This article was contributed by Casino Guru
The entertainment and media (aka E&M) industry is a $3-trillion behemoth, PwC pundits say, that will generate well over $3.5 trillion in revenue by 2029. This follows twofold growth in the digital entertainment sector alone in the past five years or so, and this expansion is not slowing anytime soon.
Americans have ditched movie theaters, cable TV and print media over the last decade. They now spend a big chunk of their free time on screens, apps and platforms that make it a cinch to carry endless entertainment in a pocket. Digital entertainment is one of the fastest-growing segments of the US economy, and this applies to mobile games and streaming services as well as social media and iGaming.
The growth of digital entertainment isn’t the story of an overnight celebrity. With AI, social media hegemony and lots more in between, we are about to see the sector gain even more traction. Beyond entertainment, it is also about ads, business and new streams for creators to garner income.
Streaming services are having their biggest moment
Cable TV had a good run in the heyday of the 1990s and early 2000s, and Americans have moved on. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ now call the shots, and the numbers back it up. The video streaming market was worth $160 billion in 2025 and may be on course for a little shy of a sixfold uptick to $880 billion by 2035.
The on-demand streaming setup did a bang-up job on putting viewers in the driver’s seat. They do not have to wrestle with TV schedules and fillers that won’t live up to their hype. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have also doubled down on original content with even shorter seasons. With ad-supported plans, it is little wonder streaming services are here to stay.
Gaming and esports have gone mainstream entertainment
Video games are no longer a bedroom hobby. Gaming is now one of the largest slices of the digital entertainment pie, with global revenues hitting $224 billion in 2024 and expected to reach nearly $300 billion by 2029. That puts it ahead of the movie and music industries combined, and mobile gaming deserves a lot of that credit.
Smartphones put gaming in the palms of millions of gamers previously locked out by expensive consoles and computer rigs. They also make it a cinch for studios to monetize through free-to-play games, ads and in-app purchases. Esports and self-streaming platforms like Twitch have made it easy for gamers to leverage their influence and score income through subs, sponsorships and ad revenue.
Online gambling is gaining ground
If we single out one thing that is taking a lion’s share of America’s digital entertainment pie, that would be online gambling, especially sports betting and casino sites. Millions of Americans can now access live dealer tables and in-play sports betting pretty much around the clock.
On their end, operators are plunking down money on apps, welcome bonuses and user experience touches to win over customers and keep them within their platform. State-by-state regulation keeps the market fragmented for now, but it all points to more states, more players and more revenue.
Social media is now almost entirely about entertainment
Social media started as a way to stay in touch with friends. Today, it is one of the primary ways Americans consume entertainment. TikTok, Instagram and YouTube dominate screen time with short videos, live streams and creator-led content that often outperforms anything a traditional studio puts out. This has minted a new kind of media personality.
Music streaming is expanding digital access to the limit
The music industry underwent its own changeup, and streaming came out on top. Services like Spotify and Apple Music have made it possible to access tens of millions of songs for a few dollars a month, or even for free with ads. Physical albums are a niche product now, and digital downloads are not far behind.
For artists, streaming royalties are the new baseline, with live shows and merchandise picking up the slack. Podcasts have added another dimension to digital audio, giving creators a direct line to loyal audiences and giving advertisers a targeted, growing platform to work with.
Digital entertainment ads and revenue are switching roles
Advertising is where the real money story gets interesting. Ad spending across digital entertainment platforms is growing three times faster than consumer spending in the same space, according to PwC. Connected TV ads, social video ads and in-game advertising are all surging. By 2029, digital formats will account for 80 percent of global ad revenue.
AI is speeding this along. Smarter recommendation systems and hyper-personalized ad delivery are making it easier for brands to reach the right people at the right time. Subscription models are still pulling their weight, but advertising is fast becoming the engine underneath it all.
It is all thanks to technology
None of this happens without the tech under the hood. That’s especially true for faster internet, cutting-edge smartphones and cloud infrastructure, which have made high-quality digital entertainment available almost anywhere. The arrival of 5G and AI is pushing that further, reducing lag and opening the door to richer, more interactive entertainment.
Wrapping up—More choice is making consumers rethink what’s quality
As the digital entertainment economy expands at the seams, consumers are facing oodles of choice about where to invest their free time. In fact, the majority are rethinking the very essence and definition of “quality”. They move across entertainment formats, services and platforms in search of what can scratch their entertainment itch. Off the back of that, creators and providers are pushing the envelope to keep up, with new casinos,TV shows and social media formats getting more eyeballs.
The editorial staff of the East Bay Express was not involved in the creation of this content. The content is for general information and does not constitute the financial, medical or professional advice of this publication. Readers should consult qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances. The East Bay Express disclaims any liability for loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.
