Europe's Gambling Landscape Shifts: Online Gaming Dominates
European online gambling sector generates approximately 40% of overall market share, as per EGBA report on online gaming in Europe
The European betting and gaming scene is on the cusp of a seismic shift, as the latest report by the European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA) in collaboration with H2 Gambling Capital reveals.
Online gambling takes center stage in Europe
Europe's gambling market clocked a whopping €123.4bn in gross gaming revenue in 2024, showcasing a healthy 5% increase over the previous year. Unsurprisingly, online gambling has been the driving force behind this growth, with a significant 40% market share.
This trend is expected to continue, with online gambling expected to surpass the 40% market share milestone in 2025 and approach parity with land-based gambling by 2029. Despite a slight contraction in the land-based market share, which slipped from 63% to 61%, the overall gambling market is on a steady upward trajectory.
In a statement outlining the current trends, EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer noted the notable momentum of online gambling and the industry's optimistic outlook.
"Online gambling is gaining traction, and by 2029, we expect it to make up almost half of the total European gambling market," Haijer said.
Lottery retains its throne
The lottery reigns supreme in Europe, generating approximately €38bn in revenue, with €30.9bn coming from brick-and-mortar operations and €7.1bn from online channels. Casino games and gaming machines follow closely behind, with casino games bringing in an impressive €30bn and gaming machines generating €24.9bn, all from land-based operations.
Sports and events betting rounds out the top four, commanding another €20.1bn in revenue, with the vast majority of bets placed online.
A prosperous future for European gambling
According to the report, the European gambling market is poised for continued growth in 2025, with an estimated total gross gaming revenue of €127.7bn – a 3.5% increase over 2024. The online gambling sector is expected to reach €51.1bn in revenue, accounting for 40% of the market for the first time.
Looking even further ahead, the report forecasts the European gambling market to be worth €149.2bn by 2029, with online gambling contributing €66.8bn to that total.
In conclusion, the European gambling market is on a rapid upward trajectory, with online gambling leading the charge. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and technological advancements abound, it remains to be seen how the European betting and gaming landscape will continue to transform.
Enrichment Data:
General Trends and Projections
- The global online gambling industry is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of greater than 10% from 2025 to 2032.
- Italy, the Czech Republic, and Great Britain are noted for their high channelisation rates, indicative of effective regulatory frameworks.
- Gaming machines generate revenue exclusively from the land-based sector in the European market.
- Mobile betting and favorable regulatory conditions are driving the growth of online sports betting in Europe.
Online Gambling Market Specifics
- Online casinos are a dominant segment of the global online gambling industry.
- By 2029, online gambling is projected to account for about 45% of Europe's Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR).
- Countries like Italy, the Czech Republic, and Great Britain are expected to see increased online participation in gambling activities.
Land-Based Gambling Market Specifics
- Despite a shift towards online gambling, land-based operations continue to hold a major share of the European gambling market, especially in countries like Spain and Italy.
- Regulatory environments play a significant role in shaping the profitability of land-based gambling in Europe.
Sports Betting Market Specifics
- The European sports betting market alone is projected to reach $27.92 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of about 3.91% from 2025 to 2029.
- The increase in mobile betting is a major growth driver for online sports betting in Europe.
Disclaimer: This revised version incorporates relevant insights from the Enrichment Data to shed light on the overall trends and projections in the European gambling market. However, it is important to note that the Enrichment Data may not perfectly align with the original article, and the revised version is by no means exhaustive in terms of covering all aspects of the European gambling market.
- The European gambling market, particularly online gambling, is anticipated to surge, with online gaming expected to account for about 45% of Europe's Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) by 2029.
- Online sports betting in Europe is gaining momentum, bolstered by mobile betting and favorable regulatory conditions, contributing to the European sports betting market potentially reaching $27.92 billion in 2025.
