U.S. States With The Biggest Gaming Communities
- A new study revealed the top ten U.S. states with the biggest gaming communities, and Nevada, despite a smaller population (3.1M), stands out with the highest average gaming hours per week at 16.
- With the largest population (39.5M), California has an impressive 1.0M game searches.
- Maine has the highest game search rate per capita, with 11,054 searches per 100K people but a relatively small population.
A new study by CasinooftheKings revealed the top ten states with the most active gaming communities. The study takes into account key metrics like average gaming hours, households with computers and Internet access, gaming-related searches and preferred game types. Various sources were considered for the composite score calculation, including U.S. Census, Google Keyword Planner and Index Mundi.
| State | Population | Average gaming hours (weekly) | Percentage of households with a computer | Households with internet access | Average Internet Speed by State 2024 (Mbps) | Game searches | Searches per capita (100K) | Preferred game type | Composite score |
| Nevada | 3.1M | 16 | 91.2% | 85.9% | 242.4 | 136.6K | 4,400 | Role-playing games | 66.03 |
| California | 39.5M | 11 | 91.7% | 88.7% | 235.2 | 1.0M | 2,709 | Role-playing games | 63.55 |
| Texas | 29.1M | 14 | 89.2% | 84.5% | 233.9 | 739.5K | 2,537 | Adventure Games | 60.94 |
| Washington | 7.7M | 13 | 92.7% | 90.0% | 197.6 | 316.4K | 4,106 | Strategy Games | 59.15 |
| Colorado | 5.7M | 13 | 92.8% | 89.4% | 212.2 | 210.4K | 3,644 | Role-playing games | 58.08 |
| Connecticut | 3.6M | 13 | 89.6% | 87.0% | 262.6 | 136K | 3,772 | Shooters games | 57.46 |
| Massachusetts | 7.0M | 12 | 90.1% | 87.9% | 236.9 | 243.8K | 3,468 | Adventure Games | 53.61 |
| Virginia | 8.6M | 13 | 89.9% | 85.6% | 225.3 | 287.7K | 3,333 | Role-playing games | 52.70 |
| Maine | 1.3M | 12 | 88.4% | 84.0% | 224.7 | 150.6K | 11,054 | Action Games | 52.60 |
| New Hampshire | 1.3M | 10 | 92.2% | 89.1% | 244.6 | 88.9K | 6,454 | MOBA games | 52.03 |
Nevada leads the nation in gaming engagement with a score of 66.03, marking it as the U.S. state with the highest concentration of gamers. On average, residents spend 16 hours gaming weekly, supported by the fastest internet speeds nationwide at 242.4 Mbps. With a strong preference for role-playing games, Nevada’s residents perform 4,400 game-related searches per 100K people.
California ranks second with a score of 63.55. As the most populated state with 39.5 million residents, California drives 1 million game searches—the highest of any state. Californians do, on average, 11 hours of gaming each week, less than in states like Nevada and Texas, and role-playing games remain their favorite. With internet speeds of 235.2 Mbps, California’s gaming community stays well-connected.
Texas takes third place with a score of 60.94. With a population of 29.1 million, Texas sees 739,500 game-related searches, making it one of the top states for gaming interests. Texans spend around 14 hours each week gaming, with a preference for adventure games. Internet speeds average 233.9 Mbps, giving gamers in Texas a solid connection for their favorite activities.
Washington ranks fourth, scoring 59.15. The state’s 7.7 million residents do around 316,400 game searches, and they game, on average, 13 hours weekly. Washington has a strong focus on strategy games as well as a high percentage of households with internet access (90%), which keeps its gaming community thriving.
Colorado comes in fifth with a score of 58.08. Gamers in Colorado average 13 hours a week, with a particular love for role-playing games. Games are searched 210,400 times, and internet speeds reach 212.2 Mbps, offering a stable experience for Colorado’s 5.7 million residents who enjoy online gaming.
Connecticut follows with a score of 57.46. With fast internet speeds of 262.6 Mbps—the highest in this group—Connecticut supports a community keen on shooter games. The state’s residents average 13 hours of gaming weekly, and with 3,772 searches per 100K people, they show high engagement despite a smaller population of 3.6 million.
Massachusetts is seventh, with a score of 53.61. With 243,800 game searches, residents here average 12 gaming hours weekly and lean towards adventure games. Internet speeds of 236.9 Mbps keep the 7 million residents well-connected and able to support their gaming interests.
Virginia ranks with a score of 52.70. Its 8.6 million residents average 13 hours of gaming per week, with role-playing games as their top genre. The state has 287,700 game searches, backed by a solid average internet speed of 225.3 Mbps, making it a strong state for gamers.
Maine scores 52.60, standing out with the highest search rate per capita at 11,054 per 100K people. Despite a smaller population of 1.3 million, Maine residents show a strong interest, particularly in action games. Average internet speeds of 224.7 Mbps provide a reliable setup for the state’s dedicated gaming community.
New Hampshire rounds out the list with a score of 52.03. The state’s 1.3 million residents show a preference for MOBA games and perform 6,454 game searches per 100K people. With an internet speed of 244.6 Mbps, New Hampshire’s gaming community stays connected and engaged.
A spokesperson from CasinooftheKings commented on the study: “Gaming has really become part of everyday life. It’s not just a way to pass time anymore; it’s how people connect and explore new worlds from home. With better internet and more options than ever, gaming is creating a community that feels more alive and exciting every day.”