Top 15 Biggest Gambling Countries in the World

Last Updated on 26 May 2025

Gambling culture isn’t just an extension of the entertainment sector, but a strong economic boom in multiple countries. That said, each region has its own take on what this pastime should look like and what forms of gambling should be allowed. These permissions all play a role in how successful casinos and sportsbooks are in a given country. Read on to learn more about the top 15 biggest gambling countries, what types of gambling they offer, and the related regulations and restrictions.

Top 15 Countries by Gross Gambling Revenue

In the table below, you can find the gross revenue of gambling by country.

Country	Gross Gambling Revenue	Year
United States	$69.5 billion	2023
United Kingdom	$18.6 billion	2023
France	$14.9 billion	2023
Canada	$14 billion	2023
Australia	$10.9 billion	2023
Germany	$10.3 billion	2023
Macau	$5.24 billion	2023
Italy	$22.5 billion	2023
Spain	$10.7 billion	2023
The Netherlands	$1.39 billion	2023
Singapore	$4.91 billion	2023
South Korea	$2.30 billion	2023
South Africa	$3.2 billion	2023
Philippines	$8.3 billion	2024
Monaco	$221 million	2024

United States

The United States is far in front of every other gambling country, and is regarded as an origin point for modern casino entertainment. Across the country, there are over 1,000 resorts, either commercial or tribal, and they are regulated based on state laws. The majority of high-end retail casinos are based in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut are leaders in the iGaming sector.

China (Macau)

Gambling is illegal in mainland China, except for Macau. After all, it’s known as a Eastern Vegas for a reason. The majority of resorts belong to the same companies that run the Vegas Strip, and it also attracts millions of tourists. In recent years, it saw an increase of almost 25%, but Maau is still catching up to the numbers it generated before the 2019 pandemic.

Currently, there are 40+ luxurious gambling hubs, and The Venetian Macau is still the largest resort in the world. Baccarat is definitely the most popular, with over 80% of GR coming from the game. Despite its reputation, Macau doesn’t regulate online gambling.

The Netherlands

Over the years, the Netherlands has become a leader in the regulated gambling market in Europe. A state-owned operator, Holland Casino licenses and controls all 14 of its venues. It includes all of it – roulette, poker, and slot machines in big towns like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Online gambling is now completely legal as of 2021, after the Remote Gambling Act (RGA) came into force. Since then, online casinos in the Netherlands have grown very quickly in the past couple of years. As turnover increased by roughly 8% this year and players increased by 13.4%, Dutch players have benefited from an increase in choice between different platforms. Comparison sites like casino online NL are also helpful now more than ever. These allow you to find licensed online casinos in the Netherlands quickly and safely. You can find reviews, what games are on offer, and bonuses designed for Dutch users.

United Kingdom

If you are unsure about which country gambles the most, it’s never wrong to bet on the UK. Online gambling has been legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission since 2005. There are 117 land-based casinos across regions and markets. The biggest establishments are in major centers of London and Manchester.

Australia

Australia’s gambling market is the 3rd largest. Major cities have large casinos, the most prominent being in Sydney and Melbourne.

Even with access to modern and luxurious gambling hubs, Aussies spent most of their disposable income playing online pokies. But there are concerns due to the overwhelming popularity of this hobby. The recent reforms include the prohibition of credit cards for internet betting. Moreover, they are limiting video games that make this pastime look lucrative.

France

Even though it’s not one of the top gambling countries, France is still a strong contender. There are many land-based and traditional casinos (many in towns near the sea or spa towns).

You can gamble on several legal online gambling types, including:

Sports betting
Horse racing
Poker

These are supervised by the National Gambling Authority (Autorité nationale des jeux – ANJ). Moreover, in 2024, the French government proposed a draft to legalize online casinos for economic gain.

Canada

Unlike most gambling countries, each province regulates gambling in Canada as it sees fit. Places such as Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta have opened up regulated online gambling markets and are offering casino games from all categories (slots, live shows, table games, lottery-like games, etc.). This allows private operators to offer online gambling services to consumers. Of course, the sites need to have a license.

Land-based casinos operate in provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia. The law tends to promote practices with RG focus, like self-exclusion, or other player control programs.

Germany

With over 100 retail casinos, Germany definitely deserves to be in the top 10 gambling countries. Cities like Baden-Baden and Wiesbaden are typical go-to destinations for Germans and tourists who enjoy a lush gambling experience.

Much like other European countries, Germany opened up its online gambling market after the pandemic. The Interstate Treaty on Gambling permits regulated online entertainment that includes sports betting and casino games, so long as they are offered by a licensed entity.

Italy

Home to the world’s oldest casino (the Casino di Venezia), Italy isn’t that far behind the other European gambling countries. Once again, internet gambling is permitted and regulated, and licenses are issued by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). The licensing costs are pretty high though, and go up to €7 million for a license that is valid for 9 years.

Spain

Interestingly, Spain is one of the countries that gamble the most, and it has a solid number of retail casinos (55) and sportsbooks (481). You can find casinos in the Canary Islands or along the Mediterranean Sea. Spain has undergone online gambling reforms, and gambling is regulated by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ).

Singapore

This country has two integrated resorts with casinos. These are:

Marina Bay Sands
Resorts World Sentosa.

Moreover, gaming in Singapore is regulated by several statutes, including the Casino Control Act and the Gambling Control Act. Online gambling is mostly illegal, but only some sites are allowed, with very hefty requirements. In 2024, the government introduced the Casino Control (Amendment) Bill. This bill ensures that the Casino Control Act follows the growth of this sector.

South Korea

Most would not consider South Korea the biggest gambling country since there are only a handful of gambling resorts. Not to mention, only Kangwon Land allows access to Korean citizens. The other casinos are for foreigners only. In South Korea, all gambling is illegal, with the exception of very minor wagers for recreation, at federally permitted locations.

Online gambling is illegal in South Korea, with strict enforcement that prohibits wagering among unauthorized operators.

South Africa

Although it’s not the highest gambling country, there is a range of casinos in South Africa. Johannesburg and Cape Town. The gambling regulations are governed by the nine different provinces, tracing back to 1995, when gambling was legalized across South Africa.

Online gambling is mainly illegal in South Africa, except for licensed sports betting. It should also be noted that the National Gambling Board regulates the industry and prevents illegal gambling.

Philippines

The casino sector is rich in the Philippines. Horseshoe Bay in Entertainment City, Manila, is definitely the main attraction in the country.

In November 2024, the President signed Executive Order No. 74, which is an immediate restriction on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and shuts down all offshore gaming operations.

Monaco

If you’ve wondered what country gambles the most, some would say Monaco. After all, it offers a superior experience, with places like the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Online gambling is not a popular gambling market in Monaco, and the regulation is scarce.