Online casino sites make gambling more accessible around the world, with easy access to a grand selection of games, no matter where you are based. But even though the availability might be the same or very similar, different players favour different types of games. In this article, we look at some examples of online casino player preferences in different parts of the world.
Scandinavia
To start off, it’s interesting to see the differences in gambling culture and regulation in such a small and progressive part of the world as Scandinavia. While Sweden, Denmark, and Norway generally have a lot in common, differences in regulation affect the gambling preferences in these countries.
Denmark regulated its online casino market in 2012, with the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) ensuring a competitive but controlled environment. Thanks to regulated online casino alternatives, Danes can legally gamble online. The market shows consistent demand for poker, blackjack, and slots, with many players preferring games from Swedish developers such as NetEnt and Play’n GO.
Sweden followed Denmark’s footsteps and liberalised its market in 2019, introducing a licensing system that allows international operators to legally offer services to Swedish players. The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) enforces responsible gambling tools, like deposit limits and self-exclusion via the national Spelpaus system, that ensure a safe experience. Swedish players have shown strong preferences for mobile-friendly slot games and live casino experiences. Local operators and software developers are well-known, respected and highly popular.
By contrast, the final Scandinavian country, Norway, has a different approach to gambling, despite similar player preferences. Due to the state monopoly through Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, there are not a lot of local options to choose from. Therefore, many Norwegians who wish to play casino online opt for offshore-based options, such as sites regulated in Malta or Curacao. This allows Norwegian players to access a larger selection of favorites such as high RTP and jackpot slots, as well as online poker.
The United States
Varied regulations in Scandinavia can remind of the current gambling regulation in the US, as the availability and legality vary a lot between states. Following the 2018 repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act), individual states began legalizing online sports betting and, in some cases, online casinos. As of 2025, online casino gaming is fully regulated in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia, and Connecticut.
Game preferences vary by region, but across regulated states, slots remain the great category. Live dealer games and online poker also attract niche audiences, with several operators offering localized content and integrations with sports betting. The US iGaming revenue continues to grow thanks to the evolving player preferences. Meanwhile, states without regulated online casinos, like Texas or Florida, have driven demand to sweepstakes and social casinos where players can play online slots for free.
The United Kingdom
The UK has a mature and heavily regulated online gambling market. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) oversees all forms of gambling, including online casinos. UK-licensed platforms have to follow strict standards for fairness, advertising, and player protection. This well-regulated environment has opened up for a diverse player base with varying preferences.
Also here, slots dominate the market, accounting for over 80% of all online gambling revenue in the UK. British players are particularly drawn to branded video slots and progressive jackpots, with games like Mega Moolah and newer versions of the jackpot system attracting players looking for big payouts. Live dealer games, especially blackjack and roulette, have also surged in popularity thanks to providers like Evolution. Finally, the UK market has a strong tradition of sports betting, and many players use integrated platforms that offer both casino games and sportsbooks.
Asia
If we move to another part of the world, gambling regulation and habits also vary a lot throughout Asia.
China and India are two of the largest potential markets, but with significant restrictions. In mainland China, online gambling is illegal (except for state-run lotteries), but offshore platforms continue to operate in a legal grey zone, especially from hubs like the Philippines (via the PAGCOR licensing regime). Chinese players often access casino sites offering baccarat, along with fish shooting games and virtual sports.
India has a patchwork of regulations, with some states banning online gambling altogether and others allowing it. Skill-based games like rummy and poker are legal in some regions, and some international platforms have tailored their offerings with Indian favorites and live dealer games in Hindi.
As a final example, Japan has a flourishing online casino scene, despite gambling being technically illegal under Japanese law (with exceptions like pachinko and lotteries). Offshore sites dominate the market, and Japanese players show strong preferences for high-RTP slots with fun storylines and vivid animations. Many game providers focus on so-called Eastern slots to cater to the Asian market, though some of these games might actually be played more outside of Asia.
Conclusion
While online casinos are technically accessible across the globe, player preferences and market dynamics are shaped heavily by local regulations and gambling cultures. In regulated markets like the UK, Sweden, and certain US states, players benefit from strong consumer protections, but operators face stringent compliance demands. In grey-area or monopolised markets like Norway, China, and Japan, players often turn to offshore sites that tailor experiences to local tastes. While slots seem to be the overall favorite among online casino players, live dealer games and other alternatives are growing in popularity.