Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
728x90 banner available here

Latest News

INDIANA SPORTSBOOKS LOSE OUT ON $165 MILLION IN APRIL BETS

Published

on

INDIANA SPORTSBOOKS LOSE OUT ON $165 MILLION IN APRIL BETS
INDIANA SPORTSBOOKS LOSE OUT ON $165 MILLION IN APRIL BETSReading Time: 3 minutes

 

With retail sportsbooks shuttered and few events to draw bets, April could be low point, according to PlayIndiana.com

Indiana sportsbooks suffered their worst month ever in April — including a retail sector that did not produce a single bet — costing sportsbooks an estimated $165 million in bets, according to estimates from PlayIndiana.

With a minimized schedule of sports to bet on and casinos closed for the entire month, Indiana generated just $26.3 million in wagers, according to official reporting released Monday. During a month in which online and retail sportsbooks would have expected to draw at least $190 million in bets, April’s handle was down 64.8% from $74.8 million in March. That’s the lowest monthly handle ever for Indiana sportsbooks, which launched in October 2019 with $35.2 million in bets.

“April’s results are shocking, but not at all surprising,” said Dustin Gouker, chief analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “Bettors have very few places to turn in Indiana. In some states, online casinos have driven significant revenue. But that isn’t possible in Indiana. So the industry’s results will continue to be grim until the sports world figures out a way to reopen.”

April’s wagers still produced $5.5 million in adjusted gross revenue, essentially even with March. That yielded $522,085 in tax revenue for the state.

Without legal online casino games and poker, and no esports betting, bettors in Indiana have largely been limited since mid-March to fringe international sports and futures betting. In fact, $21 million of the state’s handle was generated by “other” sports, far more than football, basketball, and baseball.

The NFL Draft, and to a lesser extent the WNBA Draft, gave bettors some reason to engage with sportsbooks in April. Indiana, the first state to allow betting on professional sports drafts, generated $1.3 million in football-related wagers in April, most of which came from the NFL Draft.

“The shut down of sports has led to some creativity by Indiana’s bookmakers, and that creativity was rewarded with interest in the NFL Draft,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “Even though Indiana has missed out on some opportunities, regulators have at least been nimble enough to allow some unconventional ideas.”

There are reasons for cautious optimism. NASCAR is planning on revving up in May, which could draw betting interest. The PGA Tour is planning a June tee off while baseball and the NBA continue to search for a workable solution to restart their seasons. In addition, Indiana’s casinos and retail sportsbooks could open as early as June 14.

“It could be that April is the low point in what will undoubtedly still be a struggle until sports can resume with their regular schedules,” Gouker said. “If sports do resume relatively soon, online sportsbooks should recover quickly. In the meantime, sportsbooks will continue to look for creative ways to drive revenue.”

Because retail sportsbooks were shut down entirely in April—costing an estimated $40 million in in-person bets—online sportsbooks accounted for the entire handle in the state. DraftKings/Ameristar Casino led the market with $13.6 million in bets, up from $33.1 million in March. That generated $908,322 in gross receipts, down from $2.4 million. FanDuel/Blue Chip Casino was second with a $9.7 million handle, down from $21.6 million. That resulted in a $558,155 win, down from $1.5 million.

The market leaders were followed by:

  • BetRivers/French Lick Resort ($2.1 million handle, down from $3.6 million; $116,726 win, down from $343,482)
  • Hollywood Lawrenceburg/PointsBet ($449,638 handle, up from $334,237 handle; -$4,768 handle, down from $65,390)
  • BetMGM/Belterra ($418,195 handle, down from $2.1 million; $48,043 handle, down from $370,669)
  • BetAmerica/Rising Star Casino ($3,886 handle, down from $132,568; $3,519 win, down from $8,233)

The shutdown may have slowed the development of some sportsbooks apps, too. BetIndiana is still sorting through issues. And familiar brands such as William Hill, which operates a retail sportsbook at Tropicana Evansville, as well as Caesars, Fox Bet, and Unibet have yet to enter the market.

“The legacy of this shut down for the market could be in the way it has stunted its growth,” Welman said. “From lost revenue to less competition, the effects of this unprecedented shutdown will be felt well after sports resume.”


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: INDIANA SPORTSBOOKS LOSE OUT ON 5 MILLION IN APRIL BETS

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

Latest News

GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight by Usyk Unite to Bring Boxing and iGaming Closer Together

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Ready to Fight by Oleksandr Usyk and GR8 Tech have joined forces in a technological partnership that bridges the worlds of sports and innovation.

As Ready To Fight’s exclusive Partner in Tech, GR8 Tech combines its UNrivaled expertise in iGaming with RTF’s experience as the UNdisputed champion’s team to deliver solutions that push boundaries and achieve extraordinary results.

The iGaming industry is a highly fluid environment, very similar to boxing as a competitive sport: The winners in it are strategic thinkers, relentless in preparation and flawless in execution. These qualities unite GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight by Oleksandr Usyk and serve as the foundation of our partnership, empowering GR8 Tech to help its clients achieve UNdisputed success in their own rings,” said Sergey Ghazaryan, CRO at GR8 Tech.

“Our partnership with GR8 Tech is about bringing the boxing world closer through technology and creating something new for fighters, fans, and industry leaders. We’re combining GR8 Tech’s expertise in iGaming with our vision to build a stronger, smarter platform. Together, we’ll be rolling out new features and innovations to bring people together and make the boxing experience better with great tech,” said Oleksandr Usyk, Co-Founder of Ready to Fight.

GR8 Tech’s top-tier Sportsbook and iGaming platform stands out for its scalability, precision, and exceptional performance – qualities that align with Usyk’s UNwavering drive and UNstoppable track record. Just as Ready To Fight by Usyk wins the global boxing market, GR8 Tech excels with UNparalleled event coverage, sophisticated margin management, and a geo-specific approach, providing everything operators need to achieve extraordinary success in any market.

Ready to Fight’s mission to merge technology with boxing comes to life through GR8 Tech’s advanced platform. By leveraging GR8 Tech’s technological expertise, RTF meets the high operational standards of iGaming leaders. Both brands share a data-driven, innovative approach, empowering their audiences to break boundaries and achieve UNprecedented success at the intersection of sports and technology.

This UNdisputedly GR8 partnership marks the start of an exciting 2025, bringing digital activations, exclusive merch, and a groundbreaking product tech collaboration. Stay up-to-date with all the latest news by following GR8 Tech on its website and LinkedIn.

 

The post GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight by Usyk Unite to Bring Boxing and iGaming Closer Together appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Fandoms and Passions: New SuperAwesome Research Demystifies Gen Alpha and Gen Z for Brands

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Study of almost 4,000 Gen Alpha/Z respondents reveals how brands can best engage the vital but elusive kid and teen audience –

SuperAwesome, the leading youth technology and insights provider, has launched a groundbreaking in-depth study into the passions and fandoms that enable brands and IP owners to forge deeper connections with young audiences.

Kids and teens remain a vital but elusive audience. They shift across a hyper-fragmented media landscape, immersed in (and defining) cultures that move faster than ever before. The long-standing challenge of data scarcity relating to under-18 audiences makes connecting meaningfully with them incredibly difficult for brands.

Conducted among 3,750 under-18s and their parents across the US, UK and Germany, the new research provides critical insights to help brands decode the passions and fandoms that fuel youth audiences. Launched today at the London Toy Fair, ‘Fandoms & Passions: The Antidotes to Hyper-Fragmented Youth Audiences’ reveals that meaningful and lasting relationships are developed throughout childhood and teenhood that impact brand loyalty in this timespan and beyond.

Kate O’Loughlin, CEO of SuperAwesome, said: “The fragmentation of kids’ and teens’ digital behaviors continues to grow, yet the insights on how to engage them have been limited to rudimentary observations of what they interact with online – without understanding the WHY. We conducted this research to uncover the complex drivers of how brands can build real resonance with young audiences.”

Fandoms and Passions – What’s the Difference? 

Passions are hobbies or interests (think gaming, sports, or music). They’re important for self-discovery and shaping individual perspectives, and are primarily focused on the personal connection with an activity or interest. Tapping into passions gives an instant connection to young audiences on a personal level.

Fandoms can elevate this further by adding a social dimension. They’re built around community or consumable content that unites people (think particular video games, film franchises, or a musician, for example). They allow kids to be part of a collective, creating a sense of community and belonging. This shared experience strengthens their connection to the fandom and the brands that interact with them authentically.

How Important Are Fandoms and Passions Really? 

3 in 5 kids engage with their passions daily, and 56% of kids engage with their fandoms daily. On average, young people have 4 passions but only 2 fandoms at any given time due to the social and potential financial investment fandoms require. More than half (55%) of those surveyed said their top fandom had an enormous influence on their daily lives, rating its impact at least 9 out of 10.

How Do Fandoms and Passions Translate Into Engagement Opportunities with Gen Alpha & Gen Z? 

Young audiences are naturally drawn to brands that reflect their values: 74% say they feel more connected to brands that share their passions, while 73% feel more positive about brands that collaborate with something or someone they’re a fan of. Not every brand can create a fandom, but it is possible to leverage passions and collaborate with fandoms to maximize the potential of understanding and connecting with young people.

Kate O’Loughlin, CEO of SuperAwesome added: “With this research, making safe connections to Gen Alpha and Gen Z can be as sophisticated as they are. The ability to take an audience-based approach with youth – rooted in a comprehensive understanding of their values, passions and emotions – is a necessary leap forward to meet the challenge of engaging kids and teens as they rapidly evolve.”

The research highlights that brands that are looking to connect with youth audiences cross-platform can begin with understanding their deep interests, emotional engagement and commitment. 47% of respondents watch content (like on YouTube) and shows (on streaming platforms) related to their fandoms, plus 22% also play games, use apps or buy merchandise related to the fandoms too.

Far from trying to exclude brands from their fandoms and passions, the research shows that 67% of young people think brands could do more to connect with them. It’s up to brands to make sure they do this with a deep understanding of their audience, enabling them to engage with meaning and authenticity.

Download the full report at this link: superawesome.com/identities-fandoms-and-understanding-youth-audiences/

The post Fandoms and Passions: New SuperAwesome Research Demystifies Gen Alpha and Gen Z for Brands appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

iGX and Optimove Announce Report on the Transformative Impact of Gamification and AI in the iGaming Industry

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 iGX, a leading voice in the iGaming industry, and Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing platform for iGaming and sports betting operators, announce the release of a report exploring the transformative role of gamification and Generative AI (Gen AI) in the iGaming industry. This comprehensive study highlights the trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of iGaming, providing valuable insights for operators navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

Methodology: 
iGX Insights surveyed 100 Heads of Marketing, CMOs, Brand Directors, and similar executives from iGaming organizations across Europe to find out how the industry is continuing its gamification efforts and the impact AI is having on iGaming. 

Key Findings Previewed 

The forthcoming report reveals critical insights into how gamification and AI are revolutionizing player engagement, retention, and overall gaming experiences: 

  • Gamification’s Universal Adoption: The report highlights that 100% of surveyed iGaming operators have implemented gamification strategies, underscoring its universal adoption. Popular elements such as achievements, tournaments, and personalized challenges have proven effective in driving player activity and loyalty. 
  • Generative AI’s Growing RoleWith 61% of operators already deploying Gen AI solutions and 39% planning to do so, AI is reshaping iGaming. Applications such as personalized promotions, automated content creation, and predictive analytics are driving hyper-personalization and streamlining operations. 
  • Data-Driven Personalization: The study emphasizes the increasing importance of player data in tailoring experiences. Organizations that leverage data insights effectively can deliver highly targeted content, predict player behavior, and optimize engagement strategies. 

Industry Implications 

The report positions gamification and AI as pivotal to the future of iGaming, enabling operators to deliver immersive, personalized experiences. By integrating these technologies, organizations can foster deeper player loyalty, enhance lifetime value, and remain competitive in a dynamic market. However, the study also addresses the challenges of data analytics and ethical use, which will be critical for sustained success. 

As noted by Pini Yakuel, CEO of Optimove, “Gamification and Generative AI are no longer optional strategies—they are essential for operators looking to thrive in today’s competitive iGaming landscape. This report provides a roadmap for leveraging these tools to enhance player engagement and deliver meaningful, data-driven experiences.”  

Added Gabriela Martins da SilvaContent Director iGX, It’s important to note that implementing Generative AI solutions successfully also requires a strong data foundation. Any gaps in data can lead to inaccurate results, introducing potential risks when deploying these technologies. That said, it’s clear that AI is poised to become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, and the number of companies leveraging Generative AI will only increase in the coming years.” 

The post iGX and Optimove Announce Report on the Transformative Impact of Gamification and AI in the iGaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

EEGaming.org is part of HIPTHER, parent brand of various prominent news outlets and international conferences. These platforms and events span a wide range of industries, including Entertainment, Technology, Gaming and Gambling, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Quantum Technology, Legal Cannabis, Health and Lifestyle, VR/AR, eSports, and several others. This indicates that EEGaming.org is part of a larger network that focuses on a diverse array of sectors, particularly those related to cutting-edge technology and modern lifestyle trends.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 HIPTHER. All Rights Reserved. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.