Sports Betting Handle Rise in August 2025 | Preseason Trends

New York: The Heavyweight Keeps Growing

New York continues to dominate the sports betting landscape. August 2025 saw a handle of $2.05 billion, up from $1.44 billion the year prior. Revenue also jumped from $126.0 million to $178.8 million, with a nearly identical win rate (8.73% vs. 8.74%).

With steady growth all year (ranging from 9.5% in April to over 42% in August), September could even surpass the record set in January 2025, when New Yorkers wagered nearly $2.49 billion.

New Jersey: A Rollercoaster with Upside

New Jersey posted an $814.3 million handle in August 2025, compared to $698.8 million in August 2024. Revenue hit $81.9 million, a jump from $62.7 million. 

Monthly handles stood at $790.4 million in June and $664.0 million in July. While the state has had unpredictable swings, the last four months have all been higher than 2024. If that trend continues, September could approach a massive $1.39 billion in handle.

Louisiana: A Year of Rapid Growth

Louisiana recorded a handle of $271.4 million in August 2025, a huge jump from $153.9 million in August 2024. Revenue also climbed significantly, from $18.1 million last year to $32.7 million this August. 

The state has seen consistent month-to-month growth: $245.3 million in June and $226.7 million in July. Based on the strong year-over-year growth trends (an average of nearly 18% over the past four months), Louisiana could be looking at a September handle of over $414 million.

Maryland: Consistent Gains, Despite Fluctuations

Maryland’s handle reached $434.2 million in August 2025, up from $377.3 million the previous year. Revenue followed the same upward trend, jumping from $39.2 million to $52.5 million.

Handles in June and July came in at $403.8 million and $364.0 million, respectively. Although growth rates have been uneven (ranging from 5% in June to nearly 17% in May), the average increase over the last four months sits at 11.5%, suggesting a September forecast of around $594 million.

North Carolina: A Newcomer Finding Its Stride

In just 18 months of legalized online sports betting, North Carolina has shown remarkable growth. August 2025’s handle hit $478.7 million, up from $370.5 million in 2024. Revenue surged from $33.8 million to $54.1 million. 

Handles in June and July were $433.2 million and $370.4 million. Except for April (which saw an 11% decrease year-over-year), North Carolina has been steadily rising. If the pattern holds, September could bring a handle of around $650 million.

Pennsylvania: A Veteran State

Pennsylvania continues to show stability in its mature betting market. August 2025 saw a handle of $515.4 million, slightly above $485.3 million in 2024. Revenue also rose, from $45.4 million to $66.5 million.

Handles in June and July came in at $483.6 million and $412.5 million. Forecasts suggest a modest 5% year-over-year growth in September, which would put the handle at around $850 million.