The US iGaming Landscape: A Comparison Between American Markets
The evolution of online gambling across the Americas paints a picture of two distinct paths, shaped by regional maturity and how local players enjoy their gaming. North America, largely spearheaded by South Africa's established online casino scene, represents a mature, high-revenue market. In contrast, the African continent is emerging as a region with immense growth potential, with South Africa leading the charge as a key player.
Our team at CasinoRank, has curated a comprehensive analysis that looks at the market size, player activity, favourite games, and top providers to assess where the real influence lies in shaping the future of the global gambling industry, especially for our South African players.
South African Online Casino Scene Overview
There's a notable difference between the online gambling markets in North America and here in South Africa. In 2024, North America's online gambling sector generated roughly R450 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), with the United States being the biggest contributor. South Africa's market, while smaller at an estimated R40-R60 billion, is currently experiencing impressive growth, with projections showing a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) that indicates a bright future for iGaming in the region.
While exact figures for South Africa's standing against global revenue can vary, it's clear that the US and Canada lead the charge in North America, representing a significant portion of global online gambling revenue. South Africa's share, though currently modest, shows rapid acceleration, significantly boosted by its increasingly progressive regulatory environment, making it an exciting market for players and operators alike.
South African Players: Who's Playing and What Are They Playing?
The online gambling audience in South Africa is certainly diverse, but it's increasingly being shaped by a younger, digitally savvy generation. The most active players often fall within the 25 to 44 age bracket. This demographic grew up with technology and is comfortable navigating online platforms, switching between apps, and exploring various forms of digital entertainment, including online casinos and sports betting.
Younger players (ages 25–34) are particularly drawn to fast-paced, mobile-first experiences. Think quick-fire sports bets on the latest soccer match or trying out dynamic games like crash or live dealer slots. Their preferences often align with the desire for exciting, interactive entertainment that fits seamlessly into their busy lives here in South Africa.
Meanwhile, slightly older players (ages 35–54) often show a strong appreciation for more traditional casino games like blackjack, poker, and roulette. They might enjoy the strategic depth of these games and a slightly more relaxed pace, finding a good balance to their gaming experience.
Across the board, whether you're in Cape Town or Durban, trust in a platform, its security, and ease of making deposits and withdrawals remain paramount. However, the reasons for playing can differ – some chase the thrill, others eye potential winnings, and many simply want to unwind or connect with others online. As the South African online gambling market matures, platforms are getting smarter, tailoring their offerings to suit these diverse tastes and player types.
Leading Online Gambling Markets in Africa
Africa's online gambling market is experiencing a serious 'glow-up', and while it's growing from a smaller base compared to some established markets, the potential is massive. The overall African online gambling market is projected to reach significant revenue by 2030, growing at a hearty CAGR, signalling a very exciting period ahead for iGaming on the continent.
South African Market: Leading the Pack
South Africa is a titan in Africa's online gambling landscape. Online sports betting is huge here, with football (soccer) being the undisputed king. The passion for the beautiful game means a massive number of South Africans are placing wagers, making it a cornerstone of the betting market. We're also seeing robust growth in online casino offerings, driven by licensed operators providing exciting games to players across the country.
Other African Markets: Emerging Strongholds
While South Africa often leads, countries like Nigeria and Kenya are also showing significant engagement in online gambling, driven by mobile penetration and a growing interest in various betting and gaming options. These markets are developing rapidly, with increasing numbers of platforms offering diverse gaming choices to meet local preferences.
Regulatory Landscape: Paving the Way
South Africa's proactive approach to online gambling legislation has created a more structured and secure environment. This forward-thinking framework is not only beneficial for operators but also provides players with a safer space to enjoy their favourite games. It has attracted significant investment and further solidified South Africa's standing as a key market in Africa.
North American Online Gambling: Market Leaders
North America's impressive gambling momentum has been significantly influenced by the U.S. market, especially after key regulatory shifts. By 2024, numerous U.S. states had embraced sports betting, with several also offering regulated online casino play. This has created a dynamic market with substantial revenue generated from both sports betting and casino activities.
A significant portion of Americans actively participate in online sports betting. Online casino gaming also contributes a healthy share to the U.S. online gaming revenue, showcasing a well-rounded market. Canada, particularly Ontario, also plays a notable role, with its regulated market generating substantial revenue and attracting over a million active accounts in its initial regulated year.
US Markets: The Big Player
In 2024, the online gambling market in the United States stood as a powerhouse, reflecting its position as one of the most mature and vibrant markets globally. The rapid expansion has been largely driven by widespread sports betting legalization across numerous states, supported by the consistent growth of online casino offerings. Key trends include the ever-increasing popularity of mobile betting and the rise of in-play wagering, allowing players to place bets in real-time. AI is also becoming more integrated, enhancing user experiences and platform security, marking an innovative phase for the US iGaming sector.
Canadian Markets: Regulated and Growing
Canada's online gambling market shows steady growth, bolstered by key regulatory shifts. The legalization of single-event sports betting and provinces taking the lead in regulating online gaming platforms have established a more structured and secure environment for everyone involved. This regulatory clarity has boosted market participation and innovation. Canadians are showing growing interest in online casino games, poker, and sports betting, with mobile devices and secure payment options further enhancing this trend.
Mexican Markets: LatAm's Potential
Mexico represents a substantial iGaming market in Latin America, with a high annual turnover driven by a large and engaged user base, along with a strong cultural affinity for gaming. Despite evolving regulations, the online gambling sector remains resilient and continues to expand, with a significant portion of the adult population actively participating across various digital betting and casino platforms.
Most Popular Games: What South Africans Love to Play
South African Gambling Habits
South African gamblers are passionate and engaged. While exact figures might differ, a significant portion of players engage with their favourite betting platforms regularly. Whether it's placing bets on the weekend rugby match or spinning the reels on a popular slot game, the commitment runs deep. Major platforms serving the South African market likely see millions of active users engaging daily or weekly across both sports betting and online casino verticals.
South African online casino players are certainly getting their money's worth, wagering amounts that reflect a diverse range of stakes, often exceeding global averages. This indicates a lively and active player base keen on enjoying a wide array of games and features. For players looking to make informed choices, understanding these trends and exploring reputable casinos recommended by sites like CasinoRank is key.
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.
