iGaming is a general name for all types of online gambling. It includes mobile games, online casinos, poker, slots, sports betting, and eSports. In the past few years, this industry has multiplied. The reasons are simple: more smartphones, easy online payments, and new entertainment formats.

2024 and 2025 became turning points. Millions of new players in different countries tried online games for the first time. The market showed double-digit growth. Each region has its own drivers: in some places it is technology, in others a young audience, and in others the fast spread of mobile internet. In this article, we look at where iGaming is growing the fastest.

Criteria for Measuring iGaming Growth

To see which countries and regions grow faster, it makes sense to check a few numbers:

• GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue). Money operators get from player bets minus winnings. If this grows, the market is growing.
• CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate). Shows if growth is steady over several years.
• New players. The more first-timers, the stronger the future potential.
• Mobile use. Most people play on their phones. Where smartphones spread quickly, growth is stronger.

North America and Australia

The US is the main example of explosive growth. Interest in online betting and casinos has multiplied in just a few years. In Q4 2024, 72.8% of online gambling happened on mobile devices and 27.2% on desktops. In Q1 2025, mobile grew to 74.1% and desktop dropped to 25.9%. In the same period, iGaming GGR jumped 27.3%.

Canada is another important case. The audience is expanding fast. Online casinos lead the way. Canadian players show clear interest in formats like live games, virtual bets, and eSports. What unites both the US and Canada is love for online slots. 

Another English-speaking country with strong iGaming traditions is Australia. The size of the online gambling market in Australia was estimated at USD 5.2 billion in 2024. The annual revenue growth rate (CAGR 2025–2030) is expected to be 1.48%. The market volume is projected to reach USD 6.45 billion by 2030. Online pokies at Joe Fortune stay on top of the charts. The main reasons:

• Simple rules
• Quick play. No need to spend much time
• Look good on phone screens. Most players use mobile

Because of this, the popularity of online poker in Australia will keep rising. The steady growth of online pokies shows how players prioritize fast, mobile-friendly formats that fit modern gaming habits.

Latin America

Latin America is in a real boom. Brazil is the leader. The country has a huge young population that spends a lot of time online. Football is the main passion, so sports betting is the top driver of iGaming. But casinos are also gaining ground. And eSports in Brazil is not far behind.

Colombia shows strong growth, too. iGaming is now part of leisure culture. More people open mobile apps to spin slots or bet on their team.

Peru and Mexico are also moving forward. Growth is steady, and demand for new game formats is high. Latin America is now seen as one of the most promising markets in the world.

Forecast GGR for 2028:

• Brazil: over 50% of total Latin American growth
• Mexico: 2 billion USD
• Colombia: 1 billion USD
• Peru: 850 million USD

Africa

Africa has a special case. Mobile internet is the key. Many people don’t have personal computers, but almost everyone uses phones. The population is young, and networks are improving fast. This created perfect conditions for iGaming.

Nigeria is one of the largest countries in Africa and leads in growth today. A young population with mobile wallets is quick to adopt online habits. iGaming revenue is expected at 3.10 billion USD in 2025.

Kenya also stands out. Here, micro-bets are popular — small sums placed several times a day. This model works perfectly on mobile.

South Africa has a stronger economy, which supports online casinos. Players there spend on slots and poker with ease. Overall, Africa is growing fast thanks to mobile tech and simple payment solutions.

Asia

Asia is one of the most dynamic regions. India gets special attention. The country has a young population that loves smartphones and games. Not only are classic slots and poker popular, but also fantasy games and eSports. The gaming industry is expected to grow from 3.7 billion USD in 2024 to 9.1 billion USD in 2029.

Besides India, the Philippines and Vietnam are strong markets. Young users there pick online pokies, roulette, and live games. Good internet in cities and cheap smartphones help.

Asia has huge potential. Even a small growth in percentage means millions of new players.

Europe

Europe has known online casinos and betting for a long time. The European online casino market is large but grows more slowly because it is already mature. New players join, but there is no boom like in Latin America or Africa. Eastern Europe looks more dynamic. Online players are still rising. Football and eSports fans give a good base for iGaming. The online casino market in Europe is expected to reach 18,199.2 million USD by 2030.

Global Drivers of iGaming Growth

Why is iGaming growing so fast? The main reasons:

• Smartphones everywhere. Almost anyone can play online now.
• Live games. Players want the feel of a real casino, so streams with live dealers are a hit.
• eSports and betting on them. Tournaments in Dota 2, CS, and League of Legends gather millions of fans who place bets.
• Crypto and new payment tools. Easier ways to pay.
• Online culture. People spend more time in digital spaces, and iGaming fits right in.

iGaming today is a big part of modern digital life. People look for fun, fast emotions, and new ways to play online. That is why the industry keeps growing without slowing down.