The iGaming industry continues to experience remarkable growth, presenting significant opportunities for advertisers. The global online gambling market reached $117.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $186.58 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 12.3%. This expansion is driven by technological advancements, increased mobile usage, and evolving regulations.
The number of players is also impressive: the global video game player base expanded to approximately 3.6 billion in 2025. While not all video game players participate in iGaming, a significant portion is expected to contribute to the iGaming audience.
The iGaming industry has welcomed the “mobile-first” approach: mobile devices remain the dominant platform for online gambling. Mobile and tablet platforms captured 53.65% of online gambling revenue share in 2025 and are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.65% through 2031. This highlights the critical importance of mobile ad placements.
Still not convinced? Check this out: global mobile ad spend is projected to surpass $800 billion in 2026. Given the strong mobile penetration in iGaming, a significant portion of advertising budgets will likely be allocated to this channel.
What is iGaming?
I’m sure you’ve heard terms like Sports Betting, Internet Gambling, and others used interchangeably with ‘iGaming’. If you’re confused, you’re not the only one. 😉
iGaming is an umbrella term for a wide range of online activities.
While it’s understandable that the name might easily bring video games to mind – there’s a difference between Gaming and iGaming, no matter how many contradictory definitions there are out there.
In reality, iGaming is an extremely popular and extensively broad part of the online entertainment industry. Simply speaking, the name iGaming refers to online betting, like sports betting, online casino gambling, and other skill-based games like poker or blackjack. Or to make it simpler all kinds of wagering over an Internet connection fall under what we call iGaming.
Anything related to odds, and with gambling elements falls under iGaming. Gaming, on the other hand, relates to video games, gamification and the building of casual games. Don’t worry if you ever got them confused (I know I did), but not anymore.
Regulations to know
The legal landscape of iGaming is complex and varies significantly across jurisdictions. It’s a constantly evolving area as legislators grapple with the extent of legalization and the specific activities to regulate or prohibit.
A stark contrast can be observed when comparing regulations in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the US, online gambling was effectively decriminalized at the federal level in 2011, leaving individual states to decide their own regulations. Sports betting followed suit, with states gaining the right to legalize it in 2018. As of early 2026, sports betting is now live in 39 states, with Missouri becoming the most recent to launch in December 2025. Online casino expansion continues to be considered in a growing number of states, though the regulatory pace varies significantly by jurisdiction.
Conversely, gambling has been legal in England since 1960, with significant updates to legislation in 2005. These laws comprehensively regulate online sports betting, casinos, and poker sites, permitting most forms of gambling for individuals over 18 and some (like lotteries) for those aged 16. Recent updates in early 2025 include stricter financial checks and game design regulations.
It’s also important to note that sports betting and online casino regulations can differ within the same country. For instance, in Australia and Canada, sports betting is generally permitted. However, online casino services often require specific licenses from provincial or territorial governments and may face limitations on the types of games offered.
Why is it important? Before launching any advertising campaigns, it is crucial to thoroughly understand and comply with the specific regulations in your target geographic area. Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties and potential bans from advertising networks. Always verify the applicable rules for your chosen geo and the requirements of your ad network. For detailed information on US regulations, Voluum offers a guide on Gambling regulations in the US.
The growth potion
We’re dealing with a huge vertical that is growing in strength with each person joining the ranks of online entertainment. Asking — or more importantly answering — the question of how it managed to get so big, opens the door to understanding how to make profits off of iGaming’s strengths.
Technological advance
iGaming’s remarkable growth is intrinsically linked to its embrace of technological innovation.
Cloud-based technology: Operators utilize cloud computing for efficient management and storage of player data, enhancing operational efficiency. AI-driven odds engines and cloud-native architectures are increasingly helping operators deliver real-time, personalized experiences that rival traditional venues.
Augmented reality (AR): AR technologies are being explored to create more immersive gaming experiences, blurring the lines between the virtual and physical casino environments.
Advances in graphics and user interface design continuously enhance the appeal and engagement of online games.
The iGaming industry consistently leverages technological advancements to improve user experience and expand its reach.
Evolution of mobile gambling
The shift from traditional land-based casinos to mobile gambling has been a pivotal factor in iGaming’s growth. The increasing ownership of internet-enabled mobile devices and the convenience of accessing a wide array of games on the go have proven highly attractive to consumers.
In the United States, the average adult spends a significant amount of time on their smartphones daily, and a majority admit to feeling unable to go without their phones for an extended period. This reliance on mobile devices directly fuels the popularity of mobile gambling.
Mobile phones are the primary device for a significant portion of online gamblers, with smartphones accounting for nearly 80% of all online gambling access globally. Notably, younger demographics (18-34 years old) show a much higher preference for mobile gambling compared to older age groups, and the 18-24 segment is posting the fastest growth rate in the industry at an 11.98% CAGR through 2031. Younger gamblers also tend to utilize a wider range of devices, including laptops and tablets.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology offers significant advantages for the iGaming sector, particularly in organizing virtual events like tournaments. Its ability to securely track and verify participant winnings streamlines prize distribution and reduces the need for extensive manual management.
Furthermore, blockchain provides secure transaction capabilities for users and enables automated data tracking within implemented networks. Stablecoins are expected to account for a rapidly growing share of all crypto-betting transactions in 2026, fueling a crypto-gambling sector already valued at over $65 billion.
Home sweet home
The convenience of iGaming is a significant driver of its popularity. Modern technology allows users to access various games anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s playing during a commute or placing a bet while waiting, the accessibility is unparalleled.
The lockdowns during the recent pandemic further accelerated the shift towards at-home entertainment, with many discovering the benefits of online gaming. The comfort and accessibility of playing from home eliminate the need for travel and specific attire associated with traditional casinos.
A significant majority of gamblers report that they primarily engage in gambling activities from the comfort of their own homes.
Sweet online gambling industry statistics
As one of the largest segments of entertainment, iGaming’s been subject to many tests and case studies. So there’s a plethora of iGaming statistics online. And with the growing online presence and increased digital literacy, many more people will soon become gamers of some sort. If there’s one trend to take for granted here, it’s the growth of the industry.
And it’s interesting to think about iGaming in numbers, especially in terms of an overview of the recent years.
Online Gamblers: who are they?
All of us probably have a picture of the stereotypical gambler stuck in our minds. But let’s take a closer look at who actually gambles.
It’s quite difficult to estimate how many people actually gamble. Some have done it once, some do it on the regular, so most estimates online are quite rough. Some gambling statistics show that around 26% of the world’s population gamble. That means around 1.6 billion people worldwide gamble and 4.2 billion do it at least once a year. In the UK, there are now over 2,300 licensed online gambling operators, collectively generating £6.5 billion in gross online gambling yield (GGY) in 2023-24.
Let’s take a quick look at gambling demographics. If you think most gamblers are represented by middle-aged men playing slots all day long, you’re gonna be surprised to learn that for online gambling, the group is quite young — 70% of online gamblers are between the ages of 18 and 39, with 47% of them aged 20-29. Users aged 25-34 represent the largest single demographic segment, accounting for 34.10% of the global customer base. When it comes to how gamblers are represented between the sexes, men are highly over-represented in online gambling; only 17.6% of online gamblers are female, and 82.4% are male.
Gamblers from lower-income households were less likely to gamble than persons with higher incomes. What’s interesting is that lower-income gamblers were more likely to experience gambling problems. Let’s take a look at Canada — 71% of the highest-income households reported gambling in the past year. And only 1% were at moderate to severe risk of experiencing gambling problems.
The corresponding figures for those from the lowest-income households were: 54% admitted to gambling and 3% were at a higher risk of gambling-related issues. The reason for that is quite easy to explain: lower-income households have smaller discretionary incomes, meaning money left after bills, mortgages, and essentials.
Strongest GEOs
When planning advertising campaigns, understanding the leading geographic markets in iGaming is essential.
Europe currently leads the online iGaming market by revenue, commanding a 56.90% share of global online gambling revenues in 2025. Key markets include the UK, Germany, Italy, and France, with the UK remaining the global benchmark for regulated online gambling.
The United States holds a strong and rapidly growing position, with the US online gambling market valued at $6.89 billion in 2026 and projected to reach $14.79 billion by 2031 at a 16.51% CAGR. Las Vegas remains a prominent gambling destination, while the ongoing state-by-state legalization of online casino and sports betting continues to unlock new market potential.
Asia-Pacific leads in overall gambling participation driven by large populations and widespread mobile use, though regulatory conditions vary significantly across the region. Markets like Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines are noteworthy contributors. Markets like Germany and Canada are also significant and should be considered in strategic planning. Brazil’s newly regulated market is another fast-growing opportunity to watch, with 22.1 million active bettors and revenue hitting approximately $7 billion in 2025-2026.
Therefore, the primary markets to focus on include Europe, the US, and key Asia-Pacific countries, with Latin America offering rapidly expanding additional potential.
Most popular games
Just like with all industries, what is popular now will not stay on top forever — that’s for sure. However, keeping a score of what people enjoy playing most is key information that no smart advertiser should overlook.
When it comes to online gambling, the most popular games align perfectly with the ones that are most often played in person.
Slots, for example, are high up on the list due to ease of play, game simplicity, or just because it is a very fun game. The most popular online slot games are Starburst — with a probability of a hit at 22% — and Mega Moolah which had a payout record of €18B.
Sports betting has emerged as the dominant game type in 2025, commanding a 52.05% market share of online gambling revenue, fueled by real-time wagering, live in-play betting, and the expansion of esports betting among younger audiences.
Games like poker, blackjack, and roulette are also trending worldwide online just like brick-and-mortar casinos.
The gambling industry in 2026: what already was & what is to come
iGaming is firmly established as a major entertainment sector, with a substantial global audience, particularly among younger demographics. The online casino landscape features numerous high-revenue platforms with key players such as Flutter Entertainment, Entain, and Bet365.
A significant portion of online gamblers favor playing from home, often using mobile devices, with commuting also being a time for online gambling activity for some. The global iGaming market is projected to maintain its growth trajectory through 2026 and beyond, further solidifying the industry’s expansion and its appeal to businesses.
The future of iGaming
The outlook for the iGaming industry remains exceptionally positive, building upon its consistent growth. The online gambling market is expected to grow from $117.5 billion in 2025 to $186.58 billion by 2029 at a 12.3% CAGR. North America is the fastest-growing region at a 15.40% CAGR through 2031, driven by continued state-level legalization in the US. This potential will likely drive further evolution within the casino sector, with operators focusing on adapting to consumer preferences and offering attractive bonuses and promotions.
The iGaming landscape is expected to attract a broader demographic, with younger generations increasingly participating alongside existing players. The industry will likely focus on developing the next generation of social entertainment platforms tailored to future audiences while maintaining satisfaction among current users.
Apply caution when gambling
For many, participating in a poker night is just entertainment, for some it’s a part of life they cannot go without.
As many as 10M Americans have a gambling addiction. 1 in every 20 college students meets the criteria for compulsive gambling (gambling despite experiencing its negative consequences)
About two-thirds with compulsive gambling issues report participating in criminal activity related to gambling. About 40% of those gamblers commit crimes only related to gambling.
Like illegal acts to get money for gambling as reported by 80%-90% of Gamblers Anonymous. Or stealing money from work as admitted by 69%.
And 80% of problem gamblers are at a higher risk of developing an alcohol or drug addiction.
Age-wise, compulsive gambling is most common in groups aged 16-24 – approximately 1 in 25 teens has a gambling problem. Ages 45 and up – have been found to have the biggest issue identifying gambling as a problem.
As many as 60% of people reported wanting to seek help but only as little as 25% did so. If you want to know more about gambling addiction and the risks associated, reading this article from the Recovery Village will be useful.
This is obviously not to scare you away but rather to warn. Stay vigilant and look for signs that might indicate an issue. In other words, take care of yourself.
Using gambling as an escape mechanism or seeking it as a mood booster, and experiencing guilt after should be considered red flags. And maybe even signs of developing an addiction. Another thing to look out for is feeling like you need to hide your gambling activities from your loved ones.
If you recognize any of this behavior in yourself it’s time to look closer into your relationship with casinos, online or brick and mortar, and seek help.
Conclusion
iGaming is an aggressively competitive, fast-paced environment, with big, tempting budgets. The buzz is addictive and it would be quite difficult for a savvy marketer to stay empty-handed with this vastness of opportunity stretched in front of them.
So, if you’re currently thinking about possibly starting on your own iGaming business, just think about those huge numbers and remember – they are growing.
Don’t let these huge revenues pass you by, and remember that there are plenty of great strategies on your side to make the ride smoother. Try them out, and make sure you track and learn from the data.
Voluum for iGaming
If you’re looking to take your iGaming campaigns to the next level, Voluum is the software you need. Designed for the fast-paced gaming industry, Voluum offers advanced tracking, optimization, and automation features that help you analyze performance and maximize ROI. With real-time data, precise targeting options, and seamless integration with top traffic sources, Voluum ensures that your igaming campaigns reach the right audience at the right time.
Its intuitive interface and powerful reporting tools make it easy to track user behavior, optimize ad spend, and boost conversions thanks to real-time conversion tracking with postbacks. In the competitive world of iGaming, staying ahead means using the best tools available—Voluum gives you that edge. Whether you’re running campaigns for online casinos, sports betting, or poker sites, Voluum’s robust software helps streamline operations and deliver winning results.
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