Global Gambling Boom Accelerates as Online Betting Dominates Markets
Gambling continues to grow worldwide, with online betting leading the surge. New figures show record spending and participation across Europe, the U.S., and New Zealand in recent years. The trend is expected to accelerate further by 2026. In 2021, the U.S. topped global gambling spending, ranking first in both overall and land-based categories. Japan led in interactive-only gambling that year, followed by the UK and the U.S. New Zealand also featured prominently, placing sixth in average net gambling spend per adult.
Europe’s gambling market saw a 23% revenue increase in 2022, reaching €81.1 billion—up from 2020’s total. Online gambling alone is projected to hit $126.3 billion in Europe by 2026. Meanwhile, the U.S. recorded its highest-ever gambling revenue in 2022, with $54.93 billion spent by November. New Zealand’s TAB NZ reported a rise in digital betting, with 250,000 customers using its online platforms in the past year. Weekly active bettors also grew by 8,000 between August 2022 and the same period in 2021. The shift reflects the broader global move toward online gaming, which remains more popular than ever in 2023.
The gambling industry’s expansion shows no signs of slowing. Digital platforms are driving growth, with Europe and the U.S. setting new revenue records. New Zealand’s rising online participation mirrors this global upward trend.
