New York’s betting market delivered a standout performance in August 2025, surpassing $2 billion in wagers for the first time since May. According to the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), the monthly handle reached $2.04 billion, an increase of 41.9% compared with August 2024 and 45.9% above July’s $1.4 billion.

Sports Betting Hits Milestone in August

Gross gaming revenue (GGR) for sports betting climbed to $178.2 million. This marked a 42.6% year-on-year rise and a 14.5% increase from July, though it was still the third-lowest monthly total of the year so far. The hold rate for the month stood at 8.72%. Cumulative figures for the fiscal year-to-date showed $9.5 billion in sports wagering handle and $981.8 million in GGR, both on pace to surpass last year’s totals as the sports season ramps up.a

According to iGaming Business, citing NYSGC (pdf), FanDuel once again led in revenue, generating $66.9 million from a $561.9 million handle, equating to an 11.91% hold. DraftKings remained close behind, taking the largest share of wagers at $579.6 million but producing slightly less revenue at $62.3 million, for a 10.75% hold.

Fanatics achieved a personal best in August, reporting a record $565.8 million in handle. Its revenue, however, reached just $16.1 million, giving the operator a modest hold of 2.85%. This surge in handle was driven in part by a single bettor who placed nearly $120 million in wagers over one week.

Other operators followed with smaller shares: BetMGM reported $13.8 million from a $130.4 million handle, Caesars earned $10.7 million from $113.5 million, Rush Street Interactive posted $4 million from $40.8 million, and ESPN Bet reported $3.6 million from $40.8 million. Bally Bet generated $839,409 from $11.7 million in wagers, while Resorts World trailed with $229,357 from $2.8 million.

Casino Revenues Reach Annual High

Casino gaming also recorded a strong month, with statewide GGR reaching $65 million in August — the highest level for 2025 so far. This represented a 4.7% year-over-year increase and a 7.3% month-over-month rise.

Slots and electronic table games were the main drivers, contributing $47 million in GGR, which was up 9.5% from the same month in 2024. Traditional table games generated $16.5 million, down 4.2% from last year, though this was still the highest total reported for the current fiscal year.

Among the four commercial casinos reporting to the NYSGC, Rivers Casino led the market with $20.1 million, a 7.3% improvement year-on-year. Del Lago Casino followed with $15.5 million, showing the largest annual growth at 9%. Tioga Downs also gained, producing $10.1 million — about $500,000 more than in August 2024. Resorts World Catskills was the only venue to record a decline, slipping 1.4% to $19.4 million.

With both sports wagering and casino gaming showing strength, industry analysts suggest the state is positioned for further growth as the football season begins and consumer activity accelerates in the latter half of the year.