The $611.1 million July betting handle was down from the $666 million in June handle but was an 18.4% rise from their July 2022 numbers.
The sportsbook companies in Illinois also reported generating the most July revenue in their history. The $555 million in revenue was a 43.4% increase from a year ago, and a good portion of that revenue was attributed to pro baseball.
The Illinois tax office also had a solid July, charging the seven operators $2.1 million in taxes for doing business in the Prairie State. Cook County also received an additional $625,002 in much-needed tax revenue.
Pro Baseball Fuels July Surge
The state’s seven bookies accepted $202 million in pro baseball wagers during July, mainly fueled by the success of the Chicago Cubs. DraftKings Illinois and partner Casino Queen earned the top spot with $74.4 million in pro baseball wagers during the year’s seventh month.
Tennis was a boom for the betting companies, handling $81.1 million in wagers. Wimbledon would be the main culprit here, but the summer play of American Coco Gauff likely attributed as well. DraftKings customers wagered a combined $26 million online and at their Casino Queen location in July.
Pro basketball continues to be a popular betting market for the seven bookies. The betting parlors reported accepting $48.8 million on pro basketball events, mainly consisting of NBA Summer League and FIBA Friendlies. DraftKings accepted $20.3 million in bets to take home the top monthly pro hoops handle.
The USWNT may have fallen short of winning the 2024 World Cup, but that didn’t keep Prairie State bettors from wagering a fourth-most $36.7 million on the beautiful sport. DraftKings reported $12.3 million in wagers during July and could also see an August boost with the start of the major international leagues.
Last but certainly not least, pro golf bettors plunged $$16.7 million in PGA and LIV wagers during July. The PGA Open Championship was primarily responsible for the high number of bets. DraftKings handled the most with $7.7 million in pro golf wagers.
Parlays are King in Illinois
Pro baseball was the sport of choice for Illinois bettors, but parlays were the betting market of choice during July. The state’s seven mobile and retail operators handled $155.2 million in parlay cards, generating $7.8 million in July revenue.
That’s nearly 50% more than what they earned from pro baseball, and it’s a good reason why these bookmakers can pay their bills.
What Does This Mean for Illinois Sports Bettors?
It means that the most challenging period in the year for sportsbook operators hasn’t slowed down the Prairie State. Illinois residents love to wager on sports; when they do, they like to bet and lose money on parlays.
DraftKings is the sportsbook of choice for most bettors wagering in traditional betting markets, while FanDuel Illinois generates the highest revenue from parlays of the seven licensed sportsbook operators.
