How to Build a Casino App That Will Generate $10M+ Monthly in 2025

The online casino industry is pulling in massive revenue, with Michigan standing out as a prime example. BetMGM’s partnership with MGM Detroit raked in $640M, while FanDuel and MotorCity Casino followed closely at $615M. DraftKings and Bay Mills weren’t far behind, bringing in $454.7M. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s online casinos hit a staggering $2.4B, and even social gaming platforms like Coin Master saw $769M in annual revenue.

But these numbers don’t happen by chance. The casino platforms pulling in $3M+ daily have nailed the essentials—engaging gameplay, smooth operations, and airtight security. Heading into 2025, the winners in this space are doubling down on diverse gaming options, frictionless transactions, and AI-driven personalization. Fraud prevention and cross-device compatibility are also high on the list. At the end of the day, success comes down to delivering an experience that keeps players coming back.

This article breaks down the business and technology aspects of iGaming software development, specifically how to build your own casino app, from cost considerations and revenue strategies to essential features and development steps.

Why businesses should invest in custom casino app development in 2025

The online gambling industry is booming, and mobile gaming is at the heart of its expansion. More users are shifting from traditional desktop platforms to online casino apps, where convenience, speed, and immersive gameplay define the experience. For businesses looking how to make an online casino or expand in the industry, 2025 is the time to invest — not just because the market is growing, but because technology is making casino apps more profitable and scalable than ever.

Growing market demand

The global online gambling market is projected to hit $153 billion by 2030, and a huge portion of that revenue will come from mobile devices (according to Grand View Research). Players want on-the-go gaming, seamless transactions, and quick access to a variety of betting options — all of which a well-built custom online casino app delivers.

High user engagement and retention

Casino apps keep users hooked. The average session time for mobile casino players exceeds 30 minutes, far higher than many other gaming categories. With the right features — like AI-powered game recommendations and real-time bonuses — businesses can turn casual players into long-term customers.

Ownership and profitability

Building a custom gaming platform instead of using third-party solutions makes a big difference in profitability. Here’s what you get with your own platform:

• Revenue optimization. Keep all your earnings instead of sharing them with external providers. No more splitting profits — what you earn is what you keep.
• Brand-aligned experience. Design the platform exactly how you want it. Every feature and visual element can match your brand and deliver the experience your players are looking for.
• Strategic player engagement. Run promotions and rewards programs your way. Create custom loyalty programs and VIP perks that keep players coming back, without any restrictions from third parties.

Technological advancements are leveling the playing field

In 2025, technology is drastically changing how online casinos operate with:

• AI-driven personalization. Online casino games learn how each player likes to game, serving up their favorite games and special offers that keep them coming back for more.
• Blockchain-based transactions. Quick and private payments through blockchain technology. Players can deposit and cash out faster, without dealing with typical banking hassles.
• Advanced security measures. Advanced AI keeps a watchful eye on all activity, catching any suspicious behavior while keeping player data safe and everything running by the book.

How much does it cost to build a casino app in 2025?

Building an online casino app from scratch is a serious investment, but it’s one that can pay off quickly if done right. The cost of development depends on features, security requirements, licensing, and infrastructure, but in 2025, a high-quality casino app typically falls within the $200,000–$300,000 range.

Breakdown of costs

Game development and integration ($80K–$120K)

A casino platform lives or dies by its game selection. Players want variety — from spinning the slots to going head-to-head at the poker tables, hitting the blackjack felt, or getting that real casino feel with live dealers. While investing in a diverse game library takes serious capital, it’s what drives player loyalty. When players have plenty of options, they not only stick with their go-to games but also explore new ones, creating that perfect mix of comfort and excitement that keeps them on the platform.

Security and fraud prevention ($30K–$50K)

Trust is critical in online gambling. Trust is everything in online gaming — players need to know their money and info are safe before they’ll even think about playing. That’s why gaming sites invest heavily in security measures like strong encryption, extra login protection, and smart systems that catch suspicious activity. While these safeguards aren’t cheap, they’re essential for building player confidence and keeping the bad actors out.

Backend infrastructure ($40K–$60K)

Your platform needs to handle high traffic, real-time gameplay, and instant transactions without lagging. Investing in cloud hosting, scalable databases, and real-time analytics ensures that your app runs smoothly — even during peak betting hours.

Regulatory compliance ($20K–$40K)

Getting the legal side right in online gaming isn’t optional — every region has its own rules to follow. You’ve got to secure proper gaming licenses just to open your virtual doors. Then there’s the tech side — you need solid location tracking to make sure players are logging in from places where it’s allowed. Plus, everything from your payout rates to game fairness needs to match what local laws require. While sorting out all these regulations takes time and money, it’s just part of running a legitimate operation.

Marketing and user acquisition ($30K–$50K)

A great casino app means nothing if players don’t know about it. Launching an online casino website involves targeted advertising, influencer partnerships, and player retention strategies — all of which require a substantial budget to attract and retain high-value users.

Licensing costs for casino app operation

Securing the right gambling license for your online gambling business is one of the biggest upfront investment. The cost varies depending on the jurisdiction and the scale of operations.

• Curacao is one of the most affordable licenses, ranging in cost from $20,000 to $30,000. This covers registration, compliance protocols, and initial operational expenses.
• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is a preferred choice for businesses targeting the European market. It requires an investment of $50,000 to $100,000 to cover compliance audits and renewal fees.
• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licenses typically cost between $40,000 and $100,000+, depending on projected revenue and operational complexity.
• U.S. state-specific licenses demand the most significant investment, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000+. Costs vary based on state regulations and the scale of operations within each jurisdiction.

A $200K–$300K investment might seem steep, but considering the online casino market’s potential, the right casino app can start generating ROI within months of launch. The key is strategic spending — allocating resources where they matter most to ensure a secure, engaging, and scalable platform that keeps players coming back.

When do casino apps start making real money?

An online casino site with a sleek UI/UX design is more than just a gaming platform, it’s a highly profitable business model. With the right mix of features, marketing strategy, and user engagement strategies, these apps can generate millions in daily revenue.

But how soon does the investment start paying off?

Leading gaming platforms are seeing massive success, pulling in over $3 million daily according to Statista. They’re making this happen by bringing in money from several key areas:

In-app purchases

Players buy unique virtual coins and get access to premium features that allow them to enhance their gaming experience and overall level of satisfaction with the app.

Game commissions

The platform takes a small percentage from every poker hand, roulette spin, and blackjack game. These micro-cuts on each bet bring steady daily profits.

VIP programs

High rollers get exclusive perks like increased limits, personalized features, bonus credits, and priority support without waiting in a queue. Keeping top players engaged means higher retention and bigger spendings on their end.

Smart ads

Even when players aren’t spending, the business still earns with ad placements and partnerships. Players watch videos in exchange for bonuses, and this strategy turns every user into a revenue source.

Casino apps with a worked through marketing strategy and feature set break even within 6–12 months. The accurate timeline depends on:

1. User retention: High engagement means more repeat transactions.
2. Marketing efforts: Effective campaigns ensure steady new user acquisition.
3. Feature quality: Smooth gameplay, fair odds, and attractive bonuses drive revenue.

Features and technical characteristics of a successful casino app

A successful online casino app is about delivering a secure, seamless, and engaging experience that keeps users coming back. A well-built app maximizes ROI by retaining players, ensuring fair play, and optimizing transactions. Here’s what makes a casino app successful both from a user and technical standpoint:

User-facing features for engagement and retention

Players don’t just want to place bets. They want an immersive, social, and rewarding experience. The right set of features can keep users engaged and increase revenue.

Diverse game library

Strategic integration of diverse gaming verticals including slots, poker variants, blackjack, and live dealer experiences delivers broad market appeal while addressing distinct player preferences.

Social gaming elements

Implementation of competitive elements including performance leaderboards, multi-player tournaments, and real-time communication features drives user engagement metrics and strengthens community dynamics.

Personalized offers and bonuses

Advanced behavioral analytics power personalized promotional strategies, leveraging machine learning to optimize offer timing and structure for maximum player retention.

Multiple payment options

Integration of comprehensive payment solutions spanning traditional banking instruments, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency channels ensures frictionless monetary transactions while meeting diverse user preferences.

Mobile and web compatibility

Deployment of native applications across iOS and Android ecosystems, complemented by responsive web integration, enables seamless platform access regardless of user device preference or location.

Technical aspects for performance and security

Behind the scenes, a casino app needs robust infrastructure to handle high traffic, secure transactions, and ensure compliance with gambling regulations.

High-performance backend

Modern cloud-based systems handle heavy traffic effortlessly, delivering smooth gameplay even when thousands of players flood the platform during peak hours.

Advanced security measures

True bank-grade security means business — comprehensive end-to-end encryption, intelligent fraud detection, and thorough identity verification work together to protect players and their assets.

Certified fair play mechanics

Fair play stands as non-negotiable. Certified random number generators ensure every game outcome — whether it’s a spin, deal, or roll — maintains complete randomness without exception.

AI-powered analytics

Real-time AI monitoring provides complete visibility into player behavior, betting patterns, and potential risks. This intelligence drives experience optimization and revenue growth while maintaining security standards.

Compliance with gambling laws

Regulatory compliance forms the foundation of operations. Precise location tracking, standardized payout ratios, and integrated responsible gaming tools ensure legitimate operations across all jurisdictions.

How do I create my own casino app: Business and technical steps

Building an online casino platform requires a solid business strategy, compliance with regulations, and a well-thought-out development process. To create a profitable and long-lasting platform, businesses must balance user experience, security, scalability, and revenue generation. Here’s how to do it:

Business preparation and strategy

How to start an online casino business? Before diving into development, a strong foundation is essential. The gambling industry is highly regulated, competitive, and constantly evolving, so careful planning is key.

Market research

When you start your own online casino, analyze industry trends, player preferences, and competitor strategies. Understanding what makes successful apps tick helps avoid common pitfalls.

Licensing and legal compliance

You have to secure the necessary gambling licenses based on your target market. The necessary regulations vary by country and state. If you fail to comply with them, it can lead to heavy fines or shutdowns.

Revenue model planning

One of the most important steps to desirable revenue is deciding on monetization models. For example:

• Freemium models with in-app purchases.
• Real-money gambling model with deposit-based betting.
• Hybrid systems that mix free-to-play games with cash options.

Marketing and user acquisition

Build hype before launch. Effective marketing includes targeted ads, influencer partnerships, referral programs, and exclusive pre-launch bonuses.

Technical development steps

A solid business plan is essential, but the technology powering a gaming platform can make or break its success. When you’re handling thousands of player transactions every minute, your system needs to be built right from the ground up — fast enough to keep games running smooth, secure enough to protect both players and profits, and ready to grow as your player base expands.

Choosing the right tech stack

• Frontend: React Native, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin to ensure a smooth, cross-platform experience.
• Backend: Node.js, Python, Java to manage real-time transactions, game logic, and security.
• Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB to store secure user data and financial records.
• Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud to handle peak traffic without downtime.

Online gambling platforms handle thousands of real-time bets daily. If the system isn’t scalable, slow performance will drive users away and kill revenue potential.

Building the game experience

To keep players engaged, high-quality games and seamless interaction are a must.

• Game development tools: Unity, Unreal Engine, HTML5 to build immersive slots, poker, and blackjack games.
• Live dealer integration: NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play to bring real-time casino experiences.
• Multiplayer & real-time gaming: WebSockets to ensure seamless betting, interactions, and tournaments.

Key features & security

Players demand speed, security, and seamless payments. A casino app should include:

• Multi-payment support – Credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency integration to provide flexible transaction options.
• Fraud prevention & KYC verification – AI-powered fraud detection to prevent account manipulation, while automated KYC speeds up onboarding.
• Personalized promotions – AI-driven bonus recommendations to keep players engaged.
• Instant withdrawals & deposits – Faster payouts = happier users = higher retention.

Geolocation restrictions for regulatory compliance

Gaming platforms need to know exactly where their players are logging in from — it’s just part of doing business legally. They use a mix of location tracking tools like IP addresses, GPS, and device settings to make sure players can only access games in areas where it’s allowed.

These systems do more than just control access. They automatically adjust things like betting limits and game options based on local rules. Playing by the book this way helps avoid legal headaches and shows players and regulators that the platform takes compliance seriously.

AI & data-driven enhancements

AI has become a game-changer for casino apps, enhancing personalization and automating operations. If you aren’t sure about implementation strategies, it’s better to approach a company that provides AI consulting services.

• Personalized game recommendations – AI analyzes player behavior and suggests games they’re most likely to enjoy.
• Predictive analytics – Optimizes betting odds, revenue strategies, and fraud detection.
• Automated KYC & fraud detection – Ensures faster user verification while reducing manual errors.

Why it matters: AI boosts engagement, optimizes marketing, and streamlines operations, making the casino app more efficient and profitable.

Development, testing & deployment

A structured development process ensures a smooth launch without security risks.

• Development – Iterative coding, ensuring feature scalability and flexibility.
• Load testing – Simulating thousands of simultaneous bets to prevent crashes and performance issues.
• Security audits – Identifying and patching vulnerabilities before launch.
• Beta testing & soft launch – Collecting real-user feedback before the full-scale rollout.

Scaling & long-term growth

Once the app is live, the work isn’t over. Long-term success requires continuous updates, security enhancements, and marketing adjustments.

• Regular game updates – Adding new slots, table games, and exclusive promotions keeps players coming back.
• AI-driven analytics – Helps fine-tune marketing campaigns and engagement strategies.
• Ongoing security monitoring – Fraud and hacking tactics evolve, so security measures must evolve too.

Why choose Riseapps for casino app development?

Building a casino app requires a deep understanding of user engagement, security, compliance, and scalability. At Riseapps, we don’t just develop casino apps; we build high-performance, revenue-driven platforms that keep players coming back.

Proven expertise in iGaming

We’ve successfully delivered casino platforms handling 100K+ users, ensuring smooth gameplay, secure transactions, and engaging features.

A gaming startup approached Riseapps to develop a scalable and engaging online casino platform that could handle a high volume of players, integrate a diverse range of games, and meet strict regulatory requirements. The goal was to create a feature-rich iGaming solution with a seamless user experience, secure payment options, and strong retention strategies.

Challenges

• Scalability & performance: The platform needed to support thousands of concurrent users without performance issues.
• Game integration: A seamless way to incorporate third-party casino games, including slots, poker, and live dealer options.
• Regulatory compliance: The app had to comply with various gambling laws, geolocation restrictions, and fair play standards.
• User retention & monetization: The client wanted an AI-driven personalization system to boost engagement and maximize revenue.

Riseapps’ solution

• Robust tech architecture built with Node.js and React Native, ensuring a responsive and scalable experience across web and mobile.
• Integrated APIs from top game providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming, offering a diverse game portfolio.
• Blockchain-based payments and multi-currency support, ensuring fast and secure transactions.
• AI-powered recommendation system, developed based on user behavior analysis to deliver personalized game suggestions and promotions.
• Integrated geolocation tracking, KYC verification, and fraud detection to comply with gambling regulations.

Results

• 100,000+ players registered within the first few months.
• Projected revenue of $50M+ in the first operational year.
• AI-driven personalization boosted retention rates by 35%.
• Seamless payments with blockchain and fiat currency support, reducing transaction times by 40%.

Our experience spans across slots, poker, live dealer games, and custom gamification elements.

Security & compliance specialists

Navigating the complex world of gambling regulations requires expertise. We build compliant, fraud-proof casino apps by implementing:

• Regulatory licensing support for multiple jurisdictions
• Advanced fraud prevention with AI-powered monitoring
• Responsible gaming features to meet industry standards

Custom-built solutions for maximum profitability

Every successful online casino business has unique goals. That’s why we tailor features, revenue models, and engagement strategies to fit your vision. Whether you need VIP programs, AI-driven promotions, or custom tournaments, we create a solution that maximizes ROI.