Thanks to the rise of the internet in the 1990s, the gambling industry experienced a major boost with the emergence of online casinos that could be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Moreover, the invention of smartphones has made it even easier to carry a casino around in our pockets. Throughout history, there have been many intriguing facts and tales related to gambling. It’s no surprise that approximately 89% of adults worldwide have tried online gambling at some point. Read on to uncover ten fascinating gambling facts that will amaze you. 1. Online Gambling Peaked During The Covid Lockdown
As brick-and-mortar casinos and other businesses shut down, individuals who enjoy playing games turned to online casinos more frequently than ever before. This blend of new and returning customers caused the worldwide online gambling market to expand by roughly $8 billion in 2021. According to the UK Gambling Commission, 64% of gamblers played more frequently online during the lockdown.
2. Online Gamblers Are Getting Younger
Individuals who have grown up in the internet era have gravitated towards various iGaming platforms for entertainment. It’s no surprise that online gambling is increasingly appealing to younger individuals. The American Gambling Association (AGA) recently released a revealing statistic that demonstrates this trend. In 2019, the average age of gamblers was 49.5 years old. However, by 2021, that figure had dropped to 43.5 years old, indicating a younger iGaming audience contributing to the change. In addition, modern players are very careful in choosing the best online casino to play.
3. The Use Of Cryptocurrencies Is Rising
In the digital age, internet gambling and cryptocurrency have proven to be a perfect match. Since the inception of Bitcoin in 2009, online bettors have increasingly recognized the benefits of using cryptocurrencies for gambling purposes. Today, thousands of digital currencies are in circulation, and their popularity among online gamblers stems from the blockchain technology that powers them. Cryptocurrency transactions do not rely on any government or banking institution, and players appreciate these transactions’ speedy, confidential, secure, and fee-free nature.
4. The Biggest Jackpot Ever
Apart from lotteries, progressive slots offer the largest jackpots, making them a popular choice among players who seek the chance to win big. In 2003, an anonymous individual played the renowned Megabucks slot machine at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas, investing only $100. The machine’s lights and alarms went off with a lucky combination, and the $100 wager turned into an astounding $39.7 million win. Although this record could change at any time, this impressive jackpot remains a significant milestone in the history of gambling.
5. Mobile Gambling Is Revolutionizing The Industry
Online gambling is a byproduct of technological advancement, and it owes much of its growth to hi-tech breakthroughs. Among these, smartphone and mobile internet access have been particularly transformative. Today, over 6.6 billion people worldwide use smartphones, a figure nearly three times the number of PC users. According to estimates by the European Business Review, mobile casinos account for up to 70% of online betting revenue. This underscores the significant impact that mobile technology has had on the online gambling industry.
