Industry Insights

December 10, 2024

What Is iGaming? Your Online Gambling Industry and Online Casino Guide

A few taps on your phone, and you’re in — betting on your favorite team or spinning a virtual slot, all without leaving the couch. That’s the power of iGaming technology. The iGaming industry has transformed gambling into an online experience, bringing the pure joy of the game straight to players, irrespective of their whereabouts.

Forget about the need to rush to a brick-and-mortar casino — iGaming and sports betting platform venues are now wherever players want them to be, from a quick spin on a phone to live tables streamed in real-time. But what is iGaming, and why is it gaining so much attention? We’ll take a closer look at its evolution, current trends, and the future of this ever-dynamic and highly profitable industry. Let’s get into it!

What Is iGaming? The Popularity of the iGaming Business Explained

Think about how entertainment has changed: movies, music, and even shopping have all moved online. Gambling is no different. But what is iGaming exactly? It’s the digital version of betting, where casinos, sportsbooks, and lotteries operate via many online gambling platforms.

This is made possible by iGaming infrastructure, the technology that allows players to enjoy online casino games from anywhere using their phones or computers. iGaming is basically gambling that happens over the internet: that’s why the “i” in iGaming stands for internet.

But it’s not merely about virtual slot machines or card games. iGaming covers global online sports betting, bingo, sweepstakes, and more. Behind every successful betting site is a strong iGaming infrastructure that connects game developers, payment providers, and gambling operators.

An iGaming company could specialize in different areas — some create games, others build platforms, and some focus on secure payment processing. Companies like NuxGame provide software that helps operators launch and run their iGaming businesses successfully.

The iGaming industry covers both luck-based and skill-based games. Games of chance, e.g., online slots, sports betting, lotteries, and bingo, depend on RNG in iGaming and luck to determine winners. In contrast, skill-based games, such as poker, blackjack, chess, and backgammon, reward strategy and experience over pure chance.

There’s still some uncertainty in the online casino gaming industry about whether skill-based games should be grouped with gambling. Some say they belong together, while others believe they should be seen as separate. Attend any iGaming conference, and you’ll hear plenty of opinions on both sides.

The History of iGaming Industry: Where It All Started

Gambling isn’t new, but moving it online changed everything. With growing cities, new technology, and fast online access, the iGaming industry took off like never before. Here’s how online gaming became what it is today:

1994 – The First Online iGaming Licenses. Antigua and Barbuda made history by passing a law that allowed online gambling companies to apply for online casino licenses, paving the way for the first legal gambling sites.
1996 – The Kahnawake Gaming Commission Forms. This Canadian commission started licensing online gambling operators. The industry took off fast: what started with just 15 gambling sites in 1996 expanded to 200 in 1997.
1997 – The US Tries to Ban Internet Gambling. Lawmakers introduced the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act for the purpose of blocking online betting services across the country. The law was later adjusted, allowing each state to make its own rules in the context of the legality of iGaming.
2005 – The UK Brings in Stronger iGaming Regulation Policies. The UK passed the Gambling Act, forming the Gambling Commission to supervise and enforce rules for all online gambling activities.

As you can see, the industry has witnessed its rise-and-fall moments multiple times. What you should know is that 2018 is a special year in iGaming history. That’s when NuxGame entered the iGaming industry and launched its online casino platform. As a result, starting and managing online casinos and sportsbooks became a cakewalk for operators. NuxGame continues to be a trusted partner for businesses in the iGaming sector.

The iGaming Industry Today: Regulation Overview

The rise of iGaming has pushed governments to create laws that define who can legally offer gambling services. Some nations fully regulate digital gambling. Others ban it or allow it without strict oversight. European countries, e.g., Estonia, Sweden, and Norway, enforce strict online gambling regulations. It means that operators there must secure licenses to work.

In some regions, specific conditions apply. Lithuania, for instance, requires online gambling companies to have active land-based casinos before they can run an online gambling site. Meanwhile, Israel enforces strict bans on iGaming, while the Netherlands only introduced official regulations in 2021 after years without clear laws. The legality of online gambling depends entirely on local governments. While some nations welcome it as a business opportunity, others take a more restrictive stance.

The Growth of the iGaming Industry: Stronger Than Ever

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, gambling had to change. Casinos closed, events stopped, and betting shops shut down. Online casino gaming became the solution. More players turned to online platforms, fueling a rapid rise in digital betting.

By 2024, the iGaming market size had already grown into a massive $305.8 billion, and it’s still expanding. Mobile gaming has definitely been a big driver of the major growth of the online gambling industry. Players now have access to stunning graphics, themed online casino games and iGaming events, as well as interactive sound effects — all from the comfort of their smartphones.

But this shift didn’t merely happen because of COVID-19. Long before that, the rise of smartphones and better internet access made iGaming more accessible. With mobile devices and casino aggregator solutions getting even more advanced, digital betting is set to reach new heights.

The Future of the iGaming Industry: Chapter 2025

The industry continues to evolve at record speed. From cryptocurrency transactions to game-like casino experiences, here’s what’s set to define iGaming in 2025 and the years ahead:

1. Blockchain Casinos and Crypto Payments

Online gambling website platforms are integrating crypto casino software payments, allowing instant and secure transactions.
Blockchain technology guarantees fair gameplay and eliminates the need for middlemen.
Players enjoy faster withdrawals and lower fees.

2. The Impact of Streaming and Social Media

Live casino streaming is attracting millions of viewers.
Streamers showcase exciting slots with frequent bonuses and big payouts.
Despite Twitch restricting gambling promotions, casino content remains in demand.

3. Gamification: Transforming Casinos Into an Interactive Playground

More online casino website landscapes offer quests, challenges, and tournaments to keep players engaged.
Leaderboards and in-game rewards boost competition.
Custom characters and achievements add a personal touch to gaming.

4. 5G and Advanced Game Development

Faster connections mean better-quality gameplay and instant game loading.
Game developers are using Unity and advanced engines to create more realistic casino games.
HTML5 technology still dominates and makes games accessible on any device.

The future of iGaming encompasses endless possibilities. These trends are bringing online gambling to more players and making it more enjoyable than ever. Opt for NuxGame casino API provider to reap all these tempting benefits.

Start Your Online Gambling Business Like a Pro!

The move from land-based casinos to online gambling isn’t slowing down. With mobile gaming, advanced software, and blockchain making transactions easier, the online casino industry today keeps growing. The pandemic accelerated the trend, making digital betting the best option for more players worldwide. If you’ve ever engaged with tech, fintech, or digital entertainment, you’re closer to iGaming than you may think.

Instead of building everything from scratch, NuxGame’s Turnkey Casino Solution gives you an easy way to enter the iGaming industry without the usual challenges. Here’s what you get with this solution:

Ready-to-Launch Platform. No coding, no waiting. Just set up and start your online gambling business fast.
Huge Game Library. Offer thousands of slot, table, and live casino games from trusted developers.
Complete Backend Management. A user-friendly admin panel to control player accounts, promotions, and reports.
Legal Services and Compliance Support. Deal with the legal aspects of the business with ease.
Custom Branding. Give your casino a unique look with personalized branding and visuals.

Breaking into the iGaming landscape is simpler than it seems. With NuxGame, you get everything needed to launch and grow your online casino effortlessly. This is a high-reward global iGaming market — don’t miss your chance to be part of it! Contact us now and let’s launch your first online iGaming website together!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is iGaming?

iGaming is defined as the online evolution of traditional gambling. Players can skip the trip to a casino and enjoy betting on slots, table games, sports, or lotteries instead — all from the comfort of their homes. Digital gambling platforms like the one offered by NuxGame make gambling effortless. It is now just a tap away on any device of a player’s choice.

Why is the online casino business so profitable?

The success of online gambling relies on its ability to attract potential clients across the globe with modern technology. It comes with the following benefits:

- Global reach. Players from all over the world can gamble online without needing a physical casino.

- Mobile gaming dominance. Most players now place bets from their smartphones, increasing engagement.

- Flexible payment options. Crypto, e-wallets, and instant transactions make deposits and withdrawals easy.

- Extensive game selection. Online gambling services offer multiple types of iGaming, from slot games and live dealer tables to sports betting and virtual casinos.

- Regulatory expansion of iGaming. More countries are approving digital gambling, making the iGaming market even bigger.

NuxGame’s turnkey casino solution helps operators launch their own online casino quickly and start earning without technical complexities.

How does iGaming technology work?

iGaming runs on advanced technology that guarantees flawless and fair functioning of games. iGaming services offer a huge variety of betting options, e.g., slots, online poker, sports betting, and lotteries. Random Number Generators, in their turn, make sure that every outcome is unpredictable and completely random. Blockchain technology adds transparency to crypto casinos, while live streaming brings the fascination of a real casino to players at home. AI-driven security systems help prevent fraud and keep player data safe. Thanks to iGaming software suppliers like NuxGame, businesses don’t need to build their own systems — they can start operating with a fully developed iGaming platform.

How do online gambling licenses work, and why are they important?

iGaming licenses are basically passports that legalize and regulate online gambling venues. They give them the legal right to operate. A solid license shows that a service follows the rules, offers fair games, protects player transactions, and promotes responsible gambling. Some countries require operators to get a local license. Others accept international ones from places like Malta, Curacao, or Anjouan. A proper online gambling license is solid proof that online gambling is legal here and allows operators to work with payment providers. Markets like the UK and Sweden demand strict licensing. As for other countries, they allow offshore options. Unlicensed iGaming businesses may get fined, restricted or even permanently shut down.

Why is blockchain important in iGaming?

Blockchain matters because it makes any form of iGaming safer, faster, and completely open for everyone to see. Many casinos accept cryptocurrencies these days. Some iGaming services go even further, using blockchain for all game operations. This guarantees complete fairness without interference. Without banks in the middle, blockchain makes online gambling safer and more private. Transactions go through instantly, and every payment is recorded publicly, stopping any chance of fraud or tampering.

What are the biggest online gambling industry trends for 2025 and beyond?

iGaming in 2025 boils down to these three major trendsetting factors: speed, security, and boosted player engagement. The crypto casino industry is projected to grow as more players turn to blockchain for safe and fast transactions. Virtual reality and live dealer games will continue to evolve within the industry, offering a casino-like feel from the comfort of home. The spread of 5G will allow games to load instantly and run without interruptions. AI-powered systems will personalize game recommendations and strengthen security against fraud. With more governments legalizing each and every form of gambling, the global online gambling market is set to grow exponentially. NuxGame’s ready-to-launch solutions help operators stay on top of these trends, making it easier to adapt to the future of online gambling.

How do I start my own iGaming business?

Getting into the online gambling market starts with the right foundation. You need a legally licensed gambling website that’s equipped with reliable online gambling software. An extensive game library with all forms of online gambling included is paramount, too. Secure payment options (with traditional banking and cryptocurrency) guarantee flawless transactions. Marketing is also vital, because it’s what keeps your business growing. With NuxGame, you don’t have to worry about building everything from square one. We offer iGaming operators a ready-made platform, full backend management, and all the tools you need to launch your online casino without technical expertise. Make the most of the growth of the industry with iGaming software providers like NuxGame! Let’s create your first online casino website together. With rising online gambling revenue, now is the perfect time to get started!