Global Online Sports Betting Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In December 2023, PointsBet launched new features for mobile sports betting, including in-play betting and live streaming, to enhance user engagement​

• In January 2024, FanDuel expanded its online betting platform into additional states, capitalizing on the growth of legal sports betting across the U.S.

The global online sports betting market has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, fueled by advancements in technology, the proliferation of smartphones, and the increasing popularity of sports worldwide. With the convenience of accessing betting platforms through mobile apps and websites, coupled with a wide array of betting options, including live betting and virtual sports, the online sports betting industry has become increasingly accessible and attractive to consumers. Moreover, the legalization of online betting in several regions and the introduction of favorable regulations have further propelled market growth, allowing both established companies and new entrants to capitalize on this expanding market.

One of the key drivers of the online sports betting market is the growing integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms into betting platforms. These technologies enable companies to offer personalized betting experiences, tailored promotions, and real-time odds adjustments, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. Additionally, partnerships between sports leagues, teams, and betting operators have become more prevalent, leading to innovative marketing strategies and the introduction of exclusive betting opportunities tied to live sporting events. As a result, the online sports betting market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with forecasts suggesting sustained growth in the coming years, especially as new markets open up and regulations become more favorable.

The online sports betting industry also faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles, concerns about problem gambling, and increasing competition among operators. Regulatory uncertainties in certain jurisdictions can hinder market expansion, while heightened scrutiny on responsible gambling practices necessitates investments in player protection measures and compliance efforts. Moreover, the rise of illegal or unregulated betting operators poses a threat to the integrity of the industry, highlighting the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and effective enforcement mechanisms. Nonetheless, with evolving consumer preferences, technological innovations, and favorable regulatory trends, the global online sports betting market remains dynamic and poised for continued growth in the foreseeable future.

Global Online Sports Betting Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Online Sports Betting Market has been segmented by Sport Type, Device and Geography.

Global Online Sports Betting Market, Segmentation by Sport Type

The Global Online Sports Betting Market has been segmented by Sport Type into Football, Basketball, Horse Racing, Baseball, E-Sports and Others.

The global online sports betting market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, fueled by technological advancements and the increasing popularity of sports across the globe. One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the widespread adoption of smartphones and the internet, which have made it easier for people to access online betting platforms from anywhere at any time. Additionally, the rising number of sports events, both traditional and e-sports, has expanded the betting opportunities for consumers worldwide.

Football stands out as the most popular sport for online betting, commanding a significant share of the market. The immense global fan base of football, coupled with the multitude of leagues and tournaments across various continents, provides ample opportunities for bettors to engage in online wagering. Basketball follows closely behind, especially in regions like North America and Europe, where the sport enjoys widespread popularity and a dedicated fan base.

Horse racing and baseball also remain prominent segments in the online sports betting market, catering to enthusiasts and bettors who have a penchant for these sports. Furthermore, the emergence of e-sports as a major betting category highlights the evolving nature of the industry, as tech-savvy audiences seek new and exciting avenues for wagering. With continuous innovation and the integration of advanced technologies such as virtual reality and live streaming, the global online sports betting market is poised for further expansion in the coming years.

Global Online Sports Betting Market, Segmentation by Device

The Global Online Sports Betting Market has been segmented by Device into Desktop and Mobile.

The global online sports betting market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, fueled by technological advancements and increasing internet penetration. With the proliferation of smartphones and the accessibility of high-speed internet, online sports betting has become more convenient and widespread than ever before. This growth is further propelled by the convenience and flexibility offered by mobile devices, allowing users to place bets anytime, anywhere.

Desktop devices have traditionally been the primary platform for online sports betting, offering larger screens and enhanced browsing capabilities. However, the rise of mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, has reshaped the landscape of the industry. Mobile betting apps have gained immense popularity among users due to their user-friendly interfaces and on-the-go accessibility. As a result, mobile devices have emerged as a significant segment in the global online sports betting market, driving considerable revenue growth for operators.

The segmentation of the global online sports betting market into desktop and mobile devices reflects the evolving preferences of consumers and the changing dynamics of the industry. While desktop devices continue to play a crucial role, mobile devices are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for a growing number of users. As technology continues to advance and mobile connectivity improves, the dominance of mobile devices in the online sports betting market is expected to strengthen further, presenting lucrative opportunities for stakeholders in the coming years.

Global Online Sports Betting Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Online Sports Betting Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Online Sports Betting Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global online sports betting market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, fueled by advancements in technology, increasing internet penetration, and the growing popularity of sports worldwide. North America stands out as one of the leading regions in this market, driven by the widespread legalization of online sports betting in several states across the United States and Canada. The region boasts a mature betting landscape with a well-established regulatory framework and a strong culture of sports fandom, particularly in major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and NHL.

Europe represents another significant segment in the global online sports betting market, characterized by a highly competitive landscape and a diverse range of offerings catering to a wide spectrum of sports enthusiasts. Countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy have emerged as key markets within the region, with robust regulatory frameworks ensuring consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. Moreover, the popularity of sports such as football (soccer), tennis, and horse racing continues to drive substantial betting activity across the continent.

Asia Pacific is witnessing rapid growth in online sports betting, propelled by increasing smartphone adoption, rising disposable incomes, and a burgeoning interest in sports among the region's population. Countries like China, Japan, and India are witnessing a surge in online betting platforms, with a particular focus on popular sports like cricket, basketball, and football. Additionally, the expansion of digital payment systems and the proliferation of live betting options are further driving the market's growth in the region. However, regulatory complexities and varying attitudes towards gambling present challenges for market players looking to capitalize on the region's immense potential.

In the Middle East and Africa, online sports betting is gradually gaining traction, albeit at a slower pace compared to other regions. Cultural and religious factors influence the adoption of online gambling in many countries within this region, leading to stringent regulatory frameworks and restrictions on betting activities. Nevertheless, countries like South Africa and Nigeria have emerged as notable markets for online sports betting, driven by a growing middle class and increasing access to mobile internet. Latin America also presents opportunities for market growth, with countries like Brazil and Argentina showing a growing interest in sports betting, although regulatory frameworks are still evolving across the region. Overall, the global online sports betting market continues to evolve, driven by technological innovation, regulatory developments, and shifting consumer preferences across different geographies.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Online Sports Betting Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers:

• Increasing Smartphone Penetration
• Legalization of Online Betting
• Advancements in Technology
• Growing Popularity of Sports Events

• Expansion into New Markets: The global online sports betting market has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, fueled by technological advancements and evolving regulations. With the proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet connectivity, betting enthusiasts can now place their wagers conveniently from the comfort of their homes or on the go. This accessibility has opened up new markets worldwide, with regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific emerging as hotspots for online sports betting. Moreover, the legalization of sports betting in several jurisdictions has further boosted market growth, as it provides a regulated framework for operators to offer their services and ensures consumer protection.

  The increasing popularity of sports leagues and events, coupled with the integration of live streaming and in-play betting features, has attracted a broader audience to online sports betting platforms. Market players are leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance user experience, personalize offerings, and mitigate risks associated with betting. As a result, the global online sports betting market is projected to continue its expansion trajectory, with emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East presenting lucrative opportunities for industry stakeholders to tap into. However, regulatory challenges and concerns regarding problem gambling remain key considerations for market participants as they navigate the dynamic landscape of online sports betting.

Restraints:

• Regulatory Challenges
• Concerns About Addiction and Responsible Gambling
• Security and Fraud Risks
• Payment Processing Challenges

• Competition from Illegal Operators: The global online sports betting market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, fueled by technological advancements, increasing internet penetration, and the growing popularity of sports worldwide. With the convenience of betting from anywhere at any time, coupled with a plethora of sports events to wager on, online sports betting platforms have captured a significant share of the overall sports betting market. Key players in the legal online sports betting industry have invested heavily in user-friendly interfaces, secure payment gateways, and enticing promotions to attract and retain customers.

  One of the major challenges facing legal online sports betting operators is competition from illegal operators. These illicit platforms often operate without proper regulation, licenses, or adherence to responsible gambling practices, posing risks to consumers such as fraud, non-payment of winnings, and lack of protection for vulnerable individuals. Illegal operators may also offer better odds or bonuses, tempting customers away from legal channels. To combat this competition, regulatory authorities and legal operators are stepping up efforts to enforce laws and regulations, enhance consumer protection measures, and promote responsible gambling practices to ensure a safe and fair betting environment.

Opportunities:

• Innovative Product Offerings
• Strategic Partnerships and M&A Activity
• Personalization and Customer Engagement
• Global Expansion

• Integration of Blockchain Technology: The integration of blockchain technology into the global online sports betting market holds immense potential for transforming the industry landscape. Blockchain's decentralized ledger system offers transparency, security, and immutability, addressing some of the major concerns within the sports betting ecosystem. By leveraging blockchain, online sports betting platforms can ensure fair play, eliminate fraudulent activities such as match-fixing, and provide verifiable transaction records to users. Smart contracts, a key feature of blockchain technology, can automate payouts based on predefined conditions, enhancing trust between users and operators while reducing the need for intermediaries.

  Blockchain facilitates faster and cheaper transactions compared to traditional payment methods, enabling seamless cross-border betting opportunities. This can significantly expand the market reach of online sports betting platforms, attracting a broader audience of sports enthusiasts from around the globe. Additionally, blockchain-powered platforms can offer greater privacy and anonymity to users, addressing concerns about data security and personal information protection. Overall, the integration of blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the online sports betting industry, fostering a more transparent, secure, and accessible betting environment for enthusiasts worldwide.

Key players in Global Online Sports Betting Market include:

• Betsson AB
• 888 holdings PLC
• GVC Holdings PLC
• Kindered group PLC
• Paddy Power Betfair PLC
• Cherry AB
• William Hill PLC
• The Stars Group
• BET 365

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis