BetMGM's iGaming Revenue Hits $1.8 Billion: What It Means for Online Casino Players in Ireland
The global online casino industry received a significant confidence boost this week as BetMGM — one of the world's largest regulated gaming operators — reported record-breaking iGaming revenues for 2025. With net gaming revenue from online casino reaching $1.8 billion, up 24% year-on-year, the figures paint a compelling picture of where the industry is heading — and what Irish players can expect from the platforms they use.
For Irish casino enthusiasts, BetMGM's results aren't just a Wall Street story. They reflect broader trends in player behaviour, content innovation, and the growing legitimacy of regulated online gambling that are shaping the platforms available to players across Ireland and Europe.
Record Numbers: Breaking Down BetMGM's 2025 Performance
BetMGM's Chief Executive Officer Adam Greenblatt described iGaming as "the powerhouse and anchor" of the company's operations during the operator's investor call. The numbers back that up emphatically.
Online casino net gaming revenue climbed from $1.5 billion in 2024 to $1.8 billion in 2025 — a 24% increase that outpaced many analyst expectations. Overall group revenue rose even more sharply, jumping 33% to $2.8 billion from $2.1 billion the previous year.
Monthly active players grew by 24%, while active player days — a measure of how frequently existing players engage with the platform — rose 14%. These aren't just vanity metrics; they indicate that BetMGM is not only attracting new players but keeping them engaged over time, which is the hallmark of a well-run, player-focused operation.
"Our iGaming business continues to scale to record heights with the underlying story consistent with our overall plan," Greenblatt told investors. "Throughout 2025, we held market share, driven by our exclusive best-in-class content strategy, innovative engagement tools and further improvements to our player management capabilities."
Content Is King: The Games Driving Growth
One of the most interesting aspects of BetMGM's success story is the role that branded content has played. The operator credited game launches tied to iconic entertainment properties — including Wizard of Oz, The Price Is Right, and Friends — as significant contributors to player acquisition and retention.
This trend towards branded, IP-driven slot content is one that Irish players will recognise from their own experience. The most popular online slots in Ireland increasingly draw on familiar cultural touchstones, whether that's classic TV shows, blockbuster films, or beloved music acts. The success of this strategy at BetMGM's scale suggests that major software providers will continue investing heavily in licensed content.
Live dealer casino expansion was also highlighted as a key growth driver. BetMGM has been expanding its live dealer studios, offering players a more immersive, real-time experience that bridges the gap between online and land-based casino play. For Irish players who enjoy the social atmosphere of a casino but prefer the convenience of playing from home, live dealer games represent the best of both worlds.
If you're looking to explore the best live casino options available to Irish players, our casino guides cover the top platforms offering live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat with Irish-friendly payment options.
The Cross-Sell Revolution: Sports Betting Meets Online Casino
Perhaps the most striking statistic from BetMGM's results was this: during the 2025 NFL season, approximately 60% of the operator's online sports betting players also played casino games. That's a remarkable cross-pollination between two product verticals that were once considered entirely separate.
BetMGM has been deliberately engineering this crossover through sports-branded IP games — slot titles and casino games that carry the branding and imagery of popular sports leagues and teams. The strategy is working, and it's one that European operators are watching closely.
In Ireland, where sports betting has long been the dominant form of gambling, this trend has significant implications. As more Irish players discover online casino through their existing sports betting accounts, the demand for high-quality, well-regulated casino products is set to grow. This is good news for players, as increased competition typically drives improvements in game quality, bonus offers, and customer service standards.
Interested in combining your love of sport with online casino? Check out our latest bonus offers from operators that cater to both sports bettors and casino players in Ireland.
Market Share and What It Means for Regulation
BetMGM currently holds a 13% gross gaming revenue (GGR) market share across its active markets, rising to 21% specifically in iGaming. Maintaining that position in a competitive market requires significant ongoing investment in technology, content, and — crucially — regulatory compliance.
The operator's emphasis on regulated markets is particularly relevant for Irish players. Ireland's online gambling landscape is undergoing significant change, with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 establishing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) as the new licensing and oversight body. As this framework beds in, the experience of large regulated operators like BetMGM in markets such as New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania offers valuable lessons.
Regulated markets consistently produce better outcomes for players: clearer terms and conditions, robust responsible gambling tools, reliable payment processing, and genuine recourse when disputes arise. The trajectory of BetMGM's business demonstrates that operators can build enormously profitable businesses while operating within strict regulatory frameworks — a message that should reassure Irish players and policymakers alike.
What's Next: New Markets and the Road to 2027
BetMGM is eyeing expansion into new iGaming jurisdictions, with the Canadian province of Alberta representing the operator's first new iGaming market in four years. The company is also preparing for a launch in the US state of Maine, though Greenblatt was candid that Maine's market size means it "won't move the dial" significantly.
The more consequential opportunity lies in Virginia, where state legislators have been debating iGaming legalisation. Greenblatt offered a realistic timeline: from the moment legislation passes to the first bet being placed typically takes around nine months. This means that even if Virginia passes iGaming legislation in 2026, the financial impact would likely only be felt in 2027.
"It's Virginia and iGaming states that are the primary upside," Greenblatt said. "As we're seeing with Alberta, the process of regulating a new market is not trivial. There are lots of considerations."
This measured approach to market expansion — prioritising regulatory compliance over speed — is a hallmark of responsible, sustainable growth in the iGaming sector. It's the kind of long-term thinking that benefits players, who can trust that the platforms they use are built on solid regulatory foundations rather than rushed market entries.
Implications for Irish Online Casino Players
So what does all of this mean for players in Ireland? Several things worth noting:
- Better content is coming: As major operators invest more in branded, high-quality game content, Irish players will benefit from an ever-expanding library of premium slots and live casino games.
- Cross-platform integration will improve: The success of sports-to-casino cross-sell strategies means operators will invest more in seamless experiences that let you move between sports betting and casino play without friction.
- Regulation is good for players: BetMGM's success in regulated markets proves that strong oversight and player protection don't have to come at the expense of a great gaming experience.
- Competition benefits you: As the global iGaming market grows, operators compete harder for Irish players — through better bonuses, more game variety, and improved customer support.
The iGaming industry's growth trajectory, as illustrated by BetMGM's 2025 results, is a rising tide that lifts all boats — including those of Irish players who choose to play on well-regulated, reputable platforms.
Choosing the Right Casino as an Irish Player
With the Irish online casino market continuing to evolve, it's more important than ever to choose platforms that are properly licensed, offer fair games, and provide genuine player protections. The GRAI's new licensing framework will make this easier over time, but in the meantime, our team at Irish Fortune reviews and rates casinos based on the criteria that matter most to Irish players.
When evaluating any online casino, look for:
- A valid licence from a recognised authority (MGA, UKGC, or the new GRAI once operational)
- Games from certified, audited software providers
- Clear and fair bonus terms with reasonable wagering requirements
- Support for Irish-friendly payment methods including debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer
- Robust responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion
Browse our full casino reviews to find the best options for Irish players, or explore our bonus comparison to make the most of your first deposit.
The global iGaming industry's record performance in 2025 is a reminder that online casino, when done right, is a legitimate, enjoyable, and increasingly sophisticated form of entertainment. Irish players deserve access to the best of it — and that's exactly what we're here to help you find.
