The casino industry continues to grow at an incredible rate. Valued at $152.2 billion in 2026, it has attracted millions of gamblers worldwide with its glitz, glamour, and big payouts. However, the industry also carries negative associations due to addiction concerns.
This article explores the latest market size figures, growth drivers, and problem gambling statistics to provide a comprehensive overview of this complex industry.
Highlights
● There are over 2,150 land-based casinos currently operating in the United States.
● From 2019-2022, the online gambling market grew by $9.83 billion.
● The total value of the global casino and online gambling industry increased from $227 billion in 2020 to $262 billion in 2021.
● There was a drop of 77,711 gaming machines worldwide between 2020 and 2021, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
● 5 of the earliest casinos ever opened, including Casino di Venezia in Italy dating back to 1638, still operate today.
● In Macau, the number of table games decreased by 1,134 between 2019 and 2022.
● The casino industry’s value is forecasted to grow at a 5.14% CAGR between 2019-2025.
Size of the Casino Industry
The continued expansion of the casino industry relies heavily on incorporating state-of-the-art amenities into both online and land-based environments. In 2022, casinos in Nevada alone generated $14.8 billion in gaming revenue. The industry also employs 1.6 million workers globally.
To understand the growth and reach of casinos, consider the following statistics:
1. There are over 2,150 land-based casinos currently operating in the United States. With the most casinos, Nevada offers endless gambling opportunities at locations like Las Vegas and Reno. Romania comes second with 454 casinos followed by Canada with 216 and the Czech Republic with 423.
2. From 2019-2022, the online gambling market grew by $9.83 billion – from $53.7 billion to $63.53 billion. Factors like legalization efforts, celebrity endorsements, and increased mobile access have fueled substantial growth. Online casinos first emerged in 1994 when Microgaming launched internet gambling technology.
3. The total value of the global casino and online gambling industry increased from $227 billion in 2020 to $262 billion in 2021 – a massive increase of $35 billion in just one year. Experts predict continued expansion as gambling becomes more available on smartphones.
4. There was a drop of 77,711 gaming machines worldwide between 2020 and 2021 – from 1,140,743 to 1,063,032. The decrease resulted primarily from casino closures during COVID-19 lockdowns. Slots make up a significant portion of gaming machines worldwide due to their big payout potential.
5. 5 of the earliest casinos ever opened, including Venice’s Casino di Venezia established in 1638, still operate today.
Other early pioneering casinos still in business include Belgium’s Casino de Spa, Germany’s Kurhaus Casino of Baden-Baden, Monaco’s prestigious Casino de Monte Carlo, and Las Vegas’ historic Golden Gate Casino. Even centuries after opening their doors, these casinos maintain an air of exclusivity.
6. In Macau, the number of table games decreased by 1,134 between 2019 and 2022 – dropping from 6,739 to 5,605. The COVID-19 pandemic largely fueled this downturn in one of Macau’s most popular gambling offerings. Prior to the pandemic, table games attracted huge crowds due to their fast-paced excitement.
Ongoing Growth Trends
In addition to baseline market size stats, several factors continue to drive growth in the casino industry:
1. The global casino industry is expected to grow at a 5.14% CAGR between 2019-2025 – increasing in value from $6,247.75 million to $8,443.56 million. This forecasted expansion results partly from eased gambling regulations in various countries, as well as the rise of online casinos.
2. From 2005 to 2022, the number of Native American gaming venues in the U.S. grew from 406 to 523 – an increase of 117 properties. These tribally-owned casinos have increased adult employment on reservations by 26% while also encouraging younger tribal members to return to their communities.
3. In Great Britain, the 2021 age demographic that gambled online the most consisted of 45-54-year-olds at 32.8%. Most online gamblers fall between the ages of 25-64. Only 16-24-year-olds gambled online at significantly lower rates.
4. U.S. sports betting generated $4.78 billion in 2022 – an increase of $44 million from 2021. No casino-related trend has grown faster than sports betting, now legal in 33 states. New Jersey, Nevada, and New York currently lead in monthly sports betting revenue.
5. From 2021-2022, online casino iGaming revenue rose by 20% across 6 U.S. states, reaching $412.5 million in 2022. Interactive gaming developers like Yggdrasil design the slot and table games behind the online casino boom. The biggest contributor was Pennsylvania at $350 million.
Casino Addiction
Despite driving economic growth, casinos also carry negative associations with gambling addiction and related social problems. Some key statistics surrounding problematic gambling include:
1. In a 2024 survey, 36% of respondents with gambling problems played primarily in land-based casinos. This indicates a significant link between brick-and-mortar casino environments and excessive gambling. Additionally, 54% of Americans struggling with gambling play specifically in casinos rather than online.
2. In 2021, only 8,490 individuals received treatment for gambling addiction issues from the UK’s National Gambling Treatment Services. Since many hide or downplay addictive behaviors, this likely represents only a fraction of those suffering from gaming-related problems. On average, casino addicts accumulate $55,000 in gambling debt.
3. A 2021 Illinois survey found people of Spanish descent to have the highest rate of gambling problems at 7.3%. They were followed by Asian, African American, and White Americans in terms of self-reported gambling issues. These statistics demonstrate how gambling addiction impacts all demographics. Even celebrities like Charles Barkley publicly share stories of losing millions to casinos.
The Future of the Casino Industry
Innovations in mobile gambling technology along with loosening regulations continue to provide a booming business environment for casinos globally. And while critics persist, casinos undeniably remain popular entertainment hubs likely to thrive for years to come.
With so much growth on the horizon, now is an ideal time to sharpen your gambling skills. Just remember to gamble responsibly by managing your money carefully and pacing yourself – this way you can fully enjoy these marvels of entertainment engineering.
FAQs
What is the largest casino in the world?
With a gaming floor covering 538,000 square feet, WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma earns the title of the world’s largest casino.
What is the largest reported individual gambling loss?
In 2012, Bloomberg reported that an unnamed billionaire businessman from Singapore lost a staggering $75 million during a reckless gambling binge at the Marina Bay Sands casino.
What is the average profit margin for casinos?
Profit margins fluctuate greatly depending on the game. For example, casinos tend to hold around a 5% edge on blackjack while margins on roulette average around 25% (generating $50k profits for every $1 million wagered).