The online gambling industry is currently valued at just over $90 billion, and industry leaders expect strong growth for the rest of the decade. By 2029, analysts predict a market valuation exceeding $150 billion.
Just like in any industry that’s embedded in tech and worth billions of dollars, change comes at a rapid pace. In 2025, we’re already seeing some major shifts in the industry, and what’s coming next may surprise even the most seasoned gambling veterans.
Web3 and Blockchain Integration
Web3 technologies, including blockchain and DeFI (decentralized finance), are not just buzzwords or speculative investments anymore. In 2025, they’re seeing active development in the gambling industry, too.
They offer unique advantages over traditional implementations, enhancing transaction transparency, increasing consumer security, and guaranteeing fair gaming with verified game outcomes (and these are just a handful of advantages!).
Smart contracts also eliminate delays associated with old school payment methods. When you deposit or withdraw, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, depending on which you prefer using, should reach your account within seconds.
Further, every transaction is etched on the blockchain for, well, always. This adds a layer of trust to transactions, with fraud and money laundering becoming much more difficult with a fully open traceable technology. For users, the blockchain will help create a safer gambling environment.
And then we have NFTs, which open up an array of options for operators. Think exclusive tournament entries, unique virtual items and awards, and loyalty programs fueled by NFT-based rewards.
Big Changes to the Regulatory Landscape
The iGaming industry is a fairly new development, and most countries have had to scramble to introduce adequate regulatory frameworks to cater to it. In recent years, an increasing number have opted for the legalization of many forms of online gambling:
United States: Record Number of States Give the Green Light
The US attitude to gambling can best be described as fragmented, but moving towards legalization across the board. In 2025, online sports gambling has been given the green light in eleven states, with iGaming allowed in seven.
Compared to just a few years ago, that’s a major shift in attitude to online gambling. Industry experts anticipate that states such as California, Georgia, Minnesota, and even Texas may consider regulatory changes in the coming years, given the growing demand and projected tax revenue figures.
European Union: Industry Leader Expands Reach
The European Union is already one of the industry leaders in online gambling, with recent efforts focusing on consumer protection and anti-money laundering regulations.
The focus is not on limiting users, but instead on expanding protective measures to allow industry expansion. One of the key focus points is to streamline cross-border transactions within the EU.
New Zealand and Australia: Loosening Regulations
In New Zealand, the government is pushing to introduce expansive changes to the existing gambling law, with a regulatory framework for online gambling set for 2026. This means that many online casinos which previously operated under broadly recognized international licenses, will now have the opportunity to move to the local ground. SkyCity, one of the leading operators in New Zealand, is expected to be one of the key beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, in Australia, the picture is a little more complex. Similar to the United States, the county operates on a federal structure, which means different states, different rules. Gambling already has a strong cultural foothold in the country, and with demand for online options increasing, experts foresee a positive shift towards iGaming providers.
Personalized Player Journeys
Gambling companies don’t just compete to acquire customers, but they also need to ensure they keep them. Through advanced data analytics and recent jumps in AI development, operators are creating unmatched personalized player journeys.
The first one you’ll recognize just from browsing Netflix or Disney+: gaming recommendations that are perfectly tailored to your interests. They’re not always perfect systems, but they are becoming scarily accurate in showing games you’ll love.
But it’s going beyond that. The user interface changes according to your preferences, responding to your behavior and improving the UX experience. Bonuses and promotions are no longer generic, but will be based on games that you tend to play.
Casinos want you to arrive at their online establishment as if you’re coming home. Similar to how people arrive at their usual Disney World hotel, the traditional local restaurant, or the bar from the show Cheers (Where Everybody Knows Your Name!).
AI is helping companies do this, with every iteration helping to provide an experience that feels like it has been manually built just for the consumer. This not only helps with player retention, but genuinely provides an elevated gaming experience.
Beyond 2025: What’s Next?
AI is the buzzword of the moment, and it will underpin a lot of the industry developments in the coming years. But plus what we’ve covered so far, here’s what you can expect beyond 2025:
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- Metaverse casinos. Zuckerberg’s slow start to his metaverse empire has halted the momentum, but there’s still a lot of promise in the core premise. Imagine walking through a Las Vegas-esque online world, a fully immersive experience.
- 5G-powered gaming. Data has been a big issue in the past, with online casinos balancing exciting games with limits to data, especially with gamers on cell phone contracts in mind. With 5G becoming more and more common, expect online casino games to level up.
- Wearable tech integration. The metaverse will not only be available through VR headsets, but wearable tech integration will make things seem even more real.
The combination of tech, high demand, and the relaxation of regulatory hurdles have combined to drive unprecedented changes in the online casino industry.
But what we have seen so far is only the start. With AI still in its infancy, for instance, the future looks exciting indeed.
