A monumental sports betting handle in October led to a 24.5% year-over-year increase and a new record for the amount wagered in the Land of Lincoln.
The Illinois Gaming Board recently reported a monthly handle of $1.45 billion, ahead of the previous high of $1.37 billion set in November 2023. Dollars wagered in October surpassed September by over 10% and $40 billion by the state all time.
However, October’s revenue didn’t match the high volume of betting. Online and retail sportsbooks in Illinois produced $81.4 million in revenue, a 27.8% decrease from Oct. 2023.
Sports betting operators’ 5.6% hold was the state’s eighth-lowest ever and down from four points year-over-year.
Retail sportsbooks didn’t even produce a 4% win rate on the $36.7 million wagered in person. Mobile operators kept 5.7% of a nearly $1.41 billion handle.
