The figures speak for themselves: online gambling is well and truly on the rise. In fact, in 2025 the global online gambling market is expected to be worth more than 112 billion U.S. dollars. That’s up from 59 billion dollars at the end of 2021.
So, Why Are Online Casinos So Popular?
There are many reasons why online casinos have grown in popularity so much in recent years. While the pandemic may have freed up people’s time to play casino games more than they might have before, the upward trend in popularity had started before Covid even hit the headlines.
More and more American states now offer licenses for online gambling, with a handful of states currently operational and more due to launch in the near future. It’s a similar story in Europe with over 230 licensed operators across 19 countries, and projected growth of online casinos at around 9% year on year. That’s good news for those looking to play online casino games.
Here we look at a few reasons why online casinos have become the place for players worldwide to enjoy some gambling action.
1. Convenience
With almost every household in America having an internet connection these days, the option to enjoy the fun of an online casino is right there next to you – on your phone or computer.
Online casinos are proving far more popular than land-based casinos in the last decade or so and it’s easy to see why: there’s no need to get dressed up, book a babysitter, queue for change or tip your dealer – just settle back into your sofa and real casino games are right there waiting to be enjoyed. It doesn’t get any more convenient than that.
2. Bonuses
Most online casinos offer deposit bonuses like a welcome bonus where your first deposit is matched up to a certain amount. Some online casinos even offer extra free spins just for signing up for a gaming account. This means that before you even start playing you have the chance to increase – or even double! – your bankroll with online casino bonuses, and score a few free casino games to enjoy free play and get a feel for things.
PlayStar is one example of an online casino that offers a 100% welcome bonus plus free spins, as well as additional bonuses on future deposits, and loyalty bonuses to boot. Stick with a generous online casino like this and you’ll feel like you’re practically playing for free!
3. Promotions
Between the bonuses, free spins, rewarding loyalty programs and the many opportunities to win tangible gifts and event invitations, the promotions never seem to stop at online casinos. Promotions and exclusive invitations often reward prizes just for playing particular games during certain time periods, or simply for depositing, so they’re an easy way to score more for less.
4. Choice of Games
Online casinos win hands down when it comes to the huge range of casino games available. Whether it’s tables games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette or craps that are your thing, video slot machines, or even live casino games, there’s something for everyone (of legal age of course!) at online casino platforms.
If your preference is playing high skilled games or perhaps you rather easy-to-play luck-based games, you are likely to find it online. Want five different types of blackjack, eight video poker variants and a few types of roulette too? A good online casino has them all.
Tip: when choosing online casinos, go for one with live casino games as these include a real dealer so you still get the feeling of brick and mortar casinos from the comfort of your lounge room.
5. Live Dealer Games
Sometimes you crave the excitement of a real land-based casino, so you can chat with the dealer, watch the cards being dealt in front of your eyes and experience the elation of a big win amongst others. That’s where online casino live dealer games come in, and they’re one of the main reasons online gambling is booming.
Without even needing to get up out of your seat, you can be transported to live casino tables from your online casino account – complete with friendly live dealers who chat with you as the cards are dealt or the wheels are spun, live-streamed in HD from stunning studios around the world.
6. Impressive HD Graphics
It’s hard to tell internet casino games from reality these days – they all look so darned realistic. Often with high-definition 3D graphics and bursting with electrifying features, functions and sounds, so many games offer a world of entertainment and a chance to escape reality.
With many online gambling companies sourcing their games from industry-leading, third-party game providers like NetEnt, IGT and Evolution Gaming, competition is fierce when it comes to designing the most engaging and exhilarating games.
7. Huge Jackpots
Players chasing the dream of winning life-changing money know that online casinos are the place to be. Most online casinos offer progressive jackpots on a number of slot machines, whose value keeps rising and rising into the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars, right up to millions of dollars, until a player strikes it lucky and wins.
The largest progressive slot jackpot won online was in 2021 with a whopping payout of $19 million. So it’s easy to see why these games attract those looking to land a fortune.
8. User-Friendly Interface
Regardless of the casino game, you can almost always tailor it to your needs. Online casino games let players choose the speed they want the cards to be dealt at, control the volume and sounds, select the felt color of a table and view game statistics, all within a couple of clicks. No need to wait around for dealers to shuffle cards and players to place their bets.
Game instructions and live tutorial videos are also often available for new players to familiarize themselves with the rules, and the great thing is one can easily jump from one game to another without even getting out of their seat!
9. Safe & Secure
The online gambling industry is more regulated than ever before, with stringent legal requirements that casino games providers need to meet to gain a license to operate. Such operators employ the latest encryption technologies to ensure players’ accounts, money and personal details are entirely secure, and that players and the companies they play with are not subject to any fraudulent gambling activity.
Gameplay is fairer than ever as industry-tested RNG technology guarantees every single card deal, wheel spin and win is entirely randomized.
10. Online Gambling Is Great Fun!
Simply put, online casinos offer a terrific way to enjoy the excitement of playing different games on mobile devices and PCs, for a chance to win money. All it takes is a bit of luck and sometimes a touch of skill to enjoy the thrill of playing and winning your favorite casino games from the comfort of your own home.
Best Online Casino Games at PlayStar
With so many reasons to explain the growth in popularity of online casinos, it’s clear to see that the trend won’t be slowing down anytime soon. If you’re looking to play on some of the best casino games online, and benefit from welcome bonuses, free spins, loyalty rewards, progressive jackpot slots and more, sign up for a PlayStar account today, make a deposit and let the fun begin!
