Three out of four people worldwide have gambled at least once, and some do it regularly and with great pleasure. Naturally, gambling enthusiasts must accept frequent losses, which, on a national level, amount to substantial sums. But in which countries do people lose the most?
USA with $116.9 billion in annual losses
Gambling is gaining popularity in the U.S., and online sports betting is driving the most growth. After the federal ban on gambling was lifted in 2018, more states have been legalizing it. Fans are eager to bet: in 2024, 26% of American adults bet $23 billion on the Super Bowl. This amount is $7 billion higher than the previous year.
China with $62.4 billion in annual losses
Macau is a promising destination for many global leaders. In 2023, the peninsula’s GGR reached $22.3 billion. However, the country owes its second-place ranking in gambling losses not only to Macau. Although most forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in mainland China, state lotteries are freely and actively played.
Read also: The UAE has chosen its first national lottery operator.
Japan with $24.1 billion in annual losses
You can’t legally gamble in casinos or on slot machines in Japan, but you can still buy lottery tickets or place bets on one of the country’s popular racing events, which Japanese citizens take full advantage of.
Italy with $19 billion in annual losses
Italy’s gambling history dates back to the Roman Empire. Today, Venice and Milan serve as gambling hubs, with more than 15 casinos.
Australia with $18.3 billion in annual losses
Two out of five Australians bet weekly, with most gambling activity concentrated in New South Wales. The region has over 87,000 slot machines and hosts the most popular horse races. Sydney, the capital of the region, held its first horse racing event in 1810.
Great Britain with $18 billion in annual losses
The majority (52.3%) of the country’s gambling market is focused on the online sector, which grew rapidly during the pandemic. It is forecasted that in 2024, online gambling revenue will reach $16.39 billion, and by 2028, the sector’s growth rate is expected to be around 4.05% annually.
Canada with $12.4 billion in annual losses
The online gambling sector is also growing in Canada, although the largest source of gambling revenue remains the lottery, played by 65% of Canadians.
Germany with $11.2 billion in annual losses
In Germany, 36% of the gambling market is occupied by slot machines, and 30% by state lotteries. However, online sports betting is likely to become one of the leaders soon.
France with $10.4 billion in annual losses
Around half of the French population engages in gambling. The market has grown significantly since the legalization of online gambling in 2010. Interestingly, the French love to spend large sums betting on horse racing, with some of the most iconic races held in the city of Chantilly under the same brand name.
Spain with $8.9 billion in annual losses
Eight out of ten Spaniards gamble at least once a year, mostly thanks to lotteries. Only 17.9% of the population participates in other forms of gambling. Did you find the news interesting and informative? Want more of the daily gambling updates and stay updated on the events? Subscribe to our ‘Gambling News’ section and receive notifications about fresh publications. If you found this publication helpful and interesting, we recommend subscribing to our breaking gambling news to receive notifications about the latest updates and stay informed about current events.
