Figures and analyses that tell the story of online gaming: from casinos to sports betting.

The online gaming sector continues to expand at an impressive pace, as confirmed by data from the CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour) and the Federconsumatori (Italian Consumer Federation), as well as numerous previous analyses. Digital casinos offer increasingly immersive real-time gaming experiences, while sports betting is evolving thanks to attractive graphics and intuitive features. Offers and services are becoming increasingly attractive to users, attracting an increasing number of players. At the same time, regulatory control of this sector is increasing, especially in the online context. Let's analyze how these dynamics are affecting the digital gaming landscape.

Report on online gaming

A study by Federconsumatori and CGIL highlights the huge growth of online gaming, with spending reaching €82 billion and up 67% over the last year, particularly in central and southern Italy. While traditional gaming, carried out through agencies and tobacconists, has already shown significant figures, the online sector has reached impressive levels, drawing attention to regions such as Campania and cities such as Messina and Palermo, where per capita spending is extremely high. Rome, Milan and Florence also show significant figures, with Rome reaching almost €2,000 per player.

The difference between online gambling and traditional gambling lies mainly in the accessibility and intensity of the experience. Online gambling offers unprecedented ease of access, allowing players to place bets anytime, anywhere, which can lead to more compulsive and risky gambling behavior.

This creates greater responsibility for the industry, which must implement measures to protect and support vulnerable players while ensuring a healthy gaming environment. For regulators, this means developing appropriate regulations to protect consumers, raise awareness and prevent the emergence of gambling-related problems. Therefore, the balance between freedom of play and the protection of public health is crucial in this growing environment. And read about the most popular Italian footballers playing in online casinos on this page.

Summer spending and winter spending: how it affects online gambling

The online gambling industry, while it may seem stable, is actually subject to seasonality, as data shows. Major events such as the pandemic clearly show how this sector is affected by social, geopolitical and cultural factors.

In 2024, the online casino sector experienced significant growth, with spending reaching €228 million in August, up 17.8% compared to the previous year. Total betting volume reached €5.5 billion, exceeding initial forecasts. This positive trend is explained by a diversified offer (e.g. non-AAMS casinos with a €1 deposit), in particular live game shows, which attracted an increasing number of users. The sports betting sector saw notable successes in the first seven months of 2024, with Naples, Rome and Milan among the provinces with the highest spending. Naples spent €79 million, followed by Rome with €41 million and Milan with €26 million.

The total betting volume in bookmakers reached €525.7 million and the total player revenue exceeded €2.6 billion, demonstrating an excellent cost-to-income ratio. Online betting is contributing to this growth by offering accessibility and a wide selection of games, including casino.
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