Online Gambling Market Projections Signal Continued Expansion Through 2031
Data from industry analysts point to measurable growth in the online gambling sector, with the market expected to climb from USD 107.36 billion in 2025 to USD 121.93 billion in 2026 before reaching USD 211.99 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.99 percent. Observers tracking these figures note the steady upward trajectory reflects broader technological and regulatory shifts that have unfolded over recent years. In May 2026, reports circulating among market researchers highlight how these numbers align with ongoing infrastructure improvements across multiple continents.
Core Drivers Behind the Projected Increases
Smartphone penetration rates continue to rise globally, while 5G network deployments expand coverage and reduce latency for real-time applications. Regulatory liberalization in select jurisdictions has opened new licensing pathways, and mobile platforms now support seamless integration with live betting features along with digital payment systems that streamline deposits and withdrawals. Researchers at Mordor Intelligence compiled these elements into a single forecast model that isolates each factor's contribution to overall revenue expansion. Those who've examined the underlying data sets emphasize that mobile and tablet devices account for the largest platform share, outpacing desktop usage by a widening margin in most tracked regions.
Segment and Platform Breakdown
Casinos maintain the largest revenue share within the online gambling category, driven by established player preferences for slot titles and table games offered through digital interfaces. Live betting options have gained traction because they allow participants to place wagers during ongoing events rather than only before they begin. Digital payment adoption supports faster transaction times, which in turn encourages repeat engagement across both casual and frequent user groups. Market breakdowns show that mobile and tablet channels lead platform segmentation, reflecting hardware improvements and broader network accessibility documented in The Mobile Economy report series.
Regional Patterns in North America and Europe
North America and Europe stand out as the primary regions contributing to these projections, with established regulatory frameworks and high digital adoption rates supporting consistent activity levels. North American markets have incorporated new state-level permissions in recent cycles, while European operators continue to refine compliance standards that balance consumer protections with commercial operations. Analysts note that both regions benefit from mature infrastructure, including widespread 5G availability that enhances live betting experiences on handheld devices. Figures released in mid-2026 indicate these areas together represent the bulk of projected incremental revenue through the end of the decade.
Technological and Regulatory Context
Expansion of 5G infrastructure enables lower-latency connections that make live dealer streams and in-play wagering more responsive than earlier network generations allowed. Regulatory changes in various jurisdictions have introduced clearer licensing routes for operators, which has coincided with increased investment in localized platform development. Digital payment providers have expanded their reach into gambling verticals, offering methods that align with regional banking rules while maintaining security protocols. Those monitoring these developments point out that smartphone penetration metrics, tracked through sources such as GSMA data, correlate directly with higher engagement rates on mobile-first gambling applications.
Looking Ahead to 2031
The 11.99 percent CAGR embedded in the forecast assumes continued alignment between infrastructure rollout, policy adjustments, and consumer device upgrades. Casino segments are projected to retain their dominant position, while mobile and tablet platforms sustain their lead over traditional desktop access. North American and European contributions are expected to remain central to aggregate totals, though emerging markets may add supplementary volume as regulatory environments evolve. Data compiled through 2026 forms the baseline for these longer-term extrapolations, with annual updates likely to refine assumptions around adoption curves and competitive dynamics.
Conclusion
Market projections released by Mordor Intelligence provide a quantitative framework for understanding how smartphone access, 5G capabilities, regulatory shifts, live betting tools, and digital payments intersect to shape future revenue totals. The path from USD 107.36 billion in 2025 through USD 121.93 billion in 2026 and onward to USD 211.99 billion by 2031 at 11.99 percent CAGR illustrates a sector responding to measurable technological and policy inputs. Observers tracking these statistics will continue to monitor platform preferences and regional performance indicators as the timeline progresses.