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PlayIllinois.com: $580 million January at Illinois sportsbooks marks the beginning of a year of growth

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Illinois became the fourth U.S. state to take in more than $500 million in sports bets in a single month — nearly reaching $600 million in January — reaching the milestone even as retail sportsbooks remained closed for much of the month. But as rapid as the ascension of Illinois’s sports betting market has been, the state will need new sportsbook operators to come online to help raise the market’s ceiling, according to PlayIllinois, which offers news and analysis of the state’s gaming industry.

“No state has come close to reaching $500 million in handle in such a short time frame after launching, and to reach that mark with just five online operators and retail casinos closed for much of January is even more impressive,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Multiple factors had to come together to make that happen. The next step for the market is to get more operators online, which will help expand the pool of bettors.”

Illinois online operators attracted $581.6 million in bets in January, 98.9%, or $575.2 million, of which came online, according to official data released Wednesday. January’s handle was up 18.3% from $491.7 million in December, the fourth most among legal U.S. markets, behind only New Jersey ($958.7 million), Nevada ($646.5 million), and Pennsylvania ($615.3 million) during that month.

January’s bets pushed Illinois past $2 billion in lifetime handle, but more importantly, it generated a record $49.4 million in operator revenue, up 106.8% from $23.9 million in December. The win yielded $7.2 million in taxes for the state and another $479,052 in local taxes.

January is just the opening month in a year that could bring in more than $6 billion in wagers and $450 million in operator revenue, according to PlayIllinois projections. But that assumes continued maturity, including the addition of new operators.

To that end, Illinois will get a boost with the addition of Penn National’s Barstool-branded app, which is scheduled to launch on Friday and has made waves in Pennsylvania since launching there in September.

“Seeing an impactful operator such as Barstool launch is a reminder that Illinois still has so much more room to grow,” said Joe Boozell, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “A few uncertainties could slow the market, including the potential return of in-person registration. But January’s results are more evidence that 2021 will almost certainly mark a sizable leap forward for the state’s sports betting market.”

January’s results were helped by football wagering, including on the Chicago Bears’ brief playoff appearance. Football brought in $158.3 million bets, or 27.2% of the state’s handle. But with the NBA enjoying its first full month in January, basketball drew in $229.7 million, 39.5% of the state’s total handle.

With the state’s ban on betting on in-state college teams, sportsbooks did miss out on the opportunity to capitalize on the college basketball success of Illinois and Loyola Chicago, both of which have been among the nation’s best teams for much of the year. But legislation is currently proposed that could remove the ban, which would allow bettors to place wagers on local teams.

“In every legal market local teams, particularly those that are playing well, are crucial in fueling bettor engagement with sportsbooks,” Welman said. “Illinois isn’t alone in barring betting on in-state college teams, but it does artificially suppress wagering.”

DraftKings/Casino Queen took in 42% of the state market share with its $244.2 million combined handle in January, which was up from $195.4 million in December. That included $243.5 million in online bets. FanDuel/Par-A-Dice Casino was No. 2 in January with $173.5 million, including $173.3 million online. Overall handle was up from $144.5 million overall. BetRivers/Rivers Casino was No. 3 with $109 million in online betting and $112.7 million overall, up from $111.2 million in December.

Many retail sportsbooks reopened on Jan. 15, when pandemic related closures were lifted. Still, sportsbooks managed to attract $6.3 million in in-person bets.

“Having retail sportsbooks reopen was an important step for the state industry, even if sportsbooks weren’t as busy as they would’ve been during an ordinary year,” Boozell said. “With the retail market back in business, and the roster of online sportsbook operators growing, the coming months should offer a more trustworthy gauge of where Illinois is as a market.”

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Illinois, visit PlayIllinois.com/news.

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AGLC Announces New Board Chair

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Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut

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EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America. 

The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.

The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.

BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.

BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.

With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.

EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.

“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”

The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release

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As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.

Let me be perfectly clear

Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.

Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.

We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.

To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.

 

Sincerely

Matt Zamroźniak

Chief Executive Officer

Prime Skill Games Inc.

The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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