Top 10 Countries That Gamble the Most

 Some gamble for the thrill of it, while some gamble in hopes of winning it big. It is a pastime enjoyed by many worldwide. Countries around the globe have taken different stances on gambling based on cultural principles. 

We have seen it all, from active yet controlled engagement to tacit acceptance to full-on banning of anything even remotely close to gambling. 

That has not stopped the gamblers among us from trying their luck just one more time. Through restrictions and difficulties alike, gamblers have always found a way to cultivate vibrant communities and relationships on a local, if not country-wide, basis.

That being said, let’s take a look at the top 10 countries that gamble the most!

10. Finland

One of the happiest countries in the world also has one of the biggest gambling industries, coincidence? We think not. Data suggests that over 41% of adults in Finland gamble weekly. The government-owned company Veikkaus has a monopoly on gambling, and all the profits go to social and charitable causes. 

Although Veikkaus has control over all the traditional forms of gambling, the online gambling market has been left relatively unchecked for the time being. 

Although the country only has 16 physical casinos, that inadequacy is made up for by over 90 gaming centers called Pelaamos. The most popular games in the country remain lotteries and slot machines, but sports betting is also high up there. 

As of 2019, the gambling market of Finland is more than $2.1 Billion in size! The two major casinos are Casino Helsinki and Casino Mariehamn.  

9. The Netherlands

Another country with a long history of gambling, the Netherlands takes up our number 8 spot. The land of tulips, windmills, and coffee is known to have a substantial gambling market too, both for locals and tourists alike. With the online market alone bringing in about $86 Million per month, the Dutch sure love their games. 

The country also regulates gambling through a government board known as the Kansspelautoriteit, or KSA for short. They even have a national lottery. Other than that, the Dutch also seem to enjoy Roulette and Blackjack. For a small country, the Netherlands has 14 casinos spread throughout its lands. 

The 2019 data suggests that the gaming sector had a shocking $3.2 Billion total gross gaming win. Some of the most popular casinos in the Netherlands include Casino Valkenburg, Casino Amsterdam West-Sloterdijk, and Casino Scheveningen, just to name a few. 

8. South Korea

One of the most developed democracies of East Asia has had a rocky past with gambling. Although popular in Korea in feudal times, nowadays, gambling has been heavily restricted in South Korea. 

Although risky, the country has been trying to offer gambling for foreigners as a way to enjoy their stay in South Korea. This has also given the locals a chance to try their luck. 

The most popular forms of gambling remain old school, with Poker and sports betting taking up a significant chunk. However, casinos and lotteries also have a major share of the market and have many people coming to them every day. 

The gambling sector of South Korea was estimated to be valued at over $1 billion in 2021. Some of the most famous casinos in the country include the Kangwon Land Casino, Paradise Walkerhill Casino, and Casino Paradise Busan, just to name a few. 

7. France

Many know France as a country full of beautiful architecture and the fashion capital of the world, but did you know it is also a hotbed for gamblers? With over 200 casinos in the country, France takes up our number 7 spot. 

With a long history of gambling, France has enjoyed a large and energetic gambling community for decades. In 2022, online gambling in France was a $6.4 billion dollar industry and has been gaining steady progress for many years. Famous games like Roulette, Baccarat, and Blackjack, alongside local specialties like Ferme and Trente et Quarante, are majorly popular there. 

France also has some of the oldest and most well-established casinos in the world. Some of the most popular casinos include the Lyon Vert Casino, the la Mediterranee Casino, and the Club Barrière Paris. 

6. Canada

The recipe for maple syrup isn’t the only thing that the Canadians are hiding. Did you know that around 60% of the country participates in one form of Gambling or another? Canada is home to a thriving gambling community which also contributes to the economy substantially.

Most provinces have their own laws when it comes to gambling, but online gambling is regulated by the federal government. 

Lotteries are extremely popular alongside scratch-to-win games that are hosted by the government. American and French Roulette is also popular, followed by Blackjack and Poker. The gambling market was valued at $12.5 billion as of 2022. 

With over 200 licensed gambling establishments featuring more than 76,000 slot machines and 2,200 table games, the fun never ends. 

Some of the most popular casinos are Casino Niagara, Casino De Montreal, and Fallsview Casino Resort, with some of the best views and games. 

5. Germany

Gambling is quite prominent in Germany. Data suggests that 75% of Germans have gambled at least once in their lifetime. Although private operators have had a hard time getting inside the country, recent revisions in laws have made Germany a hotbed for gamblers all over the world. 

With over 50 casinos spread all across the country, you won’t have trouble finding a spot. Most of these casinos are Vegas-themed, and the American influence stretches to the games as well. 

The most played games include Roulette and Blackjack, but online and land-based Slot game machines are also incredibly popular. Sports betting is also extremely popular, with Horse Racing and Football being high up. 

Germany also has healthy gambling laws preventing people from playing too much and keeping themselves in check. 

Some of the most famous casinos include Spielbank Do-Hohensyburg, Casino Berlin, and Baden-Baden Casino. 

4. Australia

Aussies have one of the most robust gambling scenes in the world. New South Wales, in particular, is a hotbed for all kinds of gambling and has one of the best atmospheres in the world. An estimated 73% of the adult population of Australia gambles every year. 

It’s no secret that Australians love their rugby and cricket, so it should come as no surprise that sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling. 

Aussie pokies and other forms of slot machine games are also extremely popular alongside Australian blackjack.  

There are a total of 14 casinos, with the rest being held up by smaller gambling establishments. Some of the most popular casinos are the Crown Casino, the Star Gold Coast Casino, and the Reef Hotel Casino. 

3. The UK

The UK has a long and prestigious history with gambling. It is also home to one of the world’s topmost gambling scenes. Statically speaking, almost 43% of Brits have gambled at least once. The online gambling industry is even bigger, with over 2.1 Million customers. 

The UK Gambling Commission has always kept games fair and safe which keeps players coming back. Poker, Roulette, and Blackjack take the cake when it comes to gambling, with poker alone bringing in $330 Million. 

Apart from that, slots and the national lottery is also popular. Almost one-third of the UK population participated in the lottery in 2022. 

With over 150 local casinos all across the country, you won’t have trouble finding a spot at all. Some of the most notable casinos in the UK include Hippodrome Casino, Empire Casino, and The Palm Beach Casino.

2. China

Although the Chinese have an incredibly long history with gambling, the current government has been restricting it steadily. Regardless of completely banning the sport, China still ranks among the highest gambling markets, and with a population of 1.4 Billion, it's easy to see why. 

Traditional tile games like Mahjong, dice games like Sic Bo, and card games like Pai Gow are extremely popular in the country. Sadly, due to no government support, many “mirror” websites have popped up that copy established ones and lower their credibility. 

Macau, a special administrative region in China, has kept gambling legal, and the region has around 42 casinos. Some of the most famous ones include the Venetian Macao Casino, Casa Real Casino, and Venetian Macau Limited. 

1. USA

The country that has the city of lights, smiles, and memories, Las Vegas, is also number one when it comes to gambling. The US hosts some of the world’s most prestigious and iconic casinos and, in turn, has a bustling gambling community. Data suggests at least 80% of Americans have gambled once in their lifetime, with at least 60% having done so in the last year alone. 

Surprisingly, online gambling still remains a point of contention as not all states have legalized it. Nonetheless, a lot of Americans love to spend time playing lotteries, slot machine games, and bingo. 

Other games like poker, blackjack, and roulette are also extremely popular. Sports betting is one of the most accepted forms of gambling, as the US also holds some of the most iconic sporting events around the world. 

With 466 casinos spread throughout the country, it is safe to say you won’t struggle to find a place and some lovely people to play with. Some of the most iconic casinos are the Bellagio Resort and Casino, the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. 

Those were the top 10 countries that gamble the most. Hoping to have fun on your next vacation? Hopefully, this list will help you narrow down a country and try your luck a few times. 

There were many other countries that we couldn't include ranging from Singapore to Italy, but they all have a vibrant gambling community and many means of gambling to back them up. 

What is your pick for the country where you like to gamble the most? Maybe you like the glitter and glamour of Vegas, or you’re more for the mystical and oriental aesthetics of Korea? Wherever you choose to gamble next, we wish you luck. 

[Images source: Wikipedia.org]