Online gaming revenue in the U.S. surged by 32.5% in April, with West Virginia demonstrating the highest growth rate among the regional states.
West Virginia's iGaming Sector Surges Ahead
In a surprising turn of events, West Virginia's iGaming industry has experienced significant growth in 2025, positioning the state as a major player in the U.S. gambling sector.
Last month, West Virginia's iGaming revenue reached an impressive $24.5 million, marking a 25% year-over-year increase. This growth is particularly noteworthy given that over 95% of sports bets and a large share of iGaming wagers in West Virginia are mobile-based.
The surge in lottery play has also played a crucial role in boosting retail foot traffic and overall gaming revenue. Daily 3 and Daily 4 games have been particularly popular, with 85% of ticket sales occurring in-person at approximately 1,500 licensed retailers.
On the digital front, West Virginia’s iGaming segment expanded significantly. By May 2025, iGaming revenue in the state more than doubled year-over-year, contributing to a broader 33% increase in online gaming revenue nationally. Key platforms identified in West Virginia’s market include Fanatics Casino, launched in May 2025, and Caesars Entertainment’s Horseshoe online casino, launched in November 2024. These platforms, with their strong brand presence and early entry into the market, now hold significant shares in the state’s expanding digital gaming market.
Operators are adapting quickly to meet player demands, offering loyalty rewards, daily missions, and personalized push notifications. West Virginia operators also offer region-specific bonuses, in-app tournaments, and VIP deals, especially on weekends. Many operators feature BetMGM online casino titles and betting options in curated app sections.
Enhanced responsible gambling tools, like budgeting, self-exclusion, and timeouts, are integrated within apps to ensure a safe and secure gaming environment. Faster UX/UI improvements with real-time performance tracking are being implemented, and constant refreshes like new titles, seasonal themes, and engaging content are being offered.
The U.S. iGaming industry as a whole experienced a record-breaking month in April 2025, generating $868.6 million in revenue, a 32.5% year-over-year growth. West Virginia accounted for 28% of total gaming revenue in the state by 2024, up from 19.5% in 2023. The American Gaming Association (AGA) noted that West Virginia's iGaming rose 57.3% compared to 2023.
Pennsylvania and Michigan also reported impressive growth in their iGaming sectors, with Pennsylvania generating $291.6 million in revenue in April 2025, a 26.4% increase year over year, and Michigan generating $248.1 million, a 33.9% increase. New Jersey, another major player, reported $243.9 million in revenue, a 23.7% increase.
In conclusion, West Virginia’s iGaming growth in 2025 is attributed to a combination of strong lottery-driven retail foot traffic, double-digit increases in online casino and sports betting revenue, and market consolidation favoring licensed operators like Fanatics Casino and Caesars’ Horseshoe, which now hold significant shares in the state’s expanding digital gaming market.
- In West Virginia's iGaming industry, a high roller might place a substantial bet on sports at Caesars Entertainment's Horseshoe online casino.
- The influx of free spins on BetMGM online casino titles is a strategy used by West Virginia operators to attract new players and retain existing ones.
- Despite the growth in the iGaming and sports betting segments, responsible gambling remains a priority, with operators integrating tools like budgeting, self-exclusion, and timeouts into their apps.
- The expansion of West Virginia’s iGaming sector has led to increased competition among operators, with platforms like Fanatics Casino and Caesars’ Horseshoe offering in-app tournaments and VIP deals to lure customers.
- With over 95% of sports bets and a large share of iGaming wagers in West Virginia being mobile-based, the state's online casino industry is becoming increasingly significant.
- Operators in West Virginia are offering sports betting, not just casino games, to cater to the diverse interests of high rollers and casual gamblers alike.
- The American Gaming Association (AGA) noted that West Virginia's iGaming sector saw a 57.3% rise in revenue compared to 2023, contributing to the U.S. iGaming industry's record-breaking month in April 2025.
