Rapid urbanization, increasing internet penetration, and accelerating mobile phone use are some of the factors driving the growth of the gambling industry. It has become one of the largest industries in the world as licensed casinos spread into many new markets.
Online gambling alone is expected to reach over $114 billion by the end of the decade. A leading aggregator of data in the global gambling sector ranked the top gambling countries worldwide according to gambling gross win. Here are the details.
1. United States
The United States has a population of around 333 million and is a leading country in gambling with a total gambling gross win of $119 billion. The world’s largest casinos are found in the U.S. Las Vegas is the main gambling hub, and some popular casinos include the Borgata Hotel Casino, the Cosmopolitan, and Foxwoods. Sports betting is now legal in many states, and Americans can enjoy betting on major league sports events, such as the NFL Super Bowl. US online casinos are legal in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, Connecticut, and West Virginia.
2. China
China has a population of around 1.4 billion and a total gambling gross win of $70 billion. This is despite the fact that the government doesn’t allow gambling. Gambling is an integral part of Chinese culture as the Chinese have a long history of playing card games and Mahjong. The online gambling market size in China is expected to reach $14.7 billion by 2027.
In Macau, an autonomous region on the south coast of China, gambling is legal. It is known for its casinos and nightlife. The gross gaming revenue in 2023 was $22.3 billion. Macau has some of the best casino resorts in Asia.
3. Japan
Japan has a total population of around 126 million and a total gambling gross win of $50 billion. The country has legal restrictions on many forms of gambling. The exceptions are horse racing and sports betting. Cash prizes in gambling are forbidden so winnings are traded for items like cigarettes or chocolate. Pachinko is a popular game in Japan that the Japanese play for entertainment and to beat stress. It has a market size of $200 billion.
4. Italy
Italy, with its total population of 58 million, has a total gambling gross win of $20 billion. It has a rich gambling history, and some popular casino games like Baccarat and Roulette originated in Italy. Since Italy relaxed its gambling laws in 2008, the industry has been booming. Venice and Milan are the major gambling centers with over 15 casinos. Italy is a leading market for sports betting, and wagering on soccer games is very popular.
5. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a total population of around 69 million and a total gambling gross win of $19 billion. It also has a long history of gambling and some of the best casinos worldwide such as Grosvenor Victoria Casino, The Hippodrome Casino, and Aspers Casino. Online gambling and sports betting are hugely popular too.
6. Australia
Australia has a total population of around 26 million and a total gambling gross win of $18 billion. New South Wales is the most popular gambling region with the highest number of casinos. Australia is home to some of the largest gambling establishments in the world. Slot machines and poker games are particularly popular. Australians also love to bet on sports.
7. Germany
Germany has a total population of around 83 million and a total gambling gross win of $16 billion. Some of the largest casinos in the country are in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Baden-Baden. Poker games like Seven Card Stud and Texas Hold’em are favorites in German casinos.
