The US iGaming Landscape: A Comparison Between American Markets
The online gambling scene across the Americas presents two distinct paths, shaped by how mature each market is and what players want. North America, largely led by the United States, is a solid market with high earnings. Conversely, South America is a fast-growing region, with Brazil becoming a major player.
Our team at CasinoRank, has put together a detailed look at market size, what players are up to, their favourite games, and the top companies. This helps us see who's really calling the shots and shaping the future of online gambling globally.
North American Markets: A Closer Look
There's a big difference between how online gambling is doing in North and South America. In 2024, North America's online gambling sector brought in about $25 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR). The United States alone made up roughly $22–23 billion from sports betting and online casino activities. South America's market, on the other hand, was much smaller at $1–2 billion, but it's growing faster than anywhere else, with predictions showing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% from 2023 to 2028.
According to information from Grand View Research, North America accounts for 20–25% of the world's online gambling revenue, coming in just after Western Europe's 36%. While South America's share is still small, it's growing rapidly, helped by rules that are becoming more friendly to the industry.
Who's Playing Online Games in Rwanda?
The number of people in Rwanda playing online games is growing, but it's mostly younger players who are tech-savvy. The most active players are usually between 25 and 44 years old, a generation that grew up with fast technology. These players are comfortable using digital platforms, switching between apps, and trying out different kinds of online fun, including gambling.
Younger players (ages 25–34) really like quick, mobile-friendly experiences. They often prefer sports betting, esports wagers, and fast-paced games like crash or live slots. Their choices show a desire for exciting, interactive entertainment that fits easily into busy lives.
Meanwhile, slightly older players (ages 35–54) show strong interest in classic casino games like blackjack, poker, and roulette. They often appreciate the strategy involved and the more relaxed pace of these games.
For all age groups, trust, secure platforms, and easy payments are key. However, their reasons for playing differ—some play for the thrill, others for potential winnings, and many just to pass the time or connect with others online. As the market in Rwanda develops, platforms are increasingly adapting their offers to suit these varied tastes and player types.
Top Gambling Countries in Africa
While the article originally focused on South America, it's important to note that the African continent, including Rwanda, is seeing significant growth in online gambling. Currently, specific market data for Rwanda and the wider region is still emerging, but the trend is positive. Legal and regulated online gambling is expanding, offering more opportunities for players and operators alike. As the regulatory landscape in Rwanda continues to evolve, we can expect to see more defined market analysis and stronger growth figures in the near future.
Rwanda's Gambling Scene: Emerging Opportunities
The online gambling market in Rwanda is in its development phase, with a growing number of players showing interest. While precise revenue figures are still being established, the passion for games, especially football (soccer) betting, is evident across the region. The expansion of mobile technology and internet access in Rwanda means that online platforms are becoming more accessible than ever, opening up new avenues for both entertainment and potential winnings.
Popular Games in Rwanda
In Rwanda, as in many parts of Africa, sports betting, particularly on football, remains incredibly popular. Beyond sports, players are increasingly exploring online casino games such as slots, roulette, and card games like poker and blackjack. The availability of these games on mobile devices makes them easily accessible to a wide audience actively seeking entertainment and the chance to win.
Navigating the Gambling Landscape in Rwanda
Rwanda has a developing regulatory framework for gambling. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) oversees the licensing and regulation of the gaming industry. While the focus has often been on land-based casinos, the online sector is growing. Players in Rwanda should ensure they are using licensed and reputable platforms to guarantee a safe and fair gaming experience. Staying informed about local regulations ensures responsible play.
North America's Gambling Strength
North America's gambling growth, particularly in the U.S., kicked off after PASPA was repealed in 2018. By 2024, over 30 U.S. states allowed sports betting, with seven offering regulated online casino games. This has created a lively market, generating $14 billion from sports betting and $8 billion from casino activities.
Around 54 million Americans bet on sports online. Online casino games make up 38% of the U.S. online gaming revenue, showing a balanced mix of popular options. Canada also has a strong presence, with Ontario alone generating CAD $1.4 billion and over a million active accounts in its first year of regulation.
USA: The Big Player
In 2024, the U.S. online gambling market was valued at roughly USD 16.56 billion, making it one of the most dynamic markets in the Americas. The rapid growth is largely thanks to sports betting laws changing in many states and more online casinos opening. Key trends include the rise of mobile betting and live betting during games. AI is also starting to play a bigger role in improving how players experience games and how secure platforms are.
Canadian Markets: Steady Growth
Canada's online gambling market is predicted to reach USD 4.19 billion in 2024, showing steady growth driven by new regulations. The legalization of single-event sports betting in 2021 and provinces regulating online gaming platforms have created a clearer and safer environment. This clarity encourages more people to participate and drives innovation. Canadians are also showing more interest in online casino games, poker, and sports betting, especially with the widespread use of mobile devices and secure payment options.
Mexico: Growing Possibilities
Mexico is one of the biggest iGaming markets in Latin America, with real-money gaming generating an annual turnover comparable to Brazil's, exceeding USD 10 billion. The country's strong market performance is fueled by a large and engaged user base, combined with a deep-rooted love for gambling. Despite ongoing regulatory uncertainties, the online gambling sector remains resilient and continues to grow, with a significant portion of adults actively participating in digital betting and casino platforms.
What Games Are Players Choosing in Rwanda?
Player Engagement Across North America
Players in North America are very active. In the U.S., 70% of sports bettors play weekly, 42% bet multiple times a week, and 25% do so daily. FanDuel alone reported 1 million daily users in March 2024, contributing to an estimated 3 million daily active gamblers across the continent.
According to Env Media, the average U.S. online casino player wagered about $8,500 over 12 months—vastly above the $1,300 global average. Note that these figures are specific to the U.S. market and may differ significantly in other regions like Rwanda.
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.
