US online casinos smash records with $905.6 million in March: what's driving the boom?

Key figures and nationwide growth

The online casino market experienced a remarkable 26.2% year-over-year growth across all seven regulated states. Every state posted over 20% year-over-year growth and set monthly revenue records.

Notably, $177.1 million was returned in tax revenue, highlighting the growing appeal to state lawmakers. The economic impact and scalability of online casinos suggest even greater potential if more states were to legalise online gambling.

State-by-state breakdown

Here is a breakdown of which states came out on top:

• Pennsylvania dominated the market with $291.6 million in gross revenue, nearly brushing the $300 million mark.

• Michigan and New Jersey followed closely, each with over $240 million.

• Among the "Small Four" (Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, and West Virginia), Connecticut posted $57.7 million, while West Virginia saw a 51.9% year-over-year growth.

• Delaware crossed eight figures for the first time with $10.3 million, and Rhode Island generated $5.1 million, just one year after launch.

March Madness and cross-channel promotion

NCAA March Madness served as a cross-promotional goldmine for operators.

Sports betting operators leveraged mobile app ecosystems to convert casual bettors into casino players. Ironically enough, this type of marketing strategy is being forcibly removed by licensed gambling operators in the UK.

Key to unlocking economic boom

With $10.9 billion wagered in just five states, analysts estimate the true potential of the online casino market could exceed $25 billion monthly if iGaming were nationwide. 

This growth puts pressure on holdout states like New York and Maryland to legalise online casinos, potentially unlocking even greater economic benefits.

Tip of the iceberg?

With momentum building and billions of dollars left on the table in untapped markets, March’s eye-watering $905.6 million milestone may be just the tip of the iceberg. As more states eye regulation, the US igaming surge is fast becoming an unstoppable force in the future of gambling.