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Gambling Investments 101: A Guide for the Modern Investor

Published

2 years ago

October 26, 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The world of gambling is not just about luck and chance. It’s also a lucrative sector for savvy investors who understand the dynamics of this industry. With a global market value of approximately $450 billion in 2022, the gambling and gaming sector is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 11%.

By 2030, the value is forecasted to exceed $750 billion. This article will delve into the world of gambling investments, focusing on the opportunities and challenges that gambling investors face.

The Gambling Industry: A Profitable Venture

The gambling industry is a significant contributor to the global economy. In 2021, only around $60 billion was online gambling, but this figure is rising steeply. This sector represents nearly 1% of global gross domestic product (GDP), and it’s estimated that 26% of the world’s population are gamblers.

Even in regions where gambling for real money is subject to tight regulation, the industry thrives. For instance, in China, where it is illegal to place a bet, the gaming industry is worth around $70 billion.

Investing in Gambling: The Opportunities

Investing in the gambling sector can be a profitable venture, but it requires a keen understanding of the industry’s dynamics. Here are some opportunities that gambling investors can explore:

Emerging Markets

Emerging markets offer compelling opportunities for gambling investors. These markets are experiencing rapid growth in the gambling and gaming sector, driven by increasing internet penetration and the growing middle class. Investors can tap into this growth by investing in companies that operate in these markets.

Online Gambling

The rise of online gambling presents a significant opportunity for investors. As more people gain access to the internet, the online gambling market is set to expand. Investors can invest in online gambling platforms or companies that provide technology and services to these platforms.

Diversification

Investing in the gambling sector can provide diversification benefits. The performance of gambling stocks is often not correlated with the broader market, making them a good addition to a diversified portfolio.

The Challenges of Investing in Online Gambling

While the gambling sector offers attractive investment opportunities, it also comes with its share of challenges. These include regulatory risks, as governments around the world have different rules and regulations regarding gambling. Additionally, the sector is highly competitive, with numerous companies vying for a share of the market.

Social and Ethical Considerations

Investing in the gambling industry also involves social and ethical considerations. Some people are opposed to gambling due to moral or religious reasons. Additionally, problem gambling is a serious issue that can lead to financial difficulties and mental health problems.

As an investor, you may choose to invest in companies that promote responsible gambling. These companies implement measures to prevent underage gambling and provide support to individuals who may have a gambling problem.

Gambling Stocks: A Closer Look

Investing in the gambling industry often means investing in gambling stocks. These are shares of companies that operate casinos, manufacture gaming equipment, or provide online gambling services. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about gambling stocks.

Blue-Chip Gambling Stocks

Blue-chip gambling stocks are shares of large, well-established, and financially sound companies with a history of reliable performance. These companies often have a national or international presence and are leaders in the industry. Investing in blue-chip gambling stocks can provide stability and steady returns.

Growth Gambling Stocks

Growth gambling stocks are shares of companies that are expected to grow at an above-average rate compared to other companies in the market. These are often companies that are innovating or expanding into new markets. While growth gambling stocks can offer high returns, they can also be riskier than blue-chip stocks.

Dividend Gambling Stocks

Some gambling companies pay dividends to their shareholders. These dividends can provide a steady income stream, making these stocks attractive to income-focused investors. However, not all gambling companies pay dividends, and those that do may not always be able to maintain their dividend payments.

Evaluating Gambling Stocks

When evaluating gambling stocks, consider factors such as the company’s earnings growth, financial stability, and position within the industry. Also, consider the regulatory environment in which the company operates, as this can significantly impact the company’s performance.

As always, diversification is key – consider a mix of blue-chip, growth, and dividend stocks to balance potential returns with risk.

The Role of Technology in Gambling Investments

Technology plays a significant role in the gambling industry, shaping how games are played and bets are placed. The advent of online gambling platforms has revolutionized the industry, making gambling more accessible to a wider audience. As a result, companies that provide innovative technological solutions to the gambling industry can be attractive investment opportunities.

Mobile Gambling

The proliferation of smartphones has led to the rise of mobile gambling. More people are now placing bets and playing games on their mobile devices. Companies that offer mobile gambling platforms or develop mobile gambling apps can be good investment prospects.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used in the gambling industry. They offer benefits such as transparency, security, and faster transactions. Companies that integrate blockchain technology into their operations or accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment could offer potential investment opportunities.

Tips for Gambling Investors

If you’ve weighed both pros and cons of gambling investing and decided to take the dip, here are some tips for those considering investing in the gambling sector:

Understand the industry: Before investing, take time to understand the industry, including the different types of gambling activities and the major players in the sector.

Consider regulatory risks: Be aware of the regulatory environment in the countries where the companies you invest in operate. Changes in regulations can have a significant impact on these companies’ profitability.

Diversify your investments: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your investments across different companies and sectors to reduce risk.

Monitor industry trends: Keep an eye on industry trends, such as the growth of online gambling and the emergence of new markets. These trends can present new investment opportunities.

The Future of Gambling Investments

The future of gambling investments looks promising, with several trends likely to drive growth in the sector. These include the continued growth of online and mobile gambling, the integration of blockchain technology, and the expansion of the industry into new markets.

However, the industry also faces challenges, such as regulatory uncertainties and social and ethical issues. Therefore, it’s crucial for investors to stay informed about industry trends and developments, and to consider the potential risks and rewards before making an investment decision.

In conclusion, the gambling sector offers attractive investment opportunities, but it requires a deep understanding of the industry and careful consideration of the associated risks. As with all investments, it’s crucial to do your research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming

Published

12 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: India has long been a mobile-first gaming market (thanks to PUBG Mobile/BGMI). But 2025 proved that PC esports is not dead; in fact, it’s thriving culturally. Riot’s ability to integrate VALORANT into mainstream Indian youth culture—from “topper” billboards on exam result day to hip-hop festivals—is a masterclass in localized marketing. The success of S8UL Esports in League of Legends also signals that South Asia is finally ready to compete in global Tier 1 events.

The Full Story

Riot Games has released a retrospective on 2025, describing it as the year gaming in South Asia “didn’t feel tucked away anymore,” but rather became an unmistakable part of mainstream culture.

From filled cafés during watch parties to billboards featuring “inside jokes” from voice comms, the publisher’s year was defined by a massive surge in engagement across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan.

The Competitive Surge: LoL and VALORANT The year began with the launch of Legends Ascend South Asia, a structured pathway for League of Legends talent that the region had been demanding. Ninety-five teams competed, culminating in S8UL Esports lifting the trophy and qualifying for the LCP Wild Card Playoffs—placing South Asian talent directly into the global conversation.

Simultaneously, PC esports found its footing in India through VALORANT Challengers South Asia.

The Numbers: The circuit recorded over 103 million live and non-live views throughout the season.
The Finals: The LAN event peaked at 50,000 concurrent viewers, proving that the appetite for PC tactical shooters remains fierce in a mobile-dominated region.

Cultural Crossovers: V5 and Rolling Loud Midway through the year, VALORANT celebrated its fifth anniversary (V5) with a campaign deeply rooted in Indian student culture.

“VAL Toppers”: On JEE results day (a major academic milestone in India), Riot reimagined the traditional “exam topper” billboards to celebrate Radiant-ranked players, sparking a viral conversation.
Rolling Loud India: In November, gaming met hip-hop. Riot integrated VALORANT into one of the world’s largest hip-hop festivals, with karaoke pods and gaming zones operating alongside performances by Wiz Khalifa and Central Cee.

Management Commentary Anushka Bhatnagar, Publishing Lead for Riot Games India & South Asia, reflected on the shift:

“2025 felt like a year when India’s gaming and esports landscape stepped into the centre of cultural conversation. VALORANT turning five reminded us how deeply the community here has shaped the game. From grassroots watch parties to moments like Rolling Loud, the ecosystem grew with a confidence that felt distinctly homegrown.”

Grassroots Momentum Beyond the flash of festivals, the year was sustained by community energy. College events introduced first-time players to the ecosystem, while local watch parties turned malls into pop-up arenas, ensuring that the growth of South Asian gaming was built “together” rather than just broadcast from above.

The post From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Wazdan Strikes Major Croatian Deal with Admiral.hr

Published

12 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Croatia is becoming one of the most robust regulated markets in the Balkans. For a supplier like Wazdan, partnering with a brand like Admiral—which has immense brand equity in the region thanks to its land-based heritage—is a significant “trust signal.” It moves Wazdan from being just another provider in the lobby to a core content partner for a market leader.

The Full Story

Wazdan, the developer defining itself as “gain-focused,” has solidified its position in the Balkans by signing a major content partnership with Admiral.hr, one of Croatia’s leading online gaming operators.

The collaboration will see a curated selection of Wazdan’s high-performance titles deployed to Admiral’s extensive player base. The initial rollout features some of the studio’s strongest recent releases, including:

9 Bells
Book of Faith
12 Coins Grand Gold Edition
25 Coins Grand Gold Edition
Mighty Wild: Panther Grand Diamond Edition

Mechanics Over Aesthetics While the visual quality of the games is a draw, the partnership is heavily focused on Wazdan’s proprietary engagement mechanics. Admiral.hr will leverage features such as Cash Infinity, Sticky to Infinity, and the renowned Hold the Jackpot bonus engine. These mechanics are designed specifically to increase session time and player retention, key metrics for operators in mature European markets.

Management Commentary Magdalena Wojdyla, Head of Account Management for Europe at Wazdan, highlighted the strategic fit:

“Partnering with Admiral.hr is an important step in strengthening our presence in Croatia and the wider European region. Admiral is a highly respected brand with a deep understanding of its players, making it an ideal partner for showcasing our proven portfolio and engagement-driven mechanics.”

Žarko Žuvela, Head of Online Gaming Department at Admiral.hr, emphasized the need for fresh content:

“Wazdan has built a strong reputation for creating content that combines innovative mechanics with standout visual appeal… The addition of these popular titles and retention-focused features will enhance our casino portfolio and provide our players with fresh, high-quality entertainment.”

This deal marks the latest step in Wazdan’s aggressive European expansion strategy for late 2025, following a string of commercial successes in neighboring jurisdictions.

The post Wazdan Strikes Major Croatian Deal with Admiral.hr appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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QTech Games Adds Africa’s ‘Crazy Rocket’ Hitmaker AbraCadabra to Platform

Published

12 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: In regions like Africa and LatAm, players aren’t always looking for heavy, 4K video slots. They want fast, lightweight, high-frequency games—often called “Turbo” or “Crash” games. AbraCadabra’s Crazy Rocket has already proven it works with thousands of daily users in Africa. By adding this studio, QTech is doubling down on the type of content that actually converts in low-bandwidth, high-volume jurisdictions.

The Full Story

QTech Games, the leading game aggregator known for its dominance in emerging markets, has announced a new content distribution deal with AbraCadabra, a supplier specializing in high-paced, instant-win casino experiences.

The partnership ensures that QTech’s robust pipeline remains stocked with the specific genre of games currently driving growth in territories across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The “Crash” Factor AbraCadabra has carved out a niche by producing dynamic content that appeals to the modern, mobile-first player. The standout title in the integration is Crazy Rocket, a crash game that has reportedly “taken Africa by storm” in recent months, logging thousands of daily active players due to its fast mechanics and suitability for markets with variable internet speeds.

Beyond crash games, the deal brings a suite of crypto-ready and “Turbo” style games to the QTech platform, including:

Mayan Plinko
Narco Mines
Lucky Fish
Football Keno

These titles rely on sophisticated math modeling to vary volatility, creating the engagement loops necessary for retention in competitive markets.

Management Commentary Philip Doftvik, CEO at QTech Games, noted that localized content is the aggregator’s primary metric for success:

“AbraCadabra’s content brings a level of gameplay that reliably brings players coming back for more, improving repeat-session and dwell-time metrics. Like us, they know that localized solutions represent the key to success across a patchwork array of global opportunities.”

Serob Vardanyan, CEO at AbraCadabra, emphasized the distribution power of the deal:

“We are aiming to become the leading B2B casino game provider, delivering high-engagement games that offer superior player retention and crypto-ready solutions. Deals with aggregators of QTech’s stature bring that goal closer to realization.”

The integration is effective immediately, making the AbraCadabra portfolio available to QTech’s extensive network of operator partners in emerging territories.

The post QTech Games Adds Africa’s ‘Crazy Rocket’ Hitmaker AbraCadabra to Platform appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.