There is no denying that iGaming is experiencing an unprecedented boom. New markets are emerging across the globe, record revenues are being generated by operators and regulators, while the latest technological innovations continue to enhance the digital gaming experience. ImpulsQ shares their analysis on the flourishing sector.

iGaming’s impressive expansion

Over the past two decades iGaming has evolved significantly, starting out as a niche online environment for poker and casino game enthusiasts before transforming into a multi-billion-dollar industry which is soon set to surpass $150 billion with wide reaching influence in the digital space. Initially driven by forward-thinking gaming hubs like Malta and Gibraltar, online gaming has gradually been adopted by countries across the globe, with many lawmakers realizing the increasing influence of the internet and the subsequent requirement for comprehensive iGaming regulations. This gradual transition from grey area to regulatory acceptance has seen the industry grow from just $23.5 billion in 2008 to an impressive $117.5 billion today.

A growing iGaming sector

iGaming has benefited from a range of factors that have allowed its growth to surge, setting the stage for its global expansion.

The mobile gaming era

There are countless ways the emergence of high-speed and accessible internet has changed our lives however it is the widespread adoption of powerful smartphones that has perhaps impacted iGaming the most. The ability to play on apps and mobile friendly gambling sites has changed the way people game, no longer restricted to a specific location, mobile gaming has unleashed a new level of accessibility. The result has been a huge increase in player numbers, especially in emerging markets where mobile devices serve as the primary point of internet access.

Updated global regulations    

While some countries were quick to introduce iGaming legislation, most notably the island of Malta who launched their pioneering regulatory framework back in 2004, leading economies have been slow to react to the online gaming boom. However, many of these nations have started to update their gambling laws to better regulate iGaming activities. In Europe, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands have all legalized online gaming in the last six years while across the Atlantic, major regulatory upheaval is underway with regions in both the United States and Canada introducing regulated iGaming markets. Elsewhere, emerging markets in South America and Asia are also beginning to emerge thanks to the modernizing of outdated gambling laws.

Long term impact of the pandemic

When assessing the rapid growth of iGaming, the seismic influence of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be ignored. With land-based casinos and high street betting shops closed, players inevitably found digital alternatives that could be played from the comfort of their own home. Many of these players simply did not return back to brick-and-mortar venues, enjoying the high-quality gameplay and lucrative bonuses on offer online. This permanent migration of players has accelerated iGaming’s growth as we have moved on from the era of lockdowns and social distancing.

Mature markets still going strong

Integral to iGaming’s global expansion has been the continued success of its mature markets, able to generate significant revenues while laying out the blueprint for the next generation of gaming regions. The UK, one of the earliest countries to legalize online gambling, remains a lucrative and growing market, forecast to grow by 5.4% between 2024 and 2029 – an increase of over $3.5 billion. This impressive growth pales in comparison to Ontario’s iGaming market however, with the trailblazing province still experiencing steep growth even as it matures. This is down to the effective infrastructure in place both by regulatory authorities and private companies, a key example being the gambling directory Casino.org. Here, only casinos trusted by players worldwide are available, a selective approach that fosters a strong sense of trust and confidence among players. By creating this responsible gambling environment, the long-term success of these iGaming markets looks secure and primed for further expansion.

High potential emerging regions

Of all the new markets beginning to emerge across the globe, Brazil perhaps presents the highest potential to grow into the next iGaming powerhouse. With a population of 212 million, a deep-rooted sports culture and widespread adoption of internet devices, South America’s largest country possesses all the ingredients required for success. At the beginning of 2025, after a period of slow legislative development, Brazil finally launched its regulated online betting market, setting the stage for a new era of Brazilian gaming. With explosive market growth already being felt, Brazil could soon be a leading figure in the global scene.

Another region with huge untapped potential is India. Home to over 1 billion mobile phone users and possessing one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the nation presents a huge gaming market, especially considering the rising interest in classic casino games and fantasy sports. Regulations surrounding iGaming in the country remain limited, however, and with the Indian government recently prohibiting online money-based games, there remains uncertainty regarding the future of online gaming there.

Elsewhere across the globe, there are increasing signs of regulatory reform with regards to online gaming which should help new markets to emerge. Countries like Nigeria and the Philippines as well as regions across North America including Maryland, Massachusetts and Alberta have all recently made moves to better regulate iGaming activities and promote regulated market growth. With the benefits clear to see, both in terms of gaming revenues and better player protections, it comes as no surprise to see such global expansion.

This worldwide growth is indicative of the shift that has been witnessed regarding iGaming. As our digital infrastructure has continued to evolve at a whirlwind pace, the online gaming environment has become increasingly visible on the international stage. Simply, there are more people than ever heading online to play their favourite games, setting the wheels in motion for new markets to rise. With the popularity of iGaming showing no signs of slowing down, expect to see ever more markets emerge as we move forward.