Gambling in the USA

INDIANA SPORTSBOOKS MAKE MOST OF FEBRUARY WITH $187 MILLION IN BETS Super Bowl and basketball drive state handle to new monthly record, according to PlayIndiana analysts

Published

6 years ago

March 11, 2020

The Super Bowl helped Indiana’s retail and online sportsbooks post a February that landed another monthly record. And with March Madness ahead and new online casinos launching, Indiana is positioned to weather the launch of retail sports betting in Michigan and Indiana, according to analysts from PlayIndiana.com.

“Indiana’s market continues to mature, including the launch of more online sportsbooks, even as the football season ends,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “The state has a near-perfect storm of success, and will continue to be among the shining stars in legal sports betting even as neighboring states move to legalize sports betting.”

Indiana’s February handle hit $187.2 million, up 9.6% from a then-record $170.8 million handle generated in January, according to official reporting released Tuesday. February produced $11.1 million in adjusted gross revenue, down 15.9% from $12.9 million, yielding $1.1 million in state taxes.

Bettors placed $11.6 million in bets on football, almost entirely on the Super Bowl. And basketball continues to be a significant draw, generating $90.2 million in February wagers. Even Oscars betting appeared to be a hit, accounting for a significant portion of the $39.7 million wagered on the state’s “other” events.

“The Super Bowl was the single most significant event in February, but Indiana has done exceptionally well with basketball,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “That balance is helping Indiana avoid a post-football slump, which is common in jurisdictions such as Nevada.”

Indiana’s market advantages, most notably its ability to attract out-of-state bettors, have continued to hold, too. None of Indiana’s neighbors have launched legal sports betting yet, and because Indiana does not require in-person registration for mobile users, the Hoosier State can easily capitalize by allowing out-of-state bettors to simply cross the state line to make a bet.

Indiana will remain a friendly neighbor for sports bettors for the foreseeable future. Illinois and Michigan have legalized sports betting, with both launching retail betting this week. That will have some impact, but it should be blunted without an online component yet in either state. And progress toward legalizing sports betting is uncertain in both Kentucky and Ohio.

“Indiana’s relationship with out-of-state bettors takes many forms, ranging from those who cross the border to make bets at nearby land-based sportsbooks to those who hop over the state border in cars and place bets by phone,” Welman said. “Indiana’s sportsbooks have been aggressive in attracting that business, of course. It won’t last forever, but Indiana should enjoy the advantage while it’s there.”

Online sportsbooks generated $145.9 million in bets in February, or 77.9% of the state’s handle. And more sportsbooks came online with the Feb. 25 launch of BetMGM, which operates under the Belterra Casino license. PointsBet/Hollywood Lawrenceburg launched on March 5, and BetIndiana/Hard Rock is expected to launch this month, too.

In February, DraftKings/Ameristar Casino remained the online market leader with $74.1 million in bets, up from $66 million in January. That generated $5.7 million in gross receipts, up from $4.6 million. But FanDuel/Blue Chip Casino continued to gain ground on its rival, tallying a $63.8 million handle in February, up from $49.5 million. That resulted in a $2.7 million win, up from $1.9 million.

The market leaders were followed by:

BetRivers/French Lick Resort ($7.7 million handle, down from $7.8 million; $348,869 win, down from $590,178)
BetAmerica/Rising Star Casino ($212,953 handle, up from $89,622; -$6,169 win, down from $1,854)
BetMGM/Belterra ($70,061 handle; $13,175 win)

Market proximity continues to dictate Indiana’s retail market. Horseshoe Hammond, near Chicago, has consistently led the retail market. In February, Horseshoe Hammond posted a $12.4 million handle, down from $13.7 million in January. That generated $52,445 in gross receipts, down from $1.8 million. Horseshoe Hammond was followed by:

Hollywood Lawrenceburg ($6.8 million handle, down from $7.8 million; $308,577 win, down from $578,993)
Ameristar Casino ($5.9 million handle, down from $7 million; $345,660 win, down from $1.4 million)
Indiana Grand ($4.7 million handle, down from $5 million; $516,760 win, up from $365,318)
Harrah’s Hoosier Park ($4.5 million handle, down from $5.4 million; $301,764 win, down from $321,785)
Caesars Southern Indiana ($2.2 million handle, down from $2.4 million; $16,774 win, down from $143,966)
Blue Chip Casino ($2.1 million handle, down from $2.7 million; $3,008 win, down from $279,868)
Tropicana Evansville ($1.6 million handle, down from $2 million; $31,513 win, down from $210,974)
Belterra Casino ($864,230 handle, down from $934,724; $46,173 win, up from $8,077)
French Lick Resort ($387,656 handle, down from $533,634; $27,015 win, down from $14,132)
Rising Star Casino ($123,393 handle, down from $213,552; $11,723 win, up from -$40,497)

“The successful partnership between DraftKings and Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, which generates the largest combined online and retail handle, crystalizes Indiana’s market advantages,” Welman said. “The DraftKings app was first to the market, and its ease of use has kept it on top. Meanwhile, Ameristar continues to draw heavily from the Chicago market.”

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

Related Topics:Indiana online sportsbooks PlayIndiana.com Super Bowl

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Carousel Bar Las Vegas

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

Published

2 hours 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

2 hours 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

1 day 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/