Gambling in the USA

Indiana Sportsbooks Lose Out On $125 Million In March Wagers

Published

6 years ago

April 9, 2020

Zoltan Tundik

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Without NCAA Tournament, NBA, baseball, and more, sportsbooks attract $75 million in bets, according to PlayIndiana

Indiana’s retail and online sportsbooks were hit hard in the first weeks of the coronavirus shutdown, costing the state an estimated $125 million in wagers in March, according to PlayIndiana. And with no immediate end in sight, the industry will continue to navigate treacherous waters in the months ahead.

“This is an unprecedented stoppage for legal sportsbooks, and there is no playbook for them to follow to help manage the crisis,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “Obviously, the sports betting industry is just one facet in a crisis that is affecting us all, too often tragically. But it is a business that employs hundreds in Indiana and generates millions in state taxes. And the bottom line is that there will be no significant relief until the sports world begins to open back up.”

Indiana appeared to be headed for its first month of more than $200 million in bets. Instead, the state’s retail and online sportsbooks collected just $74.8 million in March wagers, down 60% from the record $187.2 million in February, according to official reporting released Thursday. Almost all of the handle was generated before March 11, when the NBA shut down its season and sent a cascade of closures through the sports world.

March’s bets produced $5.5 million in adjusted gross revenue, down 50.5% from $11.9 million in February, and yielded $522,0825 in tax revenue for the state.

The shutdown wiped out nearly three weeks of games, including the NBA and the opening of the Major League Baseball season. The loss of the NCAA Tournament, one of the largest sports betting holidays in the U.S., proved particularly damaging. Indiana sportsbooks could have generated more than $50 million in tournament-related wagers, PlayIndiana estimates.

“There is no way to replace the revenue that would have been generated from the NCAA Tournament, which in legal jurisdictions generates more action than the Super Bowl,” said Jessica Welman, an analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “The NCAA Tournament can’t be rescheduled, but professional leagues are beginning to draw plans to begin games again. We still don’t know what that looks like or when it will happen. Whether spectators are there to watch in-person or not, though, online sportsbooks should again be able to attract bettors, which will be welcome news for the industry.

Other than some minor international events and futures betting, mainly on the NFL, sportsbooks have gone completely silent. That could change in a minor way without a single game being played. Sportsbooks are now accepting bets on Friday’s WNBA Draft and the NFL Draft later this month.

“We don’t expect a lot of betting on the WNBA and NFL drafts, but we suspect that each will draw more interest than either would under ordinary circumstances,” Welman said. “People are looking for some sense of normalcy while they practice social distancing, and the drafts and futures betting is providing at least some outlet for bettors.”

In March, online sportsbooks generated 81.3%, or $60.8 million, of the state’s handle. DraftKings/Ameristar Casino led the market with $33.1 million in bets, down from $74.1 million in February, and generated $2.4 million in gross receipts, down from $5.7 million. FanDuel/Blue Chip Casino was second with a $21.6 million handle, down from $63.8 million. That resulted in a $1.45 million win, down from $2.7 million.

The market leaders were followed by:

BetRivers/French Lick Resort ($3.6 million handle, down from $7.7 million; $343,482 win, down from $348,869)
BetAmerica/Rising Star Casino ($132,568 handle, down from $212,953; $8,233 win, up from -$6,169)
BetMGM/Belterra ($2.1 million handle, up from $70,061; $370,669 win, up from $13,175)
Hollywood Lawrenceburg/PointsBet ($334,237 handle, $65,390 win)

Horseshoe Hammond led the retail market with $3.4 million in bets, down from $12.4 million in February. That generated $211,475 in gross receipts, up from $52,445. Horseshoe Hammond was followed by:

Hollywood Lawrenceburg ($2.6 million handle, down from $6.8 million; $65,390 win, down from $308,577)
Ameristar Casino ($2.1 million handle, down from $5.9 million; $232,186 win, down from $345,660)
Indiana Grand ($1.7 million handle, down from $4.7 million; $95,088 win, down from $516,760)
Harrah’s Hoosier Park ($1.8 million handle, down from $4.5 million; $32,459 win, down from $301,764)
Caesars Southern Indiana ($800,758 handle, down from $2.2 million; -$25,689 win, up from $16,774)
Blue Chip Casino ($693,011 handle, down from $2.1 million; $10,736 win, up from $3,008)
Tropicana Evansville ($594,036 handle, down from $1.6 million; -$49,753 win, down from $31,513)
Belterra Casino ($242,689 handle, down from $864,230; -$35,082 win, down from $46,173)
French Lick Resort ($81,343 handle, down from $387,656; -$16,027 win, down from $27,015)
Rising Star Casino ($43,686 handle, down from $123,393; -$5,903 win, down from $11,723)

“Online sportsbooks will bounce back more quickly than their retail counterparts, which face a much more uncertain future as the coronavirus pandemic continues,” Gouker said. “In states where online casino games and poker are legal, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, casino operators have had a bit softer landing. But Indiana has really borne the brunt of this crisis, unfortunately.”

For more revenue information on Indiana sportsbooks, visit PlayIndiana.com/revenue.

Carousel Bar Las Vegas

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s Carousel Bar

Published

1 day ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

celebrate-st.-patrick’s-day-at-the-plaza-hotel-&-casino’s-carousel-bar

The festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day returns to downtown Las Vegas as the Plaza Hotel & Casino prepares to host its annual celebration at the dazzling Carousel Bar. Set beneath the venue’s iconic illuminated dome, the popular holiday gathering promises lively entertainment, themed cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, the Carousel Bar will transform into a spirited St. Patrick’s Day destination featuring festive décor, upbeat music, and drink specials inspired by Irish tradition. The celebration takes place just steps away from the bustling Fremont Street Experience, making it an ideal stop for anyone exploring downtown Las Vegas during the holiday.

A Festive Downtown Celebration

Each year, St. Patrick’s Day brings an influx of revelers to Las Vegas, and the Plaza’s Carousel Bar has quickly become one of downtown’s standout locations to mark the occasion. Known for its visually striking design and lively ambiance, the bar sits beneath the Plaza’s glittering dome and features large-scale animated elements that create an immersive party atmosphere.

For the holiday celebration, guests can expect Paddy Party Music Hits filling the air, creating the soundtrack for an evening of Irish-inspired fun. The event will also feature festive backdrops designed for selfies and group photos, allowing visitors to capture memories of the celebration against colorful St. Patrick’s Day-themed visuals.

The Carousel Bar’s unique setting makes it particularly appealing for social gatherings, whether visitors are celebrating with friends, colleagues, or fellow tourists exploring the entertainment offerings of Fremont Street.

Special St. Patrick’s Day Drink Menu

No St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without themed drinks, and the Plaza’s Carousel Bar will offer a lineup of festive specials designed to complement the celebration.

Guests can enjoy Guinness Draught for $8, a classic choice synonymous with Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day festivities worldwide. For those looking to sample something stronger, the bar will also offer St. Paddy Irish whiskey shots for $4, providing a quick and spirited toast to the holiday.

Another popular option on the menu is the Irish Car Bomb for $10, a well-known celebratory cocktail that combines Irish stout with whiskey and cream liqueur for a rich and indulgent experience.

For those who prefer a cocktail with a festive twist, the bar will feature the Irish Mule, a vibrant green drink made with ginger beer, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and fresh lime. Priced at $10, this specialty cocktail adds a refreshing and colorful option to the St. Patrick’s Day lineup.

Together, these drink specials provide a range of options designed to suit every taste while embracing the flavors traditionally associated with Irish celebrations.

A Unique Venue in Downtown Las Vegas

The Carousel Bar has become one of the most visually distinctive attractions at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Its animated elements and glowing dome create a lively centerpiece that draws attention from visitors exploring the property and nearby Fremont Street.

During major holidays and events, the bar often becomes a focal point for celebrations, offering a social space where guests can enjoy themed entertainment and drinks in a lively environment. St. Patrick’s Day is one of the venue’s most anticipated events, bringing together locals and tourists eager to celebrate Irish culture and tradition.

The location also offers easy access to the Fremont Street Experience, one of downtown Las Vegas’ most popular entertainment districts. Visitors can seamlessly move between live music, street performances, casinos, and bars, making the Carousel Bar party a convenient stop within a larger night out in the city.

Capturing the Spirit of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have grown into a global phenomenon, with cities around the world hosting parades, parties, and cultural events honoring Irish heritage. In Las Vegas, where entertainment and nightlife thrive year-round, the holiday provides yet another opportunity for venues to create immersive and memorable experiences.

The Plaza Hotel & Casino embraces this tradition by hosting an event that combines festive décor, themed drinks, and music that encourages guests to embrace the celebratory mood. The addition of photo-friendly backdrops further enhances the experience, allowing attendees to share their celebrations across social media.

For visitors seeking a lively but approachable party atmosphere, the Carousel Bar’s St. Patrick’s Day event offers a welcoming environment where the focus remains on socializing, enjoying drinks, and celebrating the holiday spirit.

A Downtown Destination for Holiday Fun

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Plaza Hotel & Casino once again positions itself as a destination for festive gatherings in downtown Las Vegas. The combination of themed cocktails, music, and the visually captivating Carousel Bar setting creates an experience designed to stand out among the city’s many holiday celebrations.

Whether guests are longtime Las Vegas locals or tourists exploring the city’s historic downtown district, the party promises an energetic environment filled with Irish-inspired charm.

With its vibrant atmosphere and convenient location near the Fremont Street Experience, the Carousel Bar at the Plaza Hotel & Casino provides the perfect setting to raise a glass, enjoy festive drinks, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Las Vegas style.

The post Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s Carousel Bar appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s glittering Carousel Bar

Published

1 day ago

March 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

celebrate-st.-patrick’s-day-at-the-plaza-hotel-&-casino’s-glittering-carousel-bar

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day party at Carousel Bar under its iconic glimmering dome starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

The party at Carousel Bar will include Paddy Party Music Hits, festive backgrounds for selfies and group photos, and drink specials, including Guiness Draught ($8), St. Paddy Irish whiskey shot ($4), Irish car bombs ($10), and an Irish Mule, a specialty green cocktail made with ginger beer, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and lime ($10).

With its larger-than-life animated elements, Carousel Bar will be the centerpiece of the holiday party located underneath the glittering lights of the Plaza’s dome – the perfect location to celebrate the spirit of the Irish just steps away from the Fremont Street Experience.

The post Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s glittering Carousel Bar appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Circa Resort & Casino

Downtown Vegas Alliance Partners with the City of Las Vegas to present a Successes & Insights Community Forum on the State of Downtown Gaming

Published

2 days ago

March 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

downtown-vegas-alliance-partners-with-the-city-of-las-vegas-to-present-a-successes-&-insights-community-forum-on-the-state-of-downtown-gaming

The Downtown Vegas Alliance has partnered with the City of Las Vegas to host a Successes & Insights Community Forum focused on the state of downtown gaming and hospitality.

The public event will take place on Wednesday, March 18 at the Las Vegas Civic Center, bringing together key leaders from the city’s gaming and hospitality industry to discuss growth, challenges and future opportunities in downtown Las Vegas.

Event Overview

The forum will begin with welcome remarks from Shelley Berkley, Mayor of Las Vegas. The discussion panel will be moderated by Andrew Woods of the UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research.

Featured Panelists

The panel will include several prominent figures in downtown Las Vegas gaming:

Jonathan Jossel – CEO of Plaza Hotel & Casino
Chris Latil – General Manager of Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Jeff Victor – Vice President at Circa Resort & Casino, The D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
Joe Woody – CFO of El Cortez Hotel & Casino

Event Schedule

Registration: 4:30 PM
Panel Program: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Networking Reception: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating.

Strengthening Downtown Las Vegas

The forum aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving downtown gaming landscape, highlighting the successes of local operators while exploring strategies for continued economic growth and tourism development in the heart of Las Vegas.

For broader coverage on Las Vegas gaming industry developments, see:
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/