Online gambling market expected worth $35 billion by 2029
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When it comes to entertainment and commerce, very few sectors have enjoyed such a meteoric rise to the top of the growth charts, like the online gambling industry, where the two have come together seamlessly. Over the past ten years, the online gambling industry has undergone a digital revolution, changing how people play these games of chance and skill, allowing the industry to reach never-before-seen heights. According to recent reports, the online gambling market will be worth a colossal $35 billion by 2029, making it one of the most lucrative spaces in the world. This article looks at how this could happen, what this could mean for the wider gambling industry, and what the key motivating factors might be.
Technology is advancing rapidly, which bodes well for the online entertainment and gambling industry, especially those seeking more immersive experiences. With smartphones becoming a mainstay in our pockets and high-speed internet more accessible than ever, consumers have instant access to online platforms, such as the BetMGM Online Casino, where they can play various games.
This becomes even more gripping when we consider virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, which have the potential to blur the lines between the virtual and physical worlds and further elevate the online gambling experience. Once this technology becomes more mainstream, we expect to see more casinos integrate it, which could replace (or at least extend the reach of) traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.
With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms becoming more powerful with each passing day, we expect players to be able to play again in the house without ever knowing — bots are likely to have unique, human-like personalities. If all of this can come together and casinos can find the perfect balance, this could go a long way in ensuring that the online gambling industry will meet that $35 billion market value by 2029.
Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion
Another critical factor that can’t be overlooked when forecasting the growth of the online gambling industry is the ever-changing regulatory environment, which will be crucial to market expansion and diversification. This is a relatively new phenomenon, so governments have been slow to introduce restrictive legislation, which has benefited online casinos and betting shops.
However, in recent years, many governments worldwide have started to recognize the economic potential of legalizing and regulating online gambling, which has led to a wave of reforms aimed at legitimizing the industry while safeguarding consumers. There’s still a long way to go, and there needs to be greater protections in place for consumers, but finding the right balance is essential for continued, sustainable growth.
In the United States, which is a pivotal market when it comes to online gambling, we are seeing sports betting, in particular, become more commonplace after decades of regulation and blacklisting. What was once outlawed due to fears of corruption has become a mainstay in sports arenas and college campuses, allowing the likes of DraftKings and Fanatics to become household names relatively quickly.
Shifting Consumer Behaviors and Demographics
Fast-changing consumer demographics in the United States will play a vital role in the trajectory of the online gambling industry, and while much of this is still unknown, there are some insights we can gain from current trends.
We know that Gen Z is less competitive when playing games, as seen with the new version of Scrabble, and they’re more likely to play on their mobile phones instead of desktop.
The pandemic accelerated this preference for online experience because we were forced to opt for this, so when things opened up again, people were happy sticking with what they’d been doing for the past few years. According to Survation, as reported in The Guardian, gambling did not suffer a dip during the lockdowns despite the lack of real-world sports, suggesting a shift to chance-based online casino games.
We are seeing online gambling become a daily fixture in our lives. From television and online video ads to sponsorships on sports jerseys, it’s become a mainstay in modern culture.
Gambling is becoming more socially acceptable in most parts of society, appealing to both casual players and seasoned professionals, which is largely thanks to its increased accessibility. Overall, the online gambling market now caters to a diverse audience spanning various age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, which will help the market reach a value of $35 billion by 2029.
Embracing the Future of Online Gambling
As we continue on our path toward a more digital age, the online gambling industry looks set for a period of unprecedented growth and innovation. While many fluctuating factors influence this outcome, it is a real possibility and has the potential to change how we play forever. From technological advancements to shifting consumer sentiment toward gambling, this is a fascinating time for the wider gambling industry.
