South Africa and Norway lead online gambling participation, says DataReportal
DataReportal ranks participation by internet users; market volumes and national models contrasted
Key Takeaways
- Global digital gambling revenue is estimated at US$105–121 billion, citing the UK Gambling Commission and U.S. state commissions.
- DataReportal finds South Africa leads online gambling participation among internet users at 32.3%, with Norway at 31.2%.
- Colombia reports annual gross gaming revenue of 34.5–45 trillion pesos and over 10.8 million active accounts; BetPlay holds ~51% and Wplay ~14%.
- South Africa reported revenues of R1.1 trillion, while Norway’s market is tightly regulated and dominated by Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto.
The global digital gambling market generates between US$105 billion and US$121 billion, according to figures cited from the UK Gambling Commission and U.S. state gambling commissions, published on 26 October 2026. A DataReportal study of internet users aged over 16 places South Africa first in online gambling participation at 32.3%, followed by Norway at 31.2%.
Penetration by countries and regions
The DataReportal percentages refer to surveyed internet users, not to each country’s total population. At the low end of the list are South Korea with 2.7%, Vietnam with 5.7% and Taiwan with 6.5%.
In South America, Brazil leads participation with 19%, followed by Chile with 16.6% and Colombia with 13.8%.
Economic volume and market leaders in Colombia
Colombia shows a notable volume: annual gross gaming revenue is between 34.5 trillion and 45 trillion pesos, according to Coljuegos and Fecoljuegos. Platforms report more than 10.8 million active accounts. BetPlay concentrates approximately 51% of the Colombian market, while Wplay holds around 14%.
I linked the Colombian regulatory reference to [regulation](/regulation) where the agencies that provided the figures are discussed.
Market models: South Africa and Norway
South Africa has experienced strong online gambling expansion and reached revenues of R1.1 trillion. Norway applies a tightly regulated model dominated by state operators such as Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto; both enforce loss limits, player monitoring mechanisms and measures against foreign platforms.
"The data show clear differences between markets in penetration, economic volume and regulatory models," the report records, citing official sources.
The numbers reflect the sector’s diversity after digitalisation: high participation rates in some countries and regulated or concentrated markets in others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated size of the global digital betting market?
The global digital betting market is estimated at between US$105 billion and US$121 billion, a figure cited from the UK Gambling Commission and U.S. state gambling commissions and published on 26 October 2026.
Which countries lead online gambling participation according to DataReportal?
DataReportal reports that South Africa leads with 32.3% participation among internet users aged over 16, followed by Norway at 31.2%.
How does the Colombian online betting market perform?
Colombia reports annual gross gaming revenue of 34.5–45 trillion pesos and more than 10.8 million active accounts; BetPlay controls roughly 51% of the market and Wplay about 14%, according to Coljuegos and Fecoljuegos.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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