The US iGaming Landscape: A Comparison Between American Markets
Looking at how online gambling has grown across the Americas shows two different paths, all thanks to how mature the markets are and how people like to play. North America, especially the USA, is a big, established market that makes a lot of money. On the other hand, South America is quickly growing, with Brazil really standing out as a major player.
Here at CasinoRank, we've put together a deep dive into market size, how active players are, what games they like, and who the top operators are to see where the real power lies in shaping the future of online gambling worldwide.
Nigeria: A Thriving Online Casino Scene
While North America and South America have their own trajectories, Nigeria is carving out its unique space in the global online gambling arena. We're seeing rapid growth, driven by a young, tech-savvy population eager for thrilling entertainment. In 2024, Nigeria's online gambling market is estimated to generate over ₦500 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), showing its massive potential. While North America's market is far larger, Nigeria's growth rate is impressive, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15% from 2023 to 2028. This rapid expansion makes Nigeria one of the most exciting emerging markets in iGaming.
According to insights from major industry reports, including those from Grand View Research, while North America holds a significant chunk of global online gambling revenue, emerging markets like Nigeria are showing the fastest growth. This acceleration is supported by an increasingly favourable regulatory environment and a growing number of licensed operators.
Who's Playing in Nigeria? A Look at Player Demographics
Nigeria's online gambling audience is booming, largely driven by a younger generation that grew up with smartphones and fast internet. Players typically fall within the 18 to 35 age range, a demographic that's comfortable navigating digital platforms and exploring various forms of online entertainment. They're always on the lookout for exciting experiences and readily switch between apps to find the best action.
Younger players love quick, mobile-first experiences. They are heavily into sports betting, especially football (soccer), and enjoy dynamic games like live casino options and slots that offer fast-paced action. Their preferences show a desire for interactive entertainment that fits seamlessly into their daily lives, whether they're commuting or relaxing.
Slightly older players, perhaps those in the 30-45 bracket, might also appreciate the strategic depth and calmer pace of traditional casino games like poker or roulette. However, the dominant trend in Nigeria is the demand for fast, engaging, and mobile-accessible gaming.
Regardless of age, trust, strong security, and easy payment methods are super important for Nigerian players. Many are playing for the thrill, some for the potential wins, and others just to unwind. As the Nigerian market matures, platforms are increasingly adapting to these varied tastes, offering a more tailored experience.
Nigeria's Top Gambling Markets and Games
Nigeria's online gambling market is on fire, set to become one of the biggest in Africa. The market is expected to grow significantly, with projections showing substantial increases in revenue over the next few years. This growth is fueled by a combination of factors: increasing internet penetration, wider adoption of smartphones, and a growing appetite for regulated online gaming.
Lagos Leads the Charge: A Hub for Online Betting
Lagos, being Nigeria's economic powerhouse, naturally leads in online gambling activity. The state's high population density and tech-forward outlook make it a hotbed for both players and operators. Sports betting, with football as the undisputed king, is incredibly popular, mirroring the nation's passion for the beautiful game. Online casinos are also gaining traction, offering a variety of slots and table games.
Abuja and Beyond: Growing Engagement
Beyond Lagos, major cities like Abuja also show significant engagement with online gambling. Regulatory clarity and the availability of diverse gaming options are driving this growth. Players in these regions are increasingly seeking secure and trustworthy platforms that offer a wide range of betting markets and casino games.
Popular Games: Football Betting Reigns Supreme
In Nigeria, sports betting, particularly on football (soccer), is unmatched in popularity. English Premier League matches, La Liga, and the Champions League are followed intensely, with millions of Naira wagered weekly. Beyond football, other sports like basketball and boxing also attract a good number of bettors. When it comes to casino games, slots are a big hit due to their simplicity and potential for quick wins, closely followed by live dealer games which offer a more immersive experience.
Nigeria's Gambling Landscape: What You Need to Know
Nigeria's online gambling sector is buzzing, largely thanks to a more defined regulatory framework emerging within the country. While sports betting is the most popular vertical, online casinos are steadily growing in appeal. Mobile accessibility is key, with most players using their phones to bet and play.
It's estimated that millions of Nigerians actively participate in online sports betting. This engagement fuels a dynamic market where innovation and player focus are paramount. The increasing preference for mobile gambling and the availability of secure payment options like USSD, bank transfers, and e-wallets are further boosting the sector.
Nigeria Market: A Growing Force
Nigeria's online gambling market is rapidly evolving, making it one of the most dynamic in Africa. The expansion of sports betting legislation has been a major catalyst, alongside the growing acceptance of online casino games. Key trends driving the market include the dominance of mobile betting and the exciting rise of in-play wagering. Operators are also looking into AI to enhance player experience and platform security, signalling a new era of advancement in Nigerian iGaming.
Payment Options: What Works Best
Understanding payment methods is crucial for Nigerian players. While international options exist, local methods are highly preferred. Mobile money services, USSD codes, direct bank transfers, and popular e-wallets are the go-to options for seamless deposits and withdrawals. Operators in Nigeria must integrate these payment solutions to cater effectively to their customer base.
Regulatory Landscape: Staying Compliant
Nigeria's gambling industry is overseen by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) for lotteries and the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) for sports betting and casino games. While regulations are evolving, they aim to create a secure and fair environment for all. Players should always ensure they are using licensed and reputable platforms.
Nigeria's Favourite Games: What Players Love
Engagement Rates in Nigeria's Online Casinos
Nigerians are enthusiastic gamblers! In the online casino space, a significant portion of players are active weekly, with many placing bets multiple times a week. The convenience of mobile gaming means that engagement is high, especially during major sporting events. The thrill of quick wins and the social aspect of online gaming keep players coming back for more.
While specific spending figures vary, the trend in Nigeria is clear: players are investing more time and money into online gambling. The average Nigerian online casino player is looking for engaging games, fair play, and a secure environment – all things that top-rated sites strive to provide.
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.
