• About Us / Contact
This site contains commercial content
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona Sports Betting
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Ohio Sports Betting
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia Sports Betting
    • Massachusetts Sports Betting
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
    • Common Beginner Mistakes
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Partnership Tracker
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona Sports Betting
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Ohio Sports Betting
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia Sports Betting
    • Massachusetts Sports Betting
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
    • Common Beginner Mistakes
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Partnership Tracker
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
No Result
View All Result

Illinois Posts Record $633.6M For Sports Betting Handle In March

Online newcomer Barstool Sportsbook generates nearly $47M In three weeks of action

Chris Altruda by Chris Altruda
May 10, 2021
in Industry
Illinois 2021 March Sports Betting

Shutterstock

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Say this much for Illinois when it comes to sports betting: While being the last one to report its monthly figures, it usually winds up being worth the wait.

The Illinois Gaming Board released its revenue report for March, and aided by the entry of Barstool Sportsbook and the NCAA tournament, bettors delivered a record traditional handle of more than $633.6 million.

It blew past the previous record of $581.5 million set in January as Illinois joined Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana as the only states to clear $3 billion in handle in the post-PASPA era dating to May 2018.

Illinois’ handle was less than $7.2 million behind Nevada for second among states for March and was the 12th-highest all-time monthly handle nationally in the post-PASPA era. By more than doubling Indiana’s handle of $316.7 million in March, Illinois also pulled ahead of its neighbor for fourth on the all-time handle list with more than $3.6 billion wagered since the first bets were taken in March 2020.

Operators generated more than $44.3 million in adjusted gross revenue, resulting in a hold of 6.99% — barely off the industry standard of 7%. That resulted in the state collecting more than $6.6 million in tax receipts, and Cook County collected $493,543 separately through its 2% tax on the nearly $24.7 million in AGR from wagers placed within the county.

Barstool Sportsbook enters the online chat

Barstool Sportsbook became the sixth mobile operator in Illinois when it launched March 11 and generated a handle of nearly $46.9 million in its first three weeks. While it finished fifth in online handle, its 10.96% hold resulted in more than $5.1 million in revenue, which allowed it to place fourth ahead of PointsBet in that category.

March Madness was a tide that lifted all operators in terms of handle, but Barstool’s entrance appeared to most impact DraftKings, whose month-over-month handle increased only 1.6% compared to William Hill (47.8%), PointsBet (32.5%), FanDuel (21%), and BetRivers (8.4%).

DraftKings, though, did pace all online operators with a handle of nearly $202 million — accounting for 33.5% of the $603.4 million wagered via smartphone and computer. FanDuel totaled more than $193.5 million for March as it completed moving its online skin from Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria to its rebranded horse racing track in Collinsville.

BetRivers accepted $94.9 million in wagers, while PointsBet’s $52.9 million was its highest handle since generating nearly $60.3 million in its first full month last October. William Hill had its best month for handle since launching online operations last September with nearly $13.2 million worth of bets placed.

FanDuel posts narrow ‘W’ for online operator revenue

It was a tight squeeze, but FanDuel extended its run for highest online operator revenue to five months with nearly $12.8 million generated. DraftKings totaled more than $12.3 million, and both online titans generated more revenue in Illinois in the first quarter of the year than they did for all of the COVID-affected 2020.

Though PointsBet finished behind Barstool in revenue, its total of nearly $4.4 million represented its all-time monthly high. And despite William Hill generating a record handle, bettors got the better of the Caesars-owned sportsbook, collecting nearly $485,000 more than the $13.2 million they wagered.

As has been the case most months in Illinois, parlays represented the bulk of online operator revenue. The nearly $20.5 million won by the house from more than $119.7 million on such wagers represented a single-month, all-time high in Illinois.

FanDuel in particular cleaned up, recording a 19.29% win rate on nearly $53.9 million in handle to collect just shy of $10.4 million in revenue. Parlays accounted for more than 81% of the sportsbook’s March revenue total, while the nearly $6.7 million claimed by DraftKings was nearly 54% of its revenue for the month.

Parlays accounted for more than one-third of PointsBet’s revenue ($1.46 million) and nearly 29% of Barstool Sportsbook’s revenue ($1.48 million). BetRivers was the only one of the five online operators not to clear $1 million in parlay winnings, as its modest $442,481 came from a 10.54% hold on nearly $4.2 million wagered.

The overall win rate on parlays was 17.04%, and the $56.5 million in revenue from parlays the first three months of 2021 accounted for more than 44% of all operator revenue.

Retail gets bump from tracks and OTBs

Retail action also picked up in March with two new venues — FanDuel’s rebranded retail sportsbook at Fairmount Park and Hawthorne’s second OTB sportsbook at Prospect Heights. Overall, more than $24.1 million was wagered in person, the second-highest total of any month behind only October’s $24.7 million.

All retail sportsbooks are operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19 mitigation rules, but Rivers Casino continues to be the pacesetter. The Des Plaines venue generated nearly $11 million in retail handle, with Alton Argosy and DraftKings at Casino Queen on the western side of Illinois combining for more than $7.7 million while attracting bettors from the St. Louis area.

Hawthorne’s three locations — it also has an OTB in Crestwood — accepted nearly $1.4 million worth of wagers, and Fairmount Park had $285,668 in handle following its March 15 opening.

Rivers had the highest retail revenue for March at $781,909, with the Argosy ($427,087) and Casino Queen ($310,643) rounding out the top three. Hollywood Casino in Aurora, which had a rough February with only $772 in revenue, bounced back emphatically in March, posting a 20.29% win rate to collect $214,700.

Other assorted notes

Basketball was the other big draw in terms of revenue for operators with more than $13.6 million won from $363.2 million wagered, resulting in a 3.75% win rate. At least $176.8 million of that handle came from wagering on the NCAA tournament, with IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter disclosing that amount along with $14.6 million in revenue during the board’s April 21 meeting.

Fruchter pointed out that one operator had not furnished numbers at the time of that disclosure, and the IGB report does not break out basketball handle by pro and college. The overall handle for college sports in March was nearly $260.4 million, a number that could have been substantially higher had bettors been able to wager on the second-round NCAA tournament matchup and intrastate showdown between Illinois and Loyola of Chicago.

The state does not allow wagering on in-state colleges and universities, though a bill is currently in the legislature to remove that exemption. Illinois bettors were able to wager on 62 of the 67 NCAA tournament games as Loyola was eliminated in the round of 16 after ousting the Illini.

The house fared better in hockey, as an 8.02% hold from a record $32.6 million wagered generated more than $2.6 million in revenue. Tennis was a surprising second among sports handle with nearly $47.2 million, and a 5.42% win rate resulted in more than $2.5 million in operator revenue. Soccer ($29.2 mm) and golf ($10.1 mm) also cracked eight figures in terms of handle for March in Illinois.

ShareTweetShare
Chris Altruda

Chris Altruda

Chris Altruda has been a sportswriter with ESPN, The Associated Press, and STATS over more than two decades. He recently expanded into covering sports betting and gambling around the Midwest.

Related Posts

Illinois April 2022 revenue report
Analysis

Illinois Sports Wagering Operators Clear $70M In April Revenue

June 8, 2022
WynnBET Illinois mobile wagering
Sports

WynnBET An Applicant For Mobile Sports Wagering License In Illinois

May 31, 2022
Load More

Top Sportsbooks In Your State

1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
bet365 Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetRivers Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
2
FOX Bet Sportsbook
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
SuperBook Sports
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetRivers Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
1
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Betfred Sportsbook
Review / 3.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetRivers Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
NorthStar Bets Sportsbook
Review / 4.6
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Bet99 Sportsbook
Review / 4.7
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Sports Interaction Ontario
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PowerPlay Sportsbook
Rating / 3.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Monkey Knife Fight
Rating / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
PrizePicks
Rating / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

State Sports Betting Guides

Downtown Detroit at twilight (Shutterstock)

Michigan Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
June 27, 2022

VA captial

Virginia Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonus Offers

by Brett Smiley
March 21, 2021

nj flag

New Jersey Sports Betting — Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
March 22, 2022

pa online sportsbooks

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonuses

by Brett Smiley
March 18, 2022

Most Read Stories

mattress mack betting charade

Will Everyone Please Stop Calling β€˜Mattress Mack’ A Sports Bettor?

April 27, 2022
Photo: Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY

Dave Portnoy Says, ‘F**k That Guy,’ To Which Bettor And Gambling Twitter Seriously Object

May 16, 2022
map-missouri

Missouri Sports Betting Bill Draws Debate, Backlash In Senate

May 5, 2022
golden-gate-bridge-san-francisco

California Tribes Won’t Try For Mobile Proposal On 2022 Ballot

May 10, 2022

Canada Sports Betting Guides

Canada Sports Betting – Best Sportsbook Apps & Bonus Offers

British Columbia Sports Betting – Legal Update, Available Sportsbooks, and FAQ

Ontario Sports Betting – Legal Status And Where To Play

gambling therapy
ncpg
igaming ontario
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN),Β 1-800-522-4700Β (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA),Β 1-888-532-3500Β (VA) or call/text TN REDLINEΒ 1-800-889-9789Β (TN).
19+. Please play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply.Β 
Individuals must be 19 years of age or older to participate in igaming in Ontario. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem in Ontario and wants help, please visit ConnexOntario or call their helpline at 1-866-531-2600. Operators on this website operate pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.

Search Sports Handle

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us / Contact

No Result
View All Result
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona Sports Betting
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Ohio Sports Betting
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia Sports Betting
    • Massachusetts Sports Betting
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
    • Common Beginner Mistakes
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Partnership Tracker
  • News

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location