Between 2023 and 2024, the global online gambling market grew from $88.65 billion to $96.89 billion. This trend is expected to continue, with projections pointing towards a market size of $137.26 billion by 2028, supported by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% between 2024 and 2028.
In the United States, the gambling industry reflected this growth trend in 2023. Commercial casinos reported earnings of $66.5 billion, marking a 10% rise from the previous year. Sports betting revenue stood out with a leap to $10.92 billion, a 44.5% increase from the prior year, while legal sports wagers grew by 27.8% to $119.84 billion. Online gambling also grew, with revenues increasing by 22.9% to $6.17 billion. Michigan emerged as a key player, generating $1.92 billion in annual revenue.
The year 2024 saw states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania achieve notable figures in gambling revenue, emphasizing the industry’s robust expansion and wide acceptance across the U.S.
Regulations and Future Projections
The regulatory environment for online gambling in the U.S. has changed remarkably, with sports betting now legal in 37 states and Washington D.C. This change is in part due to legislative developments, including the Federal UIGEA 2006 and the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision, allowing states more autonomy in legalizing sports betting.
The size of the U.S. online gambling market increased from $4.39 billion in 2023 to $5.12 billion in 2024, with projections estimating a size of $10.98 billion by 2029. This forecast suggests a CAGR of 16.52% from 2024 to 2029. Globally, the online gambling user base has expanded significantly, with the number of users more than doubling to 176 million in 2023.
The industry’s growth is partly due to a wider variety of games and the ease of accessing these games from home. Cryptocurrency’s adoption for transactions also contributes to this trend, offering more secure and private betting options. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York have been at the forefront of maximizing gambling revenue in the U.S., establishing themselves as leaders in the online gambling market.
Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior
The rapid expansion of the online gambling market reflects shifts in consumer behavior and the industry’s success in leveraging technology to improve user experience. The rise in the number of online gamblers in the U.S., from 5.2 million in 2019 to 19.1 million in 2023, underscores this change. The growth factors include the convenience offered by digital platforms, a broader range of betting options, and technological innovations that provide a secure gambling environment.
The widespread legalization and regulation of sports betting across the U.S. have normalized online gambling and opened new avenues for state revenue, generating more than $4.3 billion in taxes since 2018. These financial incentives and technological advancements are expected to foster further industry growth and innovation.
Online Gambling Demographics Analysis
The demographics behind online gambling paint a detailed picture of the market’s participants, revealing insights into their gender, age, income, education level, preferences, and gambling habits.
In terms of gender distribution, there’s a discernible tilt towards male participation, with 60% of online gamblers being male and 40% female. This disparity becomes more pronounced in certain regions, such as Canada, where 82.4% of online gamblers are men, compared to 17.6% women. The U.K. sees a less stark but still notable difference, with 25% of men and 17% of women engaging in online gambling activities within a recent four-week period. These statistics suggest a gendered reality in online gambling, with varying degrees of participation across different regions.
Age also plays a critical role in defining the online gambling community. The average age of an online gambler is 34 years old, indicating a relatively young demographic. In Canada, the youth skew is even more apparent, with 70% of online gamblers falling between the ages of 18-39 and nearly half of this group aged 20-29. The U.S. reveals a broader age range among mobile casino game players in Q2 2020. This includes 21% aged 45-54, 19% aged 35-44, and a smaller percentage, 10%, under 24. Additionally, 30% of online gamblers were found to be aged 46-55, showing that while younger adults may dominate, a considerable portion of older adults also engage in online gambling.
Income and education further differentiate online gamblers. Canadian participants, for example, have an average annual income of nearly $75,000 and are more likely to have completed some university education. In Australia, a contrast in spending habits emerges, with lower-income gamblers dedicating a higher percentage of their income to gambling, whereas higher-income individuals spend more in absolute terms.
Gambling preferences and behaviors also vary widely. In the U.S., 23% of gamblers show a preference for online slots, a rate higher than the global average of 13%. Fantasy sports betting enjoys more popularity in the U.S. than in other countries. Moreover, a substantial 58% of American gamblers who have experienced online platforms express a preference for online gambling over traditional forms. When it comes to gambling frequency and spending, an interesting trend is observed where 55% of online casino gamblers are female. Who, despite gambling more frequently and for longer durations, spend less than their male counterparts.
The overall gambling participation rates offer more insights. In the U.S., 19% of adults report betting on sports in some form over the past 12 months. This is with men (24%) more likely than women (15%) to have placed such bets. Age influences gambling participation too, with adults under 50 (22%) more likely to bet on sports than those aged 50 and above (17%).