BetMGM Eyes Three New iGaming Markets for 2027 Expansion

One of the biggest operators in American gambling is signaling where it sees the future. In its latest quarterly update, BetMGM told investors it is targeting three new US online casino markets for potential launch in 2027, a strategic bet that reflects just how central iGaming has become to the company's bottom line. With roughly 70% of BetMGM's revenue now coming from online casino, the expansion push is less a gamble than a logical next step.

For players, regulators, and the wider industry, the announcement is a window into where regulated online gambling is heading. Here is what BetMGM said, why it matters, and what to watch. For background on the online casino landscape, see our gambling guides.

What BetMGM Announced

In its second-quarter commentary, BetMGM highlighted online casino as its primary growth engine and expressed optimism about entering additional US states. The operator disclosed that iGaming accounts for approximately 70% of its total revenue, a striking figure that explains why the company is prioritizing online casino expansion over other verticals.

The three targeted markets were framed as 2027 opportunities, contingent on those states passing or advancing iGaming legislation. In other words, BetMGM is positioning itself to move quickly if and when new markets open.

Why iGaming Drives the Strategy

Online casino has proven to be the most profitable product in the modern gambling stack. Unlike sports betting, which carries thin margins and heavy promotional costs, iGaming delivers higher hold and more consistent revenue. Slots and table games run around the clock, and player engagement tends to be stickier.

That economic reality is reshaping operator priorities across the board. When 70% of revenue flows from one vertical, expanding that vertical becomes the clear path to growth. This mirrors the broader industry trend of iGaming revenue climbing past record levels nationwide, a story we track across our latest articles.

The Legislative Hurdle

The catch is that online casino remains legal in only a limited number of US states, far fewer than legal sports betting. Expansion depends entirely on state legislatures, and iGaming bills face stiffer opposition than sports betting did. Concerns range from cannibalizing brick-and-mortar casino jobs to responsible-gambling worries and objections from some tribal gaming interests.

That is why BetMGM's targets are framed for 2027 rather than immediately. The company is betting that the fiscal argument, substantial tax revenue and consumer protection through regulation, will eventually win over more states.

What It Means for the Industry

BetMGM's move is a bellwether. When a market leader publicly commits to expansion, it signals confidence that the regulatory tide is turning. Competitors will likely accelerate their own plans to avoid ceding first-mover advantages in new states.

• More competition in new markets typically means better promotions and products for players.
• Increased lobbying as operators press states to legalize.
• Higher tax revenue projections that strengthen the legislative case.

The ripple effects extend to affiliates, payment processors, and game studios, all of which benefit from an expanding legal footprint.

What It Means for Players

For consumers, expansion is largely positive. New legal markets mean access to regulated, licensed operators with consumer protections, rather than offshore sites with no oversight. Competition also drives better bonuses and larger game libraries. Players in prospective states should watch their legislatures closely and, when markets open, choose licensed operators. Our roundup of the top online casinos helps identify trustworthy options.

What to Watch Next

Keep an eye on which states advance iGaming bills over the coming legislative sessions. The states most often mentioned as candidates share common traits: existing land-based casino industries, legal online sports betting already in place, and budget pressures that make new tax revenue attractive. As bills progress, expect BetMGM and its rivals to intensify their campaigns. Follow developments through our latest articles and gambling guides.

The Competitive Landscape

BetMGM is not operating in a vacuum. Rival operators are pursuing the same limited pool of prospective states, which means the race to expand is also a race to lock in market share before competitors do. In newly legalized markets, early entrants often capture disproportionate long-term loyalty, so the stakes of moving first are high. Expect aggressive marketing, exclusive game content, and rich welcome offers whenever a new state comes online.

This competition is ultimately healthy for the market. It pressures operators to improve their apps, expand their game libraries, and offer better value, all of which benefit the end user.

The Broader Economic Case

Underpinning every expansion push is a simple economic argument. Regulated iGaming generates substantial tax revenue, brings existing illegal or offshore play into a supervised environment, and funds responsible-gambling programs. As state budgets face pressure, that combination becomes increasingly persuasive to lawmakers who were previously hesitant. BetMGM's public commitment to three new markets is, in part, a bet that this fiscal logic will prevail. Follow how the argument evolves through our latest articles and gambling guides.

For observers of the industry, BetMGM's announcement is worth revisiting as legislative sessions unfold. Public commitments like this one create accountability, and they give analysts a concrete benchmark against which to measure whether the regulatory environment is truly opening up. If even one of the three targeted states advances a bill, expect the entire sector to treat it as validation that the next wave of iGaming expansion has begun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new markets is BetMGM targeting?

BetMGM told investors it is eyeing three new US online casino markets for potential entry in 2027, pending state legislation.

How much of BetMGM's revenue comes from iGaming?

The operator disclosed that roughly 70% of its total revenue now comes from online casino, making it the company's core growth driver.

Why is iGaming more profitable than sports betting?

Online casino delivers higher hold and more consistent, round-the-clock engagement, while sports betting carries thinner margins and heavy promotional costs.

What stands in the way of expansion?

Online casino legalization requires state legislation, which faces opposition over job cannibalization, responsible-gambling concerns, and competing interests.

Conclusion

BetMGM's plan to target three new iGaming markets for 2027 underscores how thoroughly online casino has come to dominate the industry's economics. As operators press for expansion, players in new states stand to benefit from regulated, competitive markets. Stay informed with our latest articles and explore licensed operators among the top online casinos.