Illinois Sports Betting Sees Record-Breaking Increase of 10.4% Year-Over-Year in Handle

The state of Illinois has seen a record-breaking increase of 10.4% year-over-year in handle for sports betting. This is a significant increase in revenue for the state, and it is a testament to the growing popularity of sports betting in Illinois.

The increase in handle can be attributed to several factors, including the legalization of sports betting in Illinois, the growth of online sports betting platforms, and the return of major sports leagues after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.

Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019, and since then, the industry has grown significantly. The state has issued licenses to several sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and PointsBet. These sportsbooks have been able to offer a wide range of betting options to Illinois residents, including traditional sports betting, live betting, and daily fantasy sports.

The growth of online sports betting platforms has also contributed to the increase in handle. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many people to stay at home, online sports betting has become more popular than ever before. Many sportsbooks have reported significant increases in online betting activity, and this trend is expected to continue.

Finally, the return of major sports leagues after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns has also contributed to the increase in handle. With the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL all back in action, there are more opportunities for sports bettors to place wagers on their favorite teams and players.

Overall, the increase in handle for sports betting in Illinois is a positive sign for the industry. It shows that there is a growing demand for sports betting in the state, and that sportsbooks are able to meet that demand with a wide range of betting options. As more states legalize sports betting and more sports leagues return to action, it is likely that we will continue to see growth in the industry in the coming years.