Countries That Gamble The Most: List From Revenuelab

Gambling is a popular pastime worldwide. From lotteries and sports betting to online casinos, people everywhere love to test their luck. However, some countries stand out for their higher levels of participation. Let’s explore the top 10 countries that gamble the most.

How We Ranked the Top Gambling Countries

To pick the top countries for gambling, we looked at a few key things:

1. Revenue: How much money gambling brings in overall, including casinos and sports betting.
2. Player Spending: How much the average player spends on gambling activities.
3. User Base: The number of people actively gambling.
4. Online Gambling: How popular online gambling is among the population.
5. Regulation: Whether the country has solid laws that keep gambling safe and fair.

Now, let us tip our hand and who holds all the aces ?

1. Australia

Australians are known to love a good gamble. In fact, Australia consistently ranks among the top gambling nations. The average Australian adult spends over $1,000 on gambling each year. Popular forms of gambling include slot machines, or "pokies" as they call them, and sports betting. Though it’s also facing increasing discussions about responsible gambling.

2. Singapore

Singapore may be small, but its appetite for gambling is huge. The country opened two massive casinos that quickly became major attractions. To keep locals from overdoing it, the government charges entry fees. But well, people still love to gamble, from horse races to lotteries. The average spend per adult here is among the highest in the world.

3. Ireland

In Ireland, gambling and sports go hand in hand, especially with horse racing. Betting is almost a tradition, with the average adult spending around $500 a year. The rise of online betting has further boosted its popularity, offering Irish bettors more ways to place their bets.

4. Finland

Finland has a unique gambling setup, with state-run operations and profits going to charitable causes. Despite these controls, around 41% of Finnish adults gamble regularly. Popular activities include lotteries and slot machines, making Finland a well-regulated but active market.

5. Canada

Canadians are getting more and more into online gambling, with both online casinos and sports betting growing fast after the official launch in 2022. On average, they spend about $500 annually, balancing between classic land-based casinos and the digital world. Canada’s gambling GEO is very promising, with a focus on keeping things fair and safe.

6. Italy

Italians have a long history with gambling, and it’s still going strong. Adults spend roughly $430 a year on lotteries, poker, and sports betting. It’s part of everyday life, and although it’s well-regulated, gambling remains a favorite pastime across the country.

7. Norway

Norway has strict rules around gambling, with most of it controlled by the state. Still, about 30% of Norwegians gamble regularly, mostly on lotteries and slot machines. Many also go online, even though the government tries to block access to international sites.

8. United States

The U.S. is home to iconic gambling hubs like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Americans spend about $400 a year on gambling, but the rise of online platforms and legal sports betting in many states is pushing that number up. The reason is that more and more states legalize online platforms. 

9. New Zealand

New Zealand loves its gambling, with the average adult spending around $600 annually. Like Finland, the government regulates it strictly, and profits often go to community projects. Lotteries, sports betting, and slot machines — or "pokies" — are the go-to choices for many Kiwis.

10. United Kingdom

In the UK, gambling is a big part of life. The industry is heavily regulated, but people still enjoy placing bets on sports, playing at casinos, or trying their luck with scratch cards. On average, UK adults spend about $450 a year on gambling, making it one of the top gambling nations in Europe.

Conclusion

While gambling takes different forms around the world, one trend is clear — online gambling is on the rise, especially in countries with strong digital infrastructures and regulated markets. With technology moving fast, we can expect more countries entering the iGaming market, making online gambling more accessible.

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This article was written by Revenuelab, a leader in iGaming affiliate marketing. Revenuelab specializes in driving traffic, optimizing conversions, and supporting affiliates with tailored strategies. Whether you’re looking to enter new markets or boost your performance, Revenuelab has the tools and expertise to help you succeed.