Global Gambling Industry Stats & Trends 2025 & Beyond

These traditional casino games continue to attract a dedicated audience, contributing significantly to the overall casino experience. If you are a gaming operator or investor, the casino and gaming industry has been a relatively stable and predictable place for investment. Five sports betting platforms that had been active in multiple states announced or completed U.S. exits or downgrades. Betway, SI Sportsbook and Unibet opted to get out of the digital wagering business altogether. SuperBook and WynnBet pulled out of multiple states but continue to offer online betting in Nevada. Customer loyalty remains a cornerstone of casino marketing, but how it’s nurtured will shift in 2025.

What is the current state of the gambling industry in the U.S.?

Skill-based games are the games in which the skill of the player, rather than chance, is the dominant factor in affecting the outcome of the games. Casinos are introducing hybrid table games to attract customers and keep them engaged. Hybrid table games are a combination of online and land-based casino games where the ease and fast-paced experience of slot machines is combined with a live dealer on hand. According to The Business Research Company, the global gambling market is expected to reach a value of around $565.4 billion, growing at an annual rate of 5.9% through 2022. Technological innovations in the gambling industry, such as virtual reality casinos, cryptocurrency adoption for transactions, and AI-driven customer service enhancements, significantly improve user experience and operational efficiency.

The likes of advancements in technology, changing customer preferences, and shifts in regulation are all having an impact and reshaping the sector. As you read on, we’ll be looking at the trends and key developments that we’ll see in the latter half of the year, and we’ll also be assessing the impact that they may have. To reach the projected $182.2 billion global by 2030, operators must launch highly strategic, tech-enabled marketing campaigns that scale across multiple channels and user segments. Now that virtual reality games and hardware are becoming more commonplace, top minds in the industry are building and testing metaverse casinos to offer a truly immersive experience.

• Games remain the go-to choice for players no matter if they play in a land venue or online.
• Turkey online gaming industry is nevertheless a limited but active market, with state-controlled betting sites ruling the roost.
• Every December, GGB Magazine connects with some experts in the gaming business and our own writers to give readers a hint of what’s coming up in the new year.
• The current base of 176 million active online gamblers is expected to expand to 210 million by 2025, reflecting growing acceptance and accessibility of digital gaming platforms.

The Market Share Will Increase 10-Fold

For instance, in March 2024, Betsson AB diversified its worldwide presence with a majority stake in a sportsbook business in Europe, consolidating its B2B business. Integrating 5G tech and growing consumer adoption of AI-based gaming experiences are primary drivers for growth. In February 2024, Entain Plc subsidiary BetMGM extended its deal with NBC Sports to include exclusive integrations for the 2024 NFL season to enrich user experience on digital platforms. State-of-the-art smartphones now offer AI, VR, and AR features, allowing for more engaging gambling applications.

By offering a decentralized alternative, crypto casinos can reach out to a wider audience, irrespective of geographical boundaries. While the online market is growing at a speedy pace, the more traditional casino companies remain the leaders of the gambling industry. When it comes to brand value, casino and hotel company Wynn Resorts came first on the list, but digital-only companies like Bet365 also made the ranking. With the increasing digitalization of all industries, it would come as no surprise to see more of these digital companies dominating the industry in years to come.

In the U.S., a bill proposed by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Paul Tonko would do just that. In all cases, the goal seems to be to keep wagering advertising off the air and away from youth. But problem and responsible gambling advocates have previously said such bans won’t work.

According to Digital Marketing Company, Blind Monkey Media, as acquisition costs rise and user attention fragments, brands must go beyond traditional ads to stand out and retain bettors. The most successful operators in 2025 are leveraging data-driven marketing, personalization, and compliance-friendly strategies to build trust, drive engagement, and maximize lifetime value. As with most of the Asia-Pacific market, online sports betting is the main thing behind the revenue. And with the popularity of esports in the region, it’s no surprise that betting on live esports events is catching on, especially as mobile online betting platforms get better at embracing this new betting market. Mobile devices now dominate online gambling activities, accounting for more than 80% of the sector.

While the UK has yet to release figures for 2023, previous data indicated that approximately 23.6 million residents, or around 40% of the adult population, engaged in gambling activities at least once. In Germany, stake betting a government report revealed that about 30% of the population aged 16 to 70 gambled annually as of 2021, representing a notable segment of the populace. France, too, recorded approximately 27 million gamblers in 2023, equating to about half of its adult population and reflecting a 6% increase from 2022. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are changing the perception of online casinos. Thanks to modern technologies, users are immersed in the gaming process in a matter of minutes.

The rise of online Casino and mobile gambling platforms has further heightened competition, with companies like BetMGM, 888 Holdings, and DraftKings expanding digital gaming services. According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), the U.S. online gaming market grew by 35% in 2023, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences. Many online gambling trends have shown that online gambling is resilient during economic downturns. During lean economic times, online casinos continue to attract large numbers of players daily. India’s online gaming industry is growing exponentially, driven by rising internet penetration, mass adoption of smartphones, and increasing interest in real-money gaming. Mass-market platforms such as Dream11, MPL, and Betway have witnessed high user growth, especially for fantasy sports and cricket betting.