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Here’s a Look at the Top Trends Shaping the Online Gambling Market

Published

5 years ago

August 9, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The global online gambling market size is projected to reach USD 158.20 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period. This information is given by Fortune Business Insights in a new report, titled, “Online Gambling Market, 2021-2028.” As per the report, the market was USD 66.72 billion in 2020.

List of Key Players Covered in this Market Report:

Slots Heaven Casino (Slots Heaven Casino)
Sky Betting & Gaming (Leeds, United Kingdom)
SPIN Casino (Canada)
DraftKings Inc. (Massachusetts, United States)
Betfred (Warrington, United Kingdom)
BetAmerica (California, United States)
LeoVegas AB (Stockholm, Sweden)
Betsson AB (Stockholm, Sweden)
StarsGroup.com (Ontario, Canada)
Kindred Group Plc. (Valletta, Malta)
Mansion Casino (Gibraltar)
Evolution Gaming AB (British Columbia, Canada)
Scientific Games Corporation (Nevada, United States)
Buffalo Partners (New York, United States)
bet-at-home.com AG (Germany)
888 Holdings PLC (Gibraltar)
Bet365 (Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom)
Flutter Entertainment Plc. (Dublin, Ireland)
William Hill Plc. (London, United Kingdom)
Entain plc (GVC Holdings Plc.) (Douglas, Isle of Man)

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION:

Report Coverage	Details
Forecast Period	2021 to 2028
Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 CAGR	11.4%
2028 Value Projection	USD 158.20 Billion
Base Year	2020
Market Size in 2020	USD 66.72 Billion
Historical Data for	2017 to 2019
No. of Pages	130
Tables, Charts & Figures	92
Segments covered	Type; Devices; and Region
Growth Drivers	Ease of Online Payment to Drive Online Gambling Market Growth
	Restrictions of COVID-19 on Land-based Casinos to Boost Demand for Online Gambling
	Rapid Adoption of Smartphones to Fuel Demand for Mobile Gambling
Pitfalls & Challenges	Rising Adverse Impacts on Mental Health and Bans on Online Gambling May Impede Market Growth

Quick Adoption of Online Gambling amid COVID-19 to Boost the Market

The global health and economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic forced governments in several countries to impose strict lockdowns and social distancing measures. Companies rapidly adopted remote working models, leading to huge portions of working populations working from home. With most non-essential services and places, including casinos, being closed down, gamers and gamblers have swiftly shifted to virtual platforms, boosting the online gambling market growth in the process. For example, an article published by New York University revealed that digital gambling platforms have gained speedy momentum in Canada after the coronavirus broke out. In Australia, according to a report by Concordia University, Canada, spending on online casinos rose sharply by 67% in April 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has, thus, proved favorable for this market, enabling it to register a healthy CAGR of 11.2% and reach a value of USD 74.17 billion in 2021.

Market Segments

Based on type, the market has been classified into sports betting, casinos, poker, lottery, bingo, and others, with the lottery segment holding a share of 15.1% in the global market and a share of 15.4% in the UK market in 2020.

On the basis of devices, the market segments include desktop, mobile, and others. By region, the market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Highlights of the Report

The report offers a granular examination of the various factors shaping the growth trajectory of the market, as well as a holistic analysis of the hindrances obstructing the market. Furthermore, a microscopic study of the regional and competitive dynamics influencing the market has also been provided in the report, along with an in-depth assessment of the individual market segments. The insights contained in the report are based on industry-leading research conducted through primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

Driving Factor

Introduction of Sophisticated Technologies in Virtual Gambling to Fuel the Market

Advanced, intelligent technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, are being increasingly employed by online gambling platforms to ensure a secure and safe space for enthusiasts. Heralding this trend are startups that are developing and offering novel gambling platforms powered by smart technologies. For example, Edgeless, which was started in 2018, became the first Ethereum-based virtual casino that uses distributed ledger technology to ensure payouts. Similarly, Tombola is a popular lottery and gambling platform driven by cryptocurrency and other blockchain-enabled tools. Another example is the Canada-based startup, Quarter4, which leverages AI to offer simulations, content, and predictions for sports bettors. The incorporation of new-age solutions in digital gambling is, thus, opening new pathways of development for this market.

Regional Insights

Europe to Headline the Global Market, Forecasts Fortune Business Insights

Europe is expected to dictate the online gambling market share during the forecast period on account of the heavy investments being made by sports enthusiasts across the continent in online sports betting. Moreover, a healthy betting culture in Europe will further bolster the prospects of the market in the region. In 2020, the Europe market size stood at USD 30.92 billion.

The presence of secure connectivity infrastructure and strong gambling regulations will propel North America in the second-leading position in the market in terms of revenue generation. On the other hand, growing investments in online gambling in South America, driven by regulations in Colombia and Argentina, are anticipated to speed up the expansion of the market in this region.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players to Strengthen Businesses through Innovative Collaborations

With online gaming picking up pace amid the COVID-19 pandemic, key players in this market are entering into strategic collaborations with gambling industry giants to deepen their market footprint. These companies are engaging in developing innovative online gambling platforms to attract gamblers and gain momentum in this rapidly evolving market space.

Industry Developments:

December 2020: BetMGM launched the BetMGM Casino in Pennsylvania, with an aim to bring its online gambling portfolio to players in the state. The platform will offer sophisticated mobile casino games, which will be available on iOS, Android, and desktops.
February 2020: CBS Sports and William Hill inked a deal under which William Hill will become the exclusive provider of Wagering Data and Sports Book across all CBS Sports platforms. The partnership will integrate sports betting, media, and technology to enhance fan engagement.

Cash Eruption The Western

Spin Genie unveils exclusive new western slot adventure from IGT

Published

3 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

spin-genie-unveils-exclusive-new-western-slot-adventure-from-igt

Spin Genie has revealed the exclusive debut of Cash Eruption The Western, the newest slot game from worldwide gaming supplier IGT.

The western-themed slot is now accessible to Spin Genie players, offering expanding wild features and an exciting respin bonus.

Located in a setting of frontier towns, safes, and money bags, Cash Eruption The Western operates on a 5-reel, 20-payline structure and features expanding Wild symbols.

The main attraction of the release is the Triple Cash Eruption Bonus, a hold-and-respin element activated by colored Cash Bag Scatter symbols. The bonus gives players an opportunity to earn Coin prizes, jackpot rewards, and strong modifiers, such as multipliers, collection features, and a Double Reels mode that operates on two reel sets at the same time.

Spin Genie, a prominent slots casino in the UK, is part of Kinetic Digital and with this release enhances its online slots collection from IGT that already features popular games like Magic of the Nile, Enchanted Lamp, and Pharaoh’s Fortune.

Kinetic Digital Head of Brand Marketing Dom Aldworth said: “Cash Eruption The Western is a fantastic addition to the Spin Genie portfolio, combining a hugely popular mechanic with a strong, immersive theme. IGT has elevated the Cash Eruption series with exciting new modifiers and features, and we’re delighted to bring this latest release to our players as part of our continued commitment to delivering the very best slot experiences.”

The post Spin Genie unveils exclusive new western slot adventure from IGT appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

boutique studios

Movers and Shakers: The blueprint for boutique studios looking to crack America

Published

5 hours ago

February 25, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

movers-and-shakers:-the-blueprint-for-boutique-studios-looking-to-crack-america

“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.

Charles Mott, Founder and CEO of S Gaming, says finding success in the US is a tough task, but that studios who can replicate the magic of the casino floor have what it takes to make it stateside

There are plenty of European studios that have set their sights on finding success in the US, but very few have actually managed to achieve it. This is because they are making a common mistake, and that’s failing to translate the preferences of US slot players into their games.

For more than a decade now, the UK and European markets have been defined by “the chase” – high volatility slots with massive, infrequent max wins and jackpots that deliver anticipation and thrills, but that also exhaust the player’s balance in minutes.

But if you walk on to the floor of any Las Vegas casino, the atmosphere is different. It’s about “time at machine”. It’s the neon, the regular dopamine hits of smaller wins and the ability to make $100 provide an entire evening’s worth of entertainment.

As the US market increasingly moves to online, with more states embracing regulated iGaming, it’s no longer finding its feet with players now actively looking for a digital version of the land-based soul they have loved for many years.

Moving away from the “big win” to the “long session”

US players have been culturally conditioned by the physical casino experience. Unlike the high-stakes digital environment of Europe, the American player often views slots as a leisure activity rather than a jackpot hunt.

This is why S Gaming has focused on fun, entertainment and sustainability, with our games matching the “steady tortoise” cadence of land-based slot machines. They still deliver lots of big win potential, but across longer and more engaging sessions.

For operators like BetMGM and Fanatics, both of which we’ve recently partnered with, it’s not just about fun, it’s about retention.

A player who loses their balance in three minutes is a churn risk, but a player who wins small, frequent prizes stays in the ecosystem for longer and ultimately generates a much higher lifetime value.

Efficiency over ego

But it’s not just about having the right games, distribution is also key to cracking America. This is a notoriously difficult market because it’s not one jurisdiction, it’s five (and counting) regulatory islands and in each, you need to secure regulatory approvals.

This is actually a moat that keeps many smaller studios out. It’s an issue we had to overcome, and ultimately looked for a partner that could help us bridge the gap. Our agreement with Gaming Realms allows us to use its remote game server and licences to launch into US states.

This “Infrastructure-as-a-Service” model allows a studio to focus on “game grammar” (math and art) while the partner handles the “plumbing” (compliance and connectivity). It’s the leanest way to hit the ground running with a tier-one operator across multiple states simultaneously.

Why tier ones are buying in

You might be wondering why a tier one giant like BetMGM has joined forces with a boutique UK studio and facilitated its launch into the US.

But the reality is that operators are fighting soaring acquisition costs right now and this means they no longer want more games, they want differentiated games that reduce churn and keep players coming back for more.

Our focus on sustainable entertainment aligns with current US regulatory requirements and the focus on responsible gaming. Games designed for longer, lower stakes sessions are inherently “safer” and more palatable to regulators and risk-averse operators alike.

And they just hit the mark more with players. Sure, winning is a big part of playing online slots, but how you get to the win and the perceived entertainment value is now just as if not more so important – not just in the US but in the UK and Europe, too.

The data-driven evolution

Success does not come from a single launch – it comes from having a feedback loop. We now have a handful of games live in the US market, including our flagship Triple 7 Jackpot title, from which we are gathering real-time data on player behaviour.

This is allowing us to move from “what we think players want” to “what the data tells us they love” and this in turn is allowing us to refine our product roadmap and the games we are producing for the US market, ensuring each title is more culturally resonant than the last.

The new era of transatlantic growth

Cracking America in 2026 isn’t about having the loudest brand of the biggest marketing budget – it’s about understanding the psychology of the casino floor.

The studio’s that succeed will be those that realise the US player isn’t looking for a new way to gamble, they’re looking for a digital version of the “Vegas” feeling they’ve known and loved for decades.

The post Movers and Shakers: The blueprint for boutique studios looking to crack America appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

blask

When Africa gambles: seasonality patterns across five countries revealed by Blask

Published

6 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

when-africa-gambles:-seasonality-patterns-across-five-countries-revealed-by-blask

When Africa Gambles: Seasonality Patterns Across Five Markets Revealed by Blask , Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Egypt operate under diverse regulatory regimes and follow different domestic sports calendars — Egypt also observes a Friday–Saturday weekend. Yet, across these markets, gambling activity exhibits a shared rhythm: engagement climbs into Q4 and remains elevated through the year-end, with softer periods either mid-year (Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo) or late winter (Egypt). Peaks broadly coincide with the European club season, while in some markets domestic leagues run in parallel.

Blask’s Seasonality feature, drawing on data from January 2016 to February 2026, allows mapping engagement by month, day, and hour, revealing nuanced patterns in each market:

Nigeria: The Long Saturday

Annual curve accelerates into Q4: October is the top month, followed closely by September, November, and December. June marks the low point, with a modest rebound in July before the late-summer climb.

Weekly cycle is weekend-led: Saturday dominates, Sunday and Friday show smaller peaks, weekdays are quieter.
Hourly pattern forms a broad plateau on Saturday, with elevated activity from early morning to late evening (5am–9pm Lagos time). Weekday engagement is lower, concentrating in the late afternoon and evening.

Tanzania: Saturday as a Corridor

Annual rhythm mirrors Nigeria: softening in June–July, rising from August into a Q4 plateau. Top months are November–December, with October close behind.

Weekly cycle hierarchy is clearer: Saturday is strongest, Sunday elevated but lower, Friday leads weekday peaks.
Saturday functions as a corridor rather than a sharp spike: activity stays high from 7am–11pm Dar es Salaam time, peaking mid-afternoon to early evening (3pm–7pm). Weekday activity tilts toward evening post-work.

Kenya: Two Clocks in One Market

Annual curve rises from August into Q4, with December at the peak, October and November following. Low points in June–July.

Weekly peaks favor the weekend: Saturday #1, Sunday #2.
Hourly pattern shows dual peaks: a primary late-afternoon to evening spike (3pm–9pm Nairobi time) and a secondary pre-dawn rise (3am–7am), particularly visible on weekends.

DR Congo: The Morning Market

January remains unusually strong alongside December, which is the top month.

Weekly cycle follows the familiar weekend pattern: Saturday leads, weekend days generally brighter.
Hourly peak occurs in the morning, roughly 5am–9am Kinshasa time, shifting an hour later in eastern regions. Weekdays maintain the morning lift, with Saturday adding extra intensity.

Egypt: Friday Leadership and After-Midnight Play

Annual curve climbs steadily to year-end: December tops, followed by November and October. Softest periods are February and March.

Weekly cycle differs: Friday peaks, Thursday and Saturday slightly behind, reflecting Egypt’s Friday–Saturday weekend.
Nighttime engagement is strongest in the group, concentrating after midnight (2am–5am Cairo time), consistently across all days of the week.

The Bigger Picture

Q4 is peak season across all five markets. Nigeria peaks earliest (October), while Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, and Egypt maintain high engagement through November–December. Four markets soften mid-year, Egypt peaks late winter.
Weekend structures explain weekly splits: Saturday for Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo; Friday for Egypt.
Hourly patterns diverge: Nigeria and Tanzania show broad Saturday blocks, Kenya focuses on prime time with pre-dawn tails, DR Congo peaks in the morning, Egypt peaks after midnight. Cross-market scheduling without these insights risks missing most demand.

The post When Africa gambles: seasonality patterns across five countries revealed by Blask appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.