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.
S Gaming, the fast-growing developer of highly entertaining online slots and casino games, has taken another major step in its US expansion strategy by securing a partnership with leading operator Fanatics Casino.
As part of the agreement, Fanatics Casino will exclusively roll out S Gaming’s standout title, Triple 7 Jackpot, across regulated iGaming markets including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.
What Makes Triple 7 Jackpot Stand Out?
Triple 7 Jackpot delivers a classic slot experience infused with vibrant neon energy. At the heart of the game is its signature Triple 7 feature, which remains visible on-screen throughout gameplay. Players can unlock this feature by landing three Bonus 7 symbols in a single spin.
Once activated, the feature awards one bonus spin and a chance to land the impressive 500x Jackpot prize, adding significant win potential to the experience.
In addition, players can trigger Free Spins by landing three Scatter symbols during the base game, awarding seven Free Games and further opportunities to boost winnings.
Strengthening a Growing US Presence
The partnership with Fanatics Casino marks another milestone in S Gaming’s ambitious US growth strategy. The studio’s focus on sustainable entertainment and accessible, casual gameplay is already resonating with American players.
Charles Mott, CEO and Co-Founder of S Gaming, highlighted the importance of the deal:
“Fanatics Casino needs no introduction and is one of the powerhouse brands in the regulated US market. We’re thrilled to see Triple 7 Jackpot added to its casino lobby and to bring the game to players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan for the first time.”
Mott also noted that the company now works with two major US operators—Fanatics and BetMGM—with additional partnerships expected in the coming months.
Enhancing the Fanatics Casino Portfolio
Fanatics Casino views the collaboration as part of its ongoing strategy to elevate its game offering.
Kieron Shaw, Senior Manager at Fanatics Casino, commented:
“We’re committed to expanding our portfolio to enhance the player experience, which is why we continue to partner with innovative studios like S Gaming. Their focus on fun, combined with strong win potential, brings something fresh and exciting to our platform.”
With this latest launch, S Gaming continues to cement its position in the competitive US iGaming landscape, leveraging premium partnerships to deliver engaging slot experiences to players nationwide.
The post S Gaming ignites US expansion with Fanatics Casino partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona
Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M
The Arizona Department of Gaming today highlighted a major milestone: the upcoming Super Bowl will be the fifth played under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. Since regulated event wagering launched in 2021, Arizona’s oversight—guided by state law and Tribal-State Compacts—has aimed to protect consumers, preserve integrity, and generate public revenue.
Key November 2025 figures: strong wagering growth
In its latest monthly report, the Department said Arizona bettors wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events in November 2025 — about a 7.5% increase versus November 2024. The state collected roughly $5.5 million in privilege fees for the month.* Fiscal year-to-date privilege fees total $26.3 million (about $25.7M from event wagering and $637,399 from fantasy sports).
Arizona also recorded its highest monthly event wagering in October 2025 with $967,141,269, and the second-highest in November 2025 with $965,233,844.*
Regulated framework and consumer protections
Arizona’s regulated model requires licensed operators to follow statutory rules, Tribal-State Compacts, and ongoing regulatory oversight. The Department conducts audits, compliance reviews, and integrity controls designed to prevent fraud and illegal activity. Licensed event wagering operators remit privilege fees, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue — with 90% of those fees directed to Arizona’s General Fund to support state programs and priorities.
There are currently fourteen licensed event wagering operators approved to offer wagering in Arizona, each subject to ongoing Department review and potential audit adjustments.
Responsible play and support resources
The Department emphasizes the importance of using state-licensed event wagering and fantasy sports apps or retail locations. For guidance and safety tips, players are encouraged to visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.
For individuals and families affected by problem gambling, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling offers confidential, subsidized treatment and resources statewide at problemgambling.az.com.
* Disclaimer: Monthly operator figures are self-reported and subject to adjustment after Department audits and review. The Department does not guarantee the final accuracy of the self-reported totals.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gambling in the USA
Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting
Department additionally releases November event wagering and fantasy sports numbers
The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) today recognized that the upcoming Super Bowl will mark the fifth Super Bowl conducted under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. This milestone reflects five years of regulated event wagering operating pursuant to Arizona state law, Tribal-State Compacts, and comprehensive regulatory oversight designed to protect consumers, uphold integrity, and generate public revenue.
“The regulated gaming market in Arizona plays a critical role in ensuring a safe environment for sports wagering – offering responsible entertainment options to millions of Arizonans,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “During major events such as the Super Bowl, regulated gaming supports economic activity, sustains industry jobs, and generates consistent funding that helps finance important local and state programs and priorities.”
Since the launch of regulated event wagering in 2021, the Department has built and executed a regulatory system that serves Arizonans through alignment with consumer protections, responsible gaming, fraud prevention, and more— across major sporting events and marquee games such as the Super Bowl.
The Department oversees licensed event wagering operators through ongoing regulatory processes, audits, and compliance reviews. These efforts are designed to ensure adherence to statutory requirements, responsible gaming standards, and integrity controls, including protections against fraud and illegal activity. Licensed operators are also required to remit privilege fees to the State of Arizona, which are deposited into the state’s General Fund.
As enacted by the Arizona State Legislature and through the 2021 Amended and Restated Tribal-State Compacts, the State of Arizona allows for eligible operators to apply to the Department for an event wagering license. Today, there are fourteen licensed event wagering operators. Event wagering licensees pay privilege fees to the state, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue, with 90 percent of the fees flowing to the state’s General Fund.
On a monthly basis, the Arizona Department of Gaming releases event wagering and fantasy sports figures. Today, it released its latest reporting of monthly figures – covering November 2025, in which bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events. This represents an approximate 7.5 percent increase when compared to November of 2024. The state collected approximately $5.5 million in privilege fees in the month.*
To view the full report, see: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports. Fiscal year-to-date regulated event wagering and fantasy sports privilege fees in Arizona have totaled $26.3 million, including $25.7 million in event wagering and $637,399 in fantasy sports.*
In its five-plus years since the launch of sports betting, the Department saw its highest event wagering activity recorded in October 2025 with a total of $967,141,269 – and the second highest record in November 2025 with a total of $965,233,844.*
To learn about why it’s important to play with a state-licensed event wagering or fantasy sports app or retail location this Super Bowl, visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet, an initiative of the Arizona Department of Gaming.
The Department’s Division of Problem Gambling provides resources statewide to individuals and families impacted by problem gambling. Services include access to confidential, subsidized treatment options. Visit problemgambling.az.com to learn more.
* Disclaimer: These numbers are self-reported by the operators; as such, these numbers are subject to adjustments after audit and review by the Arizona Department of Gaming. The Department makes no assurances regarding the accuracy of these numbers.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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