It has been over a decade since online gambling started making waves in the digital gaming market, and operators continue to thrive. This year, gaming researchers anticipate that there will be even more growth in 2014, as online gambling around the world is estimated to bring in $45 billion by the end of the year. iGamingBusiness teamed up with H2 Gambling Capital to analyse the direction of gambling the coming year.
According to the report, global gambling operators saw a 4.9% increase in profits and brought in $490 billion in 2013. The interactive gambling market saw even more growth, as operators brought in 7.1% more revenue and activity, bringing profits up to $40 billion. By the end of this year, global gaming is expected to be worth $513 billion while online gambling will be worth $45 billion.
There is room for significant growth in both online and land-based gaming markets, and it is up to casino operators to take advantage of the potential. The report notes that Asia will be the biggest grower in 2014. Home to Macau, the world’s newest and most successful gambling destination, Asian land-based revenue is expected to increase significantly.
Other countries that will see growth are located in Africa, legal changes are liberating the gambling markets in African countries. When it comes to online gambling, European countries will lead the way. While some countries still have to make way for online gambling legislation, the continent is home to some of the biggest gamblers, who would help boost the igaming industry in Europe.
“iGaming remains the area with the most potential as in some of the Scandic markets it accounts for nearly 40% of gross win now and across the European Union the average is 13.7%,” says Simon Holliday, director of H2. “If all markets were fully regulated and developed interactive gambling would probably account for in the region of 20% of global gambling today”.
About the Author
