In recent years, the global gambling market—including casinos, online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries—has been expanding at a rapid pace. The proliferation of smartphones, improved internet infrastructure, and the relaxation or review of legal regulations have all contributed to this market growth. In this article, based on the latest statistical data, we will thoroughly explain the “number of gamblers around the world,” the characteristics of each country/region, and future market trends.
1. Overview of the Global Gambling Market
1-1. Global Market Size
Forecast from 2021 to 2030
- The global gambling market is expected to grow significantly from about USD 492 billion to USD 804 billion.
- Rise of online gambling: In particular, digital areas such as online casinos and online betting are experiencing a surge in demand, thanks to the widespread use of smartphones and high-speed internet.
1-2. Growth of the Online Gambling Market
Market size (2023–2032)
- The market is projected to reach approximately USD 86.6 billion in 2023 and grow to USD 168.2 billion by 2032.
Growth factors
- Rising internet penetration
- Advanced mobile apps with high functionality
- Technological innovations (AI, VR, blockchain, NFTs, etc.)
- Regulatory relaxation and legalization trends in various countries
Thanks to these overlapping factors, the global gambling market continues to expand at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5%.
2. Gambling Populations and Characteristics by Region/Country
Gambling culture differs significantly across countries and regions. Below, we highlight major areas and explain their gambling populations and market characteristics.
2-1. North America (United States & Canada)
United States
- Gambling economy size: Approx. USD 116.9 billion (about JPY 13 trillion)
- Known as the world’s largest gambling nation, home to iconic casino destinations like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Online gambling legalization
- Regulations vary by state, but recent years have seen accelerated legalization of online gambling (online casinos and sports betting). As of 2023, it’s reported that more than 47% of Americans have tried online betting.
Canada
- Proliferation of legal casinos: Many land-based casinos operate under government licenses, and online casinos are also on the rise.
- Sports betting: Similar to the U.S., sports betting is popular, particularly on national sports like ice hockey and basketball.
2-2. Europe
- Market size: The European gambling market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of over 5% in the next five years.
- Leading companies: Major bookmakers and online casino operators, mainly based in the UK, include Flutter Entertainment (PokerStars, Betfair), Bet365, Kindred Group, and 888 Holdings.
Country highlights
- United Kingdom: Strong bookmaker culture, extremely active in sports betting.
- Germany & France: Online casino markets have grown in recent years. While regulations are tightening, there are also movements toward legalization.
- Scandinavian countries: Many casinos (both online and land-based) are government-run, with revenue often reinvested for public benefit.
2-3. Asia (Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, Macau)
Japan
- A “pachinko powerhouse”: It’s said that about 60% of the world’s gaming machines (pachinko and slot machines) are concentrated in Japan, with around 4.59 million machines installed.
- Trend in player numbers: The pachinko-playing population was about 29.9 million in 1989 but declined to about 9 million by 2017. However, annual spending per player has significantly increased (from about JPY 500,000 to JPY 2.17 million), indicating robust demand in the market.
- Casino legalization: Development of Integrated Resorts (IR) is underway, and there’s growing momentum to introduce casinos within resort facilities in Osaka, Nagasaki, and other locations.
China
- Strict regulations: With the exception of government-run lotteries, gambling is generally illegal. However, there are reports of underground gambling and online gambling expanding in recent years.
- Macau: As a special administrative region of China, Macau is one of the world’s leading casino hubs. Its casino market is valued at approximately JPY 3.703 trillion, surpassing Las Vegas in scale.
South Korea
- Unique casino environment: Most casinos cater exclusively to foreigners. Kangwon Land is the only casino where South Korean citizens can legally gamble.
- Online casinos: Technically illegal, yet the use of overseas-operated online platforms by Korean players is reportedly on the rise.
2-4. Oceania (Australia & New Zealand)
Australia
- Gambling losses: About USD 18.3 billion (approx. JPY 2 trillion)
- Among the highest numbers of gaming machines per capita in the world.
- Pokies culture: Poker machines (known locally as “pokies”) are widely available in pubs and clubs, underscoring a deeply ingrained gambling culture.
New Zealand
- Casinos and lotteries: Though smaller in scale compared to Australia, land-based casinos, online lotteries, and sports betting pools are popular.
2-5. South America (Brazil, Argentina, etc.)
Brazil
- Recently progressing towards legalizing online casinos, attracting active participation by international operators. As a soccer powerhouse, there’s a high demand for sports betting.
Argentina
- Regulatory frameworks for online gambling are being established in some provinces, signalling ongoing efforts to clarify the legal landscape.
2-6. Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, etc.)
- Spread of mobile gambling: In regions where smartphone payments are common, sports betting is experiencing rapid growth. More and more users are betting on soccer, cricket, and other international matches.
- Younger demographic: Online gambling platforms are increasingly accessible to younger generations, suggesting strong potential for future growth in the gambling industry.
3. Latest Trends in Online Gambling
3-1. Technological Advancements
- Live dealer popularity: Live casino experiences, allowing players on smartphones or PCs to interact with real-time dealers, are gaining traction. The high level of realism is a major draw.
- Blockchain & cryptocurrency casinos: Online casinos accepting Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other cryptocurrencies are on the rise, thanks to the appeal of anonymity and easy transactions.
3-2. Changes in Legal Regulations
- United States: Sports betting is rapidly being legalized, with different rules being established on a state-by-state basis.
- Brazil & European nations: Active moves to open up online gambling markets. Many countries are legalizing online gambling to boost tax revenue and promote tourism.
- Japan: While pachinko has dominated the scene, attention is shifting to land-based casinos with the push for IR development. Online gambling remains a grey area for now, but market expansion is possible depending on future legislation.
4. Future Market Outlook and Key Points
4-1. Use of AI and VR
- AI betting assist: Development of AI tools to improve winning odds in sports betting or poker is advancing, and it’s expected to become even more sophisticated in the future.
- VR casinos: Thanks to the metaverse and VR headsets, more services will likely allow users to enjoy a highly realistic casino experience from home.
4-2. The Convergence of eSports and Gambling
- eSports betting: Betting on globally recognized eSports tournaments is on the rise, with the potential to grow into a market rivalling traditional sports betting.
- Integration with GameFi: A new form of gambling is emerging, combining elements of play-to-earn blockchain games with casino features, and it’s gaining popularity,y especially among younger audiences.
4-3. Potential in Emerging Markets
- Africa and South America: These regions could be key to the future expansion of online gambling, thanks to ongoing improvements in mobile telecommunications infrastructure.
- Asia: With its massive population and prospects for continued economic growth, Asia remains a region to watch. Japan, China, and India, in particular, warrant close attention regarding their gambling markets.
5. Conclusion: The Global Gambling Population Continues to Grow
- Expansion in both online and offline arenas: Gambling markets are predicted to keep growing as both land-based casinos and online gambling gain traction worldwide.
- Varied regulations and cultures by region: Each region—North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and others—has different regulations, cultural backgrounds, and popular games. Understanding these differences can provide deeper insights into the market.
- New technologies accelerate market growth: Innovations in AI, VR, and cryptocurrency have the potential to reshape the traditional gambling experience.
- Watch Japan’s casino legalization and online gambling trends: Although the pachinko market has seen a decline in player numbers, per-player spending has increased. As Integrated Resorts (IR) are developed and regulations around online gambling potentially evolve, Japan’s market attracts growing interest from investors and players alike.
The global gambling market is undergoing unprecedented change, propelled by globalization and technological advancements. While regulations and cultural factors create a complex backdrop, gambling is also generating new value as a form of entertainment. It is essential to gamble responsibly, follow the rules, and find the form of gambling that suits you best.
Staying Informed and Updated
Because the gambling industry is constantly influenced by legal reforms and technological innovations, keeping up with the latest information is crucial. In particular, changes in the online market and legal regulations in each country can significantly impact the entire sector. By regularly checking statistical data and referring to reliable specialist media and official reports, you can perform more accurate trend analyses and stay ahead of market developments.
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