Mordor Intelligence Updates Global Online Gambling Market Forecast

Analysts at Mordor Intelligence released an updated assessment of the global online gambling sector that places its value at roughly USD 121.93 billion for 2026, an increase from the USD 107.36 billion recorded the previous year, and they project expansion to USD 211.99 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.99 percent.

The report arrives in May 2026 amid ongoing shifts in technology adoption and regulatory frameworks across multiple regions, and observers note that these baseline figures provide a clear snapshot of current momentum without speculating on external variables.

Market Size and Projected Trajectory

Figures in the analysis establish a consistent upward line from 2025 through the end of the decade, and researchers attribute the steady climb to measurable increases in connected devices along with policy adjustments in select jurisdictions. Data shows the market clearing the USD 120 billion threshold in 2026 before continuing toward the USD 212 billion mark five years later, while the stated CAGR reflects compounded yearly gains across the full forecast window.

Those tracking the sector often compare these numbers against earlier editions of the same study, and the latest iteration incorporates fresh inputs on device penetration and payment infrastructure that were not available in prior releases. The trajectory remains linear in the model, which allows planners to map revenue bands without introducing sudden inflection points.

Primary Growth Drivers Identified

Smartphone penetration and 5G network rollout rank among the leading factors cited, and the report links wider availability of high-speed mobile connections to greater participation in online platforms. According to The Mobile Economy data referenced in related industry materials, global smartphone subscriptions continue to climb, which aligns with the observed pattern of mobile-first usage in gambling applications.

Regulatory liberalization receives equal weight in the assessment, with explicit mention of developments in the United States, Brazil, and parts of the Middle East where licensing frameworks have expanded in recent years. Live betting paired with streaming services and the maturation of digital payment rails further support volume growth, because these features reduce friction between intent and transaction completion.

Segment Leadership and Platform Preferences

Casino offerings continue to hold the largest share within the overall market, while mobile devices account for the majority of user sessions across most regions examined. The analysis separates device categories and finds that desktop access has stabilized rather than declined, yet mobile interfaces capture incremental traffic as networks improve.

Segment breakdowns reveal that casino verticals benefit from established brand recognition and a broad game library, whereas sports betting and lottery products show faster percentage gains in newer markets. Mobile dominance appears consistent because users can complete deposits, place wagers, and withdraw funds without switching devices, which streamlines the entire cycle.

Regional Regulatory Context

Policy changes in the United States have opened additional state-level markets since the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and similar moves in Brazil and the Middle East have introduced licensed operators to previously restricted zones. The report records these developments as structural enablers rather than short-term events, because once licensing regimes stabilize, operators gain predictable operating environments that support long-term investment.

Digital payment adoption tracks closely with these regulatory shifts, since jurisdictions that authorize recognized processors see quicker onboarding of new accounts. Observers note that the combination of clearer rules and reliable transaction rails tends to coincide with measurable upticks in active user counts within the first twelve to eighteen months after implementation.

Conclusion

The Mordor Intelligence update supplies a quantified baseline that places the global online gambling market at USD 121.93 billion for 2026 and charts a path to USD 211.99 billion by 2031 under an 11.99 percent CAGR. Key inputs include smartphone and 5G expansion, regulatory openings in specific territories, live betting integration, and digital payment infrastructure, while casino products and mobile platforms maintain leading positions in their respective categories. The single-source projection offers planners a reference point for sizing resources through the remainder of the decade.