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
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.
Gambling in the USA
Wind Creek Hospitality Celebrates “Winner Takes All” Champion After $1 Million Win, Chance at Up to $11.8 Million
Wind Creek Hospitality has announced the winner of its cross-property “Winner Takes All” casino promotion, which culminated in a championship event held at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. The event brought together finalists from across Wind Creek’s portfolio for a high-stakes grand prize championship competition and VIP Guest experience.
Finalists qualified through slot tournaments at their home properties and advanced through quarterfinal and semifinal rounds before earning their place in the final championship event in Chicago. The finale featured a series of timed slot tournaments held on June 13, progressively narrowing the field of competitors through elimination rounds until the final winner was determined.
At the conclusion of the tournament on June 13, Aaron Nelson from Wind Creek Atmore was crowned the winner of the “Winner Takes All” competition, claiming a $1,000,000 prize in the tournament’s final round, and earning the opportunity to compete for the promotion’s ultimate grand prize of up to $11,888,888. “Winner Takes All” finalists were also awarded more than $200,000 in cash and prizes in the finale tournament, including a $100,000 second-place prize followed up by a drawing with a $50,000 prize pool, including a $25,000 top prize and multiple $1000 prize winners.
In addition to the competition, finalists participated in curated Wind Creek Rewards experiences designed to highlight Chicago’s cultural and hospitality offerings. Experiences included a Chicago River architectural boat cruise and a guided Chinatown culinary tasting tour, alongside a welcome reception featuring food and beverage service. Travel and accommodations were provided by Wind Creek Hospitality as part of the finalist experience.
The “Winner Takes All” promotion marked one of Wind Creek Hospitality’s most expansive cross-property tournament experiences, combining competitive gaming with destination-based Guest programming and elevated hospitality.
The post Wind Creek Hospitality Celebrates “Winner Takes All” Champion After $1 Million Win, Chance at Up to $11.8 Million appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Brazil
Superbet honors Cafu with Times Square campaign for 2026 collection
Limited-run “Super By Superbet” launch includes the “Camisa Cafu,” with 150 numbered and signed units referencing his 150 Brazil caps.
Superbet honored former Brazil captain Cafu on Monday (15) with a campaign displayed on a Times Square billboard in New York City. The company said the activation promoted its “Super By Superbet” exclusive collection created for the 2026 edition, which includes a special piece dedicated to the player.
According to the company, Cafu attended the display in person, drawing a crowd of fans seeking photos and chanting his name in one of the city’s busiest tourist areas.
“The shirt is wonderful. I feel very happy for all the incredible moments I’ve experienced here. I receive so much affection everywhere I go. Receiving recognition while still alive is one of the best things in the world.”.
“It’s an inexplicable energy to feel the love of the Brazilian people for me, right there in Times Square. Only we Brazilians know what that means.”
The centerpiece of the launch, which Superbet said totals 3,000 pieces, is the “Camisa Cafu.” The item is a limited run of 150 numbered and autographed units, which the company said references Cafu’s 150 matches for the Brazilian national team, and includes the inscription “Jardim Irene,” highlighting the player’s roots.
The post Superbet honors Cafu with Times Square campaign for 2026 collection appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Choctaw Casino & Resort
Oklahoma Man Wins $1 Million in Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant’s first “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Drawing of 2026
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant announced its first millionaire of the summer late Saturday evening as part of the 2026 edition of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Douglas C. from Norman, Oklahoma, became the First of three lucky Choctaw Rewards Club members to become an instant millionaire this summer.
Douglas who was very surprised to hear his name, said he plans to give a portion of his winnings to a few charities.
“I don’t feel any different. Being a millionaire is a state of mind and how you deal with folks and what you do to make this world a better place,” he said.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant is also taking the excitement of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” to the winner’s hometown and will make a $10,000 donation to a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice.
In addition to crowning a new millionaire, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant also held its first-ever bonus drawing for $250,000, where Eden H. from Richardson, Texas, was the winner. This new addition will take place on each million-dollar drawing day, one hour after the grand-prize drawing.
“We are thrilled to announce our first millionaire of the summer. By the end of this summer, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant will have made 12 Choctaw Rewards Club members millionaires through this promotion. This truly is where millionaires are made. This is an incredible, life-changing opportunity for our rewards club members, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide it. We look forward to continuing to innovate ways to create exciting opportunities for guests to win here at Choctaw,” said Jeff Penz, senior director of gaming and hospitality for Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant.
The next $1 million drawing will be held on Saturday, July 11, and the winner must be present to claim their prize.
The post Oklahoma Man Wins $1 Million in Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant’s first “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Drawing of 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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