The online gambling industry is on track for major expansion, with new research forecasting it to hit $153.57 billion in global revenue by 2030. Rapid shifts in mobile access, gaming models, and regional regulation are helping to push the industry forward at an annual growth rate of 11.9%.
Good to know
- Online gambling market expected to grow to $153.57 billion by 2030.
- Sports betting made up over 50% of the market in 2024.
- Europe leads in revenue share, but Asia Pacific and North America are growing fast.
Online casinos and sportsbooks are increasingly embracing freemium-based games—apps that offer free gameplay but generate income through in-app purchases or ads. These models encourage more user engagement while allowing operators to expand their audience without raising entry barriers.
Freemium gaming is not just a casual mobile trend; it now plays a key role in driving traffic and revenue for betting platforms. This shift, combined with widespread mobile internet adoption, is changing how online gambling operates.
Mobile access continues to grow fast. According to GSMA, the Asia Pacific region alone is set to add 333 million new mobile internet users by 2025. That growing connectivity is giving online gambling operators an ever-expanding customer base.
Strategic alliances between gambling platforms and local operators continue to push markets forward. For example, Flutter Entertainment’s subsidiary Sisal partnered with Morocco’s MDJS to secure an online gaming license in early 2023. Meanwhile, FanDuel—a key part of Flutter’s U.S. business—opened both an online betting platform and a retail sportsbook in Ohio in January 2023.
The Ohio market has grown quickly since then, with March 2025 alone seeing $1 billion in sports wagers. FanDuel led the pack among sportsbook operators in the state.
Payments and tech upgrades improve user experience
Secure digital payment options are making online gambling more accessible and trustworthy. Fast transaction processing, better safety features, and blockchain-based gaming environments are giving users more confidence and operators more flexibility.
The sports betting segment held the largest share of online gambling revenue in 2024, driven by growing legalization and the popularity of in-game betting. Bettors are increasingly interested in placing live wagers as events unfold, and operators are adapting to meet that demand.
Mobile is expected to post the fastest growth over the next five years. With users spending more time on smartphones and tablets, and apps becoming more immersive, mobile is the preferred platform for many players.
Europe held 41% of the global market share last year. That lead is largely due to established gambling laws, reliable licensing systems, and a mature audience that expects responsible gaming tools.
But North America is catching up quickly. The region is projected to reach $32.95 billion in online gambling revenue by 2030. A separate study also forecasts Mexico’s gambling market to grow to $40.64 billion by 2033, adding to the region’s momentum.
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