iGaming is a part of the entertainment industry that is growing more currently. This is even though it has been around for ages. It is the wagering of something on the outcome of an event online. Some examples include poker, online betting, online casinos, among others.
You may often confuse iGaming with e-gaming, but the latter is playing games online for money. The difference is slight but precise, and you should not be mixed up the two.
Some countries hold a commanding presence in gambling and online casinos. Canada, the United States of America, and India are always involved when discussing online gambling.
However, this is not the case in iGaming because the prominent names expected aren’t the leading names. Other countries are on the frontline when it comes to iGaming.
1. Sweden
Sweden is an unexpected name for anyone that is not that deep into gambling. However, it is not a surprise that Sweden is on this list for someone who knows enough about gambling.
For over 100 years, countries in Scandinavia, not just Sweden, have always taken iGaming seriously. They are among the pioneers worldwide in iGaming and have helped push it over the years. Online gambling is big in Sweden because online casinos are popular there.
Recent research has shown that 60% of Swedes have gambled at least once in online casinos. Also, 33% of that number do it at least once a week. This shows how big the whole online gambling industry is in Sweden.
A big reason why iGaming is a success in Sweden is the government. It has centralized all gambling activities, ensuring you are safe when gambling. This encourages you to gamble.
Another significant factor is technology. Since Sweden is a small country with around 10 million, making technological advancements is easier. Advanced technology means more people access computers and practice iGaming since internet connectivity is easier to access.
The last significant factor is taxation. Only the casinos are taxed in Sweden, roughly 18% of their earnings. However, you can keep all your winnings, encouraging you to play even more.
With that in mind, you can find the best European online casinos here. Many of them are based in Malta but accept players throughout the EU. If you’re lucky, you can get a welcome bonus to boost your bankroll.
2. The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the leading European countries generally in online gambling. Many big-name companies in online gambling originate from the UK, which is not surprising. If not, companies established somewhere else, like in the US, have branches in the UK.
The reason for this is that the country does well in online gambling. The gambling commission in the UK should be given a lot of credit for how they run things. They are very strict to ensure safety, equality, and equity among gambling companies and gamblers.
Another factor contributing to the UK’s dominance in iGaming is developers and companies. The country is known for producing famous casino brands and well-known developers. This makes it easier for you to access the sites and companies that offer iGaming services.
The organization of everything, from marketing to consumers, also helps the UK advance in iGaming. Also, just like Sweden, the UK doesn’t tax you on your winnings from gambling. This is because the system is well developed and organized, and there is no room for anything shady.
3. Malta
Malta is, without doubt, the surprise package on this list. Being a small country with minimal recognition in most fields, Malta is doing well in the iGaming sector. It has always been known for online gambling, which relates to iGaming.
The small population, which is probably no more than any state in the US, helps. A small population is easier to govern, given not everyone gambles. The Malta Gaming Authority also helps, as it has one of the most organized gambling governing bodies.
Unlike the UK and Sweden, which impose no tax, Malta taxes the winnings fairly. This encourages more companies and you as a player to invest in online gambling in Malta.
And with the resurfacing of iGaming, you will focus more on Malta, making it among the top five iGaming countries in Europe. Even with its small population, iGaming employs over 9000 Maltese citizens. It also generates over 700 million euros for the Maltese economy.
4. Germany
Another European country in the list shows how dominant the continent is in iGaming. Germany is more of an upcoming force in iGaming, having already established itself in online gambling.
iGaming is more prevalent in Germany than online casinos because it involves sports betting which has always been legal. The online casinos are just getting into it and will catch up with time.
Over the past three years alone, the German gambling market has grown by over 300 million euros. A big part of this has been contributed to by iGaming. The future is looking brighter because of new rules about to be introduced. The German government wants to impose tougher gambling rules like Sweden and the UK.
5. The United States of America
Outside of Europe, the United States of America is the leading country in iGaming. This may be because other countries have not appreciated it, making them the only source. It could also be because of the huge population aware of online gaming and gambling.
One obstacle preventing iGaming from extending further into the US is legislative issues. Once they are sorted, countries dominant in Europe can expand into the US and assert their dominance.
Currently, the gambling industry in the US generates almost 138 billion dollars annually. This is a profound statement of intent from the US gambling sector, considering the significant changes. iGaming is relatively slower than online casino gambling in the US, but the change is inevitable. Soon, the two will be actively competing.
Conclusion.
Europe is the leading continent in iGaming, unlike in online casino gambling, where it is North America or Asia. Countries outside Europe are playing catch-up in other parts of the world, but things can only get better. Also, iGaming as a whole is growing, and that will remain to be the case in the future.