The online gambling sector in the United States is experiencing unprecedented growth, with January 2025 setting new records across key markets. Online gaming revenue surged in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, signaling a shift away from traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.
Online Casino Boom Drives Record-Breaking Revenue in Michigan
Michigan brought its best game in January, reporting $331.2 million in total online gaming and sports betting revenue—a 25.4% increase from the previous month. The state’s iGaming sector set a new all-time monthly record at $248.2 million, breaking December’s previous high of $244 million. Sports betting also saw a significant jump, with revenue climbing to $83 million, up from just $20.2 million the previous month.
Even though the total sports betting handle dipped 7.1% month-over-month, operators saw 65.6% higher revenue than in January 2024, indicating stronger profitability per bet. Michigan’s government collected $46.8 million in gaming taxes, reinforcing the industry’s financial impact.
Online Gaming Surpasses Brick-and-Mortar Casinos in New Jersey
New Jersey continued its transition into a predominantly online gaming market, with digital platforms generating $221.6 million in revenue—a 20.9% increase year-over-year. For the first time, online gaming revenue exceeded earnings from Atlantic City’s nine casinos, which reported $210.1 million for the month. This marks a major turning point, demonstrating a clear preference for online gaming over physical venues.
Online poker also performed well, seeing an 8.1% rise to $2.7 million in revenue. However, sports betting struggled, with revenue dropping 28.4% compared to the previous year. Despite some setbacks in sports wagering, New Jersey still collected $62.1 million in gaming taxes, showing the resilience of its digital gambling sector.
Pennsylvania Enjoying Further Market Growth
Pennsylvania, one of the most active regulated gambling markets in the U.S., posted $529.1 million in total gaming revenue for January, reflecting a 10.9% year-over-year increase. Online casinos fueled this growth, with a 40.5% increase in iGaming revenue, totaling $210.2 million. Online slots led the way, generating $158.6 million (a 44.2% increase), while online table games added $48.9 million.
However, online poker in Pennsylvania experienced a slight decline, with revenue dipping 2.3% year-over-year to $2.6 million. Sports betting saw mixed results, with total wagers reaching $873.1 million but taxable revenue falling 26.4%—likely due to player-friendly outcomes in NFL betting.
Exciting Road Ahead
Crypto casinos are in a prime position to take advantage of the growing demand in these top U.S. markets, thanks to changing regulatory landscapes and players’ desire for decentralized, quick, and secure gaming choices. What remains to be seen is whether more states will accept gaming systems that are compatible with cryptocurrencies, or whether the sector will keep expanding without following conventional regulatory pathways.
