Online gambling is exploding like never before. With millions of players logging in daily, record-breaking revenues, and the rise of mobile betting, online gambling statistics reveal an unstoppable market growth.
But what’s fueling this massive expansion? How much money is really being wagered online? And what are the hidden risks?
In this article, we explore the iGaming industry in numbers, from skyrocketing revenues to shifting player demographics and preferences in online betting.
Key Gambling Statistics
- The US online gambling market is expected to grow to $120 billion by 2029 (Statista Market Insights, 2024).
- 95% of all sports bets in 2024 were placed online, with total legal sports betting reaching $147.91 billion (AGA Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, 2025).
- Nearly half (49%) of Americans visited a casino in 2024, the highest recorded rate, increasing from 35% in 2019 (AGA American Attitudes Towards Gaming, 2024).
- 68% of online sports bettors and 81% of online slot players showed at least one sign of problem gambling in 2024 (FDU Poll, 2024).
- 72% of active sports bettors are men, while 28% are women, though interest in online betting is growing among female players (YouGov, 2024).
General Gambling Statistics
The US gambling industry continues to grow, with significant gains in land-based casinos, online gaming, and sports betting.
The total commercial gaming revenue in the US for 2024 reached $71.92 billion, a 7.5% increase over 2023 (AGA Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, 2025).
In fact, the total commercial gaming revenue for Q4 2024 hit $18.62 billion, a 6.2% increase compared with Q4 2023, setting a new quarterly record.
However, revenue in December 2024 declined by 2% compared to December 2023 to $6.16 billion – the first annual contraction in 46 months.
It’s worth noting that only 6 of the top 20 commercial casino gaming markets in the US posted revenue growth compared to 2023.
Physical Gambling Venues Attendance
As of December 2023, the number of physical gambling venues across the US was substantial (AGA State of the States, 2024):
- Total in-person gambling locations: 19,168
- Electronic gaming device locations: 17,876
- Tribal casinos: 525
- Land-based casinos: 372
- Card rooms: 281
- Riverboat casinos: 64
- Racinos: 50
Casino statistics show that attendance was also on the rise, with 49% of Americans visiting a casino in 2024, an all-time high, up from 41% in 2023 (AGA American Attitudes Towards Gaming, 2024).
Public attitudes toward gambling have become increasingly favorable.
59% of Americans say casino gambling is acceptable for themselves and others, up from 43% in 2009.
Types of Gambling & Revenue Distribution
Different gambling formats drive industry growth, with online gaming and sports betting gaining market share alongside traditional land-based casinos.
In 2023, these were the leading types of gambling in the US:
- Lottery: 37%
- Physical casino gaming: 26%
- Sports betting: 20%
- iGaming: 14%
- Gaming machines at bars/taverns/truck stops: 14%
- Horse race betting: 8%
Commercial land-based gaming (casino slots, table games, and retail sports betting) accounted for $50.32 billion, or 70% of total gaming revenue in 2024 (AGA Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, 2025).
Meanwhile, online gambling industry statistics (encompassing online sports betting and iGaming) reveal that the industry generated $21.54 billion, or 30% of total revenue in 2024.
Notably, online gaming revenue grew 24.6% in 2024, while land-based gaming gained just 0.6% compared to 2023.
In fact, iGaming statistics highlight how online gaming now generates the majority of commercial revenue in 13 states, including Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Online Gambling Industry Growth
Online gambling industry statistics show that it has expanded rapidly in the US over the past decade, with revenue increasing by around 4 times since 2017.
In December 2024, online revenue from gambling reached $86 billion (Statista Market Insights, 2024).
In fact, experts predict that US online gambling revenue will reach $120 billion by 2029, showing continuous growth in virtual gambling platforms.
Over 95% of the money wagered on sports last year was online. Meanwhile, virtual gambling revenue in 2024 expanded 28.7% year-over-year to $8.40 billion (AGA Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, 2025).
Who Gambles the Most? Demographics of Gamblers
The gambling industry attracts a wide range of players, but there are clear differences in age and sex among them.
Age Trends
The average age of casino visitors in the US has dropped in recent years. In 2019, the average visitor was 49.6 years old, but by 2024, this number had decreased to 41.9 years. These casino statistics show that younger people are becoming more involved in gambling (AGA American Attitudes Towards Gaming, 2024).
Sports betting is especially popular among 25 to 44-year-olds, who make up 65% of current sportsbook users and 54% of potential future bettors (YouGov, 2024).
Among men under 45, 26% have bet on sports or racing online in the past year, compared to just 10% of all voters (FDU Poll, 2024).
Sex Differences
Both men and women prefer lottery tickets and scratch-offs as their main form of gambling (FDU Poll, 2024).
However, more men than women participate in gambling overall, especially in online and sports betting. iGaming statistics indicate that 72% of current sports bettors are men, while 28% are women (YouGov, 2024).
This is supported by other research that states that online sports betting is more popular among men (15%) than women (6%) (FDU Poll, 2024).
Among people who are interested in sports betting but have not yet participated, 57% are men, and 43% are women. This suggests that more women are starting to show interest in gambling (YouGov, 2024).
Mobile vs. Web Online Gambling Statistics
Mobile and web online gambling are becoming more popular, with many sports bettors using multiple apps to place their bets.
In fact, the increasing use of mobile apps has reshaped online gambling statistics. 73% of sports bettors had used more than one sports betting app in the month prior to the survey. Less than half (43%) used three or more apps (YouGov, 2024).
The popularity of different mobile online sports betting apps/sites varied by age group:
- Ages 21-24: bet365 (28%), DraftKings (21%), FanDuel (15%)
- Ages 25-34: bet365 (30%), DraftKings (22%), FanDuel (18%)
- Ages 35-44: DraftKings (25%), bet365 (20%), FanDuel (19%)
- Ages 45-54: DraftKings (33%), FanDuel (32%), BetMGM (16%)
- Ages 55+: DraftKings (40%), FanDuel (24%), BetMGM (14%)
Important Mobile Gambling App Features for Bettors
As mobile gambling continues to expand, bettors look for specific features that enhance their betting experience. Recent research highlights the most important in-app functions that influence both current and potential users.
In 2024, 74% of sports bettors said that the ability to place bets easily while watching sports is essential (YouGov, 2024).
Furthermore, 69% of bettors aged 35-44 considered live sports streaming an important feature in a betting app, and 60% of bettors said they are more likely to use an app that is linked to a sports streaming service.
Many bettors prefer online casino experiences that provide real-time odds, match statistics, and expert predictions to improve decision-making. Additional features like parlay bets, profit boosts, and odds boosts help increase engagement.
Online Gambling Addiction Statistics
With online gambling becoming more popular, concerns about gambling addiction are growing. The ease of access, constant promotions, and availability of betting apps make online gambling more addictive than traditional in-person gambling.
In fact, in 2024, online gambling addiction statistics show that 68% of people who bet on sports online reported at least one problem gambling behavior, while 53% reported two or more (FDU Poll, 2024).
The negative effects of gambling are particularly evident in online slot games, with 81% of people who played online slot machines in 2024 showing at least one problem gambling behavior – the highest among all types of gambling. Another two-thirds (66%) said they had two or more problem gambling behaviors (FDU Poll, 2024).
Gambling Problems Statistics by Gender & Age
The effects of gambling vary across different demographics, with younger men showing the highest rates of problem gambling.
Online gambling problems statistics reveal that nearly a quarter (24%) of men showed at least one gambling problem behavior in 2024. This number rose to 45% for men aged 30 and under and 38% for men aged 31-44. In contrast, only 5% of men aged 45 and older report any gambling issues (FDU Poll, 2024).
In fact, 3% of all men have a Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score high enough to indicate problem gambling. This rate is much higher among younger men, reaching 10% for those aged 18-30.
Women are less likely to report gambling problems, with only 18% experiencing at least one issue. However, 33% of women aged 30 and under report at least one gambling-related problem.
Furthermore, 7% of women aged 18-30 have PGSI scores that suggest gambling issues.
Online Gambling Triggers & Risk Factors
Online gambling platforms use different strategies to keep players engaged and encourage betting. These tactics, such as welcome offers and in-app features, often lead to more frequent gambling and a higher risk of addiction.
In fact, online gambling problems statistics show that 55% of online sports bettors open new accounts because of welcome offers and promotions, encouraging them to keep betting (YouGov, 2024).
Furthermore, 53% of online gamblers are influenced by ongoing promotions, making them bet more often.
37% sign up because of good customer service, and another 37% are influenced by friends and family.
An additional 74% of sports bettors say that being able to place bets while watching a game makes them gamble more.
The Bottom Line
The online gambling industry is expanding rapidly, with online gambling statistics showing record revenue and more people participating. Online betting platforms provide convenience, but they also increase the risk of addiction and gambling problems.
As the market grows, it is important to understand key gambling facts, including trends in player demographics, mobile betting habits, and risk factors, to ensure responsible gambling and effective regulation.
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References
- AGA Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker ?(American Gaming Association )
- State of the States 2024 – American Gaming Association (American Gaming Association)
- American Attitudes Towards Gaming (American Gaming Association)
- American Attitudes Towards Gaming 2023 – American Gaming Association (American Gaming Association)
- US bettor research report 2024 (Business.yougov)
- FDU Poll finds Online Betting Leads to Problems for Young Men | Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
- Gambling – Worldwide | Statista Market Forecast (Statista)