Gambling in the USA
PlayIllinois.com says launch of sports betting first step in what could be $10B-a-year industry
Illinois officially has joined the ever-growing list of legal sports jurisdictions in the U.S. with the launch of BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, and by doing so took the first step in what could be one of the largest markets in the U.S.
If the Illinois market fully matures — which would have to include the widespread launch of online sports betting — the state could generate from $9 billion to $11 billion in wagers annually and $650 million in operator gross revenue, according to projections from PlayIllinois.com, which tracks regulated online and retail gaming in the state.
“Illinois’ potential is enormous, but it has a long way to go to become a major player relative to the largest markets in the U.S.,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst at PlayIllinois.com. “Launching the industry is obviously a momentous first step. But because of regulatory roadblocks to online sports betting, it will be years before Illinois can enjoy the same kind of boom that we’ve seen in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.”
On Monday, Illinois became the 15th state to allow legal sports betting. Of those, only New York and Pennsylvania have a larger population from which to draw. And Illinois’ retail sportsbook market is expected to ramp up quickly, with five more expected to open soon, including sportsbooks at Argosy Casino Alton, Hollywood Casino Aurora, Hollywood Casino Joliet, Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, and Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria. Fairmont Park Racetrack in Collinsville, near St. Louis, has also been approved for a temporary operating permit.
Significant hurdles remain, though, particularly for online sports betting, which isn’t expected to launch until later this year. And when it does launch it will require in-person registration for mobile accounts.
The Illinois law, passed in December, allows for three “stand-alone” mobile operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel. But because of the state’s in-person registration requirement, those would-be operators will not be able to accept a bet for at least 18 months. And with a hefty $20 million fee to obtain one of those three licenses, it’s not clear which operators will apply.
“Illinois’ high licensing fees for online operators and its in-person registration requirements will undoubtedly stunt the growth of the industry,” Gouker said. “Even with the high fees, the appeal of the Illinois market will eventually be too much to resist for the country’s largest operators. But neighbor Indiana will be able to continue to cash in on the Chicago market until Illinois gets up to speed.”
Online sports betting is by far the most significant revenue driver in the major U.S. markets. In New Jersey, which has quickly grown to become the country’s largest market, 87% of all sports bets in January were made online. By contrast, Rhode Island, which put in place a similar in-person registration requirement as Illinois, draws just 15% of its bets from online sources.
Illinois’ 10 existing casinos, three racetracks, and as many as seven sports venues are eligible to apply to open retail sportsbooks. Those sportsbooks will also be able to set up mobile sports betting apps.
“The Illinois model isn’t ideal, but for Illinois bettors today is unquestionably a good day,” Gouker said. “Most of the state’s residents should be able to place a bet in relatively close proximity. And that is much better than the alternative.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Illinois, visit PlayIllinois.com/news.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: Florida is a “monopoly market” controlled by the Seminole Tribe, meaning there is only one door in: Hard Rock Bet. By securing vendor registration here, BETER gains access to one of the most populous states in the U.S. without the fragmentation of competition seen in states like New Jersey. The immediate deployment of Setka Cup (table tennis) fills a crucial need for 24/7, fast-paced content during U.S. daytime off-hours.
The Full Story
BETER, the provider of next-gen betting content and data, has officially entered the Florida sports betting market after securing Vendor Registration from the Seminole Tribe of Florida (dba Seminole Gaming).
The regulatory approval allows BETER to supply its fast-paced betting products to the state’s sole authorized operator, Hard Rock Bet.
Day One Impact: Table Tennis Following the approval, BETER has immediately launched its exclusive Setka Cup table tennis tournaments on the Hard Rock Bet platform.
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The Product: Setka Cup provides 24/7 live streaming, real-time data, and odds.
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The Reach: Florida becomes the fifth U.S. state where Setka Cup is available to bettors.
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The Metric: BETER covers approximately 700,000 fast-paced events annually, offering up to 50 betting markets per event with margins often exceeding market standards.
Next Phase: Esports While table tennis is live now, BETER has confirmed that its esports portfolio—specifically ESportsBattle—will be integrated into Hard Rock Bet in the “near future.” This will bring round-the-clock eFootball, eBasketball, and other fast-market disciplines to Florida bettors.
Management Commentary Chuck Robinson, Chief Revenue Officer at BETER, emphasized the strategic value of the exclusive Hard Rock partnership:
“Launching Setka Cup with our partner Hard Rock Bet is particularly significant, as it allows us to introduce our fast-betting content to Florida bettors through a highly trusted sportsbook platform. We see strong long-term potential in Florida… Our esports content, particularly ESportsBattle, will also be going live soon.”
Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, noted the complexity of the approval:
“Obtaining vendor registration in Florida reflects the strength of our regulatory strategy… We are grateful to the Seminole Tribe of Florida dba Seminole Gaming for their cooperation throughout the registration process.”
This approval is part of a wider U.S. expansion strategy for BETER, which has already secured access in key states including Ohio, Arizona, and Kentucky.
The post BETER Cracks Florida Market: Setka Cup Now Live on Hard Rock Bet appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
BETER, the award-winning provider of live streaming, real-time data, and odds for fast-paced esports and sports content, has continued its U.S. expansion by securing Vendor Registration in the state of Florida.
The registration was granted by the Seminole Tribe of Florida dba Seminole Gaming, the regulatory authority that also oversees sports betting operations in the state.
Following the approval, BETER’s exclusive Setka Cup table tennis tournaments, featuring live streams, live data, and odds, are now available to bettors via the Hard Rock Bet. This launch marks BETER’s official entry into the Florida market, making Florida the fifth U.S. state where Setka Cup is available.
BETER delivers 24/7 live streaming, real-time data, and hyper-accurate odds for approximately 700,000 fast-paced events each year across a range of esports and sports disciplines, offering up to 50 betting markets per event and an average operator margin higher than the market standard. BETER expects to unlock much of this additional value through the integration of its exclusive ESportsBattle content into the Hard Rock Bet platform in the near future.
All matches are thoroughly monitored by BETER’s dedicated Integrity team, ensuring strict adherence to transparency standards and the rules of fair play.
Chuck Robinson, Chief Revenue Officer at BETER, said: “Securing vendor registration in Florida is another major milestone for BETER and a clear signal of our growing momentum across regulated U.S. markets.
“Launching Setka Cup with our partner Hard Rock Bet is particularly significant, as it allows us to introduce our fast-betting content to Florida bettors through a highly trusted sportsbook platform. We see strong long-term potential in Florida and are excited to continue building our presence here. Our esports content, particularly ESportsBattle, will also be going live soon, further enhancing the overall betting experience in the state.
“Our teams are looking forward to fruitful collaboration.”
Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, added: “Obtaining vendor registration in Florida reflects the strength of our regulatory strategy and the expertise of our legal team in navigating the complex U.S. regulatory landscape.
“We are grateful to the Seminole Tribe of Florida dba Seminole Gaming for their cooperation throughout the registration process. This approval further supports our broader U.S. expansion plans as we continue securing licenses and launching our products in key regulated states, including Ohio, Arizona, Kentucky, and others.”
The post BETER Secures Vendor Registration in Florida appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, has strengthened its presence in Latin America after partnering with Brazino777, an online casino and sports betting brand known for its player-first experience and fast withdrawals, to roll out a selection of its top-performing titles to the Brazilian market.
Following the agreement, Greentube’s platform is now live with Brazino777 in Brazil, marking an important milestone in the supplier’s regional growth strategy and reinforcing its commitment to delivering market-relevant content in newly regulated jurisdictions.
As part of the collaboration, Brazino777 players can enjoy some of Greentube’s most popular new releases, including Piggy Prizes
:Wand of Riches 2, Trinity Treasures Wukong Buy Bonus, and Caichen Triple Blossom.
Alongside these titles, a curated selection of Greentube’s iconic classic games have also been integrated, including Book of Ra deluxe, Diamond Link: Mighty Sevens, and Cash Connection – Golden Sizzling Hot.
These games were selected for their proven performance in regulated markets and their strong appeal to Brazilian players, making them an ideal fit for Brazino777’s growing casino offering.
Now, with Brazil’s regulated online gaming landscape offering fresh opportunities, the collaboration is well positioned to reach new heights as the region continues to thrive.
Greentube’s latest Brazilian partnership further reinforces its strategic focus on Latin America as a key growth market. With a diverse portfolio of innovative slots and well-established fan favourites, the company continues to strengthen its position as a leading supplier worldwide.
Wilson Francisco, Sales and Key Account Manage at Greentube, said: “Our launch with Brazino777 is a major step forward for our strategy in Brazil. Their deep understanding of the local audience, paired with Greentube’s commitment to delivering top-performing, culturally relevant content, is a powerful combination.
“We’re confident that this partnership will elevate the player experience and help set new standards in the market.”
Andre Medeiros, Country Manager for Brazil at Brazino777, said: “Greentube’s portfolio is recognised globally for its quality, performance and player appeal. As a brand rooted in Brazilian culture, Brazino777’s focus is simple: a fun, smooth experience our community can enjoy every day.
“Partnering with Greentube reinforces that promise by expanding the entertainment options available to our players in Brazil.”
The post Greentube expands Latin American footprint with Brazino777 partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
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