According to recent Grand View Research, Inc. reports, the global online gambling market is projected to be $153.57 billion by 2030, growing at an 11.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years.
The market growth trajectory is propelled by the increasing popularity of freemium-based gaming models, rising smartphone use and internet penetration, and the expanding number of legally available sports betting websites across various jurisdictions.
Key takeaways
- The global online gambling market is projected to reach $153.57 billion by 2030.
- Freemium models, mobile usage, and digital payments are major growth drivers in online gambling.
- Europe leads the market, while Asia Pacific shows the fastest growth due to mobile expansion.
Freemium gaming sites—where users play games for free but the operator earns revenue through in-app purchases and ads—are now extremely popular among end-users and game developers. The business model is also tightly associated with casino websites and betting apps, increasing user interaction and offering new monetization avenues.
The trend is expected to radically change online gambling market trends over the next few years.
One of the principal market drivers is the expansion in mobile internet use worldwide.
The non-profit trade association GSMA believes Asia Pacific alone will account for an additional 333 million mobile internet users by 2025. This increased connectivity should give online gambling sites a vast player pool to exploit.
Partnerships between software providers and gambling operators also drive market growth. Sisal, a Flutter Entertainment Plc. subsidiary, won an online gaming license in Morocco under a partnership with La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS) in Feb. 2023.
Similarly, Flutter's U.S. unit FanDuel launched an online sports betting product in Ohio and opened its retail sportsbook at Belterra Park Cincinnati in Jan. 2023. In Mar. 2025, Ohio recorded $1 billion in wagers alone, with FanDuel the most popular operator for bettors.
Digital payment growth drives iGaming expansion
Digital payment mechanism advancements and the availability of secure gateways have augmented convenience and safety in online casino transactions. Furthermore, using digital money and introducing blockchain-based gaming sites also provide expansion opportunities.
The sports betting category dominated market share in 2024 and accounted for more than 50% of global online gambling revenue. Segment growth is primarily attributed to the expanding legalization of sports betting and the demand for in-game sports wagering products that accommodate live bets as sporting events unfold.
The mobile segment will likely experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is supported by the global growth of immersive online applications and the convenience and ease of use smartphones and tablets offer, which are users' choice.
Geographically, Europe led the market last year with about 41% of total revenue share. Leadership in this case mainly rests on developed gambling laws, sound licensing regimes, and quality end-user perceptions concerning responsible gaming culture.
In addition, the North American regulated market is expected to reach $32.95 billion by 2030, with a separate Astute Analytica evaluation estimating Mexico’s gambling market should hit $40.64 billion by 2033.
