(AsiaGameHub) – According to Optimove, the US online gaming sector experienced a resurgence in March 2026 following a period of stagnation in late 2025 and early 2026. While expenditures in deposits, casino games, and sports wagering increased, retention rates dipped, contrasting with the more consistent player behavior observed in international markets.
Good to Know
- The average deposit in the US rose from $611 to $726 during March 2026.
- Monthly sports betting averages in the US surged by 27.3% compared to the previous month, reaching $937.
- Retention in the US decreased to 64%, whereas the global rate climbed to 74%.
March Provided a Boost to US Spending While Global Markets Remained Stable
The Optimove US Gaming Pulse Report analyzed data from March 2025 through March 2026, comparing the US to global trends. The study utilized a monthly average of 3.2 million active US players and 21 million players worldwide.
March was characterized as a month of recovery for the US market, with gains in deposits, casino and sports wagering, player growth, and active days. The primary catalyst for this growth, particularly in sports, appears to be March Madness.
Expenditure by US players continued to significantly exceed the global average. In March, the average US deposit hit $726, an 18.8% increase from February’s $611. Meanwhile, the global average remained relatively flat, moving from $233 to $236. Over the 12-month period, the average deposit was $587 in the US compared to $229 globally.
Casino spending also saw an uptick after a multi-month decline. The average monthly casino wager in the US grew from $5,903 in February to $6,663 in March. Despite this rise, the 12-month US average of $7,252 highlights the extent of the prior market contraction. Global casino wagering was more stable, increasing slightly from $1,329 to $1,346, with a yearly average of $1,385.
Player growth metrics were less positive for the US. While casino bettor growth rose from 66% in February to 75% in March, it trailed the global figure of 105%. The 12-month averages were 82% for the US and 108% globally, suggesting that while US players are high-value, the expansion of the player base is slower.
Sports betting saw the most significant monthly increase. The US average rose 27.3% from $736 in February to $937 in March. Conversely, the global average dropped slightly from $425 to $422. The 12-month US average of $923 significantly outpaced the global average of $407.
Growth in sports bettors mirrored this trend. The US rate improved from 64% in February to 81% in March, while the global rate held steady at 107%. Despite the recovery, the US still lagged behind both its baseline and international markets.
Activity frequency also favored international markets. US players averaged 7.9 active days in March, up from 6.8 in February, while global players increased from 8.8 to 9.4 days. Over the year, the US averaged 7.9 days against the global 9.1, reinforcing the finding that US players bet larger amounts but engage less frequently.
Retention proved to be a challenge, with US active customer retention falling from 67% in February to 64% in March. In contrast, global retention rose from 72% to 74%. The 12-month averages were 68% for the US and 71% globally, indicating that March’s spending surge did not translate to increased loyalty.
The report characterizes the US market as high-value but volatile. While US players deposit and wager more, the global market demonstrates superior consistency in retention, growth, and activity. Although March provided a boost for the US, a significant gap in player stickiness remains.
FAQ
What were Optimove’s findings regarding US online gaming for March 2026?
Optimove noted that March served as a recovery period for the US market, seeing improvements in player activity, betting totals, and deposit levels.
What was the average deposit in the US during March 2026?
The average monthly deposit for US players hit $726, an increase from the $611 recorded in February.
What was the average US sports betting figure in March 2026?
In March, the average monthly sports wager in the US rose to $937, up from $736 the month prior.
Did retention rates in the US market see an increase?
No, the retention rate for active US customers slipped from 67% in February to 64% in March.
How did US and global players differ in activity days?
Global players saw an average of 9.4 activity days in March, whereas US players averaged 7.9 days.
What was the primary distinction between the US and global markets?
While the US market yielded higher value per player, the global market exhibited greater consistency across growth, retention, and activity metrics.
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