Global online gambling revenue hit $78.66 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to $153.57 billion by 2030 – an 11.9% compound annual growth rate. That kind of trajectory makes iGaming one of the fastest-expanding entertainment categories on the planet. The real question is not whether the sector will grow, but who will control the largest share of it when 2030 arrives.
The Current Market Landscape
The US market is heavily concentrated. DraftKings holds close to 33% of US iGaming gross gaming revenue, driven by early-mover advantage in markets like New Jersey and high barriers to entry including content partnerships and state-level game certification.
Globally, the picture looks different. The top five iGaming operators account for only around 22.6% of the global market, reflecting the variety of regulatory frameworks across Europe, North America, and beyond. Europe remains the largest regulated cluster, with online gambling making up 39% of total European gambling revenue in 2024.
The Operators Best Placed for 2030
Several companies already combine the scale, brand recognition, and infrastructure needed to remain competitive through the rest of the decade.
- DraftKings – dominant US iGaming share, with further upside if states like Indiana, Maryland, or California legalise online casino products
- Bet365 – a recognised global leader in sports betting and casino, with reported expansion into Brazil
- Flutter Entertainment – a diversified international portfolio built through FanDuel and other regional brands
- Entain – an active consolidation strategy, including a 2024 bid for Tabcorp
- Evolution Gaming – the live-dealer infrastructure provider that powers many of the operators above, reinforced by its $2.1 billion acquisition of NetEnt
How AI is Reshaping Competition
Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the clearest dividing lines between operators. AI-driven personalisation is producing longer sessions and more frequent deposits, with platform integration among operators reportedly rising from around 60% in 2025 towards a projected 85% by 2026.
Compliance is another area where AI is making a tangible difference. Regulators across established markets are tightening player protection requirements, and operators that can automate those processes across multiple jurisdictions hold a meaningful efficiency advantage.
Mobile and Payments
Mobile already accounts for 53.65% of online gambling revenue, and that share is still growing. The 18-24 demographic is driving the fastest expansion at a projected 11.98% CAGR through 2031.
Payment infrastructure is shifting too. Instant withdrawals, digital wallets, and growing cryptocurrency adoption are all reducing friction. The crypto-gambling sector has already been valued at over $65 billion, with stablecoins expected to represent a growing share of transactions in 2026.
What Could Change the Rankings
- New US state legalisations, particularly California, could produce a rapid shift in market share
- Stricter responsible gambling legislation may favour operators with stronger compliance infrastructure
- Further consolidation through M&A remains likely across all major markets
- Crypto-native platforms could grow into leadership positions not yet visible in current data
The operators leading iGaming today have scale and infrastructure on their side. Whether that is enough to hold position through 2030 will depend largely on how quickly regulation evolves and who moves fastest to capitalise on it.
