U.S. Deposits Rose in February as Betting Activity Slowed

Optimove, a player engagement and marketing platform for iGaming and sports betting operators, said its latest U.S. Gaming Pulse Report showed a mixed picture for February 2026. U.S. players deposited more, but betting volume, activity days, and some player growth measures fell, while global results stayed more stable.

Good to Know

• Average monthly deposit value in the United States rose 3.7% from $589 to $611 in February 2026
• U.S. casino and sports betting spend stayed well above global averages, even as both categories declined month over month
• Global markets showed more stable activity, stronger bettor growth trends, and slightly better retention

After several months of rising deposit values, the U.S. market is now getting closer to the summer highs seen in 2025. Optimove said that trend has continued since September, even while monthly betting amounts have softened. That may point to a gap between how much players deposit and how much they actually wager.

U.S. Deposits Rose While Betting Activity Slowed

The clearest positive in the February report came from deposits. Average monthly total deposit amount in the United States reached $611, above the 12 month trailing average of $575. By comparison, the global figure fell 6% month over month to $233, only slightly above the 12 month average of $227. The report is based on a 12 month average of 3.2 million active players per month in the United States and 21 million globally.

At the same time, betting values headed lower. Average monthly casino betting amount in the United States dropped to $5,903, down from a March 2025 peak of $8,883 and below the 12 month average of $7,273. Global casino betting also slipped in February to $1,329, compared with a 12 month average of $1,368.

Sports betting followed a similar pattern. U.S. average monthly sports betting amount fell 9.4% from $811 to $735, which is also below the 12 month average of $909. Globally, sports betting value was far lower but steadier at $425, near the 12 month average of $405.

Player counts also showed some pressure in the United States. Casino bettors growth trend in the United States fell from 83% to 78% in February, while global casino bettors growth eased from 123% to 114% but still remained above baseline.

In sports betting, the U.S. growth trend slipped from 109% to 99%, while the global figure edged down from 114% to 112%.

Activity days told a similar story. U.S. active players averaged 6.8 days in February, down from 7.7 in January and below the 12 month average of 7.8. Global players remained more engaged, averaging 8.8 days in February against a 12 month average of 9.1.

Retention was one area where the United States stayed relatively competitive. U.S. active customer retention eased from 70% to 67%, while the global rate held at 72%. Even with that dip, the report noted that the United States has narrowed the loyalty gap over the past year and is now closer to established global benchmarks.

Overall, the February data suggests the U.S. online gaming market still benefits from higher player spending, but global markets are showing more consistency in betting behavior, player growth, and engagement.

FAQ

What is Optimove?

Optimove is a player engagement and CRM marketing platform that works with iGaming and sports betting operators. It helps companies use player data for personalization, retention, promotions, and lifecycle marketing.

What was the main U.S. headline from the report?

Average monthly deposits in the United States rose 3.7% in February 2026, increasing from $589 to $611.

Did betting activity rise along with deposits?

No. Both casino and sports betting amounts declined in the United States during February.

How did the U.S. compare with global markets?

The United States remained well ahead in spending per player, while global markets looked more stable in growth, activity days, and retention.

Did player retention hold up in the United States?

Retention dipped slightly to 67%, but the U.S. market has still moved closer to global retention levels over the past year.

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