Foundation of the iGaming Future: What is Expected to Develop

The contemporary situation in the online gambling world depends heavily on the relevance of propositions. New gaming possibilities appear regularly, and operators have to keep up with them to stay attractive to their clientele. Technological advancements are the drivers of such progress, but other aspects like legality, demographic, and geographic adaptations also facilitate operational performance.

2WinPower dives into the world of modern trends and evaluates their influence on the current and future situation of the iGaming sector. Experts study the rapid development of the industry in two major markets, which are unique in their conditions. Still, both undergo the influence of the same trends — Latin America and the US.

Ongoing Industry Atmosphere

With the recent poll that covered prominent gambling experts and based on the standards of the Business Climate Indicator of the European Commission, operators can grasp a clear picture of the sphere’s conditions. According to the professional opinions of almost 200 market insiders (operators, state authorities, providers, investors, C-level executives, etc.), 94% of respondents view the current situation in the sphere as good or satisfactory.

Quite a similar answer was received when asked to forecast the business climate for 2025. 49% of participants mentioned it is going to develop well (in comparison to 40% of the current state).

One of the primary reasons for the growth in confidence is the steady development of the two highly promising markets:

• Latin America. Predictions also concerned some of the most prominent regional representatives to see the actual estimates based on service providers. In Latin America, the leading organisations in terms of revenue are Betano and Bet365. Estimates show they will experience the most considerable income boost.
• The US. The situation in the North is quite similar. The current largest organisations, DraftKings and FanDuel, will continue their success in the near future. Their approach seems to be the most successful for the US market situation.

Though these regional leaders cover a large share of the niche in their locations, minor operators keep up successfully on a smaller scale. A well-elaborated strategy and adherence to the audience’s demands and trends help with brand awareness, retention, and new user acquisition.

Specific Preferences in Products and Services

So, what makes these market leaders so popular and successful in their regions? In the majority of cases, specific adaptations to the iGaming climate make a huge difference. In the near future, the potential for some essential online gambling products and services will prevail substantially, so looking to resort to them must be the operators’ most significant priority.

Trends in the iGaming sector to pay attention to:

Mobile Casino

Smartphone-based platforms have dominated the online gambling landscape and will continue to lead industry trends. Operators' primary advantage lies in user accessibility. Mobile-optimised projects can reach clients regardless of where and when they want to engage. An accessible experience across smartphones and tablets boosts retention and allows operators to capture a larger market share, especially among younger demographics prioritising convenience.

Gamification

The strategy of incorporating elements that enhance interaction with the platform has also been a solid winner lately.

The most common features here:

• leaderboards and rankings;
• achievements and badges;
• reward systems;
• loyalty programs and VIP statuses.

All these solutions help increase playtime, as users are incentivised to return regularly to complete challenges or earn points. Gamification also encourages user trust, as punters will likely remain on platforms where they feel consistently rewarded for their activity.

Crash Games

Simplicity and fast-paced nature have always attracted its audience. Such content allows users to bet on a multiplier that continues growing until it “crashes.” Operators typically benefit from the genre as they offer the format to a particular thrill-seeking clientele. The quick turnover of these titles results in higher betting volumes and generates more revenue. Additionally, crash games appeal to younger audiences who look for immediate excitement.

AI-Enhanced Gambling

Artificial intelligence has revolutionised the industry through high levels of personalisation content. Operators can leverage machine learning algorithms to analyse user behaviour and recommend betting options for individual favourings. AI can also enhance customer service through chatbots and improve fraud detection networks for a safer gambling environment. The integration of automation systems can significantly improve user satisfaction and streamline operators’ activities.

Virtual Gambling

A fully immersive experience allows users to engage in lifelike casino environments from the comfort of their homes. Operators benefit substantially from VR participation as they offer innovative products their competitors do not have. Virtual reality platforms attract tech-savvy punters, while augmented reality can enhance existing content. As the technology becomes more accessible, VR interaction will become a significant driver of revenue growth for operators.

Crypto-Related Gambling

Digital money offers the benefits of faster transactions, lower fees, and greater privacy. Operators who accept crypto payments cover particular demographics that value and utilise decentralised financial systems. Additionally, crypto-related gambling allows operators to expand into regions where traditional banking methods may be restricted. Such an approach to providing an innovative way of depositing and withdrawing positions operators as forward-thinking participants of the tech-focused gambling industry.

Bingo

While often seen as a traditional game, this lottery-based content is making a resurgence in the online space. Operators now capitalise on this trend through modernised versions of bingo that include larger jackpots, multiple variants, and social gaming features. The appeal of the format lies in its simplicity, which attracts casual players and seasoned bettors. Bingo expands the product portfolio and appeals to a more diverse user base, particularly among older demographics and community-focused punters.

Despite the growing interest in these trends, recent reports indicate a slight decline in growth expectations for product-related developments. Operators should remain vigilant and continue to innovate, but they should also adjust their strategies to reflect a more competitive and mature market.

Insights about Most Progressive Regions

As has already been said, the iGaming arena is developing remarkably quickly and effectively in two particular areas. Latin America and the United States have seen a significant leap in industry efficiency thanks to recent improved legalisations.

Though not in decay, European iGaming areas continue their slow development. The pace of growth is much lower than at the leaders. However, there is still a lot of room for operators to engage, especially with the reliance on modern trends.

Latin America

The most significant regional development is witnessed in Brazil after the approved gambling bill of September 2023. The new law now provides an official background for sportsbook and casino activities. The country can become a beacon of progress for other LatAm regions since many continue their “greyish” operation.

Chile and Peru are close to Brazil in terms of growth potential. Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina lag behind a little bit.

The US

The poll analysed the success of its most prominent representatives in the American gambling market. Statistics and rankings of the casino and betting apps and platforms provide valuable insights into the current and future situation in the local gambling sphere.

FanDuel, DraftKings, and Hard Rock Bet are the ranking leaders in terms of average daily downloads, sports category apps, and iPhone usage. Regarding the casino application list, FanDuel and DraftKings are also at the top here. BetMGM joins them afterwards.

All these content providers deliver quality services with the consideration of the most relevant industry trends. Constant adaptation allows operators to stay on top of demand and satisfy the preferences of their clientele.

Share Development

The average revenue generation of the majority of gambling organisations grew over 2024. However, as always, there have been winners and losers in this category.

How revenue share has developed in 2024:

1. The most considerable increase was witnessed at a renowned supplier of gambling content, Playtech. Its income jumped by 62% over just 3 months (July 2024–October 2024).
2. Another substantial growth could be seen with the PointsBet service supplier. While its increase was not as impressive as at Playtech, an additional 49% over the third quarter of 2024 is a solid rise.
3. The biggest losers in the gambling community were Acroud and Jumbo Interactive. The analysis has shown a steady drop over the evaluated period, with a decrease of 35% and 21%, respectively.
4. The average rise of 9% indicates the industry’s excellent health and good conditions, considering that the investigation covered a dozen of the biggest gambling service suppliers (Evolution, Entain, Flutter, etc.).

Steady revenue growth also influences the market capitalisation. Though this measure tends to change daily, the freshest results (October 2024) will help understand the current leaders and their size.

The pinnacle of the rating is firmly held by the long-standing Flutter organisation. Its capitalisation is estimated at almost $42 billion. Evolution is more than twice as much behind, with $20 billion. DraftKings closes the top 3 with a worth of $18 billion. The average market capitalisation of key companies in the online gambling sector stands at $4.3 billion, which indicates a solid revenue potential for the iGaming sphere.

Biggest Mergers and Acquisitions in the Sector

The online gambling niche continues to witness significant purchases by large organisations as companies strive for innovation and expansion into new markets. These moves are driven by the desire to leverage advanced technology and cover new regulated areas like LatAm or the US.

DraftKings Acquires Simplebet

The deal, which is pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions, aims to integrate the studio’s advanced machine learning and automation technology into the existing platform. DraftKings has made a strategic decision to acquire Simplebet for its expertise in in-play micro-market pricing.

This integration will significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of live betting opportunities as users will get more dynamic and personalised participation options. Simplebet’s technology will help DraftKings drive further growth in the in-play solutions and maintain strong client protection measures.

Stake Expands into Italy with Idealbet

This acquisition allows the world-renowned brand to enter one of the most promising European markets with a local gaming licence. Idealbet will continue to operate under its existing brand but will become part of Stake’s portfolio. The parent company also plans to open a new office in Italy.

This acquisition aligns with Stake’s strategy of broadening its global presence and enhancing participation in well-established markets. The brand’s leadership has expressed optimism about revitalising the Italian online gaming sector through new opportunities and innovative offerings.

Flutter Entertainment’s Strategic Acquisitions Globally

The corporation has continued its international expansion and acquired a 56% stake in Brazil’s NSX Group, the operator of Betnacional. This $350 million deal strengthens Flutter’s position in the rapidly growing region. By 2024, NSX is expected to generate significant revenue and earnings. In the meantime, Flutter plans to combine the local brands with its existing Betfair Brazil platform. The corporation views this acquisition as a long-term growth opportunity, similar to its successful US strategy.

Additionally, Flutter is obtaining Italy’s Snaitech S.p.A. for $2.5 billion from Playtech. The deal will enhance its presence in Europe’s largest gambling market and increase Flutter’s share in the country to around 30%. This creates substantial operational savings and boosts revenue through technology integration.

The Main Things about 2024’s Gambling Industry Changes

Awareness of the latest iGaming nuances and monitoring the newest trends will ensure the project’s success for any operator. Adaptation of recent tech achievements into the process will guarantee a substantial revenue boost. At the same time, the industry news will enlighten and allow managers to make more informed decisions about future activity.

Key aspects to keep in mind about the iGaming trends of 2024:

• According to a recent poll conducted on the basis of the Business Climate Indicator of the European Commission standards, 94% of industry-related respondents called the current situation satisfactory or good.
• The two biggest winners of the iGaming sphere progress are Latin America (with the local leaders being Betano and Bet365) and the US (with DraftKings and FanDuel on top).
• The current trends in the iGaming sector to pay attention to are mobile casinos, gamification, crash content, AI-enhanced gambling, virtual reality technology, crypto-related systems, and the renowned popularity of bingo.
• The average share development of 9% indicates the industry’s excellent health and good conditions, with the biggest winners being Playtech and PointsBet.
• The largest M&A deals over 2024 included DraftKings’ acquisition of Simplebet, Stake’s expansion to Italy with Idealbet, and Flutter’s purchase of the NSX Group and Snaitech S.p.A.

The iGaming sector is constantly changing, making it critical to stay alert about all the latest shifts and innovations. 2WinPower keeps operators aware of recent trends and news as well as supplies the freshest products and solutions.