In this blog, we’ll be discussing the top 20 biggest gambling countries around the globe. We’ll also be discussing exactly why these countries are doing so well in terms of the gross total gambling’s winning.
Gambling, oftentimes also recognised as betting, includes betting on something of value, with an undetermined end result on the line. Gambling is normally referred to as a merging of risk, consideration and a prize. A few instances include rapid lotteries, betting on pool or billiards, casino games as well as many more. Worldwide, gambling is thought of as a low-risk-harmless social activity for people of all age groups. Teenagers participated in both non-regulated and regulated forms of gambling. One of the biggest industries in the world is gambling.
The commercial casino sector has seen an outstanding growth over the last couple of decades as licensed casinos have expanded to new markets and have spawned record-breaking profit figures. According to a latest report, the market size of the online gambling and casino industry globally has reached a staggering total of $231 billion in 2021. Online gambling by itself is anticipated to exceed $114 billion in size before the end of the decade, with a complex annual expansion rate of approximately 11% over the anticipated time frame that runs up to 2028.
Quick urbanization is one of the main factors piloting the expansion of the market, in addition to the growing penetration of the internet across the world. Additionally, legalization and the cultural acceptance of online betting in different developed countries is also offering a hike to the gambling market. Online sports firms are also getting into high-profile sponsorships with different racing and football clubs, helping fascinate new players. Easy access to online casinos through cell phones is also developing a positive impact.
Below we have handpicked and carefully scrutinized these countries who are the top 20 in the gambling industry worldwide. Details of each country is mentioned along with their total gross wins among a few other details.
1. United States of America
Total Gambling Gross Win – $119 Billion
The top leading country in the gambling market worldwide is the US with the highest gross win every single year. With an area of 3.7 million square miles and a population of 333 million, the U.S. is the most powerful country in the world. This country is a worldwide hub for sports activities, hosting the NFL Super Bowl, NBA Finals and Major League Baseball. Sports betting is one of the favorite activities in the nation which has provided a strong momentum to betting firms to attain increased profits annually. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports betting in all the 50 states just recently. The largest casinos in the world are found in this country, more specifically in Las Vegas, which is the world’s gambling center. Some of the famous casinos are WinStar World Casino Resort Thackerville, Borgata Hotel Casino, Mohegan Sun Casino Uncasville among many others.
2. China
Total Gambling Gross Win – 70 Billion
Another country that is considered the biggest gambling nation in the world is China. The online gambling industry is anticipated to touch $14.7 billion by 2027 from the $9.2 billion in 2021. Although China comes in the top 5 leading gambling sectors of the globe, the government of the nation does not allow gambling, which is thought to be illegal. However, games such as card games, online casino games and mahjong, all of which include some form of gambling, have attained immerse importance in the local culture.
3. Japan
Total Gambling Gross Win – $50 Billion
Japan, with an area of 378,000 sq miles and a population of 126 million, is one of the most secure economies in the world. Although Japan is included in the top 5 biggest gambling countries in the world, there are legal constraints of most sorts of gambling under the nation’s Criminal Code Chapter 23. There are omissions, such as horse racing and sports betting. The country has banned cash rewards in gambling, so the winnings are traded as chocolate bars, cigarettes and other such petty items. The famous game, Pachinko, now functions on LCD technology, and has an industry size of $200 billion. In 2021, the online gambling sector in Japan touched $6.7 billion in size.
4. India
Total Gambling Gross Win – $39 Billion
Based on a Forbes article, India took the fourth place in the sum spent on gambling and they touched $140 billion. Individuals with decent incomes in India normally speak English, which makes it more efficient to advertise in English rather than in Hindi. India is one of the rapidly growing GEOs for online gambling. The online casino gaming activities are not regulated in any way and there are no bans on advertising. Additionally, the Supreme Court of the country in 2016 made a proposal to legalize the betting of sports in the country.
5. Italy
Total Gambling Gross Win – $20 Billion
Having a rich history of gambling and multiple shareholders of casino games have origins from Italy. For instance, Baccarat is an Italian game which goes back to the 17th century. Popular roulette systems, including the Fibonacci, were introduced by the Italians. Since 2008 this European nation has relaxed its gambling regulations and since then the gambling industry has been booming. With more than 15 casinos Venice an dMilan are the major gambling hubs. Aside from gambling, one of the leading industries for sports betting through Rome Masters tennis tournament and football tournaments is Italy.
6. United Kingdom
Total Gambling Gross Win – $19 Billion
With an area of 700 sq miles and a population of 69 million, the United Kingdom is one of the biggest gambling nations globally. Post pandemic the British gambling sector has experienced a significant boom. This year, the sector attained higher profits through not only gambling, but also through sports betting and games, and online gambling. This place is also home to some of the finest casinos in the world such as the Villento Casino, Aspers Casino and many others. Based on the UK Gambling Commission, in 2021, both the online and remote betting showcased the largest sectors of the industry, with sum wagers capturing 2.3% of the entire industry.
7. Australia
Total Gambling Gross Win – $18 Billion
One of the rapidly growing economies of the world and stability has permitted citizens to discover various recreational activities to spend their money on is Australia. With the highest number of casinos New South Wales is the most popular gambling region in the world. Remarkably, poker and slot machine games are the most popular among the natives. Not just gambling, but sports betting as well has a significant contribution to the country’s economy. International sports tournaments, such as the Ashes and the Australian Open, have their own set of sports betting markets.
8. Germany
Total Gambling Gross Win – $16 Billion
With 137,847 square miles and a population of 83 million, Germany has come to be known as another major gambling nation globally. With the recent liberalization of the German Gaming Law, the private operations have now been allowed to provide their services on the German market but only through proper licensing. Online gambling and online sports betting are on the rise in the nation as well. Furthermore, including land-based casinos with resorts there are more than 400 gambling centers in the country. Poker games are observed to be a favorite in German casinos.
9. Canada
Total Gambling Gross Win – $14 Billion
Canada is rated as one of the best places to live in with its high quality of living. One of the main reasons why the gambling sector is thriving in the region is due to the stable economy. With studies claiming that about 75% Canadian adults have at least once gambled in their lives, this country is home to sports betting and gambling. Remarkably, lottery tickets are stuck to Christmas presents, which shows exactly how crucial the game of lottery is to the local culture. Additionally, Canadians have a strong liking to American sports, such as Ice Hockey, which has grown sports betting in teh nation. Numerous other winter sports, such as snowboarding and skiing events also play a significant role in sports betting.
10. France
Total Gambling Gross Win – $13 Billion
With a population of 67 million and an area of 212,900 sq miles, France holds one of the most prominent places in the gambling industry globally. Especially in Cannes and Paris it is popular for its casinos. With more than 300 casinos in the nation, this makes it one of the leading gambling places worldwide. Aside from gambling casinos, the country hosts sporting tournaments such as the French Open, Rugby Six and Tour De France, which have managed to fascinate the sports betting sector. What’s more is that high profile horse races such as teh Chantilly, are held in France. The region is also known to have some of the best poker players in the world. In Europe, some of the most lenient gambling laws are found in this nation.
11. South Korea
Total Gambling Gross Win – $11 Billion
Another leading gambling nation globally is South Korea with a population of 51 million and an area of 38,623 sq miles. But, sports betting and casinos carry on to be risky activities in the region due to the strict regulations. In recent times, the country has permitted leniency towards land-based casino gambling for expatriate residents and tourists. Particularly, the gambling industry in the country includes lotteries, casinos, poker and more. The famous land-based casinos are Paradise City Casino, Majestar Casino Jeju Island among many others which fascinated tourists from around the globe.
12. Spain
Total Gambling Gross Win – $10 Billion
Spain, with a population of 47 million and an area of 195,364 sq miles, is one of the biggest gambling nations internationally with a rich history in gambling. Numerous past emperors and their families were consumed with lotteries and gambling. Gambling had been a popular sport in the country for centuries and in 1981 the country legalized gambling. An estimated of 80% adults play the famous game of El Gordo in the country which generates an estimate of almost $1 billion every year. Spain is also one of the main markets for the sports betting sector with major international sports events, such as the Madrid Masters, and Spanish Grand Prix, pulling in sports bettors from all over the world. Furthermore, there is a conventional bullfighting annually as well that makes the country even more popular in the betting and gambling sectors.
13. Macau
Total Gambling Gross Win – $8.8 Billion
Based on Macau’s ability to attract players and locals alike from all around the world who are searching for an exciting vacation activity or who desire to take part in the biggest games the nation’s success carries on. This is the only nation in China where gambling is legal. Sports betting is the main focus here. Gambling addiction in this region is a serious dilemma.
14. Singapore
Total Gambling Gross Win – $6 Billion
Even though Singapore is the smallest in terms of population and area it is still considered one of the leading gambling nations worldwide. A state-sponsored lottery company called Singapore Pools, was established in 1968 and got permission to start sports betting as well. This led towards a higher revenue generation for the government, which slowly made an increasing number of gambling-friendly laws. Recently, the government awarded 2 casino licenses to the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, which are some of the largest casinos in the world. The former, famous as a resort for millionaires, has more than 2500 gaming gadgets. The country has one of the highest gambling losses per individual in the world annually.
15. Philippines
Total Gambling Gross Win – $5 Billion
The Philippines have come to be recognised as one of the best tourist spots for gambling over the years. The gambling industry is managed and governed by the nation’s Amusement 7 Gaming Corporation, which is the country’s government-owned department. With an area of 115,831sq miles and a population of 115 million, the country boasts several casino resort businesses. The tourists are fascinated by the country for not only its attractive islands but also for its casinos such as the City of Dreams, and Resorts World, among numerous others. There are more than 50 casinos publicly and privately-owned in the nation. The famous games, e-Sabong and Sabong, have carried on generating $1 billion in revenue for the gambling firms annually and hold a cultural significance for the natives.
16. Ireland
Total Gambling Gross Win – $4.75 Billion
Ireland stands at the eight position in the world in terms of average monthly salaries, the average salary in Ireland is 3,000 euros per month. These natives spend an average of 560 euros on gambling every month. The gambling sector is practically not standardized in any way. Annually, the entertainment gambling sector in Ireland brings in about $3 billion in revenues.
17. Russia
Total Gambling Gross Win – $4 Billion
With an area of 6,612,074 sq miles and a population of 144 million, Russian is one of the largest countries in the world, additionally, the nation is also steadily becoming one of the leading gambling places globally as well. The country had firm legislations regarding gambling during the 1920s under the Soviet Union rule but since the 1990s these legislations have been eased. Online gambling is banned in the nation but the land-based gambling industry has been booming since 1987. Some of the famous land-based casinos are Shambhala Casino, Tigre De Cristal Resort & Casino among many others. These casinos are based in a couple of the regions where the government has permitted gambling. Russia has managed to attract locals as well as tourists to participate in these gambling activities as these casinos are some of the finest casinos that Europe has to offer, providing a wide variation of games to all the players.
18. The Netherlands
Total Gambling Gross Win – $3 Billion
In the Netherlands, gambling is regulated by the gambling authority, KSA, which imposes provisions of the 1964 Dutch Gambling Act. The Holland Casino is one of the largest gambling businesses in the country but has lessened in popularity in recent times as the concentration shifts away from physical infrastructures to online casino gambling. The Netherlands has a rich history in the betting universe and in the past few years the region has steadily become one of the largest gambling countries. Since 1726, the oldest lotteries to exist called Staatsloterij have been played in this region. The country is working to make the legislation flexible and concentrate on the digital gaming industry to attain greater tax revenues from the local as well as international operators and players in the gambling world.
19. Greece
Total Gambling Gross Win – $2 Billion
Due to its close proximity to one of Europe’s most crucial gambling centers – Cyprus- Greece is without a doubt affected by the obsession for gambling. The natives on the other hand, take gambling to a whole new level. Online casino games and poker still have their parts in the life of Greece locals, but many choose to take part in national lotteries, where they might win millions of dollars if they are lucky enough. Greeks on an average spend about 420 dollars every year on gambling individually, this includes the buying of lottery tickets as well.
20 . Finland
Total Gambling Gross Win – $1.5 Billion
Another nation where gambling ventures are managed by the state and are very strict is Finland. Gambling is an additional element on its own as it brings millions of dollars to the state. The taxes from betting are not gone to waste, instead they are used in the development of sports and education. The expansion of the gambling market in the region is being piloted by various factors which include the growing affluence of the Finnish population, the relation of the gambling laws and the growth of the internet in recent times.
| No. | Country | Total Gambling Gross Win |
| 1 | United States of America | $119 Billion |
| 2 | China | $70 Billion |
| 3 | Japan | $50 Billion |
| 4 | India | $39 Billion |
| 5 | Italy | $20 Billion |
| 6 | United Kingdom | $19 Billion |
| 7 | Australia | $18 Billion |
| 8 | Germany | $16 Billion |
| 9 | Canada | $14 Billion |
| 10 | France | $13 Billion |
| 11 | South Korea | $11 Billion |
| 12 | Spain | $10 Billion |
| 13 | Macau | $8.8 Billion |
| 14 | Singapore | $6 Billion |
| 15 | Philippines | $5 Billion |
| 16 | Ireland | $4.75 Billion |
| 17 | Russia | $4 Billion |
| 18 | Netherlands | $3 Billion |
| 19 | Greece | $2 Billion |
| 20 | Finland | $1.5 Billion |
Conclusion
As can be seen above, the United States is the clear leader in terms of the sum gambling gross win, closely followed by China and Japan. These three regions account for more than half of the worldwide gambling industry. Other major gambling regions include India, Macau, Italy, France and numerous others.
There are numerous factors that contribute to a region’s gambling sector, which include its population size, legal gambling laws and economic stability. For instance, the United States has a wealthy and large population, which offers a large pool of prospective gamblers. In addition, the region has a well-developed gambling framework, including racetracks, casinos and online gambling platforms.
Gambling can be a thrilling and fun venture, but it is crucial to gamble responsibly. If you are thinking of gambling, it is crucial to comprehend the risks involved and to set limits on what you spend.
