The state of Illinois began to flex its sports betting muscles in August, with its six retail sportsbooks and three online platforms generating a combined handle of nearly $140 million according to the Illinois Gaming Board.
The $139.6 million more than doubled the combined $61.7 million handle the IGB reported that covered the months of March, June, and July in its first report. BetRivers (Rivers Casino) represented an overwhelming portion of both the retail and online handle, generating more than $11.3 million for in-person wagering and $106.3 million via online wagering.
The six sportsbooks combined to generate revenue of more than $7.2 million, resulting in a hold of 5.18%. Illinois tax coffers received slightly more than $1 million based on the 15% tax on sports wagering revenues.
Argosy Casino Alton was the only other sportsbook to surpass $1 million in retail handle in August, taking in nearly $2.7 million worth of wagers. William Hill, (Grand Victoria Casino Elgin) generated nearly $600,000 handle at its retail sportsbook following an Aug. 1 launch.