Online casinos are growing fast across the world, but some countries enjoy them more than others. In places like the UK, U.S., or Australia, online gambling has become part of everyday life for many adults. These countries not only have large numbers of players, but they also shape how the global online gambling industry works – through regulation, innovation, and technology.
? Global Online Gambling Market
Metric | Value |
|---|---|
Market Size (2024) | USD 93.0 Billion |
Forecast Size (2033) | USD 172.8 Billion |
CAGR (2025–2033) | 7.1% |
Base Year | 2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025–2033 |
Largest Regional Market (2024) | Europe – 49.1% share |
?? United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has one of the world’s most developed online gambling industries. The market is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which oversees more than 1,000 licensed operators. These rules ensure player safety and fair gameplay.
According to 2024 data from Statista and the UKGC, more than 40% of UK adults gamble online regularly, making it one of the highest participation rates in the world. The most popular games include slots, roulette, and sports-themed casino games with betting bonuses.
Big operators like Bet365 and Flutter Entertainment are based in the UK and serve users around the world. These companies are known for combining casino features with sports content, which keeps users engaged.
Online Gambling Participation by Age Group in the UK (2024)
? Fun fact: The UK was one of the first countries to legalize online gambling back in 2005.
?? United States
Online gambling in the U.S. is growing quickly. While land-based casinos have existed for decades, casino games only became legal in a few states after the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
As of the end of 2024, seven states – including New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania – had legalized online casinos. Together, they make up the largest share of the U.S. iGaming revenue.
According to IMARC and the American Gaming Association, the U.S. online gambling market hit USD 93 billion in 2024, which includes casinos, poker, and sports betting. Mobile-first platforms are leading the way, especially apps like DraftKings Casino, FanDuel, and PENN’s Hollywood Casino, which launched over 700 iCasino games last year.
Top U.S. States by Online Casino Revenue (2024)
State | Revenue (USD Billion) |
|---|---|
New Jersey | 2.4 |
Pennsylvania | 2.1 |
Michigan | 1.9 |
West Virginia | 0.4 |
Connecticut | 0.3 |
? Insight: Brands like ESPN, Amazon, and major sports leagues now work directly with online casinos, adding more features to apps and games.
?? Canada
Canada has moved more slowly but steadily in the online gambling space. Regulation happens at the provincial level, and in 2022, Ontario launched its iGaming market, allowing local and international operators to offer casino games legally.
Even with limited legal provinces, Canada had 19.3 million gamblers in 2023, and the market was worth about USD 14 billion, according to Grand View Research.
Games like slots, blackjack, and live dealer roulette are popular. Many Canadian players also use cryptocurrencies for transactions, which has grown the appeal of international platforms like 888, Betway, and LeoVegas.
Legal Provinces vs. Offshore Traffic in Canada
Province | Regulated Market | Offshore Traffic (2024) |
|---|---|---|
Ontario | ✅ | Low |
Alberta | ❌ | High |
BC | ✅ | Medium |
Quebec | ❌ | High |
? Note: Canada may soon expand regulation to other provinces, especially as online gambling becomes more common.
?? Australia
Australia stands out for how much its citizens spend on gambling. According to Gambling Industry News (2025) and Statista, Australians spend an average of USD 1,635 per person per year, the highest in the world.
Even though online gambling advertising is tightly regulated, the online casino market reached USD 10.9 billion in 2024. Players often access both licensed local platforms and popular offshore websites.
Australians love pokies (slot machines) and card games, and they prefer mobile-first sites that offer fast access and familiar payment systems.
Average Annual Gambling Spend per Player (2024)
⚠️ Warning: The government has strict rules on how online gambling is advertised, but many users still access international sites using VPNs or crypto.
?? Sweden
Sweden has one of the most tech-forward and tightly regulated gambling markets in Europe. The Swedish Gambling Authority ensures that all platforms follow strict rules, especially when it comes to responsible gaming.
In 2024, more than 60% of users played via mobile, according to data from EGBA and the Swedish regulator. Local companies like Betsson, Kindred, and LeoVegas lead the way in offering AI-based personalization, quick mobile interfaces, and even blockchain-supported payments.
Device Usage for Online Casino Gaming – Sweden vs Others (2024)
? Fun fact: Swedish regulators monitor every licensed casino game in real time to prevent abuse and ensure fairness.
Countries to Watch
Some countries are not yet among the top five but are moving fast due to changing laws and digital growth:
Country | Notable Trend |
|---|---|
Brazil | Regulation + high mobile usage |
India | Large mobile user base + fantasy games |
Japan | Esports and casino game growth |
Brazil passed laws to regulate online gambling in 2024 and plans to launch in 2025. India’s market is growing due to its mobile-first population and interest in fantasy sports. Japan is expanding slowly, driven by esports betting and mobile casinos.
From regulation to mobile-first innovation, these five countries – UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Sweden – are shaping the online casino world. Each has its own reasons: whether it’s user protection in Sweden, high spending in Australia, or growing apps in the U.S. For operators, understanding these markets can help shape strategy. For players, they show how access, safety, and variety can shape the gambling experience.