The gaming industry continues to report a recovery following a downturn amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with sports wagering once again leading the charge, according to data released by the American Gaming Association.
With numbers still being calculated, sports betting in October is expected pass $3 billion in total wagering, which would be the largest amount in United States history. Sports betting currently is conducted across 17 states, as well as Washington D.C.
The number wagered on sports in October currently is at $2.82 billion, with Illinois numbers yet to be reported. In September, Illinois was the fourth largest sports betting market in the country.
In the third quarter of 2020, which ended in September, $5.95 billion was wagered on sports in the United States, a record quarterly handle that is in line to be topped in the current fourth quarter.
Even established sports betting markets like Nevada and New Jersey reported record activity in October. SBC Americas reported that Nevada had an all-time high state handle, while New Jersey set the record for national handle. It was the third consecutive month New Jersey set a national record.
Despite the pandemic that caused major scheduling issues across sports, the national sports betting handle has risen 48 percent from last year over the first 10 months of 2020, while revenue is up 33 percent.
Gaming revenue overall reached $3.38 billion in October, just 7 percent shy of October 2019 numbers when casinos had open doors and college and professional sports schedules were far more predictable.
–Field Level Media
