In a sizzling wave of high-stakes play, Louisiana saw its sports betting scene skyrocket in September, with sportsbooks registering record-breaking revenue and tax revenue from sports wagering. Indeed, it seemed as though the Pelican State had transformed into a bustling gambling mecca overnight.
The Queen of Baton Rouge began her reign effectively, demonstrating a remarkable upturn in gaming revenue in its initial full month as a terrestrial casino. The establishment, which previously held residence as Hollywood, a Louisiana riverboat casino, sailed into unchartered profitable territory.
Data consolidated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) reveals that sportsbooks garnered an impressive $41.8 million from both mobile apps and physical establishments. This figure ruled supreme over the previous record of $37 million recorded in December 2022. Likewise, the state pockets fattened with around $5.3 million in sports betting tax revenue, a leap from the previous high of $4.4 million in December of the prior year.
No need for alarm or consternation, these numbers were anticipated. The amalgamation of college and professional football flooding the market with wagers and, thereby, boosting revenue, had been projected.
As the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns stated, “It reveals the significant impact of college and NFL football on sports betting. And trust us, we are closely monitoring these setbacks to devise further strategies.”
An extract from LGCB records reveals that around $280.1 million circulated in Louisiana’s sports betting market consisting of retail locations and mobile apps. Situating itself as the second-highest single-month total since the advent of sports betting in the state in 2021.
Mobile sports betting was undoubtedly the champion mascot for the state, exhibiting a 44% surge in September. The nine mobile operators in the state clocking in a robust $248.8 million, which was roughly $110 million more than its predecessor, August. This meritorious figure reflected a remarkable 447% year-over-year leap, resulting in approximately $36 million in net proceeds.
Donna Jackson, a supervisor with the Louisiana State Police’s gaming audit section, shared her insights during the LGCB meeting, mentioning, “This month’s unprecedented rise is the highest value generated by mobile sports wagering since its inception.”
While this sunshine story marks an overall advancement in the state’s gaming industry, the retail sportsbooks saw a minor dip in wagers by 0.8%. However, net proceeds displayed an optimistic trend by upping the ante from the previous year. Total wagers came in at $31.2 million, with net proceeds at $5.7 million.
Celebrations were in order for the Queen casino in Baton Rouge, which experienced a surge in revenues. As we reported earlier, this formidable establishment nearly doubled its gaming victories in September. Interestingly, this upturn came after the shift to a land-based property.
Chairman Johns commended the Queen casino, saying, “I want to extend my congratulations to the Queen here in Baton Rouge on their exceptional first full month. It stands testament to the potential of land-based properties. The most impressive aspect is the boost of almost $3 million it brought to Baton Rouge’s market from the prior year. And it did so without snatching anybody else’s slice.”
While the local Louisiana casinos are sprucing up their game, we understand that not everyone can make it to these establishments. That’s why, for those craving a contemporary betting experience, top online casinos can offer you a versatile gambling environment right in the comfort of your home. These platforms provide a wide array of games, bonuses, and high-quality gameplay that can rival any land-based casino. So why not navigate this wave of digital gambling at its peak and see what online betting in Canada has to offer? We at West Island Blog are confident that it’ll be an experience worth your while.
