Optimove Insights iGaming Pulse February 2026: US Rising Deposits, Declining Bets

Optimove US Gaming Pulse Report – February 2026 

This month’s analysis examines KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) in the online gaming sector, comparing the United States market against the global market. The data is based on a 12-month average of 3.2 million active players per month in the US and 21 million globally. The period analyzed spans from February 2025 to February 2026.  

US vs. Global: Average Monthly Total Deposit Amount 

The US has maintained the lead in deposit amounts compared to the global average. The trend has been steadily rising since September. Conversely, the Global average has remained flat, fluctuating within a narrow range between $207 and $255, indicating a very stable but lower-spending player base. 

Comparing the most recent data from February 2026 to the preceding month, the US saw a 3.7% increase, rising from $589 to $611. This brings the US deposit level back toward its 2025 summer highs. The Global market experienced a slight 6% decrease from $248 in January to $233 in February. 

See the chart below for more details:

Definition of Average Deposit Amount: The average deposit amount is calculated by taking the total sum of all deposits and dividing it by the number of Sports and Casino bettors (players) who have made at least one deposit. 

See the overall averages below:

US: February 2026: $611 

12-Month Trailing Average: $575 

Global: February 2026: $233 

12-Month Trailing Average: $227 

Recommendations for Operators

Here are four solid recommendations for operators to consider:

• Focus on retention: Given fluctuations in US player activity, operators should develop targeted retention strategies to keep players engaged and encourage consistent betting behavior.
• Engage occasional bettors: Tailor marketing efforts to re-engage occasional players, converting deposits into more frequent betting through personalized offers or gamified experiences.
• Leverage data for personalization: Use data-driven insights to create personalized experiences that resonate with players, fostering loyalty and increasing betting and/or depositing frequency.
• Diversify betting options: To minimize the impact of fluctuations, operators can offer diverse betting opportunities across different products, catering to varied player preferences.
• Mimic global success: Operators can learn from global trends by focusing on loyalty programs and ensuring players feel consistently appreciated, which can drive long-term, stable growth.

In Summary

The Optimove US Gaming Pulse Report Snapshot for February analyzes key trends in the online gaming sector, focusing on the performance of the US market in comparison to global patterns. The report highlights a rise in US player deposits despite a decline in monthly bets, suggesting that operators need to adapt their strategies to better engage bettors.

While the US remains the leader in deposit amounts, its market shows greater fluctuations in player activity, indicating a higher proportion of occasional bettors. In contrast, the global market demonstrates steady growth in deposits, wagering, and player retention, driven by more consistent player behavior. These insights emphasize the need for marketers to optimize strategies for both acquiring and engaging players in a shifting landscape.

For a closer look at the data behind these trends, visit Optimove’s iGaming Pulse Report. 

For more insights into player behavior, contact us to request a demo.