Sports Betting News Roundup: Apple Devices Dominate North Carolina Betting Market
The sports wagering industry has been active, giving us a decent amount of sports betting news to update on. Last week, North Carolina sports betting launched, and so far, it has been dominated by Apple devices. Early numbers show there is a high demand for online wagering in the state, with nearly 400,000 active accounts.
Close by, the Georgia sports betting bill is approaching its deadline as the bill sponsor pleads with the House committee. Finally, Colorado sees a major January for sports betting tax revenue. Let’s take a look at the recent sports betting news in these markets.
North Carolina: iOS Devices See Most Sports Betting App Downloads Since Launch
With online sportsbooks in North Carolina launching last week, bettors have been actively downloading betting apps. According to geolocation data released by the North Carlina Lottery Commission, iOS Devices have dominated the market. Apple devices have seen the majority of downloads in NC.
North Carolina bettors have embraced sports betting out of the gate, whether it be via iPhones or other mobile devices. GeoComply reported that more than 5.36 million geolocation checks were conducted within the first 48 hours of sports betting in North Carolina. This comes from close to 370,000 active accounts identified since launch.
Georgia: Senator Pleads With House For Sports Betting Bills
The Georgia legislative session ends next week. If the measures fail to pass in time, the hopes for sports betting will end in 2024. The Georgia House Committee on Higher Education has considered measure SR 579 for sports betting via a constitutional amendment and state vote.
“When you have this major a policy shift, the public ought to be allowed a buy-in, to vote on it,” said Bill Cowsert, Senator and main bill sponsor.
Sen. Bill Cowsert spoke with the House Committee on Higher Education on the importance of passing the legislation. When the committee asked Cowsert why they should pass the legislation, his response was clear.
“Constituents want it,” said Cowsert. “The sports teams want it. You don’t do this for the money.”
Sports betting in Georgia is estimated to make upwards of $100 million in revenue annually if it launches. If lawmakers aim to reap the benefits of the local market, the clock is ticking. Will Georgia pass the resolutions before the session ends?
Colorado: Sports Betting Brings $4 Million In Taxes For January 2024
Colorado sportsbooks have kicked off the year in a major fashion. According to the official sports betting reports released by the Department of Revenue, $506,685,967.76 was wagered on sports in January. Sportsbooks saw $53,490,322.51 in total GGR, and the state saw $4,128,369.29 in taxes.
January’s numbers represent a 16.71% increase in handle month over month and a 9.05% increase year over year. Taxes saw a 12.11% jump compared to December 2023, but what’s really impressive is the year-over-year comparison. Sports betting taxes are up 59.61% compared to January 2023. Colorado’s numbers show continued growth in the industry.