Betfred Sportsbook, a UK-based bookmaker that owns and operates over 1500 betting shops, has scaled back its operations in the United States, with Pennsylvania now standing as its only active market. The company’s recent announcement confirms its departure from Nevada, marking a significant shift in its US strategy. Previously, Betfred operated in ten states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Iowa, but recent months have seen the brand exit most of these markets.
Betfred entered Nevada in January 2023 after obtaining an operating licence. The sportsbook was launched at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in partnership with Mohegan Sun and facilitated by SCCG Management. Nevada became the tenth state in which Betfred established a presence, but the venture has proven short-lived.
Betfred acknowledged the closure of its retail operations in Nevada. Customers with unsettled wagers or unredeemed vouchers were directed to the Mohegan Sportsbook for resolution or advised to use mail-in redemption services. Winning bets can be redeemed within 30 days through this process.
Its sole remaining foothold in the United States now lies in Pennsylvania, where it is powering the Wind Creek Bethlehem sportsbook. It also operates an online sportsbook in the state, apart from its retailing business. Betfred’s Pennsylvania operations are its bedrock within the US as the company keeps weighing up its position within this extremely competitive American market.
The Nevada departure is part of a broader trend for Betfred, which has cut its US operations significantly. The company confirmed in December 2023 that it had shut down operations in both Iowa and Washington. These closures follow earlier exits from other states, including Arizona, Louisiana, and Virginia, where the brand established partnerships and retail locations.
The US betting market has seen rapid growth since the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), but it remains a challenging environment for operators. High operational costs, intense competition, and varying state regulations have created hurdles for both domestic and international betting companies.
For Betfred, which has a well-established presence in the UK and Europe, these factors may have influenced its decision to retreat from multiple states. The company has not publicly confirmed whether a complete US exit is imminent but has significantly narrowed its focus to Pennsylvania.
Betfred made it clear how it would assist its customers through the press release. Those with winning tickets or vouchers were urged to collect their amounts either at the Mohegan Sportsbook or mail them in. They promised to redeem the latter via post within 30 days.
Unsettled wagers will be honoured as events conclude, ensuring that patrons can claim any potential winnings despite the closure of the sportsbook location.
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