The United States can be regarded as the leader in the development of the worldwide business of casinos: such cities as Las Vegas and Atlantic City have become the benchmark of entertainment and gambling styles. However, as we have seen online sites explode and the rapid expansion running across the globe, the real question is how does the U.S. compare to other gambling havens in the world?
The stats are hard to deny. The U.S. alone earned casino revenue totaling to $66.5 billion in 2023 alone, or about 25 percent of the total casino revenue globally that sums to $292.1 billion. Such domination persisted through 2024 when North America and the U.S. in particular enjoyed a 45.9 percent share of the international casino market.
The U.S. counts over 2,000 ground-based gambling establishments, including not only full-scale casinos and even poker rooms, but also licensed sportsbooks of every type. None of the countries can match this in physical presence and economic influence.
Still, other regions are catching up, especially when it comes to online and mobile gambling.
One of the sectors that the U.S. is still lagging is online gambling. In the U.S., online gambling in 2023 earned an estimated 240 billion dollars and contributed 1.7 million jobs. However, national development has progressed slowly due to legal limitations, and only a small number of states have approved online casinos, poker or sports betting. That patchwork of regulation means many Americans must look elsewhere.
Consider Canada, as an example. Whereas the U.S. struggles with the state-by-state regulations, Canadian provinces possess more simplified structures. An example is Ontario, which in 2022 opened their regulated iGaming market to competition with private operators, establishing an environment in which local and foreign operators can compete.
American players have found international platforms more attractive due to this difference in access. Some resort to the legally operating offshore sites with more flexibility, more payment options, and good odds. Others find platforms based on cryptocurrency that defy the conventional banking restrictions. A growing number are even discovering bitcoin casinos Canada offers, which often combine transparency, fast payouts, and easy access without the hurdles of local U.S. laws.
The online gambling business is projected to gain momentum to reach $127.3 billion by 2027 globally. The U.S. is a leader, but its potentials have not yet been fully utilized because of lags in regulations. On the other hand, countries in Europe, such as the UK, and some regions in Asia are already on a national system designed to realize faster development of the online world and innovation.
In terms of industry powerhouses, the United States still leads. The five largest casino operators in the world are all American companies, MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, and Penn National Gaming. These giants not only dominate the domestic market but also have strong international reach, especially in Asia.
Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts have built billion-dollar properties in Macau, a region that now earns more annual casino revenue than the entire state of Nevada. Their success abroad helps reinforce the influence of the U.S. gaming model worldwide.
While Europe has its fair share of well-known operators and local gaming authorities, few match the scale, diversification, and global branding power of U.S.-based companies.
One of the defining features of U.S. casinos is the full-package experience. Walk into a top-tier casino in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, and you’ll find more than just slot machines and card tables. You’ll also see five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, Broadway-style shows, luxury shopping, spas, and even art installations.
This “integrated resort” concept is far more developed in the U.S. than in most of the world. While Asia has adopted similar models in places like Singapore and Macau, many European and Latin American casinos remain focused mainly on gambling itself.
American casinos also lead in player loyalty programs. Customers are rewarded not just for gaming activity but also for hotel stays, dining, and shopping. These reward systems are central to how U.S. casinos build long-term customer relationships, a strategy not as widely used in other markets.
Currently, 44 states allow some form of land-based casino gaming. Sports betting is legal in 39 states and Washington, D.C. But online casino gaming is only legal in seven states. That means your gambling options vary wildly depending on where you live.
In comparison, countries like the UK operate under centralized systems. The UK Gambling Commission oversees all gambling activity, from physical casinos to mobile apps. This creates consistency, makes enforcement easier, and simplifies player protections.
The U.S has continued to lead the world market in terms of gambling particularly the land-based casinos and mega entertainment destinations. However, in case of online gambling, countries such as Canada and the UK with more liberal and all-embracing requirements are moving quicker than others.
With the development of technology and the continuous response of more U.S. states to the idea of legalizing online platforms, there is much room left to develop in the American market. Yet, until new regulations keep up with the needs of consumers, new players seeking flexibility, speed of access, and crypto facilities will probably keep exploring overseas opportunities.
