In a striking display of growth, New York’s mobile sports betting market surged to a handle of $23.9 billion in FY2024–25, marking a robust 20% year-over-year increase. According to the latest data released by the New York State Gaming Commission, gross gaming revenue (GGR) soared to $2.14 billion, highlighting the maturing dynamics of the state’s online wagering ecosystem. With January and March setting the pace, fueled by the Super Bowl and NCAA’s March Madness respectively, the industry is proving to be a significant economic engine—not just for the gaming sector, but also for state-funded programs, including public education and youth sports.

January Sets New Record as Super Bowl Bets Drive Momentum

January 2025 proved to be the crown jewel for New York’s mobile wagering platforms.

Handle: $2.48 billion

GGR: $247 million

This peak was largely attributed to heightened activity ahead of Super Bowl LIX, as bettors flooded platforms to wager on America’s most watched sporting event. The record-breaking month surpassed December and November by narrow margins, underscoring how marquee events drive traffic and revenue at scale.

March Madness Delivers Second-Highest Handle of the Year

March followed closely behind, driven by intense betting activity during the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

Handle: $2.44 billion

GGR: $161.8 million

While GGR was slightly lower than January's, the handle demonstrated sustained user engagement and platform growth. March Madness has emerged as a seasonal force in U.S. betting cycles, with multiple games in quick succession creating sustained interest across multiple demographics.

All 12 Months Crossed $1 Billion in Handle for the First Time

In a significant milestone, every single month from April 2024 through March 2025 crossed the $1 billion mark in mobile sports betting handle—a first since legalization in 2022.

This trend underscores two critical insights:

Mobile sports betting in New York has transitioned from novelty to habit

Seasonal spikes are being reinforced by consistent month-over-month volume

Other strong performers by handle include:

October: $2.32 billion

December: $2.28 billion

November: $2.27 billion

Gross Gaming Revenue Patterns Reveal Strategic Betting Behavior

From a GGR standpoint, while January led the charge, other months displayed impressive profitability:

November: $231.6 million

September: $204.7 million

May: $203.3 million

This indicates that operators benefited from a strong hold percentage during these months, suggesting not only high volumes of bets, but also effective risk management and odds modeling by sportsbooks.

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance: Fines, Penalties, and Adjustments

The total reported revenues include $23.3 million from prior adjustments, fines, and penalties. A notable portion of this stems from Underdog’s $17.5 million fine, marking one of the largest enforcement actions in the market.

Such figures highlight an important layer of regulatory enforcement that keeps the market compliant while adding to state revenues.

Massive Financial Injection Into Public Education and Youth Programs

The economic benefits of mobile wagering extend far beyond the betting platforms themselves.

$1.11 billion earmarked for public education funding

$6 million directed to gambling education and treatment programs

$5 million allocated for youth sports development and underserved programs

These allocations not only showcase the fiscal benefits of regulation but also reflect the state’s commitment to responsible gaming and community reinvestment.

What the Data Tells Us About the Future of Mobile Betting in New York

Several conclusions emerge from this fiscal year’s data:

Sustained Growth: The market’s 20% growth suggests scalability, despite saturation fears.

Seasonality Still Matters: Major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness remain critical to spikes in both handle and revenue.

Regulatory Guardrails Are Tightening: Large fines and monthly reporting show a maturing enforcement ecosystem.

Revenue Impact Is Tangible: The direct funneling of GGR into education and youth sports sets a new benchmark for socially responsible betting frameworks.

Conclusion: Mobile Sports Betting Becomes a Bedrock of State Revenue

In just three years since its legalization, mobile sports betting in New York has evolved from a fledgling sector into a pillar of public finance and digital commerce. With $23.9 billion in wagers and over $2.14 billion in gross gaming revenue, the 2024–25 fiscal year marks a new high-water mark in the digital betting era.

From Super Bowl surges to consistent billion-dollar months, the market is thriving—and doing so with regulatory rigor and public benefit in mind. With education, treatment, and youth development funds seeing direct gains, the future of mobile sports wagering in New York appears not only lucrative but responsibly structured.