MALTA — The global iGaming industry, encompassing online sports betting, casino games, and lotteries, is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences. With a projected market value of $107.7 billion in 2025, the sector is poised to reach $133 billion by 2029, while creating millions of jobs worldwide, according to recent industry reports. As mobile platforms and artificial intelligence reshape the landscape, the iGaming market is redefining digital entertainment and economic opportunity. Blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption is another game-changer, offering secure, transparent transactions, according to Soft2Bet.
Market Value and Growth Trajectory
The iGaming market, valued at $92.25 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to $103 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.44% through 2030, when it could reach $169.22 billion, per Mordor Intelligence. Statista projects a slightly more conservative 2025 figure of $107.7 billion, with a CAGR of 5.42% leading to $133 billion by 2029. These projections underscore the industry’s robust expansion, driven by high-speed internet penetration—94% in the U.S. in 2024—and widespread smartphone adoption, with 5.3 billion global internet users in 2022, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
Sports betting remains a powerhouse, with the global market valued at $83.65 billion in 2022 and projected to hit $182.12 billion by 2030, growing at a 10.3% CAGR. Online sports betting, worth $36.5 billion in 2022, is expected to reach $116.7 billion by 2032, with a 14.2% CAGR, fueled by 156.9 million users by 2025, up from 127.8 million in 2022. The online casino segment is also thriving, valued at $17.13 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $38.66 billion by 2030, with a 12.4% CAGR. Europe leads globally, holding 41.16% of the market share in 2024, driven by legalization in countries like France, Germany, and Malta.
Key Trends Driving Growth
The iGaming industry’s ascent is propelled by several transformative trends. Mobile gambling is a dominant force, with over half of market revenue coming from mobile devices, growing at a 19.9% CAGR through 2028. Operators are enhancing user experiences with 5G technology and AI-driven personalization, such as BetMGM’s 2024 NFL season integrations with NBC Sports. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are revolutionizing online casinos, with platforms like Lucky Block adding 150 interactive games in 2024 to boost engagement.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption is another game-changer, offering secure, transparent transactions. Kindred’s 2023 launch of a proprietary tech platform in Pennsylvania exemplifies the push for innovative payment systems. Additionally, eSports betting is surging, with a projected market value of $13 billion by 2025, driven by younger audiences and platforms like Twitch. Social features, such as chat rooms and leaderboards, are also increasing player retention, with 60% of users returning weekly, according to industry insights.
Regulatory changes are critical, particularly in North America, where state-level legalizations in New York and Ohio have spurred a U.S. market valued at $12.1 billion in 2023, projected to reach $24.19 billion by 2028 at a 13.7% CAGR. However, restrictive regulations in some regions pose challenges, requiring operators to navigate complex legal landscapes.
Employment Impact: Soft2Bet is built on values that empower people to thrive
The iGaming industry is a significant job creator, contributing to the global information technology sector’s 130 million jobs, as reported by Worldostats. Specific iGaming employment figures are harder to pinpoint, but the broader gambling market, including online and physical venues, supports millions of roles across software development, cybersecurity, customer support, and marketing. In the U.S., the American Gaming Association noted that the casino industry employed 714,000 workers in 2023, with online gambling’s growth likely adding to this figure.
Globally, the services sector, which includes iGaming, employs 1.6 billion people, per Worldostats. The iGaming industry’s demand for tech talent is evident, with roles like AI engineers and cybersecurity analysts among the fastest-growing, increasing by 25% in 2025, according to JobsPikr. Affiliate marketing, a vital iGaming strategy, also creates jobs, with affiliates earning commissions through revenue-sharing models, supported by tools like banners and tracking links.
Soft2Bet is an international company with active operations across Cyprus and Malta. Its team brings together numerous professionals from more than 25 nationalities. As a fast-growing tech-driven group managing over 5 iGaming brands, Soft2Bet combines multicultural collaboration with continuous innovation.
“Soft2Bet is built on values that empower people to thrive”, company says. “In our fast-paced, multicultural environment, your ideas matter, your growth is supported, your career is taken seriously — and your impact is real. Whether you’re starting a new job or advancing your path, we give you the tools to succeed.
Company is inviting professionals to Join Soft2Bet . “Every job here is about shaping the future of iGaming, making it more innovative, engaging, and responsible. Join a market leader and build a career that drives real impact across the entire industry”.
“We believe in creating a workplace where ambitious talent can grow their career, lead, and make an impact on a global scale”, Soft2Bet.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growth, the iGaming industry faces hurdles. Regulatory disparities create uncertainty, with some countries imposing strict bans while others embrace legalization. Cybersecurity risks are rising, necessitating robust network protection skills, which are among the top 10 fastest-growing globally, per the World Economic Forum. Additionally, the industry must balance innovation with responsible gambling practices to maintain consumer trust.
Yet, opportunities abound. The integration of AI for personalized gaming experiences and predictive analytics is enhancing operator efficiency, with 41.29% of marketers noting higher revenue from AI-driven email campaigns. Strategic partnerships, like Betsson AB’s 2024 acquisition of a European sportsbook stake, signal continued market consolidation. As the industry evolves, companies investing in skills-based hiring—95% of employers see it as the future—will tap into diverse talent pools to meet demand.
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