Games based on skills are leading the iGaming field. New study shows that these games now bring more interest than luck based models like old slots or roulette. Platforms like 1xBet IE trusted bookmaker and gaming platform in Ireland are following the shift, as player expectations continue to change.
Research Highlights Stronger Engagement
A study done in 2025 showed that games based on skill have a session length which is longer than those of chance-driven types by 25 to 35%. Players are more likely to come back to a game when they think that ͏͏ their input changes the possible results of the game.
This kind of game makes people put in more money, as folks use about 18% extra each month on skill-based games. This is due to playing again and again, contests in games, and the social parts of the leaderboard. Experts have called this change in how people consume stuff as a part of a bigger shift to more fun and engaging ways of having fun.
Why Skill-Based Games Attract More Players
Some of the lots of possible reasons for the rise in curiosity are:
- Control of the results of a session depends on a choice the player makes.
- Challenge: There are many levels of difficulty in a game, which keep time in the game fun.
- Moving forward. There are wins to get and places to reach to make players want to play again.
- Group: Many player systems to one game help teamwork and rivalry.
This mind set system shows how players act-having control makes them play longer and put in more time. In comparison, games of pure luck are rare, depending on chance and this can lead to quicker game fatigue.
Economic Impact on the iGaming Industry
Real market changes are reflected in these numbers. In 2024, iGaming revenue derived from chance-based games was still 60%. By the middle of 2025, that percentage fell to 52% while revenue from skill-based games increased significantly. Thus, by 2027, projections indicate that skill-based iGaming will dominate the industry and control over 60% of the global market share.
For operators, this means adjusting portfolios. Developers are investing heavily in new formats. Card games with added strategy, puzzle-based mechanics, and interactive sports betting hybrids are all part of the push.
Engagement Comparison Between Game Types
| Game Type | Avg. Session Length | Monthly Spend Growth | Return Rate |
| Skill-Based | 42 minutes (+30%) | +18% | 73% |
| Chance-Based | 27 minutes | +6% | 54% |
The table shows the difference clearly: skill-based titles drive longer sessions, higher spending, and stronger return rates.
Esports Influence on iGaming Formats
The rise of esports has shaped this trend. Younger players want competition and mastery. They appreciate leaderboards, tournaments, and streaming integration. iGaming platforms are now adopting these features.
Skill-based casino games are being designed to emulate esports, featuring real-time statistics and spectator modes. Competitive prize pools are increasing and providing players with reasons to remain engaged. Industry experts state that the crossover of esports and iGaming will be one of the strongest growth drivers for the year 2025.
Regional Adoption Patterns
The shift is global but uneven. Europe has seen the largest shift to skill-based games, where they now represent 40% of total iGaming sessions. North America is experiencing similar growth, particularly for the 18-35 demographic. In Asia, the adoption of skill-based games for mobile users is most evident with spy arcade-style betting games.
Latin America and Africa are quickly catching up due to the availability of cloud-based platforms that support these games on lower-end devices. Analysts predict that these regions will be pivotal for global expansion by 2030.
Challenges to Full Adoption
New challenges can emerge as a consequence of any success. In some areas, the legal definition of skill-wagering is still being worked out by regulators. Ensuring fairness still requires some operators to make sure their algorithms don’t create hidden advantages.
There are also greater development costs that come with more complex skill-driven systems than with chance-based games. Smaller studios may find it more difficult. And not every customer, of course, prefers skill. There’s a segment of the market that simply appreciates slots or lottery games as the access and play is relatively easier. This is also why operators still provide a mixed portfolio.
Industry Leaders Respond to Engagement Shift
Major operators are responding to the growth of skill-based formats. In 2025, several leading platforms announced plans to increase development budgets by 40% over the next two years. Executives describe this as responding to user demand.
Developers are also adjusting their pipelines. Studios focusing exclusively on slot mechanics are now creating games with tactical multiplayer, puzzle-embedded mechanics, and other challengers. Over 60% of new game projects being developed in Europe are now classified as skill-based or hybrid, which is the most rapid shift in portfolio composition in the history of the industry.
Player Communities Drive Cultural Change
The cultural shift is also remarkable. Player communities around skill-based games are developing in ways that were rarely seen with chance games. Players on Discord, streaming platforms, and social media cooperate on strategy, celebrate victories, and perform game outcome analysis. This drives organic game promotion, limiting the need for massive advertising budgets.
Surveys conducted in mid-2025 show that 71% of players under 30 prefer games where decisions influence results. Among esports fans, that figure jumps to 82%. Experts believe this crossover will accelerate growth even more, as the line between gaming, esports, and iGaming continues to blur.
For now, operators are optimistic. They view skill-based formats as a way to secure loyalty in younger demographics, while still keeping traditional games available for older users. The balance may be tricky, but the trend is clear.
Skill-based games are no longer a niche. They are outperforming chance-based titles in both engagement and economics. Longer sessions, higher deposits, and better return rates prove the appeal. The expansion of esports-style features, regional adoption, and industry investment confirm the direction of travel.
