Gaming

In-game Gambling and Loot Boxes Market is expected to expand its roots at an average CAGR of 5.6 % between 2022 and 2032

Published

4 years ago

April 7, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The global in-game gambling and loot boxes market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% throughout the forecast period. The valuation of the industry is projected to reach US$ 32.7 Mn by 2032, from US$ 18.9 Mn in 2022.

The growing desire for high-end real-life sports gaming experiences around the globe is driving the demand for in-game gambling and loot boxes. Furthermore, in the near future, new trends and advancements in the sports and gaming industries are projected to stimulate the rise of the in-game gambling markets. However, payment data security concerns may stifle the in-game gambling and loot boxes market share expansion.

The gambling market is made up of firms (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that run gambling facilities such as casinos, bingo halls, video gaming terminals, lotteries, and off-track sports betting that provide gambling services and related items.

The major drivers encouraging in-game gambling and loot boxes market size expansion include factors such as expanding digital transformation among businesses and rising internet and mobile device usage around the world.

The creation of the next-generation gaming experience will be cloud-enhanced, and an ultimate fantasy gaming experience is expected to necessitate the use of a cloud platform.

As per the in-game gambling and loot boxes market study, the deployment of IoT, edge computing, 5G, and real-time analytics enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) is expected to improve the in-game gambling markets.

Consumers went more to the internet platform to bridge their financial, social, and psychological crises during lockdowns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a beneficial impact on the in-game gambling and loot boxes market.

Consumer interest in online gambling platforms has increased as a result of restrictions in sporting events owing to lockdowns, according to a study done by Lund University in Sweden. In addition, numerous operators turned digital in response to the closing of many gaming venues. Many players increased their online gambling services, and bingo providers transferred their operations online, resulting in a beneficial market impact.

Online betting is likely to be the fastest-growing market in the medium term. The market has been taken over by artificial intelligence and machine learning.

During the projection period, the online gambling industry is expected to benefit from an increase in the female population in casinos, as well as the convenience of using a cashless means of payment when gaming. In addition, operators are providing a number of exciting tournaments and promos that newbies may find appealing. Every day, fresh bonus programmes and betting options are added to the mix.

Key Takeaways

The changing gaming behaviours of consumers are projected to drive demand for gambling. The rising popularity of gambling applications and social gaming is projected to fuel the in-game gambling and loot boxes market’s growth in the future.
In 2020, Asia Pacific was the largest region in the worldwide gambling market, accounting for 38% of the total. The second largest region, North America, accounted for 29% of the worldwide gaming market. In the worldwide gaming market, the Middle East was the tiniest region.
Football betting has a substantial market share. Companies are concentrating their efforts on establishing novel platforms to meet a wide range of client needs and gain a competitive advantage in a crowded market.
The mobile segment of the in-game gambling and loot boxes market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The worldwide casino gambling market is highly fragmented, with regional and international companies. Bet365, Entain PLC, The Flutter Entertainment PLC, and Kindred Group PLC are among the market’s major participants.

To increase their presence in the worldwide in-game gambling and loot boxes market and to develop their brand portfolio to cater to varied customer tastes, major firms are focusing on mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and product innovation.

In the global online gaming market, mergers and acquisitions are the most popular approach, followed by expansion. Offerings, quality of gambling material, user experience, brand equity, customized payoffs, and access to numerous platforms are all criteria that key players compete on.

Recent Developments

LeoVegas Group unveiled a new layer of AI-powered messaging in September 2021 to expand the Group’s Safer Gambling service. Customers in the United Kingdom will be the first to get personalized onsite messages based on their behaviour and risk profile that educate and advise them about safer gaming.

DraftKings Inc. and Golden Nugget Online Gaming Inc. signed a formal agreement in August 2021, with DraftKings acquiring Golden Nugget Online Gaming in an all-stock deal. DraftKings was able to make use of Golden Nugget’s well-known brand, iGaming product experience, and combined database of more than 5 million customers as a result of the acquisition.

FanDuel Group, a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment PLC, debuted its FanDuel Casino in New Jersey and Michigan in July 2021. Customers may now play live dealer blackjack, roulette, and baccarat at FanDuel Casino.

eSports

Study: 400m Gen Z esports fans say brand activations drive purchases

Published

1 day ago

June 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

EFG, Hero Esports and Niko Partners survey 8,000 fans across eight markets; 74% report ads and brand presence influence buying.

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), Hero Esports and Niko Partners have released a multi-country Gen Z esports study claiming around 400 million Gen Z consumers (20%) regularly engage with esports. The findings were published on 25th June 2026 in Cannes, France, in a white paper titled The Esports Generation: Who They Are & Why They Spend.

The report is based on survey data from 8,000 Gen Z esports fans aged 13-30 across eight markets. It positions esports as a high-attention channel for brands: 85% of respondents said they notice branding in esports, while 74% self-reported that advertising and brand participation in gaming spaces influences their purchasing behaviour. The study also reports that 66% have bought a product following a collaboration or co-branding partnership with an esports team, game or player.

On consumption and fandom touchpoints, the study found 71% regularly watch gaming content, including 66% who watch gaming livestreams and 33% who watch or listen to gaming podcasts. It also points to offline reach: 21% said they regularly attend gaming conventions and esports events, with the average respondent attending at least one in-person event in the past nine months.

The white paper also breaks out claimed purchase categories linked to esports collaborations over the past year, led by food and beverage (33%), electronics (33%) and fashion (32%). Beyond core categories, it reports 28% bought esports-related collectibles, 17% purchased makeup, beauty, or skincare products, and 10% bought from partnered brands in other categories.

Niccolo Maisto, CEO at ESL FACEIT Group said: “Esports has evolved into one of the most effective channels for companies looking to connect with Gen Z audiences at scale. What makes it unique is not just its reach, but the depth of engagement and trust that exists between fans, players, teams, and events. This research shows that esports fans are highly invested participants, not passive viewers, creating an opportunity for brands that show up authentically and build meaningful and lasting connections with this key audience.”

Danny Tang, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Esports said: “This whitepaper confirms what we at Hero Esports have long believed: esports has evolved into a global cultural and economic force. The data shows an audience that is young, diverse, and deeply engaged. For brands, the message is clear—esports is no longer a niche market; it is the premier platform to connect with the next generation of consumers. We are proud to partner with Niko Partners and EFG to provide this blueprint for understanding and succeeding in this dynamic industry.”

Lisa Hanson, CEO at Niko Partners said: “Our data shows that, much like fans of other sports, Gen Z esports fans are incredibly passionate and have formed strong bonds within their communities. However, their media and consumer affinities extend well beyond gaming and esports, with our research revealing naturally connected interest areas that create valuable overlapping opportunities for brands and partners that show up authentically in this ecosystem.”

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Compliance

HIPTHER Launches HALLO: The Standard in Compliance Expertise

Published

5 days ago

June 22, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

hipther-launches-hallo:-the-standard-in-compliance-expertise

HIPTHER has launched HALLO (Highly Aligned Leaders in Legal Operations), a new platform designed to help organizations find and engage compliance professionals, legal operations experts and industry vendors. The company announced the launch in Europe.

HIPTHER said HALLO brings together a professional directory, industry intelligence hub, community platform and visibility tools aimed at sectors including gaming, fintech, payments, AI, cybersecurity, digital identity, AML and blockchain. The platform includes an Individual Professional Membership and an Enterprise Membership, with HIPTHER stating that all memberships include a 14-day free trial.

Alongside membership options, HIPTHER said compliance professionals can create free, publicly visible “Expert” profiles outlining experience and areas of specialization, with additional premium visibility opportunities available. The company positioned the platform as a way for organizations to discover and evaluate qualified compliance and legal operations expertise.

A core feature at launch is “HALLO Resources,” which HIPTHER described as an open-access compliance intelligence section that aggregates more than 17,000 regulatory and compliance-focused articles from the HIPTHER media network. HIPTHER said the section is updated daily, includes search by topic, jurisdiction and keyword, and covers areas such as gaming, fintech, AI, payments, AML, digital policy, cybersecurity and regulatory affairs.

Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, said: “Navigating the modern regulatory landscape requires more than just standard legal advice; it demands highly specialized, agile compliance expertise. With the launch of HALLO, we are bridging the critical gap between organizations facing complex global standards and the elite professionals who can guide them through. By combining an active directory with a massive intelligence hub, we are setting a new standard for compliance collaboration and empowering businesses to move forward with absolute confidence.”

HIPTHER also linked HALLO to its conference and media activities, including advertising and thought leadership opportunities through the Wayseers Booklet, an annual handbook it said is distributed at HIPTHER conferences in Europe and reaches more than 1,500 professionals across gaming, fintech, AI, compliance and regulatory sectors.

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1xBet

HLTV Awards returns to Belgrade on January 9, 2027, adding Lifetime Achievement honor

Published

1 week ago

June 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

hltv-awards-returns-to-belgrade-on-january-9,-2027,-adding-lifetime-achievement-honor

HLTV will stage the HLTV Awards presented by 1xBet in Belgrade, Serbia on January 9, 2027, returning to the Sava Center. The company said more than 1,000 players, industry professionals, creators, and fans are expected to attend.

HLTV also confirmed Dust2 creator David Johnston will feature as an award announcer. HLTV linked the booking to the 25th anniversary of Dust2.

For 2026, HLTV is updating its Hall of Fame process and eligibility rules. Four players will be inducted again, with “at least two and up to three” slots reserved for players from the Counter-Strike 1.6 and early eras. HLTV also removed the former “neo rule,” allowing players to be inducted for their playing careers even if they remain active in other roles such as coaching.

HLTV is adding a Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be decided by the Hall of Fame Board. The ceremony will also move Community Awards onto the main stage show for the first time, rather than the pre-show segment.

Separately, HLTV will kick off the 2027 Awards season with an invite-only “HLTV Awards by 1xBet Launch Party x GRID” in Cologne during the Major. HLTV said industry members can apply for an invite to the ceremony via its awards page.

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