2021 has been an exciting year within the iGaming space… especially in North America. With restrictions lightened throughout most of 2021, in-person events came back, sporting leagues played again, people made their way back to casinos. Even though the obstacles, the iGaming industry flourished as more and more states legalized and launched sports betting and companies made strategic deals. There was so much going on, we broke down the iGaming 2021 highlights:
January 1
Iowa Residents will now be able to register, deposit, and bet online. In-person registration is no longer required.
January 21
After the passage of bills HB 896 and SB 384 in April 2020, Sports Betting launched in Virginia.
January 22
Mobile Sports Betting went live in Michigan following the approval of bill 4916 in December 2019.
February 9
PointsBet and NHL announced multi-year strategic partnership, naming PointsBet an Official Sports Betting Partner of the NHL.
March 3
The sale of the Venetian, Palazzo, and Sands Expo to Apollo was finalized.
March 19
MLB chooses casino operator Bally’s Corporation as its official sports betting partner.
March 30
DraftKings acquired VSiN, a broadcast and content company.
April 5
DraftKings acquires Blue Ribbon Software, a player engagement platform using fully customizable jackpot promotions.
April 6
Gov. Mark Gordon signed Bill 133 (HB 133) into law allowing mobile and online sports betting in the state of Wyoming.
April 15
Sports Betting in all forms was legalized with the passage of Bill 2772 by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
April 22
Caesars Entertainment announces the acquisition of William Hill.
May 4
The sale of the Palms in Las Vegas by Red Rock Resorts to the San Manuel Tribe is finalized.
May 27
Connecticut legalized sports betting when Gov. Ned Lamont signed HB 6451 into law.
May 28
Better Collective completed its acquisition of the Action Network.
June 21
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards passed Bill 247 legalizing sports betting.
June 22
After years of litigation, single-game sports betting was legalized across all of Canada after the passing of Bill C-218.
July 19-22
NIGA’s 2021 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, PLUS the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) is hosted by NCAIED
August 27
Canadian single-game sports betting officially launched.
August 30
NFL announces partnership with FOX Bet, BetMGM, PointsBet, and WynnBET to become Approved Sportsbook Operators for the 2021 NFL season
September 1
Wyomingites are now legally able to bet on sports games after the official launch.
September 9
Arizona officially launched its sports betting.
Sports betting launches in Washington with the Snoqualmie tribe.
Deadwood launched sports betting as the first South Dakota city.
October 1
New Jersey first state to exceed $1 billion handles in a single month.
October 4-7
G2E came back for its 20th year and was in person after 2020’s cancellation due to COVID-19.
October 19
Connecticut officially launched its sports betting.
October 28
Illinois signed Bill 3136 to end the need for in-person registration.
November 1
Nevada becomes 2nd state to exceed $1 billion handles in a single month
November 4
NBA announces expanded partnerships with DraftKings and FanDuel Group as co-official sports betting partners.
November 8-11
TribalNet hosts its 23rd annual conference and tradeshow.
November 12
Mississippi launches online sports betting with BetMGM.
November 30- December 2
The SBC Summit North America hosted its second conference and expo.
What will 2022 bring for the iGaming industry? We don’t know but we’re excited to see!
