The Top Ten Gambling Industry Trends for 2024

The time-consuming process of traditional banking can often be a hindrance in the fast-paced world of casinos. With crypto, deposits and withdrawals can be made almost instantaneously, enhancing the user experience and keeping the games flowing smoothly. Gambling will increasingly integrate gamification elements, such as levels, achievements, and social features, to increase player engagement and retention. With the growing use of smartphones, gambling operators will prioritize mobile platforms, offering seamless applications for all forms of gambling.

Games like Among Us or Goose Goose Duck became hits largely due to streamer adoption. Short-form video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts) has also become a key avenue for gaming content discovery; many streamers use clips on TikTok to funnel viewers to their live streams. Over 20.3 billion hours of content were watched on Twitch in 2024​, showing slight growth from the prior year. YouTube Gaming is the second-largest for game streaming (particularly for Southeast Asian and mobile audiences, and for VOD content). The ecosystem of content creators – streamers on Twitch, YouTube, etc. – is a vital part of gaming culture and marketing. On a positive note, 2024 did see new sponsorships in regions where esports remains very popular – Chinese brands heavily sponsor Honor of Kings and League teams, and Southeast Asia’s Mobile Legends league has strong telecom sponsors.

As you might imagine, as the world was shutting down (even if only for a short while), many casino goers shifted towards online gambling platforms. The online gambling industry in 2025 is worth $107.30 billion, according to the latest statistics. In the long run, this business will change and adapt due to the new technological discoveries, but its market share will steadily increase despite the changes. Explore the latest insights from Unity’s 2024 report on gaming trends, including AI integration, evolving monetization strategies, the rise of cross-platform projects, and relevance to web3. Blockchain and cryptocurrencies are increasingly being adopted for transactions in online and gambling venues, providing a secure alternative for users.

Gambling Industry Research

When it comes to brick-and-mortar gambling establishments, casinos are likely the most well-known type. However, gaming machine outlets, which can include bookmakers or even drinking establishments, are known to be the brick-and-mortar type with the most units worldwide. With segments like sports betting, poker, and even bingo being available to consumers from the comfort of their homes.

• However, there is a clear trend towards more states legalizing mobile sports betting, reflecting a growing acceptance of online gambling.
• The Casino market in Europe remains stable and is primarily supported by a strong regulatory framework and a growing online gambling sector.
• Mobile devices that are always at hand provide uninterrupted access to online casinos.
• Knowledge of these probabilities can assist players in making more informed decisions and enhancing their overall experience.

Additionally, many platforms will continue to roll out features like self-exclusion tools, spending limits, and AI-powered systems that detect problem gambling behaviors. Players will receive more guidance and support, as well as easy access to resources for managing their gambling habits. Countries are reviewing their approach to the gambling industry, now realising that it brings a range of benefits. We’ve already considered changes in legislation in the US, but the second half of 2025 is also likely to see similar changes taking place in other areas of the world. As an example, in Thailand the government has now approved a draft bill that will legalise casinos within resorts. That 44% is made up of Brits 16 and older, and a significant portion of that population (26% of all adults) used an online gambling platform.

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They have delivered hundreds of research projects to the senior management of some of the world’s largest organizations. The Business Research Company’s consultants have master’s qualifications from top institutes and include MBAs, MSCs, CFAs, and CAs. The Business Research Company’s consultants gain training and qualifications from the Market Research Society and are trained in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics. Over 90% of individuals with gambling problems experience relapse despite treatment, underscoring the chronic nature of gambling addiction. Individuals with gambling problems often face significant gambling debts and may resort to dishonest or illegal actions to fund their habit. The financial burden can lead to severe economic issues, including debt and bankruptcy, affecting individuals and their families, especially those suffering from a gambling disorder.

Instead of static offers, predictive analytics will allow for dynamic content—think push notifications that adapt to individual guest actions, whether browsing the app or walking through the casino. Mobile apps must integrate cashless payments, rewards systems, and AI-driven personalized offers to meet evolving customer expectations and bring the casino experience directly to players’ hands. Macau, often referred to as the “Gambling Capital of the World,” has shown a remarkable resurgence post-pandemic, with visitor counts skyrocketing to over 28 million in 2023—a 394.9% increase from 2022. This surge in tourism is reflected in the booming revenue numbers, with the casino industry benefiting from an influx of international stake betting tourists eager to experience the city’s famed gaming floors.

While some markets execute on these programs well, today the United States is mostly an unfortunate patchwork of unknown, ineffective and/or absent programs. Fixing this should be highest priority for every regulator and operator in the country. Prevalence rates of gambling problems have been falling for decades at levels that cannot be explained by self-exclusion enrollment alone. Amid the exodus, Betr, the microbetting wagering site backed by MMA star Jake Paul, is growing incrementally.

With increased focus on development, marketing, and M&A opportunities, the year ahead holds significant potential for innovation and expansion in the gaming world. The gambling market is segmented by type into casino, lotteries, sports betting, and others. The lotteries segment was the largest segment of the gambling market in 2018 at 46% of the total share. The sports betting segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment going forward, at an annual rate of 7%. The online gambling industry is growing at an exponential rate due to the emergence of new technologies such as hybrid games, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). Casino operators use these technologies to differentiate themselves from their competitors and succeed in this highly competitive industry.

Online gaming has been legalized in Germany since 2021, with only around 12 operators having a valid license. This is attributable to the legalization of gambling across European countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Malta, and Italy. Maliyo Games’ Africa Games Industry Report unveils the rise of mobile gaming, spending trends.

AI and Data Analytics

Key factors driving the online gambling market growth include increasing investment in online gambling and the growing number of live casinos across the globe. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that uses either a transparent screen or projection technology to overlay digital information or virtual images in the real world.