Online Gambling Market in North America Set for Boom, Driven by Smartphone Adoption and Legalization Trends

 The North America Online Gambling Market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 11.78% during the forecast period, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence. As online gaming platforms gain mainstream acceptance, rising internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and regulatory changes are creating a favorable environment for market expansion across the region.

Access the full report here: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/north-america-online-gambling-market 

Digital Access and Legalization Fueling Market Expansion

Online gambling is rapidly emerging as a key entertainment channel across North America. The rising adoption of digital platforms, combined with broader legalization efforts in the United States and Canada, is reshaping the size of the market. As of now, online horse racing is legal in most US states, while casino games, poker, and lotteries are gradually being approved at the state level. Only a few states, including Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, currently regulate online betting comprehensively.

Casino gambling is experiencing especially fast growth due to its user-friendly interfaces and immersive formats. Custom slot machines and live dealer games have gained traction, particularly among users seeking personalized or interactive experiences.

Key Trends Driving the North America Online Gambling Market

Several market developments are supporting growth across the North America Online Gambling Market:

  • Smartphone Usage Accelerating Participation: Mobile access is a key growth enabler. In Canada, for instance, smartphone penetration reached 84.4% in 2020, making mobile gambling more accessible than ever. Mobile platforms also allow betting on the go, especially for live sports and fantasy leagues.
  • Technological Integration Enhancing Engagement: AI, machine learning, and chatbots are increasingly deployed by operators to provide personalized recommendations, customer support, and real-time risk assessment. AI also aids in customer verification, improving onboarding processes.
  • Rise of Game-Focused Devices: The proliferation of high-performance, gaming-optimized smartphones is helping drive growth. Gamblers benefit from better graphics, faster processing, and real-time interaction capabilities that were previously limited to desktops.
  • Increased Infrastructure Support: Broader access to internet services and mobile data has facilitated online gambling, particularly in Mexico and parts of rural North America. Improved phone lines, reliable electricity, and high-speed internet have made real-time betting more feasible.

North America Online Gambling Market Segmentation Highlights

The North America Online Gambling Market can be segmented based on platform, device type, and geography. A few key highlights include:

  • Platforms: Casino games, sports betting, poker, and fantasy sports are among the most popular. Casino platforms offering immersive, live-dealer experiences are gaining traction.
  • Devices: Mobile devices lead usage, followed by desktop and tablets. Nearly 90% of bets are now placed via mobile apps in Canada.
  • Geography: Canada currently holds the largest share of the North America online gambling market, followed by the United States and Mexico.

Canada Leads in North America Online Gambling Market Share

Canada plays a significant role in the size and share of the online gambling market in North America. Though not fully regulated nationwide, provinces are independently managing online gambling frameworks. Ontario, in particular, is becoming a hub for private operators to enter and compete alongside the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

Casino and sports betting remain the top choices among Canadian consumers. Events like NBA, NFL, and MLB attract heavy betting volumes. In provinces such as Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, online gambling participation rates exceed national averages.

Digital-first users dominate the demographic, with a strong preference for mobile-based betting. Furthermore, the demand for fully licensed platforms continues to grow, with consumers seeking secure and feature-rich experiences.

Get More Insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ja/industry-reports/north-america-online-gambling-market 

North America Online Gambling Market Competitive Landscape

The market is fragmented and features a mix of global and regional operators. Leading players include:

  • Caesars Entertainment Corporation – Known for its expansive portfolio of casino platforms across the US.
  • 888 Holdings PLC – A long-standing online gaming brand offering casino, poker, and sports betting services.
  • Flutter Entertainment PLC – The parent company of FanDuel, a leader in daily fantasy sports and sports betting.
  • MGM Resorts International (Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa) – Known for integrating land-based casino operations with digital offerings.
  • DraftKings (Golden Nugget) – A key innovator with strong offerings in fantasy sports and newly launched mobile sportsbooks.

These companies are leveraging mergers, product launches, and technology integration to expand their offerings and attract diverse user segments. For instance, Golden Nugget launched a mobile sportsbook in New Jersey in partnership with Scientific Games, enabling access to the OpenSports platform and Don Best Sports' managed services.

North America Online Gambling Market Conclusion

The share of online gambling in North America’s entertainment economy is expanding rapidly. While Canada leads in market share, the United States is catching up due to increasing legalization at the state level. The size of the North America Online Gambling Market is expected to grow consistently through rising internet access, better mobile infrastructure, and innovation in user experiences.

As the market continues to evolve, operators focusing on personalization, regulation compliance, and cross-platform accessibility are expected to perform best. Mergers, partnerships, and localization strategies will be central to competitive success in the coming years.

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