Two of the world’s gambling markets are riding a digital wave in 2025. France and the Philippines have both posted strong growth figures, fuelled largely by online segments. From e-games in Southeast Asia to a surging youth-driven sports betting market in Europe, digital channels are redefining gambling revenues worldwide.
France Sees Online Surge as Youth Bettors Join In
France’s gambling industry closed 2024 with €14 billion in gross gaming revenue, a 4.7% rise compared to the previous year. The biggest push came from the online sports betting segment, which jumped 19% year-on-year to €1.8 billion. Overall online gambling pulled in €2.6 billion, up 12% from 2023.
The number of active online accounts rose to 5.7 million—a gain of 11%—with the sharpest growth seen in sports betting. Interestingly, a younger demographic is fueling this trend, with 30% of sports bettors now between 18 and 24 years old.
Leading operators continued to hold ground. FDJ United, which focuses heavily on its home market, saw its GGR climb 6% to over €7 billion. Meanwhile, PMU retained profitability and expanded its player base, even as it ceded some market share.
Despite positive national figures, FDJ’s international performance in Q1 2025 dipped, with revenue at €925 million—down 21.8%—due to tax changes, adjustments in European football schedules, and a weaker retail offering.
Philippines Breaks Records Despite POGO Ban
The Philippine gambling sector has bounced back strongly following its crackdown on offshore operators. In Q1 2025, the industry posted PHP 104.12 billion ($1.8 billion) in revenue—a 27.4% jump compared to the same period last year.
For the first time, e-games overtook land-based casinos in terms of GGR. The segment brought in PHP 51.4 billion, accounting for nearly half (49.4%) of the market’s total revenue. Licensed land-based casinos followed closely with PHP 49.3 billion (47.3%), while PAGCOR-operated venues added PHP 3.45 billion (3.3%).
Despite concerns that the POGO ban might drag down performance, the industry still recorded 25% annual growth in its FY 2025 results. PAGCOR itself saw an 11.2% year-on-year rise in Q1 revenue, reaching PHP 28.07 billion.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to corporate social responsibility, aiming to align the sector’s financial gains with broader community goals.
Digital Focus Shields Markets from External Shocks
Both nations are proving that strategic digital pivots and domestic focus can offset external shocks—be it international tax pressure or regulatory overhauls. What’s next for their evolving markets?
