Legalizing online casino gaming could add $18.4 billion to US state budgets, a new study says.

The report, conducted by online casino comparison site BonusFinder.com, analyzed tax revenue generated by online casinos across the seven US states where they are already legal — Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia — to estimate the total economic impact.

Based on average per-adult spending of $262.40 in those markets, the researchers estimated how much revenue the remaining 44 jurisdictions, including Washington D.C., could generate if they adopted similar legislation.

In total, the study estimated that the states are leaving up to $62 billion in gross revenue on the table.

Advertisement

With a 30% tax rate — an average of the seven states with legal online casino gaming— this would translate into $18.4 billion in tax income annually. Even with a more conservative tax rate of 20%, the figures could reach $12.3 billion.

California is estimated to be missing out on the most — with the analysis showing that its adult population of approximately 31 million could generate up to $2.4 billion in annual tax revenue.

“These numbers highlight two problems,” said Luciano Passavanti, Vice President at BonusFinder.com. “States are missing out on billions in tax revenue, and consumers are being pushed to platforms that don’t offer the same safety, accountability, or responsible gaming tools as licensed operators.”

This concern is backed by a recent report from research firm Yield Sec, which found that 74% of gross gaming revenue in the US in 2023 — totaling $67.1 billion — came from unlicensed, illegal, and unregulated operators.

That means the vast majority of online gambling activity is still happening outside state oversight — costing governments billions in potential tax income and leaving players vulnerable.

Advertisement

“The demand for online casino gaming already exists — but right now, the money is flowing offshore,” Passavanti added. “States that act now have the chance to bring that revenue back into their own economies, and to do so responsibly.”

States where online casino gaming is already legal are directing the funds into essential public services. In Michigan, more than $400 million from iGaming taxes, which includes both online sports betting and online casinos, went to the School Aid Fund, $4 million to the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund and $3.7 million to the state’s agricultural and equine development programs.

Beyond the financial upside, regulated online casino markets allow states to implement age verification, deposit limits, and self-exclusion tools, offering far stronger consumer protections than offshore operators.

“With over $18 billion in annual tax revenue potentially at stake, the case for legalization is becoming harder to ignore.” Passavanti said.

“As states continue to explore ways to balance budgets and modernize outdated gambling laws, regulated online casinos could offer both financial upside and meaningful consumer protections — if policymakers are ready to act.”

Advertisement

Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider that delivers high-quality products and services for online gambling operators, has been shortlisted in eight headline categories at the 2025 Women in Gaming (WIG) Diversity & Inclusion Awards, scheduled for 5 June at London’s Savoy Hotel. The WIG Diversity & Inclusion Awards honour outstanding contributions across areas such as innovation, inclusive culture, community impact, and business leadership within the global gaming sector. This recognition follows a year of high performance results, new deals, new brand launches, platform, MEGA product growth, and leadership recognition, underscoring Soft2Bet’s dual strength as a technology provider and an employer of choice.

Shortlisted categories

• B2B Excellence (Company)
• Best Diverse Place to Work
• Community Engagement
• Company of the Year (Supplier)
• Great Place to Work
• Innovator
• Leader of the Year and Positive Role Model of the Year (Supplier) – CMO at Soft2Bet

“These nominations are a powerful endorsement of our teams, our strategic leadership, industry impact, and our unwavering commitment to excellence in key European markets where our brands and products consistently deliver top-tier performance,” said Oksana Tsyhankova, Chief Marketing Officer at Soft2Bet.

The shortlisting for Best Diverse Place to Work and Great Place to Work reflects the company’s internal progress: women now occupy 60% of leadership roles and team members from nine nationalities contribute to product development and strategy through initiatives like the Culture Squad and the Make a Difference platform.

Over the past year, Soft2Bet doubled its EBITDA, secured licenses in Ontario, Sweden, Romania, Spain, etc., announced new brands, new sponsorships on highly competitive markets, such as as Nordics and Ontario, and prepared for its first U.S. launch in New Jersey, bringing its total to 19 licenses across 12 jurisdictions.

Advertisement

Soft2Bet being shortlisted as B2B excellence is reflected in a robust portfolio of 13 consumer brands and industry recognition for both our proprietary platform and standout products such as MEGA, which continue to redefine engagement and innovation in regulated markets.

Earlier in 2025, Soft2Bet earned three titles at the European – Global Banking & Finance / Sustainability & ESG Awards, recognising Soft2Bet’s ongoing pursuit of innovation, its focus on delivering exceptional customer value, its strong AML measures, and overall commitment to compliance standards and sustainability across key European markets.

Spain’s regulated iGaming market is no longer the wild frontier it once was. Having opened its doors in 2011, it stands today as a mature, established landscape within Europe’s online betting ecosystem. But maturity doesn’t mean stagnation. As we look to the future, the Spanish market presents a compelling narrative: a story of adaptation, innovation, and the pursuit of growth within a framework of tightening regulations.

As Borja Imbergamo, Head of Growth & Strategy at Betbrothers, an affiliate platform guiding users to safe operators, observes, “Spain’s maturity means operators and affiliates like us need a much more nuanced strategy. The focus shifts from pure acquisition mode to building sustainable value within the regulated framework, ensuring players have access to secure and reliable options.”

For industry insiders – operators, suppliers, and keen-eyed investors – understanding the dynamics of risk and reward in Spain is not just beneficial. It’s essential for navigating the future successfully.

The Steady Pulse of a Billion-Euro Market

Advertisement

The key metrics of the Spanish iGaming market remain strong. Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) consistently averages around, and often exceeds, the €1 billion annual mark. While the explosive double-digit growth spikes of the early years have naturally slowed down, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) figures paint a picture of steady expansion.

Borja Imbergamo points out, “We definitely see the momentum reflected in user search trends. While the market isn’t seeing exponential jumps, there’s consistent interest, especially when major sporting events or innovative products launch. Our role is to channel that interest towards DGOJ-licensed operators who offer a secure betting experience.”

The internal dynamics, however, tell a story of shifting balance. For years, sports betting was the undisputed champion, fueled by Spain’s passionate football culture. Now, the online casino segment has decisively stepped into the spotlight, often capturing 45-50% or more of GGR share, becoming the market’s primary engine, while sports betting remains a heavyweight around 40-45%. Poker and bingo maintain smaller, stable shares.

Where Opportunity Knocks

Despite its established nature, Spain offers promising ground for strategic growth, fueled by high digital penetration and savvy consumers.

Advertisement

“The Spanish player is digitally adept,” notes Borja Imbergamo. “They expect seamless mobile experiences and trustworthy platforms. Operators investing in excellent UX and integrating convenient, secure payments are definitely resonating better.”

The real opportunity lies in product innovation. The restrictive marketing landscape has forced a strategic pivot towards player retention and maximizing lifetime value.

“With the old bonus-heavy acquisition model being restricted, the focus is on creating genuine, sustainable value,” Imbergamo adds, “From our perspective at Betbrothers.es, this means highlighting operators who excel in transparency, safety features, and fair play. That’s what builds the long-term trust crucial for retention in this regulated environment.”

Navigating the Shifting Competitive Landscape

The Spanish regulatory framework, while providing stability, presents ongoing difficulties. The advertising restrictions remain the most significant operational challenge, fundamentally reshaping marketing playbooks towards more nuanced, value-driven strategies.

Advertisement

Imbergamo, whose platform navigates these rules daily, states, “The Royal Decree undeniably changed the marketing landscape, increasing the importance of clear, compliant communication. Affiliates like us have an increased responsibility to provide accurate information about licensed operators. While challenging, the strong DGOJ focus on responsible gaming ultimately creates a safer, more trustworthy environment for players, which aligns perfectly with our core mission.”

Simultaneously, the DGOJ’s focus on player protection means responsible gaming is essential, potentially leading to future measures requiring adaptable systems. This isn’t just compliance. It’s trust-building in a fiercely competitive market where attracting genuinely new players is tough, making retention vital.

Strategy is King

Looking ahead, the Spanish iGaming market will reward strategic wisdom and a deep commitment to the player. Success will favour those who leverage technology not just for impressive personalized offers, but critically for enhancing player safety.

“Success depends on using technology smartly,” reflects Borja Imbergamo. “AI for personalisation is exciting, but its application in RG tools and ensuring transparent practices is more important for long-term success. Operators who genuinely invest here aren’t just complying. They’re building the trust that will define market leadership, and that’s a key factor we highlight for users.”

Advertisement

Fostering cross-vertical engagement and integrating diverse, secure payment options will also be crucial.

The Path Forward

Spain will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of the regulated European iGaming market, a consistent billion-euro-plus opportunity. However, the path to success demands more than just presence. It requires operational excellence, smart technology adoption, and a commitment to compliance and player well-being. The future belongs to operators and affiliates who are agile, innovative, and prioritize responsible practices.

Ultimately, as Borja Imbergamo of Betbrothers.es concludes, “The Spanish market will develop through collaboration and a shared commitment to player safety and transparency. It requires providing safe environments, clear information through platforms like ours, and genuine entertainment value. That’s the sustainable path forward. It’s about creating a healthy ecosystem where informed players can engage confidently with licensed operators.”

In this mature yet dynamic arena, strategic depth and a player-first mentality, not just marketing muscle, will win the day.

Advertisement