The US iGaming Landscape: A Comparison Between American Markets
The online gambling landscape across the Americas paints a picture of two distinct paths, shaped by market maturity and player habits. North America, dominated by the United States, stands as a powerhouse market known for its high revenue. Meanwhile, South America is rapidly climbing the ranks as a high-growth region, with Brazil increasingly taking center stage.
Our crew at CasinoRank, has put together a deep dive that looks at market size, player activity, favorite games, and top providers to figure out where the real influence in shaping the future of the global gambling scene is coming from. We're focusing on how these trends affect players in the Philippines.
US Markets: A Look at the Numbers
There's a clear gap between how online gambling is doing in North and South America. Back in 2024, North America’s online gambling sector pulled in about PHP 1.4 trillion (USD $25 billion) in gross gaming revenue (GGR). The US alone chipped in roughly PHP 1.2 trillion - PHP 1.3 trillion (USD $22–$23 billion) from sports betting and online casino action. In comparison, South America's market was much smaller, around PHP 55 billion - PHP 110 billion (USD $1–$2 billion). However, it's currently seeing the fastest growth globally, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% from 2023 to 2028.
According to data from Grand View Research, North America accounts for 20–25% of global online gambling revenue, just behind Western Europe’s leading 36%. While South America's slice of the pie is still modest, its growth is kicking into high gear, thanks to a regulatory environment that's becoming more player-friendly.
Who's Playing Online Slots and Betting in the US?
The online gambling crowd in the US is getting bigger every year, but it's still largely younger players who are tech-savvy leading the pack. The most active players are typically between 25 and 44 years old – a generation that grew up with all this tech. They're comfy navigating digital spaces, jumping between apps, and checking out different online entertainment options, including gambling.
Younger players (ages 25–34) are especially drawn to quick, mobile-first experiences. They often go for sports betting, esports wagers, and fast-paced games like crash or live-action slots. Their preferences show they want thrilling, interactive fun that fits easily into their busy lives, similar to how many players in the Philippines enjoy these games.
On the other hand, slightly older groups (ages 35–54) show a strong interest in classic casino games like blackjack, poker, and roulette. They often appreciate the strategic thinking involved and the more relaxed pace these games offer.
No matter the age group, trust, platform security, and easy payment methods are always key. But the reasons for playing vary; some seek thrills, others potential winnings, and many just want to pass the time or hang out online. As the market evolves, platforms are increasingly customizing their offerings to match these different tastes and player types.
Top Gambling Spots in South America
South America's online gambling market is booming, even though it's starting from a smaller base compared to its northern neighbor. Based on data from Cognitive Market Research, the Latin American online gambling market is projected to hit a revenue of USD 13.48 billion (about PHP 740 billion) by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2024 to 2030.
Brazil: Exploding Growth!
In 2024, Brazil's online gambling market is estimated to be worth around USD 9.69 billion (approximately PHP 530 billion), making it one of the biggest and most promising markets in Latin America. The recent legalization and licensing of online sports betting and casinos have opened up huge opportunities for both local and international operators. Football (soccer) is still king in the Brazilian betting scene, with a massive chunk of the population actively placing online bets, showing the nation's deep love for the sport. This passion for sports betting is something we see echoed by many players in the Philippines.
Argentina: High Player Engagement
Argentina's online gambling market is valued at around USD 3.80 billion (roughly PHP 209 billion). The sector's growth has been significantly boosted by regulatory shifts and the adoption of new tech, making digital gaming more accessible and secure. Plus, there's been a noticeable increase in player participation nationwide, with more platforms offering a wide range of gaming options to suit different tastes.
Colombia: Leading the Way with Regulation
Colombia's online gambling market is estimated to be worth about USD 2.01 billion (around PHP 110 billion). The country's forward-thinking laws and solid regulatory framework have made it a pioneer in iGaming within the region. This approach not only provides a stable and safe environment for operators and players but also attracts considerable international investment, reinforcing Colombia's status as a well-established and promising market in Latin America.
Top Online Gambling Markets in North America
North America's gambling surge is mainly thanks to the US, especially after the repeal of PASPA in 2018. By 2024, over 30 US states had legalized sports betting, and seven were offering regulated online casino games. This has created a dynamic market that generated about PHP 770 billion (USD $14 billion) from sports betting and PHP 440 billion (USD $8 billion) from casino activities.
Around 54 million Americans are into online sports betting. Online casino gaming makes up 38% of the US online gaming revenue, showing a good balance across different types of betting. Canada also plays a significant role, with Ontario alone bringing in CAD $1.4 billion (roughly PHP 57 billion) and over a million active accounts in its first year of regulation.
US Markets: The Market Leader
In 2024, the online gambling market in the United States was valued at approximately USD 16.56 billion (about PHP 910 billion), cementing its status as one of the most mature and dynamic markets in the Americas. This rapid growth is largely attributed to the widespread legalization of sports betting across many states and the ongoing expansion of online casino offerings. Key trends shaping the industry include the surging popularity of mobile betting and in-play wagering, allowing users to bet in real-time during live events. Furthermore, the integration of AI technologies is increasingly enhancing both user experiences and platform security, signaling a new era of innovation in the US iGaming sector.
Canada: Steady Growth with Regulation
Canada's online gambling market is projected to reach USD 4.19 billion (around PHP 230 billion) in 2024, showing steady growth driven by significant regulatory changes. The 2021 legalization of single-event sports betting and the move by provinces to regulate online gaming platforms have created a more organized and secure environment for operators and players alike. This regulatory clarity has spurred market participation and innovation. Additionally, Canadians are showing growing interest in online casino games, poker, and sports betting, a trend amplified by widespread mobile device use and the availability of reliable, secure payment options.
Mexico: Emerging Opportunities
Mexico stands out as one of the biggest iGaming markets in Latin America, with real-money gaming generating an annual turnover comparable to Brazil's, exceeding USD 10 billion (over PHP 550 billion). The country's strong market performance is fueled by a large and engaged user base, coupled with a deep-rooted cultural affinity for gambling. Despite ongoing regulatory uncertainties, the online gambling sector remains resilient and continues to expand, with a significant portion of the adult population actively participating in digital betting and casino platforms.
What Games Are Players Tuning Into?
North America: Serious Engagement Rates
Gamblers in North America are seriously into their games. In the US, 70% of sports bettors play weekly, 42% place bets multiple times a week, and 25% do it daily. FanDuel alone reported 1 million daily users in March 2024, contributing to an estimated 3 million daily active gamblers across the continent.
According to Env Media, the average US online casino player wagered about $8,500 (approximately PHP 467,000) over 12 months—way above the $1,300 (around PHP 71,000) global average.
Top Played Games:
- Sports betting (NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports)
- Table games (blackjack, roulette)
- Online slots
- Online poker
- Lottery
Sports betting accounts for 62% of U.S. revenue, with casino games providing the remaining 38%.
South America Engagement Rates
South American users engage less frequently. In Brazil, 61% of players gamble monthly or less, only 8% daily. 42% spend under 30 minutes per week on iGaming, and 68% under an hour.
Despite this, providers report higher daily player averages in South America. Evolution, for instance, logged 518 average daily players, compared to 146 in North America.
Top Played Games, provided from Env Media data:
- Sports betting (mainly football/soccer)
- Lottery
- Online slots
- Online card games
- Bingo
Innovative casino games such as crash and fish table games are also gaining traction, especially among younger, mobile-centric users.
Devices: Mobile or Desktop?
As online gambling continues to evolve in the U.S., so too does the way players engage with platforms. One of the most defining shifts in recent years has been the rise of mobile gaming, transforming how, when, and where users place bets or play casino games. While desktops once dominated the digital gambling space, mobile devices have firmly taken the lead—driven by convenience, app accessibility, and on-the-go lifestyles.
Key Points:
- 82% of online gamblers primarily use mobile devices (smartphones/tablets)
- 15% use desktop or laptops as their main access point
- 3% switch between both regularly
Despite desktops maintaining a loyal following—especially among older players or those who enjoy a more traditional setup—mobile has redefined the standard. The shift reflects broader digital behavior trends in the U.S., where smartphones have become central to entertainment, commerce, and now, gambling.
Top Software Providers in the USA
The iGaming supplier landscape across the Americas reveals distinct market dynamics between North and South America. While both regions feature key global players, differences in market maturity, regulation, and player preferences have shaped unique competitive environments. North America exhibits a more fragmented supplier base, while South America leans toward greater concentration among top providers. The following sections explore the leading iGaming companies in each region and their roles in shaping the evolving market landscape.
North America: Leading Providers
North America's supplier landscape features greater fragmentation than South America, with a substantial 40.1% market share held by providers outside the top nine. Among identified suppliers, Evolution Gaming leads narrowly with 11.3% market share. This competitive distribution reflects North America's more mature market with established regulatory frameworks that have enabled multiple suppliers to build substantial presences.
Here are the top game providers in North America, according to iGaming Tracker:
- Evolution – 11.3%
- Games Global – 10.9%
- IGT – 10.2%
- Light & Wonder – 7.9%
- Pragmatic Play – 6.9%
- Playtech – 5.1%
Other less-known providers account for 42.8%, reflecting a diverse ecosystem rooted in land-based casino partnerships and strict compliance structures.
South America: Leading Providers
South America's supplier ecosystem shows greater concentration among leading providers, with Pragmatic Play claiming a dominant 20.3% market share. Collectively, the top six providers control 69.4% of the market, compared to 59.9% for North America's top nine. Pragmatic Play's regional leadership reflects its strong focus on Latin American markets and portfolio alignment with local preferences. Playtech's strong second position stems from its established presence in regulated Latin American markets, particularly in Colombia.
Here are the top game providers in South America, according to iGaming Tracker:
- Pragmatic Play – 20.3%
- Playtech – 14.6%
- Games Global – 11.8%
- Evolution – 11.3%
- Play’n GO – 4.0%
- Amusnet – 1.9%
Other less-known providers account for a total of 36.1% of the market.
Key Differences Between North and South America:
According to Cognitive Market Research and Grand View Research, key differences between the continents include:
- Market Size: North America boasts 73 million online gamblers vs. South America’s 8–9 million.
- Daily Actives: 3 million in North America vs. 1 million in South America.
- Vertical Balance: North America shows a 62/38 sports/casino split; South America remains overwhelmingly sports-focused.
- Engagement Patterns: North America has higher frequency and session duration; South America has higher average daily player numbers for certain providers like Evolution.
- Regulation: North America has more mature regulatory frameworks; South America is still building its infrastructure, especially in Brazil.
Takeaways
Although North America currently holds a commanding lead in online gambling—generating over $25 billion in annual revenue and catering to tens of millions of users—South America is quickly closing the gap. Driven by Brazil’s regulatory progress and a mobile-first user base, the region is becoming a hotspot for industry growth.
With a projected CAGR of 13.7% and a rapidly evolving legal landscape, South America is positioned to challenge its northern counterpart in the near future. Both regions are poised to become dominant forces in the iGaming sector, each shaped by distinct market dynamics and cultural influences.
