Illinois Eclipses $1 Billion Handle Again in March 2024

The March revenue report from the Illinois Gaming Board shows a strong month for sports wagering in the state, with many top sports betting sites performing well.

In March 2024, Illinois saw its sports betting apps and retail providers generate the fourth-highest handle in history, reaching a total of $1 billion for the seventh consecutive month. This month also marked an increase in sports wagering activity compared to both the previous month and the same time last year.

Illinois sports betting providers experienced a slightly underwhelming hold rate, preventing monthly revenues from fully matching the handle totals.

$1.26 billion March handle

Illinois sports bettors showed strong interest in March, leading to the state’s sports betting industry reaching its fourth-highest handle in nearly four years of operation. Providers in Illinois brought in $1.26 billion, demonstrating the popularity of March Madness among the state’s top sportsbooks. Residents made the most of promotions offered by Illinois sportsbooks.

The figure of $1.27 billion shows a monthly increase of $200 million, or 17.9%, compared to the $1.07 billion reported in February. This is also a similar percentage increase compared to the $1.072 billion reported in March 2023.

The Land of Lincoln sportsbook handle for the year so far reached $3.62 billion in March, marking a 20% increase compared to the first three months of 2023.

$99.4 million in March revenue

Illinois sportsbooks recorded $99.4 million in adjusted gross sports betting revenue for March. Despite a significant increase in handle of nearly 18%, a slight decrease in the win rate to 7.9% resulted in only a 2.3% growth in revenue compared to the previous year.

Although the win rate for Illinois sportsbooks was a mere 7.2%, revenues did increase by just over $22 million month-over-month, rising from $77.1 million in February.

In March, Illinois sports betting sites and retail sportsbooks contributed $14.9 million in taxes from their revenues, marking a 21.6% increase from March 2023. This brings the year-to-date tax contribution total to $47.7 million, surpassing last year’s total by $8.5 million.

Cook County was granted an extra $1.1 million following a $54.7 million sports betting handle from casinos in Chicago. If you are unable to visit these locations, be sure to explore our top real money online casinos.

Split decision in provider contest

In the Illinois legal sports betting market, it has become a regular occurrence for DraftKings and FanDuel to excel in different monthly metrics. In March, DraftKings led in handle, while FanDuel dominated in revenues.

DraftKings Illinois contributed $461.5 million to the state handle in March, almost setting a record for the provider in that market. The company reported $32.8 million in revenues, marking the fourth consecutive month of generating over $30 million in revenue. The hold rate was 7.1%, and you can join DraftKings using our promo code.

In March, FanDuel Illinois saw $433.8 million in wagers and emerged as the most profitable sports betting site in the state with $41.4 million in revenue, thanks to a win rate of 9.5%.

BetRivers Illinois came in third place, generating a $78.8 million handle and earning $6.5 million in revenue with an 8% hold.

In March, ESPN BET came in fourth place with $62.7 million in wagers and $4.7 million in revenues. Caesars Illinois followed closely behind in fifth place with $61.9 million in bets and slightly over $4 million in revenues.

In terms of handle, BetMGM Illinois ranked sixth with $60.4 million in wagers, while Fanatics Underscoreg Illinois reported $52.3 million in accepted bets for the month.