Canada
PlayIllinois.com: Sportsbooks post huge month, but March could be ‘last hurrah’ for major growth
Illinois sportsbooks set records for betting and revenue in March, easily reaching $600 million in monthly wagering for the first time and again surpassing Pennsylvania, a dramatic turn one year after the industry’s launch was spoiled by the pandemic-related shutdown of major U.S. sports. But as far as Illinois has come, the state’s newfound position as the nation’s No. 3 market could be short-lived as in-person registration requirements begin to take hold, said PlayIllinois, which analyzes and researches the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.
“March Madness helped deliver a huge month for Illinois, but March is essentially a ‘last hurrah’ for the state’s rapid growth,” said Joe Boozell, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Illinois will still be one of the largest U.S. markets because of the population of the state, but it will be difficult to maintain its current status as the U.S. No. 3, much less catch Nevada. No matter how appealing a market, there isn’t any easy way to overcome the inconvenience of in-person registration.”
Spurred by March Madness, betting at Illinois’s retail and online sportsbooks surged to $633.6 million in March, according to official data released Monday. That is up 24.3% from $509.8 million in February and easily topped the previous record $581.6 million in January. Bettors placed $20.4 million per day in the 31 days of March, up from $18.2 million per day in February.
March’s high volume produced $49.9 million in operator revenue, up 64.6% from $30.3 million in February and narrowly topping the record $49.4 million in January. The month’s win created $44.3 million in taxable revenue, which yielded $6.6 million in state taxes and another $493,543 in local taxes.
Illinois surpassed Pennsylvania ($560.3 million) in monthly handle for the second straight month and gained ground on New Jersey ($859.6 million) and Nevada ($641 million). In doing so, the state surpassed $3 billion ($3.6 billion) in lifetime handle.
That stands in stark contrast to March 2020, when Illinois launched retail sportsbooks, taking in $997,739 in bets before a wave of sports cancellations essentially put a hold on sports betting in Illinois until July.
“The growth over the last year has been staggering, making Illinois the quickest to $3 billion in U.S. history,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIllinois. “The question now becomes what will happen when the brakes are hit on that growth? Does it alarm lawmakers enough to make a change? Or will Illinois be satisfied with where the sports betting market has been frozen in place?”
The NCAA Tournament was the main driver in March, generating an estimated $176.8 million in bets even as bettors were barred from wagering on Illinois and Loyola Chicago. The NBA also drew well, helping to push basketball betting to $365.7 million. The previous high for basketball in a month was $256.7 million.
Tennis also continues to do especially well in Illinois, hitting $47.2 million in wagering, the second-most wagered-on sport.
“Illinois has grown in some unique ways, but the state’s love of basketball has really carried the state over the last few months,” Boozell said. “If the ban on betting on in-state college teams didn’t exist, Illinois would have likely been the No. 2 market in the U.S. in March.”
Online wagering accounted for 96.1%, or $609 million, of all bets in March. Retail betting generated the remaining $24.6 million.
DraftKings/Casino Queen represented 32.2% of the state’s entire handle in March, generating $207.6 million in online and retail wagers, up from the operator’s $199.8 million handle in February. Nearly $203.9 million of March’s bets came online.
FanDuel/Fairmont attracted $195.2 million in bets — $194.9 million of which came online. BetRivers/Rivers Casino continued to lose pace with the market leaders, generating $95.7 million in online betting and $106.9 million overall, up from $86.9 million in February.
The leaders were followed by:
PointsBet/Hawthorne Race Course ($55 million in wagers, including $53.6 million online; $5.1 million in revenue)
Barstool/Hollywood Casinos ($48.9 million in wagers, including $47.8 million online; $1.1 million in revenue)
William Hill/Grand Victoria ($14.2 million in wagers, including $13.3 million online; -$270,456 in revenue)
Argosy ($4.1 million in wagers; $410,477 in revenue)
Hollywood Joliet ($1.2 million in wagers; $127,344 in revenue)
Par-A-Dice ($628,286 in wagers; -$163,180 in revenue)
“One of the biggest issues with the return of in-person registration is it puts newly launched operators at a permanent disadvantage,” Welman said. “In one way, Barstool was fortunate to launch when it did, helping them build a foundation. But growth will be difficult for all operators, and especially those that are farther away from the largest population centers.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Illinois, visit PlayIllinois.com/news.
About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches (including PlayIndiana.com, PlayIllinois.com, PlayNJ.com and PlayPennsylvania.com) produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliation to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
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AGCO
AGCO issues penalties of $151,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for alleged age verification failures
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued $151,000 in penalties to Great Canadian Entertainment for allegedly failing to prevent minors from accessing gambling on multiple occasions at three Toronto-area casinos.
As part of its investigation, the AGCO reviewed four separate incidents in which minors allegedly gained access to the casino floors and in which some of these minors participated in gambling activities – two cases at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, and one at each of Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort.
The AGCO is committed to ensuring casinos meet Ontario’s high standards of harm reduction and responsible gambling. The AGCO’s Standards require operators to ensure only eligible individuals are permitted into a gambling site and strictly prohibit access to anyone under 19 years of age (except in the course of employment). The Standards also mandate that casino employees have the necessary competence, skills, experience and training to effectively carry out their duties, including age verification.
This enforcement action underscores the AGCO’s dedication to protecting youth and other vulnerable individuals.
A casino operator served with an Order of Monetary Penalty by the AGCO Registrar has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.
“Ontario casino operators have an obligation to ensure minors are not able to access casino floors or activities such as slot machines or table games. The AGCO will continue to monitor and hold all casino operators accountable for fulfilling this important role.” – Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, AGCO.
The post AGCO issues penalties of $151,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for alleged age verification failures appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Toronto, Ontario, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 
The rise of cryptocurrencies has transformed online gaming, making it easier for players to enjoy added security, faster transactions, and a seamless experience. If you’re searching for the best Bitcoin casinos in Canada, you’ll definitely come across Wild.io, a platform that stands out for its exciting game library, innovative features, and lucrative bonuses.
Wild.io is specifically designed for Bitcoin enthusiasts who want a safe and rewarding environment to play their favorite casino games. With a 400% match bonus that can go up to $10,000 plus 300 free spins, the casino attracts players looking to maximize their crypto gaming adventure.
Overview of the Best Bitcoin Casino in Canada
Wild.io launched with a clear goal in mind—to become the ultimate destination for Bitcoin users who enjoy online gambling. The casino has quickly earned its reputation as one of Canada’s top picks, offering a blend of innovation and reliability.
The first thing that sets Wild.io apart is that it’s fully optimized for cryptocurrency users. From Bitcoin to Ethereum and other popular digital currencies, the platform ensures fast, secure, and hassle-free transactions. Plus, the transparency of blockchain technology guarantees fair play and secure payouts, which are essential for players who prioritize safety.
What’s more, Wild.io boasts a growing library of over 300 games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. Its sleek website design is mobile-friendly and easy to use, ensuring a smooth experience whether you’re playing on a desktop or smartphone.
Customer satisfaction is clearly a priority at Wild.io. With strong customer support available via live chat or email 24/7, you’ll never feel left in the dark when you need assistance. All these features combine to make Wild.io a top choice for Canadian players in search of the best Bitcoin casinos.
Pros of Wild.io
- Top Crypto Casino: Wild.io was built specifically for crypto users, making payments fast and secure.
- Massive Welcome Bonus: New players can take advantage of a 400% match bonus up to $10,000 along with 300 free spins.
- Wide Game Selection: From slots to live dealer games, Wild.io offers a little bit of everything for all kinds of players.
- Blockchain Transparency: The platform leverages blockchain to ensure fair gaming and trustworthy payouts.
- Mobile Compatibility: The casino runs smoothly on all devices, be it desktop or mobile.
- 24/7 Customer Support: With fast responses through live chat, help is always available.
- Fast Payouts: Withdrawals are almost instant with cryptocurrency.
Cons of Wild.io
- Crypto Only: While perfect for crypto enthusiasts, players who prefer traditional banking might feel limited.
- Bonus Wagering Requirements: The large bonus comes with significant terms and conditions that may require effort to fulfill.
How to Join the Best Bitcoin Casinos Canada
Signing up for Wild.io is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get started and claim your 400% bonus today:
- Click on the Link
Use this link to head over to the official Wild.io website. - Create Your Account
Enter your details, including a username and email address, then confirm your account. Be sure to choose a strong password for added security. - Deposit Crypto
Select your preferred cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, to make your first deposit. You’ll instantly receive the welcome bonus that matches your deposit up to 400%. - Explore and Play
Browse through the game selection and start playing right away with your boosted bankroll!
With an easy sign-up process and crypto-friendly features, getting started with Wild.io takes just minutes.
GRAB UP TO C$10,000 + 300 FREE SPINS AT WILD.IO NOW
How We Ranked the Best Bitcoin Casinos Canada
When evaluating the best Bitcoin casinos for Canadian players, we focus on critical factors that ensure you’re playing on a safe, rewarding platform. Here’s how Wild.io checks all the boxes:
Crypto Optimization
Wild.io is designed for Bitcoin users, with features that take full advantage of blockchain technology.
Bonuses and Promotions
The massive 400% bonus combined with ongoing promotions makes Wild.io appealing to both newbies and seasoned players.
Security and Transparency
Blockchain-backed security, paired with SSL encryption, ensures that player funds and data stay safe.
Game Library
Although smaller, Wild.io’s collection of hand-picked games guarantees high-quality entertainment for all preferences.
Payment Efficiency
Instant deposits and fast withdrawals are a huge plus for crypto users, ensuring smooth gameplay with minimal delays.
Game Types at the Best Bitcoin Online Casinos in Canada
Despite having a smaller library than some competitors, Wild.io’s games are carefully selected to deliver maximum entertainment and variety. Here’s what they offer:
Slots
The slots section includes both classic and modern options, featuring stunning graphics, exciting themes, and rewarding bonus features. Some games even come with progressive jackpots, offering the chance for big wins.
Table Games
Players can enjoy sophisticated favorites like blackjack, baccarat, and poker, as well as roulette in a variety of versions.
Live Dealer Games
For an immersive experience, visit Wild.io’s live dealer section. Watch real-time gameplay and interact with dealers while playing blackjack, roulette, and more.
Specialty Games
Want a break from the usual? Games like keno, dice, and crypto-based games add an extra twist to your gambling experience.
Payment Methods at the Best Bitcoin Casino in Canada
Wild.io makes payments simple, catering specifically to players who prefer cryptocurrencies. Supported coins include:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Litecoin
- Bitcoin Cash
Because the casino operates exclusively in crypto, you won’t find traditional payment options like credit cards. While this may seem limiting to some, cryptocurrency ensures faster transactions, lower fees, and added security for players.
Deposits appear instantly, and withdrawals are processed almost as quickly. Players can trust their funds are safe while enjoying complete privacy thanks to blockchain technology.
Responsible Gambling at Canadian Bitcoin Casino Sites
Wild.io is committed to promoting responsible gambling habits among its players. The casino includes features such as deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion tools to help keep gaming fun and under control.
Additionally, the website provides links to resources like Gamblers Anonymous for players who may need extra assistance. It’s a welcome addition to an already customer-focused approach.
Ready to Explore the Best Crypto Casinos Canada Has in Store?
When it comes to the best Bitcoin casinos in Canada, Wild.io delivers an unmatched experience for crypto gamblers. With its lucrative 400% match bonus up to $10,000 and 300 free spins, fast payouts, and engaging game selection, the platform is perfect for both newcomers and experienced Bitcoin users.
Don’t miss your chance to join one of the most innovative and secure crypto casinos out there.
SIGN UP TO WILD.IO HERE ➜ Canada!
Editorial Note
This article is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Nothing within should be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should carry out their own research before participating in any gambling activities or signing up with any online casinos mentioned.
Gambling Caution
Online gambling comes with financial risks and may lead to addictive behavior or monetary loss. We urge all readers to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. In Canada, you can dial 1-626-960-3500.
19+ only. It is up to each individual to verify whether online gambling is permitted under their local, state, or federal laws. Neither the publisher, the authors, nor any syndication partners condone or support unlawful gambling. Participation in online gambling is done at the reader’s own discretion and risk.
Affiliate Transparency
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Syndication and Liability Disclaimer
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Contact Details:
Company Wild.io
Address: Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao
Website: https://wild.io/l/exclusivebonus
Email: [email protected]
Attachment
CONTACT: Contact Details: Company Wild.io Address: Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao Website: https://wild.io/l/exclusivebonus Email: [email protected]
ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s flagship online casino and sportsbook for Ontario, has officially launched its sportsbook on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The platform is tailored specifically for local players, offering a dynamic betting experience with a broad range of sports events and competitive odds. The platform also features personalised promotions and loyalty rewards designed to match the preferences of Ontario’s diverse betting community.
The sportsbook uses official data feeds, ensuring players have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information on top local and international sports events. Additionally, the platform offers live broadcasting with real-time match analytics, allowing users to make informed betting decisions as events unfold. Integrated with MEGA and advanced player account management features, the operator is committed to delivering a seamless and responsible gaming environment that enhances the overall player experience while supporting local sports initiatives.
As part of this launch, the platform has also introduced a Sportsbook section on its official website, expanding its portfolio and bringing more choice to its growing customer base. With access to over 85,000 live events each month and more than 70,000 pre-match events across a wide range of sports, players now have even more ways to bet on what they love. Soft2Bet’s Canadian brand invites all players to explore its standout online casino and the full spectrum of sports betting, all delivered through a fast, secure, and fully localised platform.
Since its debut at the end of 2024, ToonieBet has offered a fast, fair, and secure online casino and sportsbook experience, fully localised for Ontario’s vibrant gaming market. The Apple App and Google Play additions further enhance accessibility, bringing ToonieBet’s premium entertainment to players on the go.
Additionally, this milestone complements the operator’s recent partnership with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which made ToonieBet the Official Online Casino Partner of the team. The partnership includes in-arena branding, digital promotions, and fan engagement initiatives like social contests, allowing ToonieBet to connect with Ontario sports fans in exciting ways and offering chances to win team merchandise and tickets.
Yoel Zuckerberg, Soft2Bet’s Chief Product Officer, said: “As Soft2Bet continues our rapid growth, we are excited to provide Ontario players with access to ToonieBet’s sportsbook which is now available on the Apple App and Google Play Store, offering seamless access to a customised experience tailored for the province’s passionate gaming community.”
The post ToonieBet Launches its Sportsbook on Apple App Store and Google Play Store appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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