What are the Biggest iGaming Markets in the World?
Throughout human history, gambling has always changed and adapted to the times. When it was illegal, gambling dens would open in secret throughout densely populated areas, maintained by a criminal element. When it was legal it was played in public, out in the open. And once it was too big to be played on the streets, the casinos began to open.
The first casino opened in the 1600s, in Italy. Since then, these establishments have just begun to pop up, one after the other. The peak of the casino culture was reached in the 20th century, when Las Vegas was erected in the middle of Nevada.
However, the old must give way to the new. And in our current era of science, technology and information, the land-based casino has largely been replaced by online gambling sites.
What is iGaming?
iGaming refers to the online casino industry. An industry that is on the rise. In 2022, just as many people (if not more) use online casinos as they are in land-based casinos. The traditionally male-dominated industry has also expanded, to the point that there are far more women signing up for online casinos than men.
A lot of countries are also adopting and legalizing online gambling, hoping to get a slice of the pie. So, let us take a look at the countries where the iGaming industry is on the rise, or already established. Where is the iGaming market thriving the most?
Australia
Australia has just recently made it legal to play at online casinos. As soon as the bill legalizing these websites passed, real money casinos in Australia opened nationwide. Already, the emerging market has become one of the biggest in the world.
As is the case in the rest of the world, the most popular game in Australian online casinos is slots (or pokies, as they are known Down Under). However, other games are also played, including blackjack, poker, and baccarat.
The United Kingdom
The UK was among the first countries to legalize online gambling. And it is precisely for this reason that the online gambling market in the UK is unrivaled. UK-based gambling websites are unmatched in terms of attendance.
The best part about it is, most of these websites are licensed by the Great Britain Gambling Commission, which means they are safe and secure. And considering the GBGC is an internationally-approved license, the games can be played all over the world.
The United States of America
Of course, we have to mention the United States. The country does not have a federal law that has legalized gambling, however, certain states have made online casinos legal in their territories. New Jersey is the most prominent, and the one where iGaming is most popular.
Other states where online casinos have been legalized and are consistently and widely used are Pennsylvania, Nevada, Delaware, Michigan and West Virginia. All six US states that allow iGaming have reported impressive profits from the industry.