How the Gambling Industry Is Developing and What Entrepreneurs Planning to Launch a Turnkey Online Casino Need to Know
The online gambling market is not just growing — it is transforming. Increasingly, entrepreneurs are exploring how to launch an online casino from scratch or acquire a ready-made turnkey solution. This is driven by the accessibility of technology, high profitability, and the expanding player base. Today, turnkey online casino development is one of the most sought-after services among startups and investors entering the gambling market.
Who Plays and Where?
Interest in gambling is a global phenomenon. Motivations, frequency, and betting volumes vary across countries, but the trend is clear: players are becoming increasingly active. Understanding the geographic distribution of the audience is particularly important if you are considering purchasing a casino script.
Top 7 Countries by Number of Active Players and Gambling Market Revenue:
| Country | Number of Players (mln) | Gambling Market Revenue ($ bln) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 58 | 69.5 |
| UK | 29 | 18.6 |
| France | 27 | 14.9 |
| Canada | 19.3 | 14.0 |
| Germany | 29 | 10.3 |
| Australia | 6.8 | 10.9 |
The global market grew from $249 billion (2022) to $540 billion (2023), with projections of $754.78 billion by 2029. The number of licensed companies is also increasing — in 2023 there were 4,792, up 4.3% from the previous year.
Online Gambling — The Fastest Growing Segment
Mobility, convenience, and personalization are the three key factors that have made online gambling the leader of the industry.
If you are considering purchasing online casino games or a casino script, focus on cross-platform solutions. Players access casinos from smartphones, tablets, PCs, and even TVs.
Key Figures:
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176+ million active online players, projected to reach 210 million by 2025
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Online betting: 127.8 million users
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Online casinos: 94.1 million users
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Europe generates 41% of total revenue
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Online casinos account for 52% of the entire online gambling market
Online Poker — A $170 Billion Market
Poker is more than just a card game — it is a subculture. Online poker is particularly popular, with 100 million players worldwide.
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USA — 60 million players
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Account growth — 34% annually
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Most popular format: No-Limit Texas Hold’em
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Market forecast for 2030 — $170 billion
Sports Betting — A Growth Driver
35% of people worldwide placed sports bets in the past 12 months. This represents a huge user base for anyone developing a casino or integrating a sportsbook module.
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Market size in 2024 — $102.4 billion
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Forecast for 2030 — $182.12 billion
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Online betting: growth from $36.5 to $56.6 billion (2022–2023), with a forecast of $116.7 billion
The highest market share by 2034 is expected in North America (24.3%).
Why Do Players Choose Gambling?
Understanding player motivation is key to building a successful online casino. UX, personalization, and game design matter more here than anywhere else.
Reasons for Betting:
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48% — for winnings
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35% — for excitement
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33% — to make sports viewing more engaging
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29% — enjoy competition
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18% — as a hobby
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14% — peer influence
Developing an online casino must take these motivations into account and design the appropriate user journey.
Where Are Most Casinos Located?
As of 2023, there are more than 9,000 casinos worldwide.
By Region:
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Europe — 3,785
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North America — 3,451
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Oceania — 753
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Central & South America — 568
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Asia — 328
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Africa — 253
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Caribbean — 192
Las Vegas leads in the number of casinos in a single city (60). Macau leads in density.
Conclusion
The global gambling industry is a market worth paying attention to today. If you are planning to purchase a turnkey casino, launch your own platform, or test ideas in an MVP format, 2025 offers excellent opportunities.
Online casinos are not just about games. They represent a complex, technology-driven business with a global audience and strong growth potential.