It’s no secret that the last 21 years have been monumental for online gambling. Over this time, many of the major players have transformed from fringe companies to massive corporations. Right now the industry has skyrocketed to be worth $35.97 billion, and there’s no end in sight. On the contrary, the online gambling industry is about to grow to a staggering $66.59 billion. That unfathomable amount of money is creating a bonanza that’s too enticing for many companies to ignore.
Now that the industry is being formalized, many companies are cashing in. These may seem like opportunists, but many of the leading companies have been involved since the late ’90s. From bold newcomers such as Canada’s Amaya Gaming Group to the pioneers, some companies stand out from the pack. Their net worths are larger than life, which makes them impossible to ignore.
For responsible punters, getting to know the leading players in the online gambling industry is essential. We know how important it is for our readers to stay informed, so we created this list. Prepare to get an intimate look at the biggest online gambling companies in the world. Their net worths are staggering, so get ready to see the industry’s potential!
Biggest Online Gambling Companies
Gambling Giant #3: Playtech ($3.6 Billion Net Worth)
Since its inception, this company has been hell-bent on dominating the industry. Despite countless setbacks, Playtech has exploded in growth over the last few years. In 2015 alone, it grew from $3.32 billion to $3.6 billion. It was founded by Teddy Sagi in 1999, and was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2006. Even though it has value of £550 million, this company is going to start. They created their legacy by providing top of the line online casino games that range from slots to sports betting.
They may have enjoyed explosive growth, but Playtech has also experienced its fair share of setbacks. Their founder Teddy Sagi was convicted of a slew of charges including insider trading. He ended up spending nine months behind bars but emerged stronger than ever. In one of their games, Lakshmi Gold is also accused of defaming Hindu deities. Ignoring the consternation of the Hindu community, this game is still online. Despite these hiccups, Playtech has a good reputation for taking care of its players.
Gambling Giant #2: William Hill ($4.95 Billion Net Worth)
Out of all the companies on the list, this one has been in the game the longest. The company first started in 1934, when their founder William Hill found a loophole in Britain’s gambling laws. This allowed him to accept bets and create an empire that has lasted almost a century. When online gambling came about, William Hill was one of the first land based companies to switch over. Their unparalleled expertise allowed them to effortlessly dominate online gambling in Europe.
Just like all of the top names in the industry, William Hill has been the center of plenty of controversy. The company was under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office of Britain for accounting irregularities in the late 1990’s. William Hill has also been accused of bribing top members of parliament to pass UK gambling tax structures in 2014. This forced out most of the smaller competition, and allowed William Hill and his syndicate to prosper.
Gambling Giant #1: Paddy Power Betfair PLC ($11.96 Billion Net Worth)
This behemoth company is the result of the merger of two of the biggest online betting companies in the world. Betfair and Paddy Power made history when they finalized their merger in February 2016. This is why these companies teams up as game-changers. Betfair revolutionized fixed-odds sports betting sites by allowing players to offer each other wagers. This led to them becoming the largest betting exchange on the internet, but they drew harsh criticism for charging winners.
Paddy Power was the largest gambling company in Ireland, that gained notoriety for its outrageous marketing campaigns. They started as three bookmaker’s shops in 1988 and expanded aggressively ever since. They switched from land to online betting shops in the 1990s, quickly dominating the market. Their gung-ho marketing get thme in trouble. From putting odds on Obama’s assassination to species that would go extinct from oil spills, they’re no strangers to controversy. Now that they have merged with an equally aggressive partner, this company is set to continue dominating online gambling.
