BetMGM
PlayIA.com: Iowa sportsbooks set per-day betting record during $144 million February

Iowa sportsbooks took in nearly $144 million in bets in February and took in more bets per day than in the state’s history, even as the state’s month-over-month handle fell from January’s surge. The bottom line is that the Hawkeye State’s sportsbooks continue to reap significant benefits of no in-person registration requirements, according to analysts for PlayIA, which tracks regulated online and retail gaming in the state.
“Iowa remains perhaps the most compelling case study yet on the effects of in-person registration requirements,” said Jessica Welman, an analyst for PlayIA.com. “February is a short month with only one NFL game to bet on, the Super Bowl, so the relatively flat month-over-month results can be misleading on the surface. But another strong showing still places Iowa in a class of states that are either larger or have far more mature gaming markets. And that would not be possible under the old requirements.”
Online and retail sportsbooks generated $143.6 million in wagers in February, according to official data released Friday. That is down 3.9% from the record $149.5 million handle in January. But betting per day in the 28 days of the month was a record $5.1 million, which was up from the $4.8 million per day bet in the 31 days of January.
February’s handle pushed Iowa’s lifetime handle to $1.1 billion, surpassing an eye-catching milestone.
The biggest reason for the two-month surge is the removal of in-person registration requirements in January. In fact, FanDuel reported new customer registrations multiplied by nearly a factor of seven from December to January, a direct result of the easing of registration requirements. And DraftKings said that by Jan. 5, it had registered more customers via mobile registration than through all of 2020.
Net receipts for sportsbooks did fall 32% month over month, to $7.7 million in February from $11.3 million in January. The month’s revenue still yielded $520,444 in state taxes.
As immediate and significant an effect as the removal of in-person registration requirements has been, it is not the sole reason the state’s sportsbooks remained busy in February. The Super Bowl brought in $16.2 million in wagers, most of which came in February. Bookmakers also benefited from robust interest in men’s college basketball, particularly No. 5 Iowa and Drake, which sits just outside the Top 25.
“When local teams enjoy strong seasons, as both Iowa and Drake are, interest in betting on their games goes up. We see that in every regulated sports betting market in the U.S.,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for PlayIA.com. “With March Madness on the horizon, more growth almost certainly lies ahead. And sportsbooks should get an even bigger boost if Iowa or Drake can manage a prolonged run in the NCAA Tournament.”
For the month, online sports betting accounted for $143.6 million, or 87.2%, of the state’s overall handle. That brings it closer in line with markets with more mature online sports betting and no on-site registration requirements. In those states, about 90% of all bets are made online.
The surge in online sports betting continues to heat up the race for market share among operators. Iowa’s first online operator in August 2019, William Hill — which partners in Iowa with Prairie Meadows, Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Isle of Capri Bettendorf, Lakeside, and Harrah’s Council Bluffs — retook the online market lead with $45.2 million in online wagers in February. That netted a market-leading $2 million in receipts.
The Wild Rose license, which is anchored by DraftKings but includes BetRivers, took in $38.9 million in online wagers and $1.5 million net receipts. FanDuel, the nation’s largest sportsbook brand, helped put Diamond Jo in third place with $28.4 million in online bets, up from $26.9 million in January. Diamond Jo’s license, which includes BetMGM, netted $1.5 million on those bets.
Still emerging from COVID-related restrictions, retail betting generated $18.4 million, down from $28.8 million. Ameristar topped the retail market with $4.5 million in wagers, just ahead of Diamond Jo Worth’s $4.2 million.
William Hill and its partners lead across all betting platforms, with a combined retail and online handle of $50 million, or 34.8% of the state’s handle. In a U.S. market dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings, Iowa and Nevada are the only two states in which William Hill is the market leader.
“William Hill is still proving that early entry into a market is critically important,” Welman said. “But DraftKings and FanDuel are investing heavily in Iowa, and with their brand recognition, they are seeing a rapid return on that investment. We’ll see how long William Hill is able to hold them off.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Iowa, visit PlayIA.com/news.
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Adam Greenblatt Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM
BETMGM 2Q/1H 2025 UPDATE & FY2025 GUIDANCE INCREASE

BetMGM LLC jointly owned by MGM Resorts International and Entain plc, is providing an update on its Second Quarter 2025 (“2Q 2025”) and First Half 2025 (“1H 2025”) performance.
- Strong 2Q and 1H performance as BetMGM’s ongoing strategic execution drives strong and profitable growth
- 2Q Net Revenue up 36% YoY and EBITDA of $86 million (up $78 million YoY)
- 1H Net Revenue up 35% YoY and EBITDA of $109 million (up $232 million YoY)
- Leading iGaming offering and enhanced player engagement delivered 2Q revenues +29% (1H +28%) with strong growth in player volumes and activity
- Strong Online Sports performance with 2Q revenues +56% (1H +61%) driven by refined player marketing and management and strengthened product
- Upgrade to FY25 guidance and increased confidence in path to $500 million EBITDA in coming years
- Expect FY25 Net Revenue of at least $2.7 billion and EBITDA of at least $150 million1
Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM, commented: “BetMGM has seen a strong first half of the year, delivering significant revenue and EBITDA growth that is underpinned by the ongoing execution of our strategic plan. The momentum we have built since the second half of 2024 accelerated through the first half of 2025. Our iGaming business continues to deliver new records as we showed why BetMGM is the go-to destination for all players, and in Online Sports, our refined player targeting and management capabilities have driven strong engagement and player KPIs across the board. BetMGM is healthier than it has ever been, a testament to the hard work of our teams and colleagues across the business. Our stronger than expected performance through 1H 2025 positions us well for the rest of the year, reinforcing our confidence in the future and the many opportunities ahead.”
Key Financial Highlights
2Q and 1H 2025 BetMGM Financial Summary1,2,3 |
|||||||
$ millions, unless otherwise noted |
2Q 2025 |
YoY Change |
1H 2025 |
YoY Change |
1H 2024 |
||
Net Revenue |
|||||||
iGaming |
$449 |
+29 % |
$891 |
+28 % |
$695 |
||
Online Sports |
$228 |
+56 % |
$422 |
+61 % |
$262 |
||
Handle4 |
$3,427 |
+25 % |
$7,515 |
+27 % |
$5,914 |
||
GGR Hold % |
9.8 % |
+40bps |
8.9 % |
(10)bps |
9.0 % |
||
NGR Hold % |
6.6 % |
+130bps |
5.6 % |
+120bps |
4.4 % |
||
Retail / Other |
$16 |
(5) % |
$36 |
(15) % |
$42 |
||
Total Net Revenue |
$692 |
+36 % |
$1,349 |
+35 % |
$999 |
||
Contribution |
$191 |
+$88 |
$307 |
+$241 |
$66 |
||
EBITDA |
$86 |
+$78 |
$109 |
+$232 |
($123) |
||
Average Monthly Actives (thousands)5 |
901 |
+7 % |
984 |
+6 % |
926 |
2Q/1H Financial Highlights
- 1H Net Revenue of $1.35 billion, +35% YoY delivering 1H EBITDA of $109 million (up $232 million YoY)
- 2Q Net Revenue of $692 million, +36% YoY with continuing momentum and strong underlying growth
- iGaming Net Revenue of $449 million, +29% YoY, driven by leading offering with exclusive content, differentiated engagement tools and enhanced player management
- Online Sports Net Revenue of $228 million, +56% YoY, reflecting strengthened product and refined engagement
- Average Monthly Actives +7% YoY
- 2Q EBITDA of $86 million (up $78 million YoY) underpinned by positive contribution from both iGaming and Online Sports
- Secured stabilized 14% GGR market share in active markets with iGaming (22%) and Online Sports (8%), further cementing BetMGM’s podium position in the market6,7
- $150 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn with no further capital from parent companies expected
Operational highlights
- Market leading iGaming offering
- Continued investment behind leading iGaming business to acquire and retain a broader pool of players at attractive payback periods
- Strong player volumes and engagement KPIs underpin 1H outperformance
- 1H Average Monthly Actives +38% and Active Player Days each month +34%8
- Attractive player economics supported by:
- Exclusive and unparalleled library of content including The Wizard of Oz, Price is Right and Family Feud
- Creative player engagement tools improved active player days and 2025 cohort retention
- Further investment in live dealer business
- Improved targeting and showcasing of promotions to cross-sell Online Sports and iGaming players in our multi-product states
- Strengthened Online Sports product and enhanced player engagement approach
- Significant growth in Online Sports demonstrates successful brand repositioning, player acquisition and management, alongside ongoing product improvements
- Focused “premium mass” approach and enhanced CRM delivering a more engaged and higher quality player base
- 1H Handle per active +34% and NGR per active +70%9
- 1H Active Player Days +14% with +24% more Bets per active8,9
- 1H NGR margin improvement of +120 bps YoY
- Strengthened product with broader offering and parlay capabilities, plus enhanced UX navigation and app speed
- Unlocking differentiated omnichannel opportunities
- Growing flywheel benefits from Nevada omnichannel position with launch of flagship app and nationwide digital wallet
- Improved integration across omnichannel touchpoints supports efficient acquisition and retention funnel offering unique player experiences
- 30% growth in NV monthly actives in 1H; 4x increase in number of NV actives continuing play in home state in 1H10
- Omnichannel game titles and differentiated live dealer offering provide BetMGM exclusive experiences
- c50% of BetMGM’s Top 20 grossing slot titles are omnichannel games, including recently launched titles from The Wizard of Oz franchise11
- Growing flywheel benefits from Nevada omnichannel position with launch of flagship app and nationwide digital wallet
Outlook
- BetMGM’s performance in 2Q and 1H 2025 provides increased confidence in the long-term profitability and opportunities for the business
- Stronger than expected second quarter supports further upgrade to FY25 guidance12:
- Net Revenue guidance of at least $2.7 billion
- EBITDA guidance of at least $150 million
- Secured podium position in a large and growing total addressable market with increasing operating leverage benefits, reinforces our confidence in delivering EBITDA of $500 million in the coming years
The post BETMGM 2Q/1H 2025 UPDATE & FY2025 GUIDANCE INCREASE appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Barry Sanders
Derek Jeter Joins BetMGM’s Team of Legendary Ambassadors

BetMGM announced a multiyear partnership with baseball legend and five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter. As BetMGM’s newest brand ambassador, Jeter will appear in national marketing campaigns including the “Legendary Plays” spot, scheduled to premiere on July 15. BetMGM Casino also plans to launch an exclusive Jeter-themed slot game. Currently, there are no other online casino games featuring a current or former professional baseball player.
“BetMGM’s commitment to excellence and overall approach help them stand out as an innovator in their space. They have worked hard to create a real community in their audience. I look forward to working with their team to build connections within their base of players and support the company’s continued growth,” Jeter said.
The Hall of Fame shortstop joins BetMGM’s prestigious roster of sports legends, which includes Barry Sanders, Tim Howard and Wayne Gretzky, among others. Jeter will be featured prominently across advertising campaigns and digital platforms, make appearances at exclusive VIP events and play a key role in promoting BetMGM’s responsible gambling initiatives in both the US and Canada.
Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer at BetMGM, said: “As BetMGM’s brand continues to evolve, we could not think of a better baseball ambassador to add to our Mount Rushmore of legendary athletes than Derek Jeter. ‘The Captain’s’ universal appeal and proven track record of excellence, both on and off the field, will provide players with extraordinary experiences only available at BetMGM.”
Over his storied 20-year career with the New York Yankees, Jeter earned a reputation as a game-changing athlete, revered for his consistency, clutch performances and leadership. “The Captain” collected more than 3000 hits, won five Gold Gloves and was a 14-time All-Star while serving as the cornerstone of numerous championship teams. His legacy on the field, and his presence off it, continues to inspire generations of baseball fans.
As BetMGM continues to expand into new markets and introduce new features, responsible gaming remains a key focus. Additionally, BetMGM provides resources to help customers play responsibly including GameSense, an industry leading program, developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s already existing responsible gambling tools which serve to provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.
The post Derek Jeter Joins BetMGM’s Team of Legendary Ambassadors appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BetMGM
Octoplay Makes United States Market Debut Through Strategic Partnership with BetMGM in New Jersey

Octoplay continues its series of successful partnerships by joining forces with BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, for its highly anticipated United States market debut in New Jersey. This landmark entry into the United States marks a pivotal moment in Octoplay’s North American expansion strategy, bringing its premium product portfolio to American players. The strategic partnership with BetMGM establishes Octoplay’s first active U.S. collaboration and follows the company’s recently obtained Michigan provisional license, setting the stage for an accelerated North American rollout in 2025.
This partnership builds on Octoplay’s successful collaboration with BetMGM in Ontario, where the company first debuted Jackpot Blitz – a bespoke version of its popular jackpot system built in close collaboration with BetMGM. With active licenses in the UK, Sweden, Malta, Ontario, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and a provisional license in Michigan, Octoplay advances its strategic market roadmap in key jurisdictions worldwide.
“Our New Jersey launch with BetMGM represents a key milestone in our North American strategy” says Ralitsa Georgieva, Director of Business Development at Octoplay. “This partnership connects our content with players in the largest U.S. iGaming market, providing a foundation for our continued expansion across North America in 2025.”
Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming, BetMGM, said, “We are pleased to partner with Octoplay for their U.S. debut. Based on the strong performance in other markets and Octoplay’s premium game portfolio, we are confident the content will be a success in New Jersey.”
The integration with BetMGM marks a significant step in Octoplay’s North American strategy. With New Jersey serving as Octoplay’s gateway to the biggest iGaming market, the company stands ready to bring its proven European success to American players throughout 2025 and beyond.
The post Octoplay Makes United States Market Debut Through Strategic Partnership with BetMGM in New Jersey appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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