Illinois Sports Betting Surges with $1.2 Billion October Handle
The Illinois sports betting market showed no signs of slowing down in October, as it maintained its brisk pace with a staggering $1.2 billion wagered. This impressive figure marked the second consecutive month the state exceeded the $1 billion mark in total sports betting handle, highlighting a robust and growing market.
In comparison to September’s $1.08 billion, October’s figures represented a significant 11% increase. This upward trajectory is even more pronounced when viewed year-over-year, with a 17% increase from October 2022’s $1.03 billion.
Additionally, the total number of wagers rose considerably, jumping from 28.2 million in September to 31.7 million in October. This 12% increase in betting activity underlines a growing enthusiasm among bettors in the state.
Focus on Professional Sports and Betting Breakdown
Illinois boasts a diverse sports betting landscape, with eight online operators and 11 retail sportsbooks. The state’s unique reporting approach provides a clear insight into betting trends, dividing wagers into categories of retail vs. mobile and professional, college, or motor sports. Further, bets are classified into Tier 1 (single-game bets) and Tier 2 (including futures and parlays).
In October, professional sports dominated, accounting for over $1 billion in wagers. This category was split between $530.7 million in Tier 1 wagers and $481.7 million in Tier 2 wagers.
College sports followed, with a total handle of $147.8 million, divided into $101.2 million of Tier 1 bets and $46.6 million of Tier 2 wagers. Motor sports, while smaller in volume, contributed $890,661, split between Tier 1 and Tier 2 bets.
Football Reigns Supreme in Individual Sports Betting
Delving into individual sports, football emerged as the clear favorite, with $382.5 million wagered, representing 33% of all sports bets. This was complemented by 6.8 million wagers on football, 21% of all bets placed in the state.
Basketball also saw significant activity, amassing nearly $120 million in wagers from approximately 1.7 million bets. Parlay bets, a popular choice among bettors, led to a substantial $348.5 million in total handle, indicating their crucial role in the market’s success.
DraftKings Leads in Online Sports Betting
In the online space, DraftKings, operating through Casino Queen, was the frontrunner, capturing about 39% of all mobile sports wagers with a total of $426.5 million. Professional sports led this segment with $371.5 million in wagers. Fairmont Park, via FanDuel, was a close competitor, amassing just under $400 million in mobile sports wagers.
The top five mobile sportsbook operators in Illinois in October by total handle were:
- Casino Queen: $426.5 million
- Fairmont Park: $399.7 million
- Midwest Gaming & Entertainment: $90.3 million
- Elgin Riverboat Resort: $65.5 million
- Par-A-Dice Gaming: $49.7 million
Retail Sports Betting: Rivers Casino at the Forefront
In the retail segment, Rivers Casino led the charge with an $11.5 million sports betting handle, primarily from professional sports. Other key players included Casino Queen and Alton Casino, with significant contributions to the state’s overall retail betting handle.
The top five retail sports betting operations in Illinois in October, ranked by total handle, were:
- Midwest Gaming & Entertainment: $11.5 million
- Casino Queen: $7.9 million
- Alton Casino: $2.9 million
- Hawthorne Race Course: $2.5 million
- Hollywood Casino Aurora: $2.4 million
Our Comment on the Article
The October figures for Illinois’ sports betting market are not just impressive in their magnitude; they represent a vibrant and evolving landscape. The state’s strategic approach to categorizing bets offers valuable insights into bettor preferences and market trends. The dominance of professional sports, particularly football and basketball, reflects the deep-rooted sports culture in Illinois.
Online platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports betting, not just in Illinois but across the United States. This trend signifies a shift towards a more technologically driven, diverse, and dynamic betting environment, setting the stage for further growth and innovation in the industry.
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