Global gambling market is growing almost three times faster than the world economy

The global gambling market is showing impressive growth dynamics, far outpacing the global economy. According to The Business Research Company, its volume will increase from $572.55 billion in 2024 to $618.69 billion in 2025, providing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. For comparison, the average annual growth of global GDP over the past 10 years, according to the World Bank, was only 3.1%. What is behind such a rapid development of the gambling industry and what trends are shaping its future?

One of the key drivers of growth is the legalization of sports betting in various countries, which opens up new markets and attracts millions of users. For example, in the United States, this segment became one of the most profitable after federal restrictions on sports betting were lifted in 2018.

At the same time, the integration of advanced technologies is transforming the industry: live betting which allows users to make predictions on the outcomes of competitions in real timepersonalized interfaces, and instant payouts have become the standard for modern platforms.

Another powerful driver of growth in the gambling market is the rising interest in esports. Tournaments in games such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and others attract not only a younger audience but also bookmakers, who now offer a wider range of bets on these events. According to experts, the esports betting market could reach $20 billion by 2025.

The gambling industry is actively introducing innovations that change the user experience. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies allow creating immersive casinos and simulations of sports events, which makes gambling more exciting. For example, VR casinos are already being tested in Europe and Asia, offering players the feeling of being at the gaming table.

The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies also plays an important role. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies offer anonymity and fast transactions, which is especially appealing to players in regions with strict financial regulations.

At the same time, mobile apps are becoming the primary channel for accessing gambling services. According to research, more than 60% of bets in 2024 were placed via smartphones.

An interesting trend is the increasing share of women among users of gambling services. In the past, gambling was considered a predominantly male domain. However, gambling operators are now tailoring their marketing strategies to appeal more to female audiences, offering social games, themed slot machines, and a variety of bonuses.

Eastern Europe is one of the most dynamic regions for gambling development, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing internet penetration, and a growing interest in digital entertainment. Ukraine, in particular, stands out in this segment due to the high mobility of its market. According to analysts, Ukrainian users prefer mobile platforms, and the legalization of gambling in 2020 led to the emergence of new licensed operators and increased market competition.

After the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022, the domestic offline gambling sector suffered significant losses that have not yet been recovered. However, the online segment not only rebounded quickly after the initial decline during the first year of the war but is also growing steadily. It now offers high-quality services comparable to those of leading European and global gambling markets.

Overall, the global gambling market is growing almost three times faster than the global economy, driven by a combination of legislative changes, technological innovations, and emerging cultural trends. From live betting and VR casinos to cryptocurrency transactions and esports, the industry is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of the modern user.

Eastern Europe and Ukraine in particular is playing an increasingly significant role in this dynamic landscape, emerging as a hub for digital gambling.

In 2025, the market is expected to continue its rapid expansion, setting new standards in both entertainment and technology.

Yes, entertainment and technology. Because the gambling industry is not just a leisure sector, but also an integral part of the global internet economy, where modern technologies are key to ensuring both appeal and user comfort.any, його обсяг збільшиться з $572,55 млрд у 2024 році до $618,69 млрд у 2025-му, забезпечуючи середньорічний темп приросту (CAGR) на рівні 8,1%. Для порівняння, середній річний приріст світового ВВП за останні 10 років, за даними Всесвітнього банку, становив лише 3,1%. Що стоїть за таким стрімким розвитком гемблінг-індустрії та які тенденції формують її майбутнє? Детальніше