US Online Casinos Reportedly Cool Off as Global Play Grows

Online gambling in the United States just hit a quieter stretch. Fresh data points to softer player activity and smaller wagers, even as global markets keep moving in the opposite direction.

Good to Know

• US online casino play dropped across players and bet size
• Sports betting in the US followed a similar cooling pattern
• Global online gambling activity continued to edge higher

US Online Casino Activity Slows While Global Markets Hold Up

A new Gaming Pulse Report from Optimove shows a clear pullback in US online casino engagement, marking a shift from the rapid growth seen in recent years.

The report tracks performance from November 2024 through November 2025 and paints a consistent picture. Fewer players stayed active, and average betting amounts slid lower as the year progressed. Optimove noted the decline became more pronounced as the final quarter approached.

By November 2025, the average online casino bet in the United States fell to $6,121. That figure sits well below the 12-month trailing average of $7,638. Player participation also thinned. Active casino players accounted for only 86 percent of the prior year base by the end of the period.

The contrast with international markets stands out.

Global online casino activity posted modest but steady gains. Optimove reported an 8 percent increase in active casino bettors worldwide over the same 12-month window. Average bet size globally stayed stable, landing at $1,343 in 2025 compared with a trailing average of $1,359.

Sports betting data followed a similar split.

US online sports wagering also cooled late in the year. The average bet size dropped to $846 in November 2025, down from a 12-month average of $960. Active US sports bettors measured just 88 percent of the previous year base.

Outside the United States, resilience showed again. Global sports bettors grew by 3 percent year over year, while the average wager ticked up slightly to $396 in November 2025 from a $392 trailing average.

Optimove stopped short of assigning direct causes to the divergence. Still, broader economic signals in the United States form part of the backdrop. Beginning in April, new tariffs applied to a range of imported goods, pushing everyday prices higher. At the same time, unemployment moved upward in recent months.

Together, those pressures may have narrowed discretionary spending. When budgets tighten, online casino play and sports wagering often feel the impact first.

The data suggests behavior shifts rather than structural collapse. US players appear more selective, while global markets benefit from newer regions and steadier economic conditions.

FAQ

What period does the Optimove report cover?

The study spans November 2024 through November 2025.

How much did US online casino betting drop?

Average bet size declined to $6,121 in November 2025 from a $7,638 trailing average.

Did global online gambling decline too?

No. Global casino and sports betting activity showed modest growth.

Why might US betting activity be slowing?

Rising prices and higher unemployment may be limiting discretionary spending.

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