Sportsbooks in Illinois take in $140m in wagers in August

Illinois grows to the fifth-largest sports betting market in the U.S. despite issues with in-person registration rules

Sports bettors in Illinois made $140m in wagers at online and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the Prairie State in August.

Illinois has moved up to the fifth-largest sports betting market in the United States as betting jumped 167% from July, when $52.5 million in wagers were placed. Indiana was fourth in August with $169 million, while Colorado was sixth with $129 million.

State officials said Illinois’ sports betting handle in August generated more than $7m in adjusted gross revenue and more than $1m in taxes.

Sports wagering grew even as bettors faced obstacles in becoming registered. The state government has changed rules regarding in-person registration three times this summer in response to COVID-19 lockdown protocols. On Aug. 21, the in-person registration requirement again was suspended, allowing bettors to register online or via their phones.

Another factor limiting growth is FanDuel only commenced operations in Illinois on Aug. 28.

BetRivers/Rivers Casino in Des Plaines took in $118m in wagers, followed by DraftKings with $13m and late-arriving FanDuel with more than $4m.

Michael Bartlett

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