The global online gambling market is experiencing a seismic shift, fueled by increasing internet penetration, widespread use of mobile phones, emerging technologies, and shifting societal attitudes towards online gambling. Within this transformation, a specific trend is making significant strides: the rise of social casinos.

According to data from the American Gaming Association, the industry saw a record-breaking $63.53 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2023 to 2030. One significant global catalyst for this growth is the expanding digital infrastructure, with internet penetration in the U.S. at 92% in 2022.

Social casinos have thrived within this digital transformation. As online versions of traditional casinos, they allow users to play and wager on casino games through the internet, offering a combination of free play and paid options. These platforms have a significant potential user base, as they cater to traditional gamblers and gamers seeking entertainment and social interaction.

Companies are capitalizing on this trend, with Betsson AB acquiring 80% of shares in KickerTech Malta Limited in 2022, which allowed it to expand its B2B client base and provide scalable technology. The same year, BetMGM, an Entain Plc subsidiary, partnered with NBC Sports to provide weekly NFL season highlights, signaling the increasing integration between traditional sports and the gambling industry.

Emerging technologies are also playing a key role in shaping the future of social casinos. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being employed to create more immersive and interactive gambling experiences. Moreover, incorporating blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies is transforming the industry’s transaction landscape. Online social casinos, like BitStarz, are increasingly accepting blockchain payments, offering security, transparency, and faster transactions.

From a segmentation perspective, the online gambling market consists of poker, sports betting, bingo, and casinos, with sports betting dominating the market with a revenue share of approximately 49% in 2022.

The casino segment, which includes social casinos, is poised for significant growth from 2023 to 2030 due to the rising popularity of casino games such as blackjack, virtual slot machines, and more.

Regarding device preferences, while desktops accounted for around 48% of revenue in 2022, the improvements in smartphone technology have led to an increase in mobile gambling.

On a regional scale, Europe dominated the market in 2022 with a 41% share, driven by the legalization of online gambling in several countries, including Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. The Asia Pacific region, however, is expected to experience significant growth due to the increased use of Internet services and the relaxation of restrictions on online gambling and betting.

As the online gambling industry continues to expand and evolve, with social casinos as an integral part of this transformation, it presents many opportunities and challenges. But, given the continued growth, technological innovation, and changing societal norms, the sector’s future looks bright.

Social Casinos and the New Dawn of Online Gambling As the digital landscape evolves, it is pushing various industries towards unprecedented growth. The online gambling sector is no exception, experiencing a remarkable expansion, with social casinos emerging as a significant game-changer in the arena.

Online gambling saw a record-breaking revenue of $63.53 billion in 2022, with projections indicating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2023 to 2030, according to data from the American Gaming Association. The surge can be attributed to several factors, such as increasing internet penetration, which stood at 92% in the U.S. in 2022, the widespread use of mobile devices, and a cultural shift towards the acceptance of online gambling as a legitimate form of entertainment. A key driver of this growth is the emergence of social casinos. These platforms simulate traditional casino experiences, enabling users to play and wager on casino games via the internet. Offering a blend of free play and paid options, social casinos cater to traditional gamblers and gamers seeking entertainment and social interaction alike.

Recognizing this potential, companies are strategically positioning themselves to harness this growth. Betsson AB’s acquisition of an 80% stake in KickerTech Malta Limited in 2022, for instance, exemplifies the trend. This strategic move allowed Betsson AB to extend its B2B client base and offer scalable technology solutions. Concurrently, partnerships like the one between BetMGM, a subsidiary of Entain Plc., and NBC Sports in the same year highlight the burgeoning integration between traditional sports and the gambling industry.

Embracing emerging technologies is at the heart of the online gambling transformation, with companies leveraging advancements like augmented reality, virtual reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to provide more immersive and interactive gambling experiences. Adding another layer of innovation, the incorporation of blockchain technology is redefining transaction processes within the industry. Online gambling platforms, including social casinos, are increasingly accepting blockchain payments. This move enhances security, transparency, and transaction speed. For example, BitStarz, a bitcoin-based gambling platform, boasts about 4 million regular players.

Looking at the online gambling market segmentation, the industry comprises poker, sports betting, bingo, and casinos. Sports betting took the lion’s share with approximately 49% of the market revenue in 2022. However, the casino segment, which includes social casinos, is expected to witness considerable growth from 2023 to 2030, driven by the rising popularity of games like blackjack and virtual slot machines.

Device preference is another crucial factor in online gambling. While desktops commanded around 48% of the market revenue in 2022, advancements in smartphone technology have given rise to a surge in mobile gambling. Today’s sophisticated smartphones support robust graphics, provide expansive storage capacity, and offer easy access to online gambling platforms.

Regionally, Europe led the market in 2022, accounting for over 41% share, largely due to the legalization of online gambling in countries such as Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. However, the Asia Pacific region, propelled by the increased use of internet services and relaxed restrictions on online gambling, is anticipated to experience significant growth.

As the online gambling sector, including social casinos, continues to expand and innovate, it offers immense opportunities while posing unique challenges. However, given the continued growth, technological innovation, and evolving societal norms, the industry appears poised for a vibrant future.