This week, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board reported that mobile sportsbook operators had a $368.3 million handle in October. That was a 33.3% year-over-year increase. Additionally, that was a 15.1% month-over-month increase compared to $320 million in September. Mobile revenue was up 4.7% year-over-year but was down 13.1% month-over-month. Deductions from promotions were $1.3 million in October compared to $2.7 million in September. That made the reduced revenue from increased sports betting even more glaring.
The NFL and NBA did well in October across Louisiana sportsbooks
NFL and NBA revenue significantly increased month-over-month in Louisiana from 108.5% to 233%. October was the second month of NFL action in Louisiana. Both September and October had the same number of weekends with football. This means the huge difference in revenue is not likely down due to the volume of wagers. The 2024-25 NBA season started in October and it’s led to massive revenue in Louisiana.
One year ago, these trends were reversed. Football revenue dropped 1.8% in 2023 and basketball revenue fell by 2.9%. The NFL and NBA markets thrived in October. However, every other sector categorized by the state fell month-over-month. Their largest revenue generator was parlay betting and that was down from $35.1 million in September to $23.4 million in October.
The other sports category contributed to the state’s increase in year-on-year revenues. It jumped from $1.5 million in October 2023 to $6.9 million in October 2024. The state’s mixed results in October mean the 4.7% state-wide revenue growth was the lowest jump in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Retail sports betting saw a massive revenue drop month-over-month
Lousisiana’s handle from retail sports betting was a 3.7% increase year-over-year. The state saw sports betting revenue revenue from retail sports betting growth of 6.1% month-over-month. However, the state was only able to collect $477,289. Their lowest total so far in 2024. In comparison, Louisiana sportsbooks collected $5.3 million in revenue in September.