In this article, we discuss the 15 biggest gambling countries in the world. If you want to read about some more gambling countries, go directly to 5 Biggest Gambling Countries In The World.
Gambling, also known as betting, involves wagering something of value, with an uncertain outcome on the line. Gambling is generally referred to as a combination of consideration, risk, and a prize. A few examples include instant lotteries, Bingo, betting on billiards or pool, card games, and casino games. Globally, gambling is perceived as a harmless or low-risk social activity for participants of all ages. Teenagers engage in both regulated and non-regulated forms of gambling. Gambling is one of the biggest industries in the world.
The commercial casino industry has seen significant growth over the last few decades as licensed casinos have expanded to new markets and generated record-breaking revenue figures. According to a recent report, the market size of the casino and online gambling industry worldwide reached a total of $231 billion in 2021. Online gambling alone is expected to exceed $114 billion in size before the end of this decade, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 11% over the forecast period that runs up to 2028.
Rapid urbanization is one of the key factors driving the growth of the market, in addition to the increasing penetration of the internet across the globe. Furthermore, legalization and the cultural approval of online betting in various developed countries is also providing a boost to the gambling market. Online sports companies are also attaining high-profile sponsorships with various football and racing clubs, helping attract new users. Convenient access to online casinos through mobile phones is also creating a positive impact.
Some of the biggest gambling companies in the world include Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN), MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM), and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS). These operate in some of the biggest gambling hubs in the world found in countries such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and China, among others discussed in detail below. Even though the pandemic brought the industry to a standstill, the gambling market has recovered and is on the growth track once again.
Our Methodology
These were picked from a careful assessment of the gambling industry. The countries are ranked according to the gambling gross win in each country, as assessed by H2 Gambling Capital. The details of each gambling country are mentioned alongside a discussion around top firms in the sector in order to provide readers with some context for their investment decisions.
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Biggest Gambling Countries In The World
15. Netherlands
Total Gambling Gross Win: $3 Billion
Gambling in the Netherlands is regulated by the gaming authority, KSA, which enforces provisions of the Dutch Gambling Act of 1964. The Holland Casino is one of the biggest gambling firms in the country but has reduced in popularity in recent years as the focus shifts away from physical stores to online gambling. The Netherlands has steadily become one of the biggest gambling countries in the world over the past few years. It has a rich history in the betting world. One of the oldest lotteries of the world, called Staatsloterij, has been played in the country since 1726. The Netherlands has popular casinos such as Haarlemmermeerse Bos, Holland Casino Valkenburg, Holland Casino Venlo, and Gran Casino Tiel. The country is working to make flexible legislation and focus on the internet gaming sector to achieve higher tax revenues from local and international operators and players in the gambling universe.
Just like Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN), MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM), and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) in the US, the Netherlands is home to some of the biggest gambling establishments in the world.
14. Russia
Total Gambling Gross Win: $4 Billion
Russia, one of the largest countries in the world with an area of 6,612,074 sq miles and population of 144 million, is gradually becoming one of the leading gambling countries in the world as well. The country had strict legislation regarding gambling during the former Soviet Union in the 1920s, but these were eased during the 1990s. Online gambling is prohibited in the country, but the land based gambling market has been thriving since 1987. Some of the prominent land-based gambling casinos in Russia are Kazino Sochi, Shambhala Casino, Casino Sobranie, ltai Palace Casino, and Crystal and Tigre De Cristal Resort & Casino. These casinos are based in few of the regions where the government has allowed gambling. Russia has attracted tourists and locals to take part in these gambling activities as these casinos are some of Europe’s finest ones, offering a wide variety of games to the players.
13. Philippines
Total Gambling Gross Win: $5 Billion
The Philippines has become one of the best tourist spots for gambling over the years. The gambling sector is governed and controlled by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, which is the country’s government-owned department. The country, with 115 million population and an area of 115,831 sq miles, has several casino resort businesses. The tourists are attracted to the country for not only its beautiful islands but also casinos, such as Resorts World, and City of Dreams, among others. There are more than fifty casinos, private and publicly-owned, in the country. The popular games, Sabong and e-Sabong, have continued to generate $1 billion in revenue for gambling companies every year, and hold a cultural importance for the locals.
12. Singapore
Total Gambling Gross Win: $6 Billion
Singapore is one the leading gambling countries in the world, although it is also one of the smallest in terms of overall area and population, with 5.8 million population and an area of 277 square miles. Singapore Pools, which is a state-sponsored lottery company, was founded in 1968 and got permission to begin sports betting as well. This led towards more revenue generation for the government, which gradually made more gambling-friendly laws. The government recently awarded two casino licenses, to the Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands, which are some of the biggest casinos in the world. The latter, popular as a resort for multi-millionaires, has over 2,500 gaming machines. The country has one of the highest annual gambling losses per person in the world.
11. Spain
Total Gambling Gross Win: $10 Billion
Spain, with an area of 195,364 square miles and population of 47 million, is one of the biggest gambling countries in the world with a rich history in gambling. Many former emperors and their families were obsessed with gambling and lotteries. The country legalized gambling in 1981, although it had been popular as a sport for centuries. It is estimated that almost 80% of adults in the country play the popular Christmas lottery game called El Gordo which generates almost $1 billion every year. Spain is also one of the leading markets for the sports betting industry. Major international sports events, such as the Spanish Grand Prix and Madrid Masters, attract many sports bettors. There is the traditional bullfighting every year as well that makes the country more famous in the gambling and betting markets.
10. South Korea
Total Gambling Gross Win: $11 Billion
South Korea is one of the leading gambling countries in the world with a population of 51 million and an area of 38,623 sq miles. However, casinos and sports betting continue to be a risky venture in the country due to strict legislations. In recent years, the country has allowed leniency towards land-based gambling casinos for tourists and expatriate residents. Notably, the gambling market in the country includes casinos, lotteries, bingo, poker and betting. The popular land-based casinos are Seven Luck Casino Gangbuk, Paradise City Casino, Seven Luck Casino Busan Lotte, and Majestar Casino Jeju Island, among many more which attract tourists from around the world.
9. France
Total Gambling Gross Win: $13 Billion
France, with an area 212,900 square miles and population of 67 million, holds a prominent place in the gambling industry of the world. It is famous for its casinos, especially in Paris and Cannes. There are over 300 casinos in the country, which makes it one of the leading gambling countries in the world. Other than gambling casinos, the country hosts sporting events such as the French Open, the Tour De France and the Rugby Six, which have attracted the sports betting industry. Moreover, high profile horse races, such as Chantilly, take place in France. The country also has some of the best poker players in the world. The gambling laws in the country are some of the most lenient in Europe.
8. Canada
Total Gambling Gross Win: $14 Billion
Canada is one of the biggest gambling countries in the world, with an area of 3.8 million square miles and population of 38 million. It is rated one of the best places to live with a high quality of life. One of the reasons why the gambling industry is thriving in the area is because of a stable economy. The country is home to gambling and sports betting, with studies claiming that 75% of adult Canadians have gambled once in their lives. Notably, lottery tickets are attached to Christmas gifts, which show the importance of lottery games in the local culture. Furthermore, Canadians have a liking for American sports, such as Ice Hockey, which has increased sports betting in the country. Several other winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding tournaments, also play a major role in sports betting.
7. Germany
Total Gambling Gross Win: $16 Billion
Germany, with a population of 83 million and area of 137,847 sq miles, is known as one of the leading gambling countries of the world. Germany has recently liberalized the German Gaming Law (GGL). The changes mean that private gambling operators have been permitted to offer their service on the German market, but through proper licensing. Some of the biggest casinos in the country include DUISBURG, BADEN-BADEN, Berlin, Hamburg, and Konstanz. Online sports betting and online gaming are on the rise in the country as well. There are more than 400 gambling establishments in the country, which include land-based casinos with resorts. Poker games are considered favorite games in German casinos, such as Omaha, Texas Hold-em and Seven Card Stud.
6. Australia
Total Gambling Gross Win: $18 Billion
Australia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the stability has allowed for citizens to explore recreational avenues to spend their money. New South Wales is the most popular gambling region in the country and also has the highest number of casinos. Notably, the slot machines and poker games are most popular among Australians. Not only gambling, but sports betting also has a major contribution to the economy. International sports events, such the Australian Open and the Ashes, have their own sports betting markets.
In addition to Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN), MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM), and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) in the US, Australia is home to some of the biggest gambling establishments in the world.
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Disclosure. None. 15 Biggest Gambling Countries In The World is originally published on Insider Monkey.