The state of Rhode Island saw a huge sports betting increase in July, and that figure is expected to take another jump in August. Sports betting handle jumped more than 231 percent during July, but the year-over-year numbers are still behind.
There are just two casinos in the state of Rhode Island, and both locations were close for much of the month. Still, the sports betting handle for the month was calculated at $6.7 million.
Last July, the state reported more than $8.3 million in total sports betting handle, which means that the state saw a 19 percent decrease. Sportsbooks did not reopen in Rhode Island until July 22, but the hope is that they will remain open for good.
Mobile sports betting handle also saw a huge increase in July, and online sportsbooks brought in more than $4.4 million. That total was up close to 110 percent from June, and the return of live sports in the US played a huge role in those numbers.
Sports betting revenue also saw a huge increase in July, as the state brought in $351,425. That was an increase of more than 248 percent from the $101,328 revenue during June.
In-Person Registration Requirement Lifted
The gaming industry was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, forcing Governor Gina Raimondo into action. Raimondo recognized that the mobile sportsbooks needed help, and she has removed the in-person registration requirement.
Lawmakers in the state quickly worked to pass a pair of bills to transform this process, and other states around the country have taken similar steps. Bettors originally had to visit one of the two casinos to complete their registration, but that is no longer the case.
Entire Gaming Industry Posting Big Numbers
The entire gaming industry in the state of Rhode Island saw a huge jump in revenue during July, and it’s just a sign of things to come.
Revenue from table games was reported at $4.5 million during July, and that was a huge increase over June, although casinos were closed during that time. Net table game revenue was still down more than 50 percent year-over-year.
The video lottery terminal industry has remained strong throughout the pandemic, but it grew by more than 150 percent in July. These type of games are offered throughout the state, and not just in the casinos.
NFL Season Right Around the Corner
The start of the 2020 NFL season is just a little over one week away, which should help boost the September numbers. Betting on the NFL is the most popular in the United States, and this season will bring in even more excitement.
Even though the three other professional sports in the US will be competing against football, the NFL is still expected to dominate sportsbooks. The return of the NFL can help some states recover from the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic.
