GeoComply data showed jump in users, accounts for Super Bowl

The Philadelphia Eagles secured victory not only on the field during the Super Bowl weekend but also in the realm of legal sports betting. Recent insights reveal that licensed sportsbook operators experienced a remarkable 14% surge in active accounts compared to the previous year.

GeoComply, a leading provider of compliance and geolocation technologies, promptly released its annual data report following the Super Bowl on February 9. The highlight of this report was the impressive year-on-year growth in active legal online sports betting accounts, showcasing the escalating popularity of regulated betting platforms.

This development is particularly encouraging for the gambling industry, especially in light of the absence of new market launches during this year’s Super Bowl. While Missouri voters approved sports betting in November, the market remains unavailable as it awaits its launch. GeoComply reported that between midnight on February 8 and the conclusion of the game on February 9, 724,400 new accounts were successfully created.

Another significant finding from the report is the increase in active users in states that have proactively taken measures against illegal betting operations. While specific numbers were not disclosed, it was noted that user growth in these vigilant states was “twice as high” as in states that have not implemented such enforcement. In the aftermath of last year’s Super Bowl, 14 state regulators have dispatched cease-and-desist letters to at least one offshore operator, reinforcing the ongoing efforts to ensure legal sports betting is prioritized.

Record-Breaking Activity in Louisiana

This year marks the third consecutive Super Bowl held in a legal sports betting state, with Louisiana joining the ranks of Nevada and Arizona. According to GeoComply, over the Super Bowl weekend, New Orleans recorded an astounding 535,000 geolocation transactions from approximately 60,400 active accounts.

Notably, during the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, transactions soared by 150%, and the number of users surged by an impressive 220% week-over-week. The peak wagering activity occurred just before halftime when Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered a pivotal 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver AJ Brown, propelling Philadelphia ahead 24-0 with just a minute and 40 seconds left in the second quarter. At that high point in the game, GeoComply reported a staggering spike of 14,300 geolocation transactions per second. Ultimately, the Eagles maintained their lead throughout the game, triumphing with a final score of 40-22.

This data not only underscores the thriving nature of legal sports betting but also highlights the significance of strategic enforcement against illegal operations. As states continue to navigate and refine regulations, the potential for growth within the legal sports betting market looks exceedingly promising, suggesting a dynamic landscape that remains attentive to both consumer demand and compliance practices.