Canada

PlayIllinois.com: Sports betting hits 10-month low in July

Published

4 years ago

September 10, 2021

The volume of sports betting in Illinois further slowed in July, slumping to the lowest level in the state since September 2020 with $369 million in online and retail wagering. July typically marks the end of the seasonal slowdown that affects every major U.S. sports betting market, but in-person registration requirements in Illinois could dampen the football-fueled ramp up that other states will enjoy, according to PlayIllinois, which tracks the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.

“Illinois sportsbooks will not be able to take full advantage of the customer acquisition phase that comes with the beginning of every football season, which is vital for the growth of the industry,” said Joe Boozell, lead analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Because in-person registration was reinstated in April at the beginning of the slow season in sports betting, the industry has skirted the most severe effects of the state rule. But there will be no hiding from it during football season.”

Bettors made $369.1 million in wagers at Illinois’ retail and online sportsbooks in July, down 22.5% from $476.5 million in June, according to official data released Thursday. The day-by-day pace of betting fell to $11.9 million over the 31 days of July from $15.9 million over the 30 days of June.

Year over year, handle was up 603% from $52.5 million in July 2020, a month that marked the relaunch of sports betting in the state after the pandemic-related shutdown of major U.S. sports. July is typically the slowest betting month of the year in the U.S., marking the low point in U.S. betting in 2018, 2019, and now in 2021. Despite the slowdown, Illinois remained No. 3 in July in terms of betting volume, surpassed only by New Jersey ($578.7 million) and Nevada ($409.9 million).

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Accordingly, gross gaming revenue fell 22.6% to $37.3 million from $48.2 million in June. That produced $37.6 million in adjusted gross revenue, yielding $6.1 million in state and local taxes. At 10.1%, the market’s hold, which is the percentage sportsbooks keep after paying out winning bets, remains relatively high.

“July features fewer prime betting opportunities and casual bettors are more occupied with vacations and other activities, and there isn’t much sportsbooks can do about that,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayIllinois.com. “Illinois sportsbooks have done well by increasing their hold over the summer months, which puts operators in a good position as casual bettors return.”

Baseball was the most bet-on sport for the first time this year, drawing $124.0 million of action in July. That was down from $126.7 million in June, even with the excitement over the success of the Chicago White Sox. The NBA Finals fueled $42.5 million in basketball betting, down from $126.9 million in June. Parlay betting ($79.7 million), tennis ($43.9 million), and soccer ($34.1 million) all contributed significantly to July’s handle, too.

July also marked the first time Olympics betting was made possible, not just in Illinois but in most legal markets in the U.S. Although Illinois does not report bets specific to the Olympics, anecdotally, it appears that the events in Japan did not draw widespread interest.

“With events held in the middle of the night in many cases and sports that are a bit unfamiliar to bettors, the Olympics did not appear to draw a lot of wagering,” Ramsey said. “In the end, the traditional team sports are still by far the largest draw for bettors, which is why football is so important for sportsbooks.”

July’s wagering included $351.4 million in online bets, or 95.2% of the wagers made during the month. DraftKings/Casino Queen topped Illinois again with $122.7 million in combined online and retail handle, down from $160.2 million in June, and $120.5 million of July’s bets came online. In all, DraftKings generated $9.5 million in gross gaming revenue.

FanDuel was not far behind with $118.5 million in online and retail wagers, down from $156.3 million in bets in June. $118.0 million of July’s betting came online. It all resulted in a market-topping $15.5 million in gross gaming revenue.

The leaders were followed by:

BetRivers/Rivers Casino ($68.0 million in wagers, including $58.7 million online; $6.1 million in revenue)
PointsBet/Hawthorne Race Course ($28.5 million in wagers, including $26.9 million online; $2.7 million in revenue)
Barstool/Hollywood Aurora ($23.5 million in wagers, including $22.7 million online; $2.2 million in revenue)
Caesars by William Hill/Grand Victoria ($5.3 million in wagers, including $4.6 million online; $853,946 in revenue)
Argosy ($1.7 million in retail wagers; $334,226 in revenue)
Hollywood Joliet ($638,683 in wagers; $107,897 in revenue)
Par-A-Dice ($287,446 in wagers; -$16,491 in revenue)

“FanDuel continues to wring out an impressive amount of revenue from the bets it takes in,” Boozell said. “DraftKings answered with Same Game Parlays, which could help bridge the revenue gap with FanDuel. That fierce competition between the two market leaders will only grow during football season, with younger operators limited in their ability to make significant gains on the leaders with in-person registration in place.”

For more revenue information, visit PlayIllinois.com/revenue.

Caesars Entertainment

OLG Selects Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider for Windsor Casino

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

olg-selects-caesars-entertainment-as-the-service-provider-for-windsor-casino

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has selected Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider in the Windsor Casino procurement process. This is the final procurement process in the OLG’s land-based gaming modernization initiative.

Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said: “We are thrilled to be selected as the service provider for the Windsor Casino by the OLG. Caesars has a long history of managing Windsor and looks forward to continuing to deliver exceptional guest service and experiences at the property.”

Caesars and its predecessor companies have partnered with the OLG to operate Caesars Windsor (fka. Casino Windsor) since the opening of the temporary facility in 1994. Caesars will assume responsibility for gaming and non-gaming operations of the Windsor casino on behalf of the OLG under a 20-year operating agreement, which is expected to begin in 2026.

OLG requires an 18-month restriction on any organizational changes consistent with other gaming bundle modernizations in Ontario. Unionized employees will continue to be governed by the terms of their collective agreement.

The post OLG Selects Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider for Windsor Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

AGCO

AGCO issues penalties of $151,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for alleged age verification failures

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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.

Canada

Best Bitcoin Casinos Canada: Wild.io Picked as the Top Crypto Casino in Canada

Published

6 days ago

May 8, 2025

GlobeNewswire

best-bitcoin-casinos-canada:-wild.io-picked-as-the-top-crypto-casino-in-canada

Toronto, Ontario, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wild.io.jpg

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.

JOIN WILD.IO NOW

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%.
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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.

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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.

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

This article may include affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase or register, a commission may be earned, at no extra cost to you.

Syndication and Liability Disclaimer

Any third-party publishers, media platforms, or syndication partners that republish this content do so understanding that it is meant for informational purposes only. These entities are not responsible for the legality, accuracy, or interpretation of the material.

Contact Details:

Company Wild.io

Address: Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao

Website: https://wild.io/l/exclusivebonus

Email: [email protected]

Attachment

Wild.io

CONTACT: Contact Details:

Company Wild.io

Address: Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao

Website: https://wild.io/l/exclusivebonus

Email: [email protected]