Welcome to iGB’s State of the Union, a comprehensive look at the major North American sports betting stories we’ve covered throughout the week, as well as briefs on other interesting developments in the industry.
On 5 September, Fanatics Sportsbook revealed the grand opening of its brick-and-mortar sportsbook at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. This state-of-the-art sportsbook is located in a 100-foot elevated bar/lounge area in The Gallery, accommodating up to 60 guests. Featuring 140 feet of LED TV walls, patrons can place their wagers at teller windows or convenient kiosks spread throughout the property. According to a Fanatics Sportsbook statement, the sportsbook aims to provide the ultimate VIP sportsbook experience for its guests. The Gallery, a 12,000-square-foot gaming and bar venue, sits at the heart of the casino.
Fanatics Sportsbook currently operates in 22 states and offers online gambling options in four states. Notably, Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the only two companies with a sportsbook inside an NFL stadium, with BetMGM hosting a book at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix. The inaugural Fanatics Sportsbook-branded physical location, Commanders Field in Maryland, opened its doors in January 2023.
In a surprising turn of events, multiple media outlets reported on 2 September that BetSafe is shutting down its Colorado wagering platform. This announcement comes on the heels of BlueBet’s decision to exit the US market and focus solely on its Australian business. BetSafe will officially cease operations on 30 September, with the final day for placing bets set for 16 September. Customers will have until 27 September to withdraw their funds. Owned by Betsson, BetSafe is also operational in Ontario, adding to Betsson’s portfolio of over 20 gaming brands worldwide.
A group of industry stakeholders recently came together to form the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) on Thursday, 5 September. This newly established group aims to advocate for responsible use of social sweepstakes and develop player safeguards along with a regulatory framework to ensure fair play and protection for participants.
Recent developments in the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) highlighted a scheduled meeting on 11 September with operators to discuss bet limits. The MGC’s efforts to address this issue previously faced resistance from operators concerned about privacy, resulting in a boycott by all live operators in a previous meeting. However, it seems that some operators have now agreed to attend, showing progress in these discussions. The MGC is at the forefront in tackling this contentious issue within the US market.
On 3 September, BetMGM unveiled a series of television advertisements featuring renowned actor and musician Jamie Foxx. These commercials emphasize BetMGM’s Las Vegas heritage, focusing on its hospitality, entertainment, and customer service track record. The ads are scheduled to air during prime time television slots and on various video platforms throughout the season, showcasing Foxx’s star power and the brand’s unique offerings.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) made projections on 4 September, estimating that bettors will wager at least $35 billion during the 2024-25 NFL season. This marks the first time the AGA has provided projections for an entire season, indicating the significant growth of legal sports betting across the country. Previously, the AGA had only projected betting figures for the Super Bowl, with February’s prediction of $23.1 billion in bets for Super Bowl LVIII standing out as a notable milestone in the industry.
