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The Countries with the Most Interest in Gambling
A new analysis by gambling experts Casino Deps has revealed the countries with the highest levels of interest in gambling, ranked by their average monthly search volumes per 100,000 people. The findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the global appetite for gambling, highlighting regional trends and cultural influences that have contributed to their heightened interest.
The countries with the most interest in gambling
|
Rank |
Country  |
Population |
Total Average Monthly Search Volume |
Total Average Monthly Search Volume Per 100,000 |
|
1 |
Netherlands |
18,092,524 |
156,480 |
864.89 |
|
2 |
Malta |
532,956 |
2,050 |
384.65 |
|
3 |
Sweden |
10,551,494 |
40,530 |
384.12 |
|
4 |
Poland |
38,762,844 |
145,940 |
376.49 |
|
5 |
Denmark |
5,948,136 |
21,780 |
366.17 |
|
6 |
Iceland |
387,558 |
1,400 |
361.24 |
|
7 |
Singapore |
5,789,090 |
19,980 |
345.13 |
|
8 |
Norway |
5,519,167 |
18,570 |
336.46 |
|
9 |
New Zealand |
5,172,836 |
16,070 |
310.66 |
|
10 |
Lithuania |
2,854,099 |
8,580 |
300.62 |
The Netherlands takes the top spot, with an average of 864.89 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Dutch citizens exhibit the highest relative interest in gambling out of any country in the world. This heightened interest is likely due to The Netherlands’ liberal approach to gambling regulation and the popularity of online casinos.
The term “Online casino” was the most searched term in The Netherlands, with an average monthly search volume of 75,000, followed by “Casino games” and “Online gambling”, both with 21,000 monthly searches.
Malta ranks second, with an average of 384.65 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Despite Malta’s small population of just over half a million, Maltese residents’ interest in gambling reflects the country’s status as a hub for the online gaming industry, hosting many gambling operators and licensing authorities due to its favourable tax laws.
Search data shows a relatively even distribution of interest across different game types, with “Poker,” “Roulette,” and “Blackjack” each averaging a monthly total of 250-300 searches.
Sweden places third, with an average of 384.12 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Sweden’s regulated online gambling market and cultural acceptance contribute to residents’ high interest in gambling.
“Online casino” has the highest average monthly search volume in Sweden at 11,000, while the 3,700 average monthly searches for “Free spins” suggests a specific interest in online casino promotions.
Ranking fourth is Poland, with an average of 376.49 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Poland’s gambling laws have become more accommodating in recent years, which has contributed to a heightened interest in online betting and casino platforms.
With 40,000 average monthly searches, “Blackjack” is by far the most popular casino game in Poland, ranking significantly higher than “Poker” and “Roulette” with 16,000 and 15,000 searches, respectively.
Denmark places fifth, with 366.17 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Denmark’s heightened interest in gambling is reflected in the country’s well-regulated gaming market that ensures safe and accessible gambling options for its residents.
“Poker” is the most searched term in Denmark with 4,900 average monthly searches, ranking higher than the leading term across all countries, “Online casino”, with just 3,500.
Ranking sixth is Iceland, with an average of 361.24 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Iceland’s relatively high interest gambling is likely due to limited access to local establishments, pushing people toward online casinos.
“Blackjack” is the most popular search term in Iceland, with an average monthly search volume of 350.
In seventh place is Singapore, with 345.13 average monthly searches per 100,000 people. The largest country in the top 10 in terms of residents, with a population of 5.8 million, Singapore’s affinity with gambling can be attributed to the popularity of integrated resorts such as Marina Bay Sands.
Unlike most countries, “Baccarat” is the top search term among citizens of Singapore, with an average monthly search volume of 4,600. Norway ranks eighth, with 336.46 average monthly searches per 100,000 people. Norway has a strict state-controlled monopoly on the gambling industry, with only two legal operators, Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto. The restrictive nature of the gambling industry pushes Norwegians to seek out more diverse experiences, despite the government’s best efforts to block these sites.
“Poker” is the casino game that Norwegians are most interested in, with an average monthly search volume of 7,500.
Ranking ninth is New Zealand, with 310.66 searches per 100,000 people. Widespread cultural acceptance, along with the country’s rich sporting heritage popularity and of sports betting activity, drives gambling interest in New Zealand.
“Blackjack” with 3,100 average monthly searches, and “Roulette” with 1,800, both rank above “Poker”, with just 1,600, as the casino games residents are most interested in.
Rounding out the top 10 is Lithuania, with 300.62 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Lithuania only recently fully regulated its online gambling market, with key changes occurring on July 1 2022, when it became possible to obtain a dedicated online gambling license without needing to have land-based venues. These changes have likely contributed to the surge in interest surrounding the industry.
“Poker” is the most popular search term with an average monthly search volume of 2,000, followed by “Free spins” with 1,300, as residents look toward online casinos to secure the best promotions.
Amanda Wilson, CMO of Casino Deps commented on the study, “This analysis sheds light on how cultural attitudes, population size, and regulatory environments shape gambling interest across the globe.
“Countries like the Netherlands and Malta, with supportive gambling industries, naturally rank high, while nations with restrictions, such as Norway and Iceland, exhibit high relative interest due to seeking out alternatives outside their respective economies.”
The post The Countries with the Most Interest in Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SolutionsHub is pleased to announce the appointment of James O’Kelly as Head of Corporate Development, a newly established role that underscores the company’s commitment to strategic growth, innovation, and excellence in client service.
Since joining SolutionsHub, James has been instrumental in driving key initiatives across the organization. Over the past 18 months, James has headed high-impact growth intiatives, managed treasury and led sucessful licensing for clients. His contributions have also extended to representing SolutionsHub on the international stage, enhancing the company’s global presence.
In his new role, James will take the lead on a range of high-impact strategic initiatives in close collaboration with the Board of Directors. His primary focus will be on identifying and cultivating key partnerships, as well as spearheading the development of innovative product lines that align with the company’s long-term vision. To fully dedicate his efforts to these forward-looking priorities, James will be transitioning responsibility for day-to-day operations and compliance to other senior members of the leadership team. This shift will enable him to concentrate on shaping the company’s future growth trajectory and ensuring its continued success.
“James has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep understanding of our business and industry,” said Lee Hills, CEO of SolutionsHub. “His appointment as Head of Corporate Development is a natural evolution that aligns with our long-term strategic goals and further reinforces the strength of our leadership team.”
James will continue to play a pivotal role in advising and supporting clients through increasingly complex regulatory, licensing, and jurisdictional considerations. Leveraging his extensive experience and strong track record of delivering innovative, compliant, and forward-thinking solutions.
The post James O’Kelly Appointed Head of Corporate Development at SolutionsHub appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The studio is shortlisted for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category
ELA Games, an innovative game development studio, has been shortlisted for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category at the upcoming EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025.
The EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards is an event that celebrates key figures and innovative brands within the iGaming industry. The ceremony recognises companies that demonstrate commercial success through game-changing creativity and contributions to the improvement of the industry. It gathers the brightest and most influential minds to reward those who have helped the online gaming sector grow.
ELA Games’ nomination for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category highlights the company’s efforts in creating a portfolio that balances operator-centric growth with player-friendly gaming experiences. The studio has demonstrated a commitment to helping operators improve player acquisition and retention metrics through data-backed performance, making it a beneficial partner.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nomination, “The ELA Games team is proud to receive a nomination for a significant category at a prestigious event. We’ve made considerable strides in 2025 to develop our portfolio and create games that both help operators grow and provide fun for players. We look forward to networking with all our peers at the ceremony, and congratulations to all nominees!”
The EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025 will take place on June 19, 2025, at The Mermaid, London. The ELA Games team will attend the ceremony for a night of excitement, networking, and celebration.
The post ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Giorgia Kasat
Reals Appoints Giorgia Kasat as New Head of HR, Strengthening Organizational Strategy in the Betting Industry
Leading Brazilian Betting Brand Reals Welcomes Former Itaú and Votorantim Executive to Drive Human Capital Development
Reals, one of Brazil’s leading regulated online betting and gaming platforms, has announced the appointment of Giorgia Kasat as its new Head of Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience in strategic people management, organizational transformation, and leadership development, Giorgia brings a wealth of expertise from her roles at major corporations such as Votorantim, Banco Itaú, Duratex, Capgemini, and Munksjö.
Recognized as a finalist in the 2024 “Most Admired CEOs and HR Leaders” awards by Grupo Gestão RH, Giorgia also holds an Executive Business degree from Fundação Dom Cabral, an MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), and certification in Group Psychodrama from PUC-SP.
“We believe that a company’s success is directly linked to its ability to foster the best in its people within a healthy, growth-oriented environment. Giorgia’s human-centered leadership style drives engagement and positive results. As a serious and regulated company, professionalism is a core value for us, and her arrival is a strategic step in our organizational growth,” said Hilton Andrade, CFO of Reals.
Giorgia expressed enthusiasm about joining Reals at a pivotal moment for the company and the industry: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge with a major player in the betting and online gaming industry. My passion lies in developing people who go on to inspire and empower others. Together, we’ll build a strong culture of growth, diversity, and performance in a sector that is rapidly consolidating in Brazil and globally.”
Reals Expands Workforce and Strengthens Market Presence
Amid rapid expansion, Reals is in the process of hiring approximately 1500 new employees and preparing to move into a new 6,000 m² headquarters in São Paulo. Already a standout in the market, Reals made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first Brazilian betting operator to sponsor a major European football club, AC Milan, as its Official Regional Betting Partner for Latin America.
Reals also holds a master sponsorship with Coritiba Foot Ball Club in Brazil and boasts an all-star ambassador roster led by TV personality Rodrigo Faro, alongside popular influencers Ítalo Sena, Edu Primitivo, and Gabi Nery.
With a 9.5 rating on Reclame Aqui, Reals is among the top-rated licensed betting operators in Brazil, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer trust.
The post Reals Appoints Giorgia Kasat as New Head of HR, Strengthening Organizational Strategy in the Betting Industry appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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