Statistics show that 26% of the world’s adult population gambles at least once a year. At the same time in Saudi Arabia, Iran and North Korea gambling is strictly prohibited, which theoretically removes the population of these countries from the world statistics.
At the same time, Australia, Singapore and the UK have some of the highest gambling expenditures per capita. In Australia, annual gambling losses are $1,635 per person, in Singapore it is $1,174, and in the UK it is around £225.
In this article we will look at gambling costs by country, the impact of legislation on this level and what predictions can be made for the future.
Leading 10 Countries by Gambling Expenditure in 2024
Observing the list of countries in the top 10, their legislation and consumer experience of gambling provides an interesting picture of the interdependent factors that can influence the figures. According to early forecast, countries with the highest gambling expenditure in 2024 show a range of factors influencing these figures.
| Country | Projected Gambling Expenses in 2024 (Billion USD) | Average Annual Growth Rate 2022-2024 (% in a year) | Projected Gambling Expenses in 2025 (Billion USD) |
| USA | 113.3 | 5 | 115.96 |
| China | 60.0 | -1 | 59.40 |
| Japan | 24.1 | 0.5 | 24.67 |
| Italy | 19.0 | 3 | 19.45 |
| Australia | 18.3 | 3 | 18.73 |
| United Kingdom | 18.0 | 4 | 18.42 |
| Canada | 12.4 | 3 | 12.69 |
| Germany | 11.2 | 2 | 11.46 |
| France | 10.4 | 3 | 10.64 |
| Spain | 8.9 | 2 | 9.11 |
Note: The forecast is based on the assumption that current trends will continue and does not take into account possible changes in legislation, the economy or other factors that may affect the gambling industry.
- The US has legalised sports betting in several states, and it is these that have taken a large share of the total. In second place are online casinos. Casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City have traditionally played a significant role. Total gambling spending in the US in 2024 may have reached $113.3 billion with an annual growth rate of 5%.
- China is officially closed to gambling on the mainland, and so all options are centred in Macau. In 2024, Macau was expected to generate $96.7 billion in gambling revenue, in reality the data is lower.
- In Japan, the main revenue generators are pachinko slot machines, state lotteries (Takarakuji) and mahjong parlours for the older generation. Of the unusual they have bet on jet skis and cycling. Cumulatively, in 2024, the Japanese will spend $24.1 billion on gambling entertainment.
- Gross Gambling Revenue (GGY) in the UK will be around $18.0bn in 2024 and this is thanks to sports betting, online casinos, lotteries and a wide range of choices in general. New regulations such as bonus restrictions and age limits are expected to slow growth slightly to 2% per year.
- Australia and $18.3 billion on gambling! The bulk of that went to pokies (slot machines) and a growing number of new Australian online casinos. Believe it or not, around 75% of all gambling expenses in Australia are on these slot machines, and you’ll find them everywhere—from fancy casinos to local pubs and clubs. Online casinos are also gaining popularity fast, and you can check out the latest ones at NewCasinosAustralia.com.
- Germany is quite restrained in gambling, cultural discipline makes itself felt. Even before 2021 there was a ban on gambling, and conditions still restrain active players with a limit of €1000 per month. Total spending in this area will be $11.2bn for 2024. Slots and sports betting are very popular in Germany. Some online casinos offer communication with live dealers in German, and this is appreciated.
- Italy is the European centre of gambling, casinos are regulated by the governmental organisation AAMS, which issues licenses and monitors compliance with standards. In such conditions, players are at ease and always have something to choose from a variety of online casinos, lotteries, land-based casinos like Casinò di Venezia, founded in 1638.
- Canada has legalised sports betting, while online gambling has expanded, poker and lotteries are popular, resulting in gambling expenditure of $12.4 billion and a growth rate of 3% per year. Due to restrictions in the US, some US players use Canadian online platforms, which also increases revenue.
- Singapore has pretty strict rules about gambling and high entry fees. All revenue in this industry is kept by two casinos, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. In 2024, the spending in Singapore’s gambling market totalled $7.1 billion, up 1% from the previous year.
- Spain shows stable expenditures, supported by the popularity of sports betting and online casinos, as well as tourist activity in casinos. Gambling expenditure in Spain totalled $8.9 billion with a growth of 2%.
Gambling Legislation and Its Impact on Player Behavior in 2024
United Kingdom
Rules for online casinos have become stricter, with increased licensing requirements, restricted bonuses and stricter user identification rules.
Consequences:
- Gambling spending growth of +4% in 2024.
- Youth engagement dropped by 3%.
- About 8% of users migrated to offshore sites (Malta, Curaçao) to bypass restrictions.
Australia
Ban on gambling advertising on social media and TV, deposit limits introduced.
Consequences:
- Youth participation decreased by 2-3%.
- Around 5% of players migrated to international platforms (Philippines, Gibraltar).
China
The fight against illegal casinos is fierce, with access to international gambling sites blocked.
Consequences:
- Gambling expenditure has fallen by only 1 per cent.
- 12% of players migrated to offshore platforms (Philippines, Cambodia).
Canada and Italy
Legalization of online casinos, tax incentives for operators.
Consequences:
- Increased popularity of gambling (+3% in expenses).
- Influx of foreign players: in Canada — 7% from the US, in Italy — from EU countries.
Final Words
In 2024, global gambling spending has been on the rise and the forecast is for this to continue to increase.
But statistics do not give us all the answers, they only raise questions: how will the industry develop further? Will there be a change in government policy towards gambling? Why is the population of the developed world powers increasingly immersed in this sphere?
Gambling markets continue to evolve and the answers to these questions, including understanding the impact of Australia’s new online casinos in 2025, are important to policy makers, industry and social researchers.
