Overview

The American Gaming Association’s comprehensive Commercial Gaming Revenue Database gives members the ability to quickly benchmark domestic gaming performance in real time. The database aggregates millions of historical data points published by state regulatory authorities into an easily filterable Excel spreadsheet, saving AGA members significant research time or third-party subscription costs.

Features

• Monthly property- and market-level data entries dating back to the inception of commercial casino gaming in most states, allowing users to identify trends in U.S. land-based commercial gaming revenue and taxes. 
• Where available, includes data on machine coin-in, table drop, casino admissions, operating days, gambling positions and other variables, allowing further contextualization of performance metrics. 
• Includes sports betting and iGaming data at the brand, licensee or state level.
• Key metrics are summarized at the state level and visualized through a series of interactive pivot tables. 
• The dataset is continuously updated as new revenue reports are published by state regulators. 
• Further variables may be incorporated in the future, such as property location metrics, owner/operator, number of employees or tax allocation.

Contact the Research Team for Member-Exclusive Access

AGA Commercial Gaming Database Overview, By State

The AGA Commercial Gaming Database is provided to members of the American Gaming Association for their exclusive, internal use.

WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced a new partnership to combat the unchecked spread of unregulated gaming machines throughout the United States. The ongoing campaign will focus on providing state and local policymakers, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies with new resources and tools to stop the proliferation of unregulated gaming machines.

Casino gaming is one of the most highly regulated industries in the U.S., with more than 4,000 state and tribal regulators dedicated to overseeing all forms of gaming, including electronic gaming machines. The recent growth of unregulated machines across the country raises a host of concerns which the organizations outlined in a fact sheet released today. Among them are the lack of testing, consumer protections, and responsible gaming measures, which underscore the need for states with gray market and illegal machines to make this a priority area of focus.

“Stamping out the illegal market that threatens the safety of consumers will always be one of the gaming industry’s highest priorities,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “We are proud to work with the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and our fellow industry partners to combat the spread of illegal machines. The AGA is encouraged that policymakers in some states such as Virginia have begun to recognize the dangers of these machines and have taken recent legislative action toward outlawing them. Unfortunately, other jurisdictions where these machines have become pervasive may believe their only recourse is to regulate and tax them. Rewarding bad behavior is not the answer, and we hope our education efforts will make it clear that the only real solution is to stop the spread of these devices.”

“The regulated gaming industry has rarely been more united on a singular issue and now we have a tool to address the misinformation and deception that unregulated machine companies use to confound law enforcement, the courts, and local citizens,” said Marcus Prater, executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers. “The spread of these machines represents a serious threat to the overall regulated market that has invested billions in infrastructure while also creating thousands of jobs and substantial tax benefits in the communities they serve. Moreover, unregulated machines prey on confused players who see slot machine symbols and think they’re getting a fair chance when they absolutely are not.”

More than 20 professional gaming organizations have joined the AGA and AGEM in opposition to the spread of unregulated gaming, including the National Indian Gaming Association, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, the International Center for Responsible Gaming, the National Council on Problem Gambling, multiple state casino and tribal associations, and both of the leading independent gaming equipment test labs. View the full list here.

About the AGA
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers, and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.

About AGEM
AGEM is a non-profit international technology trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, game content, table games, online technology, sports betting, key components and support products and services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. Through political action, regulatory influence, trade show partnerships, educational alliances, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM has assisted regulatory agencies and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a business environment where AGEM members can prosper while providing a strong level of support to education and responsible gaming initiatives. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.

Ty James – Rep. Thompson

202-225-5876

Elise Argall – Rep. Reschenthaler

202-225-2065

WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association congratulates co-chairs Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02) and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) for relaunching the Congressional Gaming Caucus for the 116^th Congress. The caucus, comprised of a broad representation of more than 30 members of Congress from across the country, will serve as a platform to discuss federal policy issues related to the U.S. casino industry and educate Congressional colleagues on related regulatory and legislative matters.

The $261 billion gaming industry is a national economic engine and job creator—providing good-paying jobs and career opportunities for nearly 2 million American workers. From supporting area small businesses to contributing to local nonprofits and philanthropic initiatives, the industry continues to prove itself as a good steward and active partner in the communities where gaming operates.

“Relaunching the Congressional Gaming Caucus is one of the American Gaming Association’s top priorities, and I’m grateful to Reps. Thompson and Reschenthaler for their leadership,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO. “As gaming expands, it’s more important than ever that members of Congress from both gaming and non-gaming states appreciate the important role our industry plays in communities across the country. The AGA looks forward to working with the caucus on policies that strengthen the gaming industry and tell our positive story on Capitol Hill.”

“Over the last several decades, the U.S. gaming industry has expanded beyond traditional gaming markets in Nevada and New Jersey to benefit new communities, including those in southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “I’m proud to relaunch this caucus, which will provide a valuable forum for advancing policies that allow the gaming industry to grow and spur economic development in districts like mine.”

“The gaming industry’s social and economic footprint can be seen in communities around the United States, with more than 88 percent of American adults viewing gaming as an acceptable form of entertainment,” said Rep. Thompson. “The Congressional Gaming Caucus will enable Congress to better represent the industry and our constituents’ interests on Capitol Hill.”

The reconstitution of the Congressional Gaming Caucus enables the AGA to augment the association’s efforts to address key priorities such as highlighting the gaming industry’s strong commitment to anti-money laundering compliance, ensuring responsible gaming is a signature industry priority, and maintaining state regulation of gaming, including sports betting.

WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today released a new study quantifying the expansive annual impact the casino gaming industry has on the U.S. economy. Conducted by Oxford economics, findings show the U.S. commercial and tribal gaming industry:

• Contributes $328.6 billion to the U.S. economy.
• Supports 1.8 million jobs and $104 billion of wages and salaries across the country.
• Generates $52.7 billion in tax revenue to federal, state and local governments.

“The U.S. gaming industry delivers long-term growth and impact to communities, generating significant tax revenue, creating strong jobs, supporting local small businesses, and funding critical community priorities,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller during State of the Industry remarks at G2E 2023.

According to the report, America’s gaming industry directly employs more than 700,000 people in the U.S. Put in context with the broader U.S. economy:

• Gaming provides more direct jobs than the air transportation, postal service or motion picture and video sectors.
• Direct casino employment accounts for 1 in 33 leisure and hospitality jobs.

The $53 billion in taxes generated by the gaming industry provides critical funding for local public programs and services, including education, infrastructure and economic development, as well as supplemental revenue for state general funds.

Recent, related AGA research shows the economic benefits generated by gaming are widely recognized by Americans, with a record 71 percent of adults saying the casino gaming industry has a positive impact on the U.S. economy.

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Background

• 45 states and the District of Columbia currently offer commercial and/or tribal gaming markets including casino gaming, sports betting and iGaming.
• AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker shows that 2023 industry revenue through July is pacing 11 percent ahead of 2022’s record revenue year for commercial gaming.
• AGA’s State of Play Map charts gaming’s economic impact, industry regulations and casino locations on a state-by-state basis for both the commercial and tribal gaming sectors.

Washington, D.C. – Gaming executives remain upbeat about current business conditions with a neutral outlook on future conditions, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Gaming Industry Outlook presented in partnership with Fitch Ratings.

The overwhelming majority of gaming executives surveyed view the current business situation as good (42%) or satisfactory (55%), moderating from Q1 when 62 percent reported good conditions and 35 percent described them as satisfactory. When asked about future business conditions, more than half expect the next three to six months to be about the same (58%), with the remainder almost evenly split between those who anticipate better or worse conditions (3% net positive).

“The significant expansion and record demand for legal, regulated gaming in the post-pandemic era have allowed our members to consistently invest in our product and people to deliver innovative entertainment options for American adults,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Gaming CEOs remain focused on delivering world class entertainment options against the backdrop of broader economic uncertainty.”

Current Conditions Index
The Current Conditions Index measured 100.6, reflecting slight growth of 0.6 percent in casino gaming-related economic activity in Q3 2023 relative Q2 2023. Because gaming revenue and employee wages are adjusted for inflation, the Current Conditions Index was tempered by persistent high inflation through Q3 2023.

Future Conditions Index
The Future Conditions Index stands at 99.6, indicating annualized industry economic activity over the next six months is expected to decrease slightly. This outlook reflects Oxford Economics’ forecast that the U.S. economy will experience a mild recession beginning in Q4 2023. However, even with an anticipated slow down in consumer spending, consumer survey results continue to indicate that more than one-third of adults expect to visit a casino during the next 12 months, consistent with prior quarter results.

Gaming Executive Panel
Executive views on future financial conditions are mixed. On balance, respondents expect that their overall balance sheet health will improve (26% net positive) over the next three to six months and that their pace of capital spending will increase (24% net positive). However, on net, they expect the pace of revenue growth to decrease (13% net negative responses) and describe access to credit as somewhat restrictive.

At the sector level, gaming supplier CEOs broadly expect the pace of unit sales to increase through the end of the year while many operator CEOs plan to increase capital investments in their food and beverage offerings.

• Casino operators expect gaming units in operation to increase (11% net positive), while 67 percent expect greater than normal investments in food and beverage and 33 percent expect greater than normal capital spending on gaming machines.
• Gaming equipment manufacturers expect units for new or expansion use to increase (44% net positive), with an equal share expecting sales of gaming units for replacement use to increase.

When asked about top business challenges, 58 percent of executives cited inflation or interest rate concerns as factors limiting operations, followed by overall uncertainty of the economic environment (55%).

About the Outlook
The AGA Gaming Industry Outlook is presented in partnership with Fitch Ratings and prepared biannually by Oxford Economics. It provides a timely measure of recent industry growth and future expectations. The Q3 2023 survey was conducted between August 28 – September 6, 2023. A total of 33 executives responded, including executives at the major international and domestic gaming companies, tribal gaming operators, single-unit casino operators, major gaming equipment suppliers, and major iGaming and/or sports betting operators.

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• Have the chance to ask your most pressing questions on responsible gaming strategies in our live Q&A

Washington – Among Americans familiar with unregulated “skill” machines, a decisive majority recognize that these devices are games of chance, not skill, according to new American Gaming Association data. Two-thirds (65%) of those who are familiar with “skill” games say that they are no different from slot machines where wins are based on random chance, and that even a skilled player cannot reliably influence the outcome.

“Unregulated machine manufacturers have built their businesses by duping consumers and small businesses while avoiding taxes, oversight and consumer protections,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “These results are further evidence that Americans see these machines as a threat that should be eliminated, not regulated.”

“Skill” machines are often found in convenience stores, bars, strip malls and other community establishments, operating outside of the regulated gaming marketplace. Previous AGA research estimates that 580,651 unregulated gambling machines exist in the U.S., constituting 40 percent of all gambling machines nationwide.

The survey also reveals those familiar with “skill” games overwhelmingly view the machines as negative influences in their communities:

• 71 percent say “skill” machines lack the player protections that are available to players in casinos.
• 64 percent agree “skill” machines are too easily accessible to children.
• 56 percent say “skill” games increase the risk of crime and endanger employees and customers of businesses where devices are located.

Upon learning that “skill” machines are taxed at a far lower rate and lack the same regulatory oversight as casino slot machines, two-thirds of Americans familiar with “skill” games (64%) express concern about the presence of such devices in their communities.

“Keeping America’s gaming industry strong, safe and responsible can only be done through the robust infrastructure of the well-established legal market, not by rewarding bad actors with half-measures that fail to address the dangers of unregulated gambling,” continued Miller.  

The new AGA data comes as the AGA and other industry stakeholders testify today during a Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing on the presence of “skill” games in the state, hosted by Chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Senator Katie Muth. The hearing will be held at 11am ET at the Radnor Township Municipal building in Wayne, PA (301 Iven Ave., Wayne, PA 19087) and can be streamed online here.

Background

• While most Americans see “skill” games as similar to traditional casino slots, AGA findings show for every dollar bet by consumers, regulated machines in Pennsylvania keep 7.7 cents on average, while unregulated machines across the country keep 25 cents.
• Americans wager $109 billion each year with unregulated “skill” machines according to AGA estimates, at an annual cost of $8.7 billion in state taxes and $27 billion in legal gaming revenue.
• In 2022, the legal gaming industry generated a record $13.49 billion in direct gaming tax revenue paid to state and local governments, not including billions more paid in income, sales and other taxes.
• Policymakers, regulators, consumers and gaming industry stakeholders and allies can find resources to join the fight against illegal gambling at StopIllegalGambling.org.

Methodology
Kantar, on behalf of the AGA, conducted an online survey from August 11-18, 2023, among a nationally representative sample of 2,002 American voters aged 21 and over. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups.

About the AGA
As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $261 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.