omnichannel experiences to sports fans and supporting the D.C. metropolitan community through our partnership with the Washington Nationals, fans can now bet on their favorite teams with BetMGM across the District with our award-winning mobile app,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer, BetMGM.
As mobile sports betting operations are now live in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia, BetMGM continues to generate significant economic impact for the region by creating local jobs and contributing tax dollars. BetMGM has invested in the growth and development of the District with its contributions to community-centric programming such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series, Turkeypalooza presented by BetMGM, and the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program.
BetMGM’s integration with MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy provides users the opportunity to redeem gameplay for experiences at MGM Resorts and Marriott Bonvoy properties nationwide. These destinations include MGM National Harbor in Maryland, Borgata in New Jersey, and Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Melonie Johnson, MGM National Harbor President & COO, said, “This is a full-circle moment as our resort continues to strengthen its reputation as the DMV’s premier entertainment destination. With BetMGM’s launch of mobile sports betting in D.C., customers across the entire region can now enjoy the full MGM Rewards experience. This includes our world-class hotel rooms, restaurants, and our state-of-the art BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge.”
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