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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

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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.

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“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.

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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

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – June 17-23

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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

The International Centre for Responsible Gaming has welcomed Dr. Travis Sztainert as its new director of research and education. Dr. Sztainert, a distinguished researcher and knowledge translation professional, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in responsible gambling research to the ICRG. With a proven track record in effectively bridging the gap between knowledge, policy and practice, he will help further the impactful work of the ICRG.

BetMGM announced that Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine have recognised the operator as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in New York. The leading sports betting and iGaming operator landed at No.16 and secured the spot on the prestigious list by surpassing rigorous benchmarks, establishing itself as one of the best workplaces among companies headquartered in the New York region. About 92% of employees surveyed said that BetMGM is a great place to work, 35% points higher than the average U.S. company.

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idPair Inc., an award-winning provider of safer gambling technology, announced the upcoming launch of free self-exclusion assistance in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan and Tennessee this August, as part of the first phase of the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programme (NVSEP). Where states require a notarised form, a free remote online notary will be provided through the NVSEP platform to remove any cost for individuals.

The Mill Adventure has announced that it has secured a gaming-related supplier license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The Mill Adventure can now provide its full-service player account management (PAM) platform to licensed operators in Ontario. This achievement demonstrates the provider’s proactive approach to capturing opportunities in fast-evolving, regulated markets.

Caesars Entertainment announced the closing of the previously announced acquisition of the operations of WynnBET’s Michigan iGaming business and the long-term extension of iGaming market access rights with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Caesars will assume operations on the existing platform under the WynnBET brand with no anticipated interruption to the customer experience.

Partnerships

Inspired Entertainment announced that it has entered an agreement with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, an agency of the government of the Canadian province of Alberta that oversees casino gaming (AGLC). Following a successful six-month trial period, AGLC has committed to purchase 150 new Valor terminals. Deployment of the new terminals is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2024.

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PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, and Kindbridge Behavioural Health, a pioneering mental health service provider dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges related to problem gaming, announced a groundbreaking collaboration that will provide access to Kindbridge’s top-tier clinical services at no initial cost to PrizePicks players and customer-facing employees. The programme will support problem gaming prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.

SCCG Management announced a groundbreaking partnership with AmplePool, a leading B2B online white-label universal loyalty rewards platform. This collaboration aims to transform loyalty rewards for gaming operators and online betting partners, combining the innovative rewards platform of AmplePool with the extensive industry expertise of SCCG Management to deliver unparalleled benefits to gaming operators worldwide.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – June 17-23 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Gambling in the USA

IGT’s Whitney Houston Slots Take Center Stage at Casinos Across the US

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International Game Technology PLC announced that it has released the highly anticipated Whitney Houston Slots game, giving players across the US an exciting new entertainment opportunity at their favorite casinos. The dazzling game is bringing the “Voice of a Generation” to a growing list of casinos, delivering an immersive experience that is sure to captivate Whitney Houston fans and slot enthusiasts alike.

“IGT is thrilled to bring the new star-studded Whitney Houston Slots game to casino floors across the US. Whitney Houston slots exemplifies IGT’s winning formula for licensed game themes: a world-class entertainment experience combined with a precise alignment of the licensed theme fan base and the slot player demographic,” said Nick Khin, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Gaming.

IGT’s Whitney Houston Slots was created in collaboration with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, resulting in a high-energy casino experience that authentically captures the talents and energy of the global superstar. Here’s what Whitney Houston fans and slot players should know about the game:

  • Delivers a Concert-Like Experience. Casino guests will feel the beat of a legacy of chart-topping music while playing Whitney Houston Slots. The game features hit songs such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “So Emotional,” and “How Will I Know, which are brought to life through a synchronized audio and video experience on the towering SkyRise cabinet.
  • Incorporates a Variety of Music-Inspired Elements. From game symbols to bonus content, the game is infused with iconic Whitney Houston concert footage and famous photos. One of many game highlights is its interactive platinum record collection-pot feature, where players collect platinum record symbols that land on the reels, which may then spill back into the game to trigger the Respin Bonus.
  • Features Jackpots that Will Make Players Want to Dance. Pairing mega star power with big win potential, Whitney Houston Slots features four highly entertaining jackpots, including the top-level $500,000 wide area progressive jackpot. The game also incorporates gameplay mechanics that seasoned slots players know and love, including a dedicated lock and respin bonus, Cash on Reels, Stacked Wilds, and free games.
  • Creates a Must-See Spectacle on the Gaming Floor. Certain to capture attention across the gaming floor, Whitney Houston Slots is housed on IGT’s newest hardware technology, the SkyRise cabinet. The SkyRise cabinet stands over 11 feet tall and features two 55-inch, 4K resolution curved-edge LCD screens to deliver vivid graphics, state-of-the-art sound, and optimized lighting design. When four of these cabinets are placed in a side-by-side bank configuration, the top screens of all four units seamlessly integrate and synchronize images to create a concert-like video wall.
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Gambling in the USA

MGM Resorts International Announces Agreement to Acquire Tipico’s U.S. Sportsbook

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MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) (“MGM Resorts” or the “Company”) today announced that its subsidiary, LeoVegas Group (“LeoVegas”), has entered into an agreement to acquire the product and technology platform constituting the U.S sportsbook and online casino from Tipico Group Ltd (“Tipico”).

This acquisition is the second major investment by LeoVegas, following the acquisition of game developer Push Gaming in 2023. The acquisition will allow LeoVegas to operate a purpose-built proprietary sportsbook across all international markets and brands, with the exception of those exclusive to the BetMGM JV, with a focus on a clean, fast consumer experience with top-class product, pricing and functionality.

Tipico will wind down its U.S. operations prior to the closing of the acquisition. As part of the transaction, LeoVegas will acquire certain of Tipico’s U.S. facing management, technology and trading teams across the U.S., Colombia and Europe.

“The acquisition of Tipico’s award winning U.S. platform marks a significant milestone in the strategic development of MGM Resorts’ global digital gaming business, allowing us to operate a proprietary sports betting platform,” said Gary Fritz, President, MGM Resorts International Interactive, “This acquisition gives us control of our entire technology ecosystem, and we are delighted to bring Tipico’s U.S. team, with their track record of developing high quality product and pricing capabilities, into our business.”

LeoVegas CEO Gustaf Hagman added: “By controlling our own sportsbook technology, we ensure that we will deliver the world’s greatest iGaming experience to customers across all our markets and brands. Powering our strong brands with a competitive and innovative sports product will enable us to grow and strengthen our sportsbook offering in both new and existing markets. I look forward to welcoming the talented teams from Tipico’s U.S. business into the LeoVegas Group very soon.”

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The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024.

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