According to a recent report by Technavio, a leading technology research and advisory firm, the global sports betting market is set to expand significantly, with an anticipated growth of USD 189.3 billion from 2024 to 2028. The market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.02% during this period.
Technological innovations, particularly in machine learning, are playing a crucial role in this market expansion, according to the report published by Technavio via PRNewswire. Companies in the sector are heavily investing in machine learning tools that offer precise predictions using real-time data from multiple sources. These advanced models rely on well-organized datasets, which are abundant in sports events, making them particularly suitable for sports betting applications.
As machine learning tools gain traction, the market is likely to see an increase in the use of automated systems and robots. These technologies, driven by extensive data, are anticipated to become dominant in the industry. Companies with access to cutting-edge technology and substantial datasets are expected to emerge as key players. Sports bettors will need to adapt to these new machine-learning algorithms to improve their betting efficiency.
The sports betting industry is undergoing a transformation characterized by several key trends. Mobile platforms for betting, cashless transactions, and real-time betting are becoming increasingly popular. Major sports such as football, basketball, and tennis remain the most bet on, with operators providing a variety of betting markets and live streaming services. The ubiquity of smartphones and computers allows users to place bets from virtually any location at any time.
Moreover, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning is enhancing the betting experience by delivering personalized recommendations and in-depth analysis. The sports betting market continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
The online sports betting market is particularly vibrant, fueled by technological advancements and favorable regulatory changes. Key drivers include the expanding market, increasing internet and smartphone penetration, customer migration to online platforms, and the quality of these platforms. Thanks to increasing digitalization and smartphone usage, regions such as Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) offer significant growth potential.
Strategic partnerships and acquisitions, like DraftKings’ acquisition of Golden Nugget Online, along with favorable regulations, such as Germany’s new State Treaty on Gambling, are crucial growth drivers. Despite the challenges posed by unregulated markets, the online segment is projected to continue its upward trajectory due to the rise in mobile usage and positive regulatory developments.
Market Challenges
Despite the robust growth, the global sports betting market faces significant challenges, particularly from government regulations. In many countries, sports betting is tightly controlled through various laws and regulations. Some regions permit betting on specific sports or online betting, while others maintain state monopolies. In Europe, stringent regulations restrict the number of licensed entities and impose high tax rates.
Countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. state of Alabama have imposed bans or severe restrictions on gambling, affecting the revenue potential for operators and platform providers. These regulatory hurdles are expected to pose challenges to the market’s growth trajectory.
Additionally, the ease of access provided by modern devices and technology, such as smartphones and the internet, comes with its own set of risks. These include the potential for problem gambling and the risk of underage individuals placing bets. The varied regulatory landscape complicates consistent operations for firms across different regions.
Sports organizations and leagues are also concerned about the potential impact of betting on the integrity of their competitions. While sports betting attracts millions of users worldwide, companies must navigate these challenges to ensure a safe and fair betting environment for their customers.
