In which country do people most often play at casinos? Who are fond of sports betting more than others? Where do they like poker? Who loves the lottery? What nation can be called the most gambling one in the world?
You're mistaken if you think it's about Americans with their Las Vegas, Indian casinos, and Atlantic City. The Chinese, known for their obsession with gambling, are also not among the leaders. Residents of other countries have become the winners if this word is appropriate here.
Casinoz has determined several nations that adore gambling. The list was based on one criterion:
The amount that an average citizen of the country loses per year.
The data is provided by H2 Gambling Capital. The organization has taken into account fans of casinos, poker rooms, bookmakers, horse racing, and other types of gambling. In each case, the total sum was divided by the number of adult residents.
Of course, it would be good to consider other factors: the volume of illegal business, losses abroad, etc. But such large-scale statistical research has not been carried out by any company, so we have had to rely on the available information.
Top 5 Most Gambling Countries
So, which countries are on the list of the most gambling nations?
First, we highlight the top five and briefly touch on other nations that can not imagine their lives without games of chance.
V place-Finland
- Annual loss per adult: $533
- Favorite gambling type: lotteries, sports betting
Finns like gambling. Finland's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health says that more than 41% of the country's adult population gambles weekly.
The most popular are the national lottery draws and betting on sports events. Land-based and online casinos are subject to a state monopoly. Revenues from gambling are used for public and educational purposes.
Interestingly, the country's citizens losing more than one hundred and twenty euros can officially receive the status of a gambling addict and qualify for free addiction treatment.
IV place-Canada
- Annual loss per adult: $568
- Favorite gambling type: lotteries, sports betting
In Canada, gambling has been legalized since the early seventies of the twentieth century. There are several dozen casinos on the country's territory, but the locals are not limited to gambling, which offers these gambling clubs. Moreover, bookmakers, lotteries, and instant scratch cards are in great demand.
Statistics say that three-quarters of Canadians regularly buy lottery tickets. This entertainment is an integral part of Canadian culture. It is not considered dangerous or shameful. Many parents even constantly give lotteries to their underage children.
Also, in Canada, they love sports, especially ice hockey. Almost all residents watch NHL games, broadcasts from ski races, competitions in snowboarding, and other disciplines. Many Canadians make betting bets.
III place-Ireland
- Annual loss per adult: $588
- Favorite gambling type: sports betting
About the incredible love of the Irish to bet legends. Everyone knows that they are avid debaters and violent sports fans. Of course, sweepstakes are viral in Ireland. Locals regularly drop in on horse racing and place bets on rugby, football, and other sports.
In the circles of Irish youth, there is a social group called "lad culture." It includes mainly young and middle-aged men who gather together to drink, bet on their favorite team, and watch the match.
We should also mention the famous Irish fighter Connor McGregor, who is adored at home. His collaboration with a well-known bookmaker led to a boom in sports betting in the country.
Offline casinos in Ireland are less popular, although, among the Irish, there are high rollers who lose significant sums. It is worth adding that this gambling industry still dominates under outdated legislation, which should have been reformed long ago.
Finally, we note that in 2017, the Irish lost more than $ 2.2 billion.
II place-Singapore
- Annual loss per adult: $1100
- Favorite gambling type: casinos, lotteries, sports betting
The gambling industry in this tiny South Asian country is still young. Since 1968, only the state lottery Singapore Pools has operated in Singapore. More recently, it also accepted betting. In addition, world-famous casinos have opened in the country.
There are a lot of football fans in Singapore who can't imagine life without betting on their favorite clubs. The weekly turnover of this industry is estimated in millions of dollars.
By allowing new forms of gambling, the authorities relied primarily on tourists, but locals were also willing to visit casinos. Wealthy citizens do not mind even a reasonably high fee for entering gambling establishments. This fact is not surprising because many Singaporeans are millionaires and just rich people.
I place-Australia
- Annual loss per adult: $1288
- Favorite gambling type: slot machines, sports betting
And now, we turn to our winner. It's Australia
Residents of the largest country in the southern hemisphere gamble a lot. Here are the data from local statistical organizations:
About 80% of Australians regularly gamble in one way or another, and about 50% of the population tries their luck at slots.
Throughout Australia, there are slot machines, which are called pokies. In some states, their number exceeds one hundred thousand. Video slots are offered not only in casinos. They are ubiquitous in bars and other entertainment venues.
In addition, some sports, including cricket and football, are prevalent in Australia. The country also regularly hosts major international tournaments, attracting crowds of fans. A vast army of fans willingly makes bets on bookmakers. In 2017, the revenues of this gambling business alone exceeded one billion dollars.
Why do Australians gamble so much? Experts say that it is the availability of gambling and a high standard of living in the country.
Activists concerned about addiction are sounding the alarm and calling for the situation to be brought under control, but so far, their efforts have not borne tangible fruits.
Other Gambling-Loving Nations
Residents of the states listed below are also very gambling, although they lose a little less than the citizens of the above countries.
- The Italians - $517,
- Hong Kong – $503,
- Norway - $448,
- Greece - $420,
- Spain - $418.
For comparison, in the United States, people, on average, lose about $330 a year; in Monaco, about $320; in France, no more than $350.
Let us repeat that the real numbers can be significantly higher because it is impossible to calculate the volume of all illegal gambling. Underground sweepstakes everywhere accept bets, official casinos often underestimate profits, and so on. However, the above statistics provide an overall assessment of the situation in different countries.
Conclusion
How gambling are people in your country? Do you often play for money? Do your friends go to casinos, participate in lottery draws, make sports bets, or play poker?
Let's discuss the topic in the comments. Share experiences, tell exciting stories, brag about significant victories, and ask questions.
