Virtual Sports Betting Market Forecasts Explosive Growth Through 2034

Sadonna Price
Author Sadonna Price
Published: Sep 29, 2025
Ali Raza
Fact Checker Ali Raza
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
Global Virtual Sports Betting Market - Chart with growth data.

Virtual sports betting, once a niche option in European markets, is rapidly gaining momentum in the United States betting markets and globally. Driven by advances in software, 24/7 accessibility, and growing regulatory acceptance, analysts forecast the industry will expand at a double-digit pace over the next decade.

What Is Virtual Sports Betting?

Virtual sports simulate real sporting events using algorithms and random number generators (RNG). Players can wager on outcomes of simulated football matches, horse races, tennis tournaments, and more. Because these events run continuously, bettors don’t need to wait for scheduled games — making it a valuable filler for sportsbooks between major live events.

Virtual Sports Betting Market - Infographic with market insights.

The Market by the Numbers

Analysts differ on exact figures, but all agree the sector is poised for dramatic growth:

  • Grand View Research estimates the global virtual sports market was worth USD 13.5 billion in 2022 and will reach USD 47 billion by 2030, a 16.7% CAGR.
  • Introspective Market Research values the virtual sports betting segment at USD 10.8 billion in 2023, with projections of USD 45.5 billion by 2032 at a 17.3% CAGR.
  • Market.us forecasts the market to hit USD 110.5 billion by 2034, up from USD 14.4 billion in 2024, driven by a 22.6% CAGR.
Grand View Research - Chart with U.S. Virtual Sports data.

While the estimates vary, all point toward rapid adoption. North America already accounted for nearly 30% of global revenue in 2022, reflecting early traction in U.S. regulated Sportsbetting markets.

Why It’s Growing

Several factors are fueling expansion:

  • Always On: Virtual sports run 24/7, creating betting opportunities outside live sports schedules.
  • New Tech: Advances in graphics, streaming, and RNG systems make simulations more realistic and engaging.
  • Regulatory Acceptance: As more U.S. states legalize online betting, virtual markets are gaining approval alongside traditional wagers.
  • Operator Strategy: Sportsbooks see virtuals as a way to keep customers active year-round, especially between marquee events like the NFL and March Madness.
    The Challenges Ahead

Despite optimism, hurdles remain:

  • Integrity & Transparency: Virtual sports rely entirely on algorithms, so trust in RNG fairness and auditing will be critical.
  • Regulatory Questions: Some jurisdictions may apply stricter rules or hesitate to approve betting on simulated events.
  • Market Education: Many bettors are still unfamiliar with virtual sports, meaning adoption may take time.

The Bottom Line

Whether the market lands closer to USD 47 billion by 2030 or USD 110 billion by 2034, the trajectory is clear: virtual sports betting is set to become a major revenue stream for sportsbooks. As U.S. operators look for ways to retain customers beyond NFL Sundays, virtual sports may emerge as the industry’s next big growth engine.

Sources

Charts & Data Compliments of:

Grand View Research — Virtual Sports Market Report: “The global virtual sports market size was estimated at USD 13.52 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 47.07 billion by 2030.” Grand View Research

Market.us — Virtual Sports Betting Market Report: “Expected to be worth around USD 110.5 billion by 2034, from USD 14.4 billion in 2024, growing at CAGR 22.60%.” Market.us+1

Introspective Market Research — Virtual Sports Betting Market: “Valued at USD 10.82 billion in 2023… projected to reach USD 45.52 billion by 2032, CAGR 17.31%.” introspectivemarketresearch.com