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US sports betting revenue fell 15.6% year over year in August, while online casino revenue increased 12.3%, according to American Gaming Association figures reported by Deadspin. The national figures show different results for the two gambling segments; no West Virginia-specific change was reported.
Lower sportsbook hold outweighs a small wagering decline
Regulated sportsbooks generated $1 billion in revenue from $10.89 billion in wagers. The figures came from the AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker released Oct. 21.
Betting handle—the total amount wagered—declined just 0.7% compared with August 2025. The much larger revenue decline reflected a lower hold, or the share of wagers sportsbooks retained as revenue.
Sportsbooks held 9.2% of wagers, down from 10.8% a year earlier. That distinction matters when reading the results: a sharp revenue decline does not necessarily mean an equally sharp reduction in betting activity.
The AGA said handle had declined year over year in most months since December 2025. June and July were exceptions, with increased wagering during the FIFA World Cup. The association also pointed to competition from prediction markets and a later start to the college football season as factors affecting August’s numbers.
Online casinos narrowly surpass sportsbook revenue
Online casinos generated $1.03 billion in August revenue, slightly exceeding sportsbooks’ $1 billion despite legal iGaming being available in far fewer states.
The 12.3% annual increase contrasted with the sportsbook decline. However, the AGA said iGaming growth was gradually slowing because no additional states had recently legalized online casino gambling.
Traditional casinos also posted growth, though at a smaller rate. Revenue increased 0.9% year over year to $4.44 billion. Slots accounted for $3.25 billion, while table games generated approximately $885.9 million.
September results will provide the next comparison
Deadspin identified September results as the next indication of whether August represented a temporary setback or a longer sportsbook slowdown. With the NFL and college football seasons underway, sportsbooks were entering one of their busiest periods.
The August national totals alone do not establish how West Virginia’s market performed. A local comparison would require separate state-level revenue and wagering figures.
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Source: As reported by Deadspin.
