These are the world’s biggest gambling nations

Estimates suggest that one in four people worldwide has tried gambling at some point in their lives.

However, not all countries have the same stance on gambling. In some nations, it is a part of everyday life, while in others, it is strictly regulated or even completely banned.

Which countries dominate the global gambling market, and where is gambling particularly popular?

1.     Australia

Australia has long been one of the world’s largest gambling markets, with online casinos and betting sites firmly established as part of the country’s digital gambling culture.

An estimated two out of five Australians gamble weekly, with men spending significantly more on gambling than women.

On average, an Australian spends as much as $1,288 per year on gambling.

Despite its popularity, gambling in Australia is subject to strict regulations under the Interactive Gambling Act. This prohibits domestic companies from offering online casino games and sports betting services.

As a result, many Australians turn to offshore operators, many of which hold a license from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), listed on kaikkimgakasinot.fi, for example.

2.     United States

The United States continues its rapid rise as a dominant gambling nation.

The repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 allowed individual states to legalise sports betting and online gambling.

According to statistics, 49% of U.S. adults engaged in some form of gambling in 2023. One of the most popular gambling activities is the lottery, with approximately 37% of the population participating that same year.

Betting also peaks during major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, with billions of dollars circulating in the betting market.

Online casino gaming in the U.S., however, is regulated at the state level. While federal law does not fully regulate online gambling, individual states have the authority to decide whether to allow online casinos within their jurisdictions.

3.     Canada

Around two-thirds of Canadians report participating in gambling each year, with men engaging in it more frequently than women.

While casinos operate across Canada’s ten provinces, the lottery remains the country’s largest source of gambling revenue, with approximately 65% of the population taking part.

Online casino gaming is also experiencing strong growth nationwide. Between 2024 and 2029, the online gambling market is expected to expand by as much as 6.39%.

4.     Finland

Finland has a strong gambling culture, with a wide variety of games available and a passionate approach to gambling.

The most popular forms of gambling include the weekly lottery and slot machines, but Finns also actively play on international online casinos.

A significant portion of Finnish gambling money flows to foreign online casinos. High return-to-player (RTP) rates, casino bonus, and extensive game selections attract many Finns to foreign operators.

Statistics show that Finns spend more money on gambling per capita than any other nation in Europe.

In total, Finns spend around €3 billion on gambling annually, which averages over €500 per resident.

Finland is currently transitioning to a licensing system, which could further increase gambling activity in the country.

5.     United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the world's largest gambling markets, regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

The Gambling Act of 2005 legalised and regulated online gambling, contributing to the industry's rapid growth. The UKGC enforces strict rules and consumer protection measures to ensure fair play.

The country's gambling economy flourished, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, as online gambling saw a sharp rise.

Today, around 48% of the UK population engages in some form of gambling. One-fifth participate only in the National Lottery, while one-quarter also take part in other gambling activities.

On average, Britons spend approximately €58 per month on gambling. Between 2024 and 2028, the online gambling market in the UK is expected to grow by 4.05%.

What do these nations have in common?

While psychological studies repeatedly highlight that the chance of winning is one of the biggest reasons for gambling’s popularity, there is always more to the equation.

If the pursuit of winnings were the sole driving force, the entire world would resemble one giant Las Vegas. Gambling, after all, is about much more than just chasing for money.

One common factor among the world's biggest gambling nations is a strong player protection framework. Countries with significant gambling industries have invested heavily in regulations and oversight, ensuring that players can gamble safely and with confidence.

Well-regulated markets, where players feel secure, foster an environment where fair play is guaranteed, and gambling remains an enjoyable activity without fear of fraud or exploitation.

The largest gambling nations take fair gaming and RNG (Random Number Generator) testing seriously. Additionally, deposit and loss limits are either mandatory or strongly recommended in many jurisdictions.

Global gambling statistics

While gambling is clearly more popular in certain countries, an estimated 26% of the world’s population has gambled at some point in their lives.

The economic value of this global phenomenon is massive and continues to grow.

The total value of the global casino industry was estimated at $249 billion in 2022 and surged to $540 billion in 2023.

The sector is expected to continue expanding, reaching $754.78 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 5.1%.

• There are over 176 million active online gamblers, a figure projected to reach 210 million by 2025.
• 127.8 million users engage in online sports betting, with this number expected to grow to 156.9 million by 2025.
• Online casinos have 95.1 million users, with projections indicating an increase to 112 million by 2025.
• Desktop devices accounted for 45% of online gambling activity in 2022.
• Europe held the largest share of the online gambling market, generating 41% of global online gambling revenue in 2022.

Disclaimer: Players must be 18 years + to partake in any gambling, betting or casino activity. Players are urged to seek help if they require it. Players play at their own risk.