Iowa breaks sports betting record with $210m handle in September

The figure doubles August’s handle of $108.5m.

US.- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has reported that the state’s sports betting handle increased 94 per cent from $108.4m in August to $210.4m in September. The massive jump shows the impact of college and NFL football.

Racing and gaming administrator, Brian Ohorilko said: “September handle numbers were the highest to date. That goes back to when sports betting was legalized,” said

According to Ohorilko, the sports betting pace could continue growing this month, with baseball playoffs adding to a full football schedule. “We see the more serious or more regular players betting baseball throughout the year. But when we get into the playoffs — again that will drive just more interest and more casual fans,” said Ohorilko.

The state will receive around $5.7m in net receipts from sports gambling in September. Last month’s numbers also pushed Iowa sports betting past the $1bn mark for the year to date ($1.2bn).  

Eric Ramsey, an analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, said: “Iowa will almost certainly triple the wagering compared with 2020 and could go even higher if a few things fall into place.”

The growth came despite a 15.5 per cent fall in net receipts at Iowa’s state-licensed casinos. They reported $5.7m in sports wager net receipts compared to $6.6m in August.

See also: Iowa sports betting handle reaches $108.4m in August