With the addition of the December figures, Americans legally wagered a record US$13 billion last year – nearly double 2018’s US$6.6 billion handle – generating US$118 million in state and local tax revenue.
The AGA said that 59% of total sports bets in 2019 were placed outside Nevada, which, prior to the repeal of PASPA in May 2018, was the only state in the US where consumers could legally wager on sports. According to the AGA, seven out of every 10 dollars wagered outside Nevada were done so online.
“With all states reporting their December numbers, America’s first full year of expanded legal sports betting is now in the books,” said the association. “And if the Super Bowl numbers pouring in this week are any indication, Americans have enthusiastically embraced their newfound ability to legally wager on sports outside Nevada.”
However, players still spent the most on betting in Nevada, with total wagers in the state amounting to US$5.3 billion – a new yearly record for the state – ahead of New Jersey on US$4.6 billion and Pennsylvania on U$1.5 billion.
“With at least six more states, plus DC, set to become operational in 2020, we expect the nationwide handle to continue to rise, as more Americans than ever will finally have an alternative to the dangerous illegal market,” said the AGA.
Source: GMB / AGA
