Hot Predictions for the Gaming Industry in 2025
Predictions have been coming in for what will happen in the gaming industry in 2025. Some top predictions involve growth in casino revenue, college prop bets, crypto gaming, and multi-player slots. There are some concerns about operator VIP practices, and these could receive more scrutiny this year. It will also be interesting to see if any US states legalize online gambling this year.
New Jersey will report a $250 million online casino revenue month
It was during the Covid-19 lockdowns that New Jersey online casino revenue in a month started to reach $100 million and exceed it. Surprisingly, the revenue numbers did not decrease when the lockdowns ended. New Jersey brought in over $200 in three months in 2024. In November, it brought in a record $214 million. Even though New Jersey is a relatively mature online gaming state, the numbers seem to keep growing.
Operators and game designers keep innovating and finding new ways to engage players. It is possible, most likely when the football season begins, that New Jersey will report a $2150 million online casino revenue month.
More states will ban college prop bets
NCAA President Charlie Baker has been campaigning against college prop bets. The number of states that allow it has already gone down from 23 to 19. More states are likely to follow suit this year.
Some of these prop bets may include how many touchdowns a quarterback throws or how many rebounds a basketball player collects. These bets highlight what a specific athlete does or doesn’t do in a game. College athletes have been getting messages on social media when they don’t live up to expectations and sports bettors lose money. College athletes are more accessible and, therefore, more vulnerable to harassment than professional athletes.
Crypto gaming will receive more attention than sweepstakes gaming
The sweepstakes gambling debate was one of the features of 2024 and it won’t be going away. However, defenders and detractors all seem dug in on their current positions. Attention could shift to Bitcoin and other crypto this year.
Platforms that focus on providing user-friendly interfaces and simplifying deposits will help players overcome some technological barriers that may stand in the way of using cryptocurrency. Volatility and regulatory uncertainty are some of the challenges that can also get in the way.
Growing demand from young players and advances in blockchain technology is likely to fuel crypto market growth in 2025. The next few years will be critical in determining whether crypto casinos can find a secure place in the future of online gambling.
More iGaming operators will prioritize personalization
Personalization of online platforms will include features such as being able to customize game content and receive game recommendations. This will be important to attracting the next generation of players who have higher expectations. Gen Z expects a level of customization in all their online activities.
Expect to hear more about multi-player slots
Playing slots is very popular because they are easier to play than games that require complex strategies. Beginners don’t have to worry about mastering the math behind gambling when playing slots. The downside to playing slots is that it’s a solitary pursuit. However, many manufacturers and game studios are working on multiplayer concepts. They may encourage players to team up and share wins or pit players against each other.
Concern about operator VIP practices
Industry watchdogs in the global online gambling market are concerned about operator VIP practices and how they work. A lawsuit against DraftKings revealed a potential problem. A woman only discovered her husband had used up almost $1 million of their funds during divorce proceedings.
Some top VIP hosts deliver a service to players with money to burn and who can handle downswings. However, others are probably profiting at the expense of gamblers who can’t handle the downswings.
Slow progress in online casino legislation
Last year wasn’t a good year for passing online casino legislation. There probably won’t be many states passing online casino legislation within the time left in 2025. When it comes to sports betting legislation, California and Texas need more time. South Carolina, Minnesota, and Georgia are possible prospects for passing online sports betting legislation this year.
