• Title:In 2023, the online gambling market doubled in size, reaching 176 million users and $95 billion in revenue.
  • Created at: 16 January 2024

The online gambling sector has experienced remarkable growth over the last four years, with its user base swelling to 176 million and revenue surging to over $95 billion in 2023.

Revenue in the online gambling industry has seen consistent year-on-year growth, averaging a robust 20%. Leading this expansion are the United States and the United Kingdom, which stand as the top two markets in terms of revenue generation.

A stark transformation has occurred in the landscape of gambling, where online casinos and sports betting platforms, which were once scarce, now rake in billions annually. The allure of online gambling lies in its accessibility, simplicity, and the vast array of gaming and betting options it offers compared to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.

According to data from Statista, the global online gambling market's revenue has witnessed a substantial rise from $45.7 billion in 2019 to $95 billion in 2023. Forecasts predict continued double-digit growth, with the market projected to reach $117.6 billion by 2025.

The lion's share of revenue, over one-third, originates from the United States and the United Kingdom, with the US market forecasted to generate $19.1 billion and the UK market $12.8 billion in revenue for 2023.

Online sports betting emerges as the dominant revenue stream, projected to amass $43.5 billion in revenue for 2023, reflecting a 120% increase since 2019. Similarly, online casinos have witnessed substantial growth, with revenue climbing from $16.6 billion in 2019 to $34.8 billion in 2023, marking a 110% surge.

Despite the substantial financial gains, online gambling has raised concerns due to its adverse societal impacts, including employment issues, educational challenges, and financial hardships. Nonetheless, the number of online gamblers continues to rise steadily.

Statista's data reveals that over 80 million individuals globally have embraced online gambling since 2019, encompassing activities such as online casinos, sports betting, poker, and lotteries. The user base has surged from 95 million in 2019 to 176 million in 2023, with projections indicating a further increase to over 210 million within the next two years.

Online sports betting platforms lead in user count, boasting 127.8 million users in 2023, while online casinos follow closely behind with 94.1 million users. Forecasts suggest these numbers will escalate to nearly 156.9 million and almost 112 million, respectively, by 2025.