Washington, DC – The amount wagered at Nevada sports books has risen by nearly 15 percent compared with 2014, according to a new analysis by the American Gaming Association (AGA) that also shows consistent growth at the state’s sports books, even as the popularity of daily fantasy sports has exploded in recent months.

CHART: Amount bet at sports books has increased nearly 15% this year

In fact, since the two biggest daily fantasy sports companies were founded (FanDuel in 2009 and DraftKings in 2012), the amount of money wagered at Nevada sports books has increased every year. 

“Sports betting demand has never been greater,” said Geoff Freeman, AGA president and CEO. “Fantasy sports may be serving as a catalyst for sports betting growth and helping the casino industry to attract new customers. As the daily fantasy sports community establishes greater consumer protections, we’re optimistic that our industries can achieve symbiotic growth.”

Coinciding with legal sports betting growth in Nevada is exponential growth of illegal sports betting nationwide. The AGA estimates that Americans will spend $138.9 billion on illegal sports betting this year alone.  Illegal sports betting funds criminal activities, takes advantage of consumers and fails to protect the integrity of America’s favorite pastimes. 

Amount wagered at Nevada sports books

2009: $2.55 billion 

2010: $2.76 billion (+8.2%)

2011: $2.88 billion (+4.2%)

2012: $3.45 billion (+19.9%)

2013: $3.62 billion (+5.0%)

2014: $3.90 billion (+7.7%)

2015: Increase of 14.6% year over year 2015

Source: Nevada Gaming Control Board

About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states.  AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry.  It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment.

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