Anti-fraud and geolocation services firm GeoComply has reported that the number of active betting accounts increased 14% this past Super Bowl weekend compared to the same period in 2024.
Additionally, GeoComply noted that states that took action against illegal offshore sportsbooks saw their sports betting user rates increase twice as much as states that didn’t take action.
“When states take enforcement action, we see a correlation with increased engagement on our customer’s platforms. More fans are choosing legal sportsbooks, driven by stronger consumer protections and enhanced user experiences.” — GeoComply CEO Anna Sainsbury
Inside Super Bowl 59’s sports betting participation
Perhaps the most staggering statistic from this past weekend’s game was that more than 724,000 new online sports wagering accounts were created in states where sports betting is legal.
Also, the number of transactions per second peaked at 14,300 just after Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to receiver A.J. Brown late in the second half.
New Orleans posted some big numbers, too. Just under 535,000 geolocation transactions took place in the Big Easy during Super Bowl weekend.
“Compared to a week ago, Super Bowl weekend transactions were up 150%, and users skyrocketed 220%,” GeoComply noted in a news release.
Numbers indicate states can benefit from barring illegal books
One of the biggest takeaways from GeoComply’s data will no doubt be the significant growth of active accounts in states that took action against illegal offshore sportsbooks.
Legislators from key sports betting markets such as Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts have all sent cease-and-desist letters to well-known offshore operator Bovada. As a result, Bovada removed those states from its list of available markets.
The benefits of that action go beyond just the number of new accounts that opened this past weekend. More regulated sports betting accounts equate to a lower chance of fraud against consumers, as well as other benefits that Sainsbury highlighted.
“This means even greater tax revenues to support local communities and promote responsible growth while reducing reliance on illegal sportsbooks,” Sainsbury said.
