The growth of the North American gambling market – Yucatán Magazine

North America’s gambling market is one of the most interesting industries in the world right now, having seen significant growth in recent years thanks to changes to legislation and shifting cultural attitudes towards this popular form of modern entertainment. There have been some fascinating developments in two of the region’s largest nations, Mexico and the United States, meaning that North America’s rapidly growing gambling industry has attracted considerable international attention. Whilst each nation has its own specific legislation and a unique approach to gambling, the overall trends across North America reflect a wider cultural shift, in which recreational betting games are becoming more popular and prevalent across the world. In this article, we’ve taken a look at the latest news in the North American gambling industry, and considered why this particular market has seen such significant growth.

The US Gambling Market

The gambling market in the United States has transformed dramatically in less than a decade, which is largely thanks to a 2018 Supreme Court ruling which overturned the federal ban on sports betting, giving individual states the power to decide whether to open betting markets of their own. Following this landmark decision, many states were quick to make changes, and as of 2024, almost 40 states have since legalized sports betting. This fast-growing industry has generated billions of dollars; revenue in the US sports betting market is predicted to reach over $14 billion by the end of this year. States including New Jersey and Pennsylvania have become major hubs for sportsbooks and mobile apps, and this flourishing betting scene has over 54 million users, making it a firmly established market which shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. In fact, many other states in the US seem set to follow suit, hoping to embrace the benefits of this highly in-demand sector.

Alongside the huge boom in sports betting in the US, there has been sustained and significant growth in the nation’s iGaming industry. Whilst online casinos are still only legal in a few states (including New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia), websites which offer casino table games and online slots like those listed by Casino.org are becoming hugely popular throughout the US as a way for people to navigate the new and growing market. There is high demand for access to online casino sites, and it seems likely that more states will soon open up iGaming markets of their own. After all, in the states where online casinos are legal, these relatively new gambling markets have generated enormous amounts of tax revenue and enabled the creation of a whole new flourishing entertainment industry. It’s clear that American citizens today are keen to enjoy new forms of entertainment, and the improvement of gaming technology has massively improved the user experience – making iGaming a seriously popular recreational choice.

Mexico’s Gambling Industry

Home to uniquely beautiful cities and a vibrant culture, it is no surprise that Mexico is also home to a growing gambling scene. There is a longstanding gaming tradition here – from the 1300s, the Aztecs were known to take part in ancient board games such as Patolli, a racing game which combines skill and strategy to create a thrilling gambling experience. It’s incredible to consider how far things have come since the Aztecs played these simple games, using beans as their dice and wagering precious metals or plants. These days, gambling activities in Mexico are much more varied and widespread, and the country is now home to a flourishing market which has the potential for further growth.

Unlike the US, Mexico’s gambling legislation is managed at a federal level, meaning all operators must first seek permission from the authorities. Due to this, Mexico is currently home to over 300 legal gambling venues, ranging from casinos to racetracks and everything in between. Here, this growing industry is particularly fuelled by international tourism, as popular tourist destinations like Mexico City and Cancun offer luxury casino resorts which have become major gaming hotspots for visitors from all around the world.

Alongside these brick-and-mortar sites, Mexico’s online gambling market has also seen substantial growth. The growing use of iGaming sites has been largely driven by the rise of mobile gaming apps and increased internet access – a trend which has been seen in other countries all around the world. And whilst the specific legislation in Mexico can be a little vague, today Mexican players over the age of 18 can access a wide variety of online casino sites, slots, and sportsbooks from both domestic and international operators. When it comes to revenue, this flourishing scene is currently not quite as profitable as its counterparts in North America, but the potential for growth is enormous, and Mexico’s gambling market will certainly be one to watch over the coming years.

Ultimately, it is clear that nations like Mexico and the US are contributing to a wider trend in North America, in which the gambling industry is becoming increasingly prolific and successful. Changing social attitudes and increasing consumer demand for these convenient forms of entertainment have led to major growth in these relatively new gambling industries, and this boom is showing no sign of slowing down just yet. On the whole, these flourishing gaming scenes are contributing to a diverse gambling landscape in North America, and it will be fascinating to see what happens next. If legislation and technology continue to evolve, the North American gambling market is sure to see continued growth for many years to come!