The sports betting landscape in Mississippi witnessed fluctuations in September as the handle experienced a year-on-year decline of 21.4%, but revenue remained stable. Despite the dip in handle, the revenue showed significant growth from the previous month, more than doubling in August. Football emerged as the most popular sport for betting during this period, with coastal casinos leading the way in terms of wagers. In other exciting news, Saratoga Casino Holding LLC has successfully acquired Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, further expanding its footprint in the gaming industry.
Mississippi Sports Betting Performance in September:
The state’s sports betting handle in September reached $43.1 million, indicating a 21.4% decrease compared to the previous year. However, there was a notable recovery from August’s figures, with a significant surge from $21.2 million to $43.1 million. Despite the fluctuations in handle, the revenue remained steady year-on-year at $8.8 million and experienced an impressive 225.9% growth compared to the previous month.
Regional Breakdown of Sports Betting Activity:
Coastal casinos dominated the sports betting landscape with wagers amounting to $28.1 million and revenue reaching $5.5 million. Central casinos registered $8.2 million in wagers, resulting in $1.8 million in revenue. Meanwhile, northern casinos witnessed a handle of $6.9 million, generating $1.6 million in revenue. This regional breakdown highlights the varying preferences and interests of bettors across the state.
Football Reigns Supreme in Betting:
Football emerged as the most popular sport for betting during September, capturing the attention of enthusiasts across Mississippi. Coastal casinos saw a staggering $16.5 million in football-related wagers, while central casinos recorded $3.1 million, and northern casinos reached $4.4 million. The sport’s widespread appeal has contributed significantly to the state’s betting landscape during this period.
Saratoga Casino’s Expansion into Mississippi:
In a noteworthy acquisition, Saratoga Casino Holding LLC completed its purchase of Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, adding another exciting chapter to its portfolio. The company, which also owns Saratoga Casino Hotel in New York and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Colorado, received a gaming license from the Mississippi Gaming Commission to operate the casino. Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, situated along the Mississippi River, features an array of entertainment options, including over 450 slot machines, 14 table games, a sportsbook, and a 141-room hotel.
The performance of sports betting in Mississippi during September displayed mixed results, with a dip in the handle but steady revenue growth. Football’s prominence as the preferred betting sport further solidifies its status as a crowd favorite. Amidst this dynamic landscape, Saratoga Casino Holding LLC’s acquisition of Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel represents a significant stride in the company’s expansion endeavors. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, these developments are set to shape the future of sports betting and casino entertainment in Mississippi and beyond.