The size of the casino gambling market in terms of gross gaming revenue is expected to grow from $150.29 billion in 2024 to $191.36 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 4.95% during the forecast period (2024-2029). Among the most popular ranks HellSpin.
The increasing popularity of gambling and the abundance of online gambling platforms are the main factors driving the market. This year, North America, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe were the three largest markets for casino gambling. The United States accounted for the largest share of the market in North America. However, it is expected that the Asia-Pacific region will record the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The industry is also highly regulated, with strict laws and regulations governing gambling activities in most countries.
Germany
Germans spend more money on lottery tickets than at casinos, as seen in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. According to a study by the Handelsblatt Institute, three-quarters of the German population have accessed commercial gambling services. The market is estimated by H2 Gambling analysts to be around €16 billion, ranking 7th in the world. Online games were banned until now in all states except Schleswig-Holstein, while digital casinos without a German license located abroad offered legal alternatives, typically licensed in Malta, Gibraltar, Cyprus, or the United Kingdom.
Australia
In 2019, Australians spent more than $18 billion on gambling, primarily on lotteries and scratch cards. Surveys indicate that 70 percent of adults gamble at least once a year. The market was recently shaken by investigations surrounding casino operator Crown Resorts, which was found to have facilitated money laundering using poker machines. The regulatory authority revoked the operator’s license for the Barangaroo Casino in Sydney, a new prestige project reserved for VIP players. Overall, there are many indications that criminals are increasingly misusing the so-called “pokies” for money laundering in Australia.
United Kingdom
Since 2020, the British have been considering a re-regulation of online gambling, as the current Gambling Act of 2005 does not adequately cover the digital business. With a revenue of $19.5 billion, the UK ranks fifth globally. It is also home to some of the most successful gambling companies in the world, including the global leader in online gambling, International Game Technology (IGT), GVC Holdings based on the Isle of Man (which includes the betting chain Ladbrokes), as well as bet365 and William Hill. Horse and sports betting dominate the gambling culture in the UK.
Italy
Before the coronavirus crisis, which severely impacted Italy’s betting shops, arcades, and casinos, Italians spent around €20 billion annually on gambling products. The state collects about half of that. In a tightening of regulations, the number of slot machines has recently been reduced, and advertising has been banned. One of the largest betting providers is the Maltese SKS365 Group, operating under the name Planetwi365 with nearly 1,000 shops. Online gambling is legal and attracts bets in the single-digit billion range, mainly in online casinos and for sports betting.
Japan
A green waterway leads to the cyberpunk-style gaming hall in the city of Kawasaki. Despite some restrictions, the Japanese gambling market is the third largest in the world, with $50.5 billion in bets. In addition to the state lottery, a few casinos have been licensed since 2018. Private operators run a dense network of gaming halls. The Pachinko game is particularly popular. Japanese people gamble approximately $200 billion annually on these pinball-like machines, significantly exceeding the casino revenue in Las Vegas. Online gambling is banned in Japan, but many foreign providers specialize in the market.
China
The legendary City of Dreams Casino in Macau is a playground for privileged Chinese. In the People’s Republic itself, gambling is prohibited—unlike in its special administrative zone. The city is known as the global gambling capital or the Monte Carlo of the East. Half of the economy depends on tourists seeking entertainment in casinos and gaming halls. Business exploded after the monopoly of billionaire Stanley Ho from Hong Kong was abolished in 2001. H2 Gambling Capital ranks China second globally with $70.8 billion in gambling revenues in 2019. The Communist Party also prohibits digital gaming halls, considering gambling socially disruptive and immoral. However, it remains a million-dollar business through platforms from foreign providers.