As the online gambling industry continues its rapid expansion, certain casino games stand out for their incredible profitability year after year. Industry analysts project that in 2024, the top 10 highest-grossing online casino games worldwide will generate a combined $72.8 billion in gross gaming revenue.
With more countries regulating and taxing online casinos, these projections offer valuable insights into the games expected to drive the most revenue growth in the coming years.
Online Slots
Slot machines have long reigned as the biggest earners for land-based casinos, and now they dominate the online sector as well. Their simplicity, immersive graphics and big jackpots, like those at Casino LuckyHunter, attract casual gamers and high rollers alike. Industry researchers predict that by 2024, online slot machines will produce an astounding $42.6 billion in annual gross gaming revenue worldwide.
Key factors driving growth in online slots include:
- Proliferation of mobile play. Over 60% of online slot play now occurs on smartphones and tablets. Improved mobile technology provides a seamless experience.
- Increased jackpot sizes. Networked progressive slots now routinely offer multimillion dollar jackpots, generating huge buzz and drawing in players motivated by life-changing winnings.
- Enhanced graphics/sound. With HD quality graphics and surround sound effects, today’s online slots fully immerse players in their narrative themes and bonuses features.
Online Poker
Poker has built a loyal following around high-stakes competition, advanced strategy and the thrill of outwitting opponents. While poker faces some demographic challenges, its status as a game of skill attracts committed recreational players and professionals alike. Global online poker gaming revenue is predicted to hit $16 billion by 2024.
Driving forces behind online poker include:
- Live streaming popularity. Top players and platforms like Twitch generate interest in streaming high-visibility tournaments and cash games.
- Rise of mobile play. Like slots, convenience and excellent app gameplay make smartphones the preferred device.
- Tournament prize pools. Guaranteed prize pools in the millions draw amateur dreamers and skilled players.
- Regulation expands markets. Regulation in new U.S. states and countries in Latin America and Asia continues to expand the player pool.
Online Blackjack
As a classic casino PlayStar slot game combining simple rules with an element of skill, blackjack has maintained widespread appeal across generations of players. The availability of bonuses, side bets and popular variants like Perfect Pairs keep gameplay exciting. Gross gaming revenue from online blackjack is expected to top $5.1 billion worldwide by 2024.
Growth drivers for online blackjack are tied to:
- Multi-hand blackjack popularity. Playing several hands simultaneously boosts wagers and casinos’ hold percentage.
- Live dealer adoption. The live video streaming of human dealers interacting with players enhances the social experience.
- Advantage blackjack strategy. While the house maintains an inherent edge, blackjack is among the most advantageous casino games strategically. Devoted players invest seriously in optimal strategy.
Online Baccarat
The sophistication and high betting limits associated with baccarat have contributed to its profitability for casinos worldwide. With global high-roller tourism disrupted in recent years, online baccarat has filled the void. Global gross gaming revenue from online baccarat is projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2024.
Several factors are fueling the rising popularity of online baccarat:
- Pandemic impact on tourism: Border closures and travel restrictions hampered high stakes players’ ability to frequent hotspot destinations like Macau. Playing online provides accessibility.
- Multi-platform flexibility: Players can enjoy online baccarat on desktop, mobile and now live dealer platforms.
- Higher betting limits: Due to the high margins baccarat offers to casinos, online betting limits often reach into the tens of thousands of dollars per hand to accommodate VIP players.
Online Roulette
Roulette has always leaned heavily on its thrilling spinning wheel of fortune. Now with interactive game features, betting options like racetrack and the advent of live dealer roulette, online play successfully captures that electric atmosphere. Global gross gaming revenue from online roulette is predicted to exceed $2 billion by 2024.
The leading drivers to increasing roulette popularity online include:
- Live streaming with human dealers allows players to experience the visual drama and social dynamic they expect from roulette in a real casino setting.
- Expanded betting options like racetrack increase engagement by allowing players to easily place call bets and announce bets.
- Interactive game features incorporate stimulating sights and sounds to amplify the anticipation during the ball spin. Players may see and hear the ball drop into the pocket.
Online Craps
The boisterous energy of cheering crowds surrounding craps tables has always boosted its appeal. Now online platforms simulate that winning ambience with 3D animations and sound effects celebrating players’ winning rolls of the dice. The global online craps market is projected to generate $1.9 billion in revenue by 2024.
Several innovative elements are attracting fans to play craps online:
- 3D animations and graphics render an immersive simulation of live craps action, including reactions from other virtual players.
- Expanded bet types beyond pass/don’t pass allow players to incorporate unique combinations like Big 6 and Big 8.
- Seamless mobile gameplay lets players access the action whenever desire and bankroll strike.
Online Bingo
Once considered the province of smoke-filled halls, today’s online bingo sites promote a vibrant community and frequent wins to players across desktop and mobile platforms. Globally, gross gaming revenue from online bingo is expected to hit $1.76 billion by 2024.
Factors driving increasing revenues for online bingo include:
- Mobile optimization, allowing seamless gameplay for a demographic increasingly relying on tablets and smartphones.
- Dynamic chat features foster community spirit and engagement among players during rounds.
- Variety of game type offerings, from traditional 75-ball and 90-ball bingo to innovative variants like Slingo appeal to diverse tastes.
Online Keno
Keno’s formula of fast action, frequent payouts and simple rules mixes casual appeal with the tantalizing possibility of a life-altering jackpot win. Global gross gaming revenue from online keno is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2024.
In particular, mobile gameplay and live dealer streaming are boosting online keno’s popularity:
- Optimized mobile apps allow players to easily place bets, view drawings and cash tickets.
- Live dealer keno streams drawings in real-time, capturing the anticipation and social dynamics that make the game a casino staple.
Online Scratch Cards
As an evolution of old-fashioned lottery tickets, online scratch cards grant players reveals prizes instantly with the swipe of a finger. Global gross gaming revenue from online scratch cards is predicted to hit $1 billion by 2024.
Key advantages of accelerating growth for online scratch cards include:
- Mobile optimization providing convenient access everywhere.
- Animated reveals heighten excitement and anticipation.
- Broad range appeals to lottery fans and casual players.
Online Video Poker
Finally, video poker holds appeal for its familiar poker hands and strategy with slots-style continuous play. Versatility across devices and ability to play hands quickly turbocharges its convenience. Global online video poker gaming revenue is projected to reach $922 million by 2024.
Factors propelling increasing video poker play online include:
- Multi-hand capability to play up to 100 hands simultaneously.
- Optimized mobile experience across casino apps and web browsers.
- Integration with player rewards programs, allowing players to earn comps based on volume.
While various comparative advantages power each game’s profitability, multi-platform flexibility, expanded betting options and dynamic audio/visual effects are clearly instrumental in driving online casino gaming revenue overall. As technology and regulation open new markets globally, projections call for gross gaming revenue from the top 10 online casino game genres combined to approach $73 billion by 2024.