West Virginia’s regulated online casino industry got 2026 off to a powerful start, posting a record $41.7 million in revenue for January, according to weekly reports compiled by the West Virginia Lottery*. This figure represents a year-over-year increase of more than 40 % compared with January 2025, when the state’s iGaming revenue was roughly $29.8 million.
The monthly total is derived from aggregating weekly revenue figures for iGaming, including popular regulated online casino platforms tied to brick-and-mortar gaming licenses in the Mountain State. In the first week of February alone, the sector set a weekly revenue record of nearly $9.9 million, nearing the $10 million threshold for a single week.
West Virginia’s online casino growth underscores the growing appetite for digital gambling in its regulated market. Over recent years, licensed operators such as DraftKings Casino, BetMGM, Caesars, and others have developed local audiences by integrating mobile gaming with traditional casino brands. The state’s 15% tax rate on iGaming revenue generated an estimated $6.3 million for the public treasury in January alone, contributing to education, infrastructure, and other state priorities.
While West Virginia’s regulated online casinos have thrived, the broader U.S. landscape of digital gambling also includes online WV casinos and sites that operate outside U.S. regulatory frameworks. Offshore operators continue to draw customers through aggressive marketing and bonuses, undercutting state-regulated markets.
Industry Momentum and Offshore Casino Trends
The growth trajectory in West Virginia is emblematic of a broader U.S. expansion of online casinos, albeit one concentrated in a handful of states. As of 2026, legalized and regulated online casino gaming exists in only a few jurisdictions, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Each publishes regular revenue and tax data to track market health and fiscal impact.
Despite the structured growth of regulated markets, offshore casino sites remain important to many players. These platforms offer gaming to U.S. residents without state oversight, often promoting high bonuses and wagering options unavailable on legal sites.
Even in states with established legal markets like West Virginia, offshore alternatives persist in the background. Their continued popularity across many player segments highlights the tension between regulatory efforts to control gambling activity and consumer demand for broader game selection and greater value.
Regulatory Discussions and Future Outlook
The strong January revenue figures have triggered renewed discussions among West Virginia policymakers about the future of online casino taxation and regulation. A proposed bill to raise the state’s online casino tax rate from 15% to 25% is under consideration, a move that could further boost revenue for public services but also spark debate about competitive positioning with neighboring states that offer lower rates and offshore gambling sites.
Proponents of the tax increase argue that West Virginia’s booming iGaming market can absorb higher rates without dampening growth, especially given the consistent record-setting figures. Critics, however, caution that excessive tax burdens may push players toward offshore sites or to regulated markets with more favorable tax regimes, potentially offsetting any revenue gains.
Looking ahead, industry observers expect West Virginia’s online casino revenue to continue climbing through 2026. Weekly records suggest that the state could soon see $10 million or more in revenue for a single week become the norm, while annual totals may eclipse previous milestones.