
The worldwide gambling market has shown a complete recovery in 2025, alongside further development across the sector with online platforms at the forefront. This year, the entire industry is expected to make approximately $135 billion in revenue, which is a 12% increase compared to 2024.
Revenue growth has been greatly supported by mobile betting, which now accounts for over 60% of gambling-related income. This article reviews the major gambling stocks in 2025. This article aims to analyze the foremost constituents of the sector, identify the principal factors driving market growth, and examine the strongest-performing stocks. Traders and investors are provided with a clearer perspective of the gambling sector and its dynamics with the equity markets.
Overview of the Gambling Industry in 2025
There has been a fundamental shift from land-based wagering to online gambling for both local and international operators. The current situation is a product of the economy, changes in regulations, and shifts in consumer behavior. This year, Asia, spearheaded by India, Japan, and China, has had an 18% increase in betting volumes. Similarly, Europe is reporting a 10% growth in the online gambling market, mainly attributed to strong engagement from the UK, Germany, and Spain. In the US, there has been a 13% increase in turnover as more states legalize online gambling.
The industry has undergone immense transformation due to the robust digital infrastructure and the penetration of smartphones. Over 60% of bets are now made on phones and tablets, a figure that is expected to grow as consumer demand shifts towards on-the-go app-based gambling. In addition, international sports events and improved product offerings on various platforms have fueled the growth of sports betting, a key segment of the global market.
These operators expanded their services to include live-dealer games and interactivity with actual bettors. Through the automation of software providers and backend systems, the operators’ retention has improved, and they have been able to penetrate newer markets due to the more seamless experience provided.
Key Market Drivers Behind Gambling Stock Performance
Overall, there are some structural and operational reasons, which have affected the stocks of gambling over the year. Most importantly, the novel adoption of the mobile-first approach and alternative ways of payment, such as cryptocurrency, has been dominant among users. Blockchain offers payment systems and proves fair gaming, which became popular earlier in 2025, mostly among the younger audience.
An emerging trend, which drew attention from analysts toward stocks, is the growing embrace and adoption of gambling services, which operate in cryptocurrencies. This trend, which was first reported by Zamsino has also drawn attention from users who prefer privacy and swift transactions. Because of the nature of crypto, these transactions can be done in places where the traditional banking system is limited or stricter regulations are observed.
An emerging market driver includes the increased utilization of prediction markets and sweepstakes models that fall outside the standard gambling verticals. In the United States, decentralized prediction markets have received a considerable amount of user activity and press attention. Because they do not fall under any specific jurisdiction, these services are available in many states, increasing the size of the market they serve.
In the UK, betting operators have heightened their spending on adult gaming centers (AGCs) that operate around the clock. These AGCs have overtaken traditional betting shops in number and have become a key revenue driver. Some operators have used planning control loopholes to make rapid expansions in built-up areas, supporting the overall domestic gambling economy growth. Despite the remaining social impact concerns, these changes have impacted the profits of several listed firms in a positive way.
Top Performing Casino and Betting Stocks This Year
A few publicly listed gambling companies have performed very well in 2025 and are likely to be supported by the underlying trend in the market. Here is an overview of some of the most popular stocks in the industry:
Flutter Entertainment (LSE: FLTR)
Flutter is still among the best international online betting and gaming operators. Its brands, like Betfair, FanDuel, and PokerStars offer access to numerous customers from different parts of the world. In 2024, Flutter achieved an operating income of £869 million and continues performing well in 2025. Investor confidence has improved because of strategic acquisitions and clear regulations in the central markets.
DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG)
The U.S. online sports betting market continues to be dominated by DraftKings, which controls more than 35% of the market. The company has received some lift from legalization at the state level and has diversified its offering to include casino games and fantasy sports. Revenues in 2025 continue to rise strongly because of growth in the number of active monthly users and voluntary spending per user.
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM)
MGM has achieved record figures for its Vegas and Macau properties. They have also expanded their revenue sources with BetMGM and growth in the digital betting sector. Stock prices, which surged post-crisis in Q1 2024 due to consistent earnings reports and high investor sentiment regarding the recovery in international travel, hit an all-time high during the crisis in early 2025.
Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR)
Post-acquisition of William Hill, Caesars has shifted its focus towards enhancing its digital sportsbook features. They reported $11.5 billion in revenue in 2024, with Las Vegas operations contributing heavily to the profits. Their growing business has carried over into 2025, with a greater portion of revenue now coming from online services.
Entain plc (LSE: ENT)
Entain, which operates the Ladbrokes and Bwin brands, has aggressively reached new markets around the world. Their investments in AI for risk management and user personalization have lowered costs associated with compliance and improved retention. Despite the uncertainty regarding the macroeconomic outlook in Europe, Entain is capitalizing on its diversified global portfolio by sustaining growth.
The gambling sector continues to stand out in the equity market as a resilient and adaptive industry to challenges. The positive perception of investors has been bolstered by operators embracing digital innovations, entering new regions, and integrating new payment methods. This surge of optimism is clearly observable in the performance of leading gambling stocks, some of which surpassed benchmark stock market indices. This sector, along with emerging new technologies and ongoing shifts in the population’s structure, remains highly appealing for investors.