For decades, the iGaming industry has been trying to establish itself in mainstream entertainment. After getting by for so long making the most of the software and technology available, it seems like now is the time for activities such as online casino play and online sports betting to really become a recognised avenue of entertainment.
Digital advancement over recent years have given game developers for online casinos and online sports betting platforms much improved capabilities to build exciting, innovative, and interactive gaming experiences based on casino classics found at physical establishments across the planet. The meaning of the ‘i’ in iGaming is widely debated with many believing it stands for the interactive nature of the gaming, while others consider the ‘i’ to refer to the internet habitat where this branch of gaming has found its home.
Either way, the iGaming sector has finally made its mark in the entertainment world which is represented by the revenue numbers produced by some of the leading markets across the globe. The United Kingdom and the U.S are by far the strongest players in the iGaming industry, with both producing double figures worth of revenue. However, the gap to other markets such as Australia, Japan, and Germany has closed slightly even over the last couple of years due to the sweeping popularity of those casino classics such as blackjack, roulette, and online slots in its revamped online form.
Markets around the world embracing the digital transition
The rise to prominence of Daily Star casinos is largely down to the progress made in digital devices and their capabilities over the last decade and markets across the world are taking advantage of this digitalisation. As one of the leaders in the industry, the iGaming market in the UK continues to grow rapidly despite new waves of regulation being introduced in 2024.
Limits placed on online slots on UK-licensed providers and “invisible financial background checks” threatened to derail the iGaming market in the UK. However, due to the increased reliance on digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets and even smart watches, iGaming platforms have exploited the new void created by software and technological advances. And other markets across all continents are taking note of the rising revenue numbers produced by the leading global markets.
The emergence of a competitive online casino market
While online sports betting has certainly attracted a new wave of followers who are willing to put their money where their mouth is with regards to predictions on sporting events, the online casino industry is arguably the jewel in the iGaming crown right now. Having seen the popularity and lucrativeness of iGaming, the reluctance to pass legislation and regulations permitting the activity has dissipated slightly in markets such as India, Ontario, Brazil, and states in the U.S that currently do not legally allow online gambling.
A benefit for emerging countries in the iGaming sector is the lessons already learned by other markets with more experience. Despite the raft of new regulations, the UK continues to grow in stature within the market, while the Dutch market is gaining more popularity despite banning online slots entirely. Emerging markets in the iGaming industry have a solid blueprint to build off and for online players across the globe, the increased variety brought by divergent ideas from different markets can only be a benefit.
