Super Bowl LIX Sees Surge in Legal Sports Betting as Regulatory Efforts Strengthen

legal sports betting in the U.S., with online sportsbook platforms experiencing a 14% increase in active player s compared to last year’s Super Bowl. GeoComply, a leader in anti-fraud and geolocation compliance technology, reported a significant uptick in activity, particularly in states where regulators have cracked down on illegal offshore sportsbooks.

According to GeoComply’s data, states that took enforcement action against unauthorized operators saw a growth rate in active s nearly double that of states that had not pursued similar measures. The findings highlight the effectiveness of regulatory actions in steering bettors toward legal and compliant platforms.

In the past year, 14 states have issued cease-and-desist orders to illegal sportsbooks, reinforcing a nationwide effort to curb unregulated gambling. This coordinated push aligns with GeoComply’s call to action in early 2024, urging state and federal authorities to take more aggressive steps against offshore betting operations.

Increased Fan Engagement and Regulatory Impact

Anna Sainsbury, CEO and Co-Founder of GeoComply, emphasized the link between regulatory enforcement and consumer engagement with licensed sportsbooks.

“When states take enforcement action, we see a correlation with increased engagement on our customers’ platforms. More fans are choosing legal sportsbooks, driven by stronger consumer protections and enhanced experiences,” Sainsbury stated. “This means even greater tax revenues to local communities and promote responsible growth while reducing reliance on illegal sportsbooks.”

Beyond regulatory factors, the heightened interest in legal sports betting was evident in key data points from Super Bowl weekend. GeoComply recorded the creation of more than 724,400 new online wagering s across sportsbooks in regulated states. Additionally, just after the Philadelphia Eagles scored their third touchdown, the company observed a peak of 14,300 geolocation transactions per second, demonstrating both intense fan engagement and the scalability of legal betting infrastructure.

Super Bowl Weekend Betting Trends

New Orleans emerged as a hub for legal sports betting activity during Super Bowl weekend. GeoComply tracked nearly 535,000 geolocation transactions from over 60,000 active s in the city, marking a 150% increase in transactions and a 220% jump in s compared to a typical week.

GeoComply’s technology plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance within the regulated sports betting market. The company’s system verifies players’ locations using over 820 data points before allowing wagers to be placed, helping states enforce their gambling laws while providing a secure betting environment.

The Future of Regulated Sports Betting

As the legal sports betting landscape in the U.S. continues to expand, GeoComply’s data reinforces the importance of regulation in maintaining a safe and fair market. The success of enforcement measures against illegal sportsbooks suggests that more states may take similar actions to protect consumers and maximize tax revenue.

The shift toward legal betting platforms is expected to continue as more players recognize the benefits of regulated sportsbooks, including stronger security measures, responsible gaming protections, and seamless experiences. With record-breaking engagement during Super Bowl LIX, the industry’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

Source:

GeoComply reports surge in legal sports betting during Super Bowl LIX, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, February 10, 2025.