FanDuel generated $4.9 million (£3.8 million/€4.5 million) in revenue during its first full month as the official sports wagering platform for the Washington DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG).

In May, the first complete month of its operation in Washington DC, FanDuel reported handling $29.7 million in bets. This figure represents a staggering 450.0% increase compared to the $5.4 million wagered in the same month last year under the previous operator, GambetDC. Players won a total of $24.9 million from their bets with FanDuel last month.

FanDuel officially commenced its role in DC on April 15, following the OLG’s transition from Intralot-run GambetDC, which had been its long-term partner for sports betting.

The $4.9 million generated by FanDuel this May significantly surpasses the $711,282 reported by GambetDC in the same month the previous year. Revenue is calculated by subtracting player winnings from the total bets placed during the month.

Interestingly, the amount generated and wagered with FanDuel exceeds that of all operators combined for any previous month in DC. Other operators active in the DC market include BetMGM and Caesars Entertainment. Last month, the OLG released figures for FanDuel’s first 30 days of operation in Washington, DC, showing $5.0 million in revenue.

The Status of GambetDC in May

While GambetDC has lost its online presence in DC, the brand maintained a minor presence in the market through its kiosks. In May, these kiosks generated $189,095 in revenue from $898,671 in wagers. Players won approximately $709,576 from betting via the GambetDC kiosks.

The future of these kiosks remains uncertain. FanDuel has already announced plans to replace betting kiosks at 63 lottery retailers across DC, indicating that GambetDC’s presence may be short-lived. Although the GambetDC app is still accessible, players can no longer place bets on sports. Existing customers have until October 15 to withdraw any remaining funds from the platform.

GambetDC has faced challenges in DC for several years, with Intralot, its contracted partner, struggling to deliver a competitive product. Consequently, it was no surprise when the OLG approved a request from Intralot to subcontract online sports betting to FanDuel, which allowed FanDuel to launch in DC shortly thereafter.

Beyond the increase in wagers and revenue, the partnership with FanDuel brings additional benefits to the OLG. These include eliminating operating expenses, which previously ranged between $2.0 million and $4.0 million annually. Now, FanDuel manages payment processing, promotions, marketing, and retailer commissions.

Potential for a More Open DC Market

Transferring control to FanDuel might be the initial step towards opening DC to more operators and increasing competition.

On June 12, the DC Council approved the FY2025 budget, which includes the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024. The council unanimously passed the budget during a legislative meeting, with a second vote expected as early as next week.

For a comprehensive overview of the hearing, including details on a defeated amendment that aimed to eliminate the new sports betting plan, click here for the latest from Jill R. Dorson.

Source: “DC betting handle rockets 450% in FanDuel’s first full month”. iGaming Business. June 13, 2024.

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The revenue generated by Maryland’s casino operators has experienced a significant decline, according to the latest report. As it turns out, the state’s six casinos generated approximately $163.2 million in revenue from table games and slots – a figure that represents a decrease of $11.6 million year-on-year.

The gaming industry’s contributions to the state reflected the decrease in revenue and declined by almost $2.6 million to approximately $69.8 million.

The figures reported by the casinos show year-on-year declines across the board. Only one casino, namely the Hollywood Casino in Cecil County, managed to beat the odds and report a revenue growth. For context, that property’s revenue increased by 6% to $7.93 million.  

In the meantime, the Live! Casino and Hotel in Anne Arundel Country, a property boasting some 3,800+ slots and approximately 180 table games, experienced a revenue decline of $1.14 million. Despite the slight decline, the property’s overall revenue still stood at $60.86 million.

Ocean Downs Casino in Worchester County, on the other hand, experienced a decline of 7,6% to $7.32 million. MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, meanwhile, reported a revenue decline of 9.8% to $68.8 million.

Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore reported a decline of 10.8%. Rocky Gap Casino in Allegany County got the worst of it as its revenue plummeted by 20.6%.

A Man Was Robbed at Horseshoe Baltimore

Speaking of Horseshoe Casino, the property recently became the site of an armed robbery. In late April, a man named Justin was approached by two masked robbers who pointed guns at his head and asked him to give them all of his valuables. Fearing for his life, Justin complied.  

The man later told local news outlets that casino goers should feel safer than that. He questioned the property’s lack of security, saying that the garage is an obvious spot where criminals could strike. However, such areas of “real terror” are currently completely undefended.

In other news, Maryland continues its efforts to legalize online gaming. However, an iGaming bill was deferred to 2026 amid various setbacks.  

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The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has reported an impressive $52.7 million in gross sports betting revenue for January. The figure reflects the aggressive marketing efforts of the Pelican State’s ten mobile sportsbooks, which actively courted and engaged the public. Increased spending also reflected positively on the state’s budget, bolstering community-focused initiatives.

Louisiana Remains an Attractive Market for Operators

Ten sportsbooks represent Louisiana’s sports betting sector, including well-known names like BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, PointsBet, Betway, and ESPN Bet. The state’s wagering scene remains dynamic, evidenced by Bet365 and ClutchBet’s recent entries in this jurisdiction as they attempt to disrupt the status quo and secure a sustainable market share. 

According to state regulations, digital operators in Louisiana have a promotional spend limit of $5 million per calendar year, encouraging companies to spend strategically to capitalize on high-profile events or bolster retention during slower months. January witnessed a record-high spending spree, with $13.8 million in promotional credits and bonuses, surpassing the previous record set in January 2022.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB), the state’s gambling regulator, closely monitors ongoing trends to ensure operators remain accountable and do not violate marketing rules. This comprehensive data also enables Louisiana authorities to adapt to industry developments, ensuring adequate customer protection and social accountability.

January Set the Stage for a Successful Year

Louisiana’s year-over-year handle saw a remarkable 22.7% surge, reaching $346.3 million, making it the third-largest total in Louisiana State history. Although 8.1% lower than the record set in December 2023, the figures indicate a robust and thriving sports betting market in the state. The online sector retained its dominance, recording a handle of $317.8 million, while retail sportsbooks collected $28.5 million.

January had remarkable revenue holds, with a 15.2% win rate. This result marked the sixth time in 25 months of mobile betting that the win rate exceeded 15%, more than double the industry standard of 7%. The high win rate and the significant promotional spend made the state eligible to tax approximately 74% of the gross revenue, collecting almost $39 million.

The report indicates a robust start to the year for Louisiana’s sports betting operators, showcasing the significant growth and potential of the market. Extra funds will bolster the state’s education programs and help finance gambling harm prevention initiatives. Despite the slight slowdown in January, next month’s results should more than compensate, bolstered by the traditional Super Bowl surge.

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The New York sports betting market continues to post record-breaking monthly results. As reported by the New York State Gaming Commission, sports betting operators in the state recorded betting handle of $2.1 billion in November. This exceeds October’s spectacular results when the industry also exceeded $2 billion in bets, becoming the first state to surpass this milestone.

November’s record-breaking results represent a 5.1% month-on-month increase and a whopping 35.7% year-on-year increase. The state’s ability to not only repeat but surpass the October results attests to the fast growth of the local industry and the increased interest in betting products.

Despite the favorable results, the actual revenue recorded by sportsbooks declined by 9.2%. For reference, sports betting operators in The Empire State reported total revenue of $150.9 million and a hold rate of only 7.1%. For reference, the industry had a hold rate of 8.2% last month.

The lower hold rate does not undermine sportsbooks, though, as their revenue still exceeded the revenue recorded in November 2022.

FanDuel Dominated the NY Market

New York’s Gambling Commission also provided information about the performance of the state’s legal sports betting operators. The market continued to be dominated by FanDuel, which singlehandedly handled $925.4 million of the total $2.1 billion in handle. It was followed by DraftKings, which recorded a betting handle of $732.1 million. Rounding up the top three is Caesars with a handle of $204.9 million

BetMGM, on the other hand, reported $120.6 million in handle. Rush Street Interactive, PointsBet, WynnBet and ResortsWorld Bet failed to surpass the $100 million mark, reporting handle of $76.6 million, $27.2 million, $11.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively. In November, Bally’s also returned to New York, generating $4.3 million in handle through its BallyBet brand.

In terms of revenue, FanDuel maintained its lead, reporting $69.2 million from its November operations. DraftKings remained in second place with a revenue of $54.3 million. Caesars, on the other hand, earned $11.6 million.

The top three were followed by BetMGM at $7.9 million. Rush Street Interactive and PointsBet, meanwhile, recorded handle of $4.9 million and $2.4 million respectively. ResortsWorld Bet, BallyBet and WynnBet failed to hit the one million mark, instead reporting revenues of $483,000, $234,000 and $312,000, respectively.

The sports betting operations in New York resulted in $83 million in taxes to the state.

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An important part of the renowned Softswiss ecosystem, a game content hub called the Softswiss Game Aggregator, is becoming more and more strong and slowly taking the position of the ultimate market leader.

Huge increase in revenue

All the aggregator’s projects were successful in July, and the revenue is here to show it: last month, the company earned more than €10 billion in total bets, which was a significant milestone for the company.

This is a huge accomplishment for Softswiss – not only does it show the impact it has on the gaming industry all around the world, but it also points out the strength of the company, which has more than 770 partners in its vast network in all corners of the world. The aggregator isn’t so old – it started its journey in October 2015, and since then, it has established itself as the premier platform in the global gaming market. Its partner network was a great help on that journey.

Innovative tools and ever-growing product portfolio

Kantar Ukraine recently conducted research on behalf of the company among the operators, and the survey resulted in great news for the brand: most of the operators were very satisfied with the collaboration and products so far.

According to the survey results, the satisfaction rating was high – even 8.3 points out of 10 possible. Even more significant is the fact that more than half of the operators, even 51%, rated Softswiss Game Aggregator with 10. Compared to the previous year, that number improved by 14%.

Andrey Starovoitov, co-CEO at Softswiss, said: “The Softswiss Game Aggregator’s achievement of exceeding €10bn in total bets in July serves as an awe-inspiring testament to our team’s dedication and vision. This remarkable milestone reaffirms our unwavering commitment to progress and our ability to deliver a valuable product to esteemed partners. The Softswis’s steadfast commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of innovation continue to drive our mission, advancing the iGaming industry through our cutting-edge solutions.”

Among the innovations Softswiss has introduced in the recent period is advanced local server infrastructure in LatAm. The product will help in optimizing the connection stability and ensure rapid data transfer.

Additionally, the company updated its famous Tournament Tool with the “Only Real Money” setting as its main addition. The tool is a great help to operators, enabling them to calculate the tournament results more accurately by including only real-money bets and wins, which will ensure that the players generate more profit for the companies.

Source: Piggot, Rachel. “Softswiss Game Aggregator hits €10bn in monthly total bets”, iGaming Business. August 23, 2023.

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Hard Rock International has launched a new Pride Month campaign, promising a variety of merchandise and activations for LGBT+ people and their supporters. Titled “LOVE OUT LOUD,” the campaign encourages people to be confident in who they are and who they love.

Through its activations, the bar and casino chain will support love in all of its forms. To that end, Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the company’s charity division, will team up with other charity organizations and non-profits to benefit the LGBT+ communities. Hard Rock will also donate $250,000 to the Human Right Campaign and Outright International.

Furthermore, Hard Rock will team up with the GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum, genre-bending artist, Halsey. A queer artist, Halsey has designed two co-branded Hard Rock x Halsey Signature Series Pride Edition T-shirts that fans of the brand will be able to get. In addition, the artist will participate in a private performance at Hard Rock Café London Old Park Lane.

After that, a string of Halsey with String Ensemble Hard Rock Live shows will take place at several other Hard Rock properties. These include Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (June 24), Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana (June 30) and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain (July 2).

In addition to the merchandise designed by Halsey, Hard Rock will also offer a selection of other limited-edition items, bearing the messages “Love All, Serve All” and “All Is One.” The line includes t-shirts, cups, keychains, pins, socks and bandanas. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the LGBT+ community.

In addition to the aforementioned activities and merchandise, Hard Rock will also host a variety of activations at its cafes and hotels. The Hard Rock Cafes all over the world will promote Pride Month, demonstrating the company’s support for the community.

Live performances, Pride-themed menus and customized playlists are just some of the things fans can expect. In addition, Hard Rock will sponsor several Pride parades across Europe.

Meanwhile, Hard Rock Hotel properties will create exclusive experiences for customers, such as curated suites, promotional menus, Pride playlists and LGBT+ fundraisers. The subsidiary will also feature performances of street artists that promote LGBT+ people.

Stephanie Piimauna, Seminole Hard Rock’s chief diversity and inclusion officer, commented on the matter:

At Hard Rock, acts of service and authentic inclusion are engrained in our brand DNA and everyday mottos, ensuring that all Team Members and guests at our properties are treated with love and respect.

Stephanie Piimauna, chief diversity and inclusion officer, Seminole Hard Rock

Piimauna added that her team is committed to supporting LGBT+ people all over the world.

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FanDuel will highlight the importance of safer gambling through a series of initiatives, the company announced. The leading NA operator will also donate money to the National Council on Problem Gambling and other organizations to further support a healthier gambling ecosystem.

As announced, FanDuel will donate $100,000 to the NCPG, supporting its Agility Grants program. The program provides funding to nonprofits across the USA, helping them prevent problem gambling in regions without dedicated safer gambling services.

Keith Whyte, executive director of the NCPG, praised FanDuel’s commitment.

FanDuel’s commitment to supporting a spectrum of services from problem gambling prevention to responsible gambling education is a reflection of their dedication to building a safe and sustainable gambling ecosystem.

Keith Whyte, exec director, NCPG

FanDuel will also expand its support of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, funding problem gambling research in the United States. The ICBG hopes to better understand addictive tendencies in order to be able to better tackle them. Arthur Paikowsky, the center’s president, welcomed FanDuel’s backing.

FanDuel will also continue to work with various professional sports leagues, such as the NBA and the PGA Tour.

In addition to supporting various organizations, FanDuel will also leverage its ambassadors to promote responsible gambling. Craig Carton, one of the company’s RG ambassadors, is currently on a “Responsible Gaming College Tour.” Carton visits college campuses across the northeast, educating young adults on how to avoid gambling harm and will produce exclusive video material on the topic.

Seven-division boxing champion Amanda Serrano, another Fanduel RG ambassador, will share video content on her social media. Serrano and Carton will encourage customers to pick FanDuel because of its Play Well tools, which allow players to regulate their own behavior.

During Problem Gambling Awareness Month, it’s even more important to remind those who choose to wager of the tools and resources available to them to help stay in control of the way they play.

Amanda Serrano, RG ambassador, FanDuel

FanDuel’s Play Well suite includes a variety of tools. By using them, players can set deposit limits, wager limits, maximum wager size limits and time limits. In addition, players can use the Time Out option to take a break from betting.

Howe Promised FanDuel Will Remain Responsible

FanDuel’s chief executive officer, Amy Howe, addressed the new initiatives.

This March marks the 20th anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and we will once again use this as a moment to demonstrate how FanDuel aims to set the standard for what it means to be a responsible operator.

Amy Howe, CEO, FanDuel

Howe concluded that the collaborations with partners and ambassadors will help FanDuel continue to spread awareness and encourage players to play safely.

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Details of the new collaboration emerged Monday and see the duo celebrate the rich history, contributions and culture of Black Americans. With this effort, Jamul Casino highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion. Thanks to the new collaboration, the organizations have set different events throughout February.

Earlier this month, Jamul Casino organized a luncheon that commemorated two local heroic women of color, Wendy Shurelds, the founder and CEO of Many Shades of Pink, an organization that helps with treatment and support to African American breast cancer patients, as well as Dr Suzanne Afflalo.

“With a number of events and initiatives scheduled throughout February, the JIV and Jamul Casino are joining the celebration by amplifying Black voices and highlighting the significance of the historical contributions of Black Americans as well as the ongoing struggles,“

reads a statement released by Jamul Casino and the Jamul Indian Village

What’s more, throughout February, Jamul Casino is featuring 31 important African American leaders and figures via its digital screens on site. Additionally, the casino will recognize those important figures via its digital media channels. Jamul Casino confirmed its commitment to support Many Shades of Pink with $10,000. Both the Tribe and Jamul Casino have also confirmed they will continue to provide donations and support the County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.

The Duo Is Excited to Collaborate for the Black History Month

Mary Cheeks, Jamul Casino’s president and general manager, explained that the different initiatives during Black History Month deliver a unique possibility for the communities to honor the struggles and sacrifices of Black people. “We’re excited to recognize the African American community’s contributions to our culture, and be part of creating a brighter, richer, more inclusive future for the next generation,” she pointed out.

“This month, we acknowledge and appreciate the historical contributions of the Black community while also recognizing the role and impact of the systemic barriers to racial equality that still exist today.“

Erica M. Pinto, chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village and chairwoman of the JIVDC Board

Erica M. Pinto, JIV and JIVDC’s Board chairwoman, outlined that during Black History Month, the Tribe acknowledges the historical accomplishments of the Black community. At the same time, she said that the initiatives identify the impact of the barriers to racial equality that currently exist. Finally, Pinto said that the Tribe and its Board of Directors commemorate the achievements and legacy of Black Americans.

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