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.
Powered by WPeMatico
BetMGM
MGM Resorts & BetMGM Commit Over $1 Million to Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have announced a $1 million expanded commitment to responsible gaming research, public awareness, community partnerships, and employee engagement. This news comes as MGM Resorts and BetMGM join the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
Initiatives include the following:
MGM Resorts & BetMGM Support Independent, Evidence-Based Research
MGM Resorts and BetMGM have jointly committed $450,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to fund a new, groundbreaking research initiative examining sports wagering and its impact on player behavior. This contribution will support independent, peer-reviewed research aimed at developing best practices and strengthening long-term industry sustainability.
“As sports betting continues to grow so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers. Investing in high quality research allows us to be guided by valuable data and insights, which will ultimately help us support our patrons, communities and industry,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts.
Over three years, the research will examine factors that may influence sports betting behaviors, including decision-making and risk patterns across different populations. The study will also explore trends and prevention efforts designed to strengthen industry-wide responsible gaming strategies.
Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM, said: “Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an important reminder of our year-round responsibility to assist and empower our players. We prioritize player protection by investing in education, tools, collaboration, and meaningful support resources. Our commitment remains clear: to help every player make informed decisions and enjoy our products safely.”
Community & State Support Initiatives
In 2026, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will contribute over $850,000 to state and national organizations focused on problem gambling prevention, treatment, and responsible gaming measures. As a Founding Member, MGM Resorts will continue its sponsorship of the annual Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference and will feature the organization’s leaders in responsible gaming training sessions for employees.
Expanding GameSense Engagement & Employee Certification
Throughout March and beyond, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will increase responsible gaming messaging across casino floors, sportsbooks, and digital platforms through their shared GameSense program, developed and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
This involves:
Expanded nationwide GameSense Advisor training, now exceeding 2000 certified team members equipped to engage guests in proactive conversations and support
Increased responsible gaming visibility across both gaming and non-gaming resort areas, including convention spaces, arenas, theaters, as well as MGM Rewards desks and the BetMGM app, with messages and QR codes reminding players to “take a time-out” and “set a budget”
A Problem Gambling Awareness Month email campaign, featuring GameSense, sent to all BetMGM customers
An MGM Rewards guest survey to measure awareness and perception of responsible gaming initiatives and GameSense
Participation in the Cambridge Health Alliance’s 13th annual Gambling Disorder Screening Day, supported through employee communications and training channels.
Launch of New Responsible Gaming Campaign
This spring, MGM Resorts will introduce a new campaign, Earn More. Play Smart. integrating MGM Rewards with responsible play messaging. The campaign will remind guests that membership comes with responsibility, not just perks. BetMGM’s Mullet Over hockey-themed responsible gaming commercial featuring company ambassador Connor McDavid will continue to air during key sports broadcast across North America and will also be featured prominently across MGM Resorts properties.
The post MGM Resorts & BetMGM Commit Over $1 Million to Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BetMGM
BetMGM and the Cavinder Twins to Debut “The Court of Legends” at Bellagio in Las Vegas for College Basketball Championship
BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, will team up with Haley and Hanna Cavinder — former Division I basketball players and prominent social media influencers — to unveil The Court of Legends, a first–of–its–kind, speakeasy–style basketball experience, April 4-6 at Bellagio in Las Vegas during the final weekend of March Matchups.
Hidden within the resort, the Court of Legends will feature an immersive, custom-built court serving as the hub for BetMGM’s March basketball celebrations. Throughout the weekend, the venue will host exclusive events and influencer-driven basketball exhibitions, all building toward a Cavinder vs. Cavinder skills showdown on Sunday, April 5. The twins will go head-to–head in custom competitions, with the event live streamed on X, YouTube and the BetMGM app, giving fans a front-row seat to the action.
“BetMGM is committed to creating legendary experiences for our players that go beyond the game, and the Court of Legends will be our most ambitious idea yet. We’re creating something epic that blends basketball, entertainment and the unmistakable energy of Las Vegas. With their rare ability to connect with fans on and off the court, Haley and Hanna are the perfect partners to bring this concept to life,” said Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer at BetMGM.
The Cavinder twins said in a joint statement: “We’ve played on a lot of courts over the years, but nothing like the Court of Legends. BetMGM is bringing together VIPs, creators, and all the vibes in one place, and we’re excited to step on that floor, compete, and have fun.”
The post BetMGM and the Cavinder Twins to Debut “The Court of Legends” at Bellagio in Las Vegas for College Basketball Championship appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
FanDuel Sportsbook will no longer accept deposits by credit cards beginning March 2, the same step DraftKings Sportsbook took in August.
FanDuel issued a statement saying this decision has been in the works.
“Over the last few months, FanDuel has been evaluating the payment methods that we offer to customers and made the decision to remove credit cards as an option for our Sportsbook, casino and racing product in the United States. This change was made to improve the deposit experience for our customers,” the sportsbook said.
Many sports bettors don’t use credit cards because they are responsible for the fees.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts applauded FanDuel’s actions.
“Last week, I asked sports betting companies about Americans getting scammed by credit card companies when placing sports bets – to the tune of a $10 junk fee just to fund a $20 bet,” Warren posted on social media.
“Glad to see Fanduel take action to protect consumers from these junk fees, joining DraftKings. The rest of the industry should follow suit.”
Two notable sportsbooks with nationwide locations, BetMGM and Caesars, accept credit cards.
FanDuel also announced Jan. 22 a program called “Play with a Plan” to encourage responsible wagering. Bettors are able to track their account activity, set spending limits and establish deposit notifications.
The post FanDuel to Eliminate Credit Card Deposits Starting March 2 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
ELA Games7 days ago“Patrick’s Treasure Pots”: Hunt for the Pot of Gold in ELA Games’ Celtic Adventure
-
Andrzej Hyla Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan7 days ago
Fisherman’s Luck™ Gains Exciting Gainer™ Mechanic from Wazdan
-
HAPPY MONEY HENS6 days ago
INSPIRED UNVEILS HAPPY MONEY HENS™, GOLDEN WINNER GRAND CHANCE SUPER WHEEL™ & GOLD CASH FREE SPINS RISING WINS™ ACROSS ONLINE & MOBILE
-
Bragg Gaming Group6 days ago
Bragg Strengthens Executive Team for Enhanced Content Strategy, North American Growth, and AI-First Transformation
-
Latest News6 days ago
Norwegian Football and Norsk Tipping Extend Their Cooperation
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Arizona Division of Problem Gambling and the Arizona Lottery / Recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Isle of Man Govt Publishes its National Risk Assessment (NRA) Covering Money Laundering Risk in Gambling Sector
-
apuestas6 days ago
Expansión de los VLT en Brasil y crecimiento del sector hotelero
