The big question everyone is beginning to ask is this: can the iGaming industry actually outpace tech giants in raising capital? It might seem unlikely at first, especially after years where Big Tech dominated investment news. But the landscape has shifted since the massive 2020–2022 tech boom, and growth among major tech companies has begun to slow.
At the same time, regulated online gaming stocks are drawing fresh attention from investors who see new markets opening and clearer rules taking shape. Every time a country updates its regulations, the ripple effect brings new companies, new technology, and new funding into the space.
Because the iGaming market is smaller, these jumps look much bigger on the growth charts compared to the more mature tech sector. Put all of this together, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year where the underdog might post faster growth than the giants—at least in percentage terms. In this article, we will take a closer look at the investment trends 2025 to:
- Compare how much iGaming and big tech companies are raising.
- Highlight the growth rate differences between big tech and iGaming sectors.
- Show the factors driving growth in both sectors.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand how both sectors are performing in the market and know which side is gaining or falling behind in terms of investment.
How Big Tech Companies Compare to the iGaming Market
It’s no surprise that tech companies dominate a part of the market, especially big names — Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook. These companies handle many of the things we use today, including digital payments, streaming services, social media apps, and operating systems etc. Even though these big tech companies have been around for a while, their combined market value reached a peak of about USD 3.4 trillion during the pandemic in 2020.
The boom happened because people couldn’t leave their homes for an extended period. So, the majority turned to the internet for their work meetings, entertainment, and every other thing. The increased activity didn’t mean tech companies got more money from users alone; investors around the world also bought into the hype. But the tech market boom was short-lived, ending for good reasons in Q1 2022.
Many people accepted the new norm and moved back to their lives in the real world, which meant less time spent on their devices. As a result, big tech companies had to switch their operating models and adapt to the change. Their combined market value also plummeted, and people became more cautious and reluctant to invest in tech products, drastically slowing growth.
On the other hand, the iGaming sector took a new look in the global market. Recent market statistics confirm steady growth in the industry. Expert insights from a leading gaming review portal for top-rated casino sites also highlight this rapid expansion. “These platforms help users play online safely and play smart,” says Jessica Langille.
As a result, the iGaming industry is becoming a strong contender against major tech companies. Big investors and businesses pump money into these betting products. This fuels the market value, making them a major rival against big tech companies.
Investment Projections for 2024 to 2025: iGaming vs. Big Tech
According to current market statistics and trends, the iGaming scene is gaining traction. This is because it creates just as many investment opportunities as it offers exclusive betting access.
As it stands, the iGaming market attracts capital through venture funding, initial public offerings (IPOs), and mergers & acquisitions. The table below compares how much money the iGaming sector made in 2024 with the expected figures and investment trends for 2025:
| Funding Channel | 2024 Capital | 2025 Projection | Growth Rate |
| Venture Funding | USD 4.8 Billion | USD 5. Billion | 10% |
| Initial Public Offering (IPOs) | USD 500 Million | USD 600 Million | 20% |
| Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) | USD 10.5 Billion | USD 12.6 Billion | 20% |
Even with the switch, investing in big tech companies remains popular today. This is because a lot of these companies still rely on organic growth, direct revenue, and cash flow from their users. But they move more slowly than the iGaming scene when it comes to investing. Here is a closer look at how big tech companies performed last year in comparison to 2025’s projection:
| Company | 2024 Revenue | 2025’s Projection | Growth Rate |
| Apple | USD 391 Billion | USD 416 Billion | 6.4% |
| USD 350 Billion | USD 360 Billion | 10% | |
| Facebook (Meta) | USD 164.5 Billion | USD 175 Billion | 6.4% |
| Microsoft | USD 245.1 Billion | USD 281.7 Billion | 14.9% |
| Amazon | USD 638 Billion | USD 694 Billion | 8.7% |
Why iGaming Is Accelerating Faster Than Big Tech
There are several factors responsible for the current investment hike in the iGaming scene. This ranges from crossing into new regions to integrating modern technologies into post-COVID growth.
Each of these factors paints a picture of the number of people using gambling sites frequently and what attracts them. At this pace, the iGaming market value could exceed USD 150 billion by 2030. Below is a detailed breakdown of the driving forces in the iGaming scene:
Legalization in New Markets
Many countries are now legalizing casino operations, creating space for online platforms and sportsbooks to thrive. Upon entering new markets, these sites offer special promos to attract new customers and generate more revenue. These expansions generated additional capital through venture funding and strategic deals.
Technological Innovations
Gone are the days, betting was only possible through mortar-and-brick establishments. However, the advent of mobile casinos has been a game-changer. People can now easily bet on their smartphones and PCs without leaving their comfort zone.
Many of these betting sites use AI tools to create personalized recommendations and integrate fintech solutions like crypto and e-wallets. All of these ultimately attract players and increase the iGaming market value.
Post-Covid Growth
During the pandemic, many people found it easier to unwind and have fun by betting at online casinos. As a result, the iGaming market value rose by more than 60% year over year. Even after COVID-19 ended, a large number of people still couldn’t return to traditional betting. And over time, more and more people joined the online betting trend.
Notable iGaming Deals Between 2024 to 2025
The iGaming scene is filled with collaborations. This includes platforms and fintechs, gaming providers and operators, etc. In fact, some big names in the space have recently landed major deals that also contribute to the ongoing growth. Below are some noteworthy case studies:
- Evolution Gaming bought Livespins for USD 5.4 million.
- Allwyn purchased a 70% stake in Instant Win Gaming (IWG).
- Flutter spent USD 1.8 billion to purchase Scientific Games’ online gaming division.
Challenges the iGaming Market Faces in 2025
Even with a growing user base and capital raised in recent years, the iGaming scene remains susceptible to a few challenges. All of which makes it harder for a lot of operators to plan long-term investments. Here are some of the challenges that are affecting the iGaming market in 2025:
- Regulatory Unpredictability: So far, many countries welcome betting sites. However, laws can change within the twinkle of an eye. This puts the market in a tight position by making it unpredictable.
- Market Saturation: Nowadays, there are too many betting sites and casino operators. This makes it harder for anyone to retain their customers for a long period.
- Data Security: One of the main issues still dominating the iGaming scene is security. A lot of bettors are now aware of the implications of data breaches and other security threats.
- Responsible Gaming Compliance: Betting sites are required to implement tools and adhere to specific regulations in order to operate. Failure to comply could lead to revoked licenses, fines, and more.
Conclusion: Is iGaming in the Lead?
In summary, the iGaming scene is poised to dominate the global market. Since the pandemic in 2020, a lot of casino operators, providers, and platforms have made their way into international markets and generated revenue in various ways. Some of these sites even integrate modern technologies just to draw new players and make online gaming more intuitive.
All of these factors attract global investors to the iGaming market, and they fund it by buying IPOs, investing through venture capital, and more. But as the pandemic-fueled growth in iGaming use, its aftermath slowed the pace of the tech sector, especially big names like Facebook, Google, and others. If both markets keep their current rates, iGaming could outpace the big tech companies within a few years.
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