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The U.S. commercial gaming industry generated record-breaking revenue for a third consecutive year in 2023 amid strong growth in traditional casino games offered a land-based casino resorts as well as through iGaming and mobile sports betting platforms.

Annual U.S. Commercial Gaming Revenue

$66.66 Billion

in commercial gaming revenue in 2023,
10.3% higher than 2022.

30 of 36 States

set annual records for commercial gaming revenue.

$14.67 Billion

in gaming tax revenue generated by commercial gaming and paid to state and local governments.

“As gaming expands, more communities than ever are benefiting. We are proud to create jobs across the country, provide world-class entertainment experiences that offer safe alternatives to the pervasive illegal gambling market, and generate tax revenue to support critical public projects.." - AGA President And CEO Bill Miller

In 2023, 32 of the 36 jurisdictions with commercial casinos, iGaming or sports betting operations saw a rise in annual gaming revenue, with only the District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana and Mississippi contracting. Thirty of the 36 jurisdictions posted record levels of commercial gaming revenue. Notably, Kentucky joined the commercial casino marketplace in 2023 with the launch of sports betting in the Bluegrass State.

Commercial Casino Gaming Consumer Spend by State 2022 vs. 2023


The surge in gaming revenue resulted in a record $14.67 billion of direct gaming tax revenue paid to state and local governments by commercial gaming establishments, a 9.7 percent increase compared to 2022. This figure just includes specific state and local taxes directly linked to gaming activities and does not include the billions of dollars more paid by the industry in the form of income taxes, sales taxes or various corporate taxes, nor does it incorporate the payroll taxes paid by gaming operators and suppliers. Federal excise tax payments made by sports betting operators are also excluded from the total.

Commercial Casino Direct Gaming Tax Revenue by State 2022 vs 2023

 

The gaming industry defied broader macroeconomic concerns related to stubborn inflation and high interest rates in 2023 as consumers displayed strong demand for both traditional casino games offered at the 486 commercial casinos across the country, as well as newer iGaming and sports betting offerings. Across the 27 states with land-based commercial casinos, revenue from traditional casino games was a record $49.38 billion in 2023, up 3.3 percent versus the prior year.

The legal sports betting market launched in five new states in 2023: Ohio, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Kentucky and Maine. That expansion helped drive sports betting revenue up 46.0 percent year-over-year, from $7.56 billion in 2022 to $11.04 billion in 2022, as Americans bet a total of $121.06 billion on sports throughout the year. 

Despite no geographic expansion, the iGaming market also continued its explosive growth in 2023, with combined iGaming revenue from six active states (excluding Nevada’s online poker only market) reaching $6.17 billion, a 28.2 percent increase year-over-year.

Regulated Sports Betting Revenue – 2020 to 2023

 

United States: Regulated iGaming Revenue – 2014 to 2023

 

About State of the States
AGA’s annual State of the States report details the commercial gaming industry’s financial performance, including analyses of each of the 36 jurisdictions with commercial gaming operations in 2023. The report, developed with VIXIO Regulatory Intelligence, also provides a breakdown of the legality of types of gaming and number of casinos by state, summarizes major gaming policy discussions, and previews opportunities and challenges for the industry. The companion State of Play map provides the report findings, as well as key regulatory and statutory requirements for each state, in an easy-to-use, interactive tool.

WASHINGTON – U.S. commercial casino gaming industry revenue topped $43.6 billion in 2019, up 3.7 percent from 2018, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) annual State of the States report.

In stark contrast to the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the industry, 2019 further solidified gaming’s role as a vital economic engine for states and local communities:

  • 2019 marked the fifth consecutive year of commercial gaming revenue growth, helped in part by the expansion of legal sports betting.
  • 21 of 25 commercial gaming states experienced year-over-year revenue increases, with Massachusetts (+163.1%), New Jersey (+19.5%), and Arkansas (+15.1%) reporting the largest jumps.
  • The industry generated $10.2 billion in gaming taxes for state and local governments, enough to support the annual education cost for 832,000 elementary and secondary school students.
    • This is a 4.1 percent increase from 2018 and does not account for the billions more in sales, income, and other taxes from gaming that benefit communities.

“The results from 2019 reflect the continued mainstreaming of casino gaming and increased access to legal, regulated gaming options for Americans all across the country,” said Bill Miller, AGA president and CEO. “Today’s economic realities were hard to imagine even a few short months ago as, ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was shaping up to continue this trend of remarkable growth for the industry.”

By the end of 2019, 20 states plus the District of Columbia legalized sports betting, Americans reported record levels of support for the gaming industry, and nearly half said they planned to visit a casino over the next year. Early signs pointed to this success continuing in 2020. In the first two months of this year, U.S. commercial gaming revenue was up 10.6 percent over the same period last year.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed that outlook. In a matter of weeks, all 989 commercial and tribal properties across the U.S. closed their doors, sports betting froze as professional sports leagues suspended play worldwide, and casino suppliers saw business evaporate.

Through research conducted in April 2020, AGA member company executives, including commercial and tribal operator and supplier CEOs and CFOs, estimated a revenue decline of slightly more than 40 percent in 2020, and a lengthy timetable for recovery of up to two years.

“The American gaming industry has proven time and again that we are resilient,” Miller continued. “Through natural disasters, human tragedy, and economic downturns, we have always rallied around each other and our communities, ensuring we not only recover, but thrive. American gaming can and will recover to regain the momentum that carried through 2019. State and local economies rely on it.”

About the Report

AGA’s annual State of the States report details the commercial gaming industry’s financial performance, including analyses of each of the 25 states with commercial gaming operations. The report, developed with VIXIO GamblingCompliance, also provides a breakdown of the legality of types of gaming and number of casinos by state, summarizes major gaming policy discussions, and previews opportunities and challenges for the industry. The companion State of Play map provides the report findings in an easy-to-use, interactive tool.

Background

  • State of the States is a reference guide focusing on the commercial casino sector. Tribal casinos are subject to different reporting requirements and timelines. According to the most recently available data from the National Indian Gaming Commission, the tribal gaming sector’s revenue reached $33.7 billion in 2018.

WASHINGTON – The Pennsylvania casino gaming industry supports more than 33,000 jobs statewide and has a total economic impact of $6.3 billion, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced today at a Get to Know Gaming event hosted in Washington, PA.

AGA’s Get to Know Gaming campaign engages local leaders in a discussion about the critical role gaming plays as a community partner across the country. Wednesday’s roundtable panel at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino included U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14); Penn National Gaming President and CEO Timothy Wilmott; North Strabane Township Fire Department Chief Mark Grimm; local small business owner Melissa Mega of The Ivy Green; and AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Kotula moderated the discussion.

Today’s event also marked the release of AGA’s latest report, Casinos & Communities – Pennsylvania, an in-depth look at the gaming industry’s economic and social contributions to communities across the state. The research couples key data on gaming’s economic impact – 33,171 jobs supported and $1.8 billion in wages generated – with input from stakeholders including local businessowners, industry employees and elected officials about gaming’s positive impact in their communities.

“Over the last 15 years, gaming companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have served as an anchor for state and local economies, generating billions of dollars in tax revenue and operating as good stewards and community partners in the places casinos call home,” said Bill Miller, president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association. “Today, we’re pleased to highlight the success of gaming in western Pennsylvania, discussing the career opportunities that have been enabled, the small businesses that have been supported and the communities that have been positively impacted.”

“We are very fortunate here in Pennsylvania to have outstanding, community-minded industry partners,” said Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14). “Across our state, gaming companies are investing in the growth of our communities and supporting good jobs. It’s a critical partnership as we strengthen our economy and continue to expand job opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”

About AGA: The American Gaming Association 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.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached an annual record of $60.4 billion in 2022, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. This marks the first $60 billion year for the commercial gaming sector, passing the previous record of $53.0 billion set in 2021.

The year was punctuated by all-time high quarterly commercial gaming revenue of nearly $15.9 billion in Q4 2022. Sports betting and iGaming both marked single quarter highs, while traditional gaming grew 1.7 percent year-over-year.

“Our industry significantly outpaced expectations in 2022,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Simply put, American adults are choosing casino gaming for entertainment in record numbers, benefitting communities, and taking market share from the predatory, illegal marketplace.”

The industry continues to diversify offerings, with retail gaming accounting for 80.5 percent of total revenue and online gaming making up the remaining 19.5 percent—marking a new high. Looking at each sector:

  • Traditional Gaming: 84 million American adults, or 34 percent of the adult population, visited a casino in the past year—including new markets in Nebraska and Virginia. Table game revenue experienced a strong boost in demand, up 13.9 percent year-over-year, while slot machines showed steady 5.1 percent annual growth.
  • Legal Sports Betting: In 2022, the continued growth of the legal market drove new records for handle ($93.2B) and sportsbook revenue ($7.5B). This growth was fueled in part by Kansas, which operationalized both retail and mobile sports wagering, and the launch of mobile sports betting in Louisiana, Maryland and New York.
  • iGaming: Online casino revenue grew 35.2 percent year-over-year to $5.0 billion in the limited number of legal iGaming states.

In 2022, the Las Vegas Strip and Atlantic City retained their top commercial market positions. The Baltimore-Washington, D.C. market reclaimed its position as the nation’s third largest gaming market, besting Chicagoland (fourth) and the Mississippi Gulf Coast (fifth) which round out the top five.

“Even as we navigate macroeconomic headwinds, I am optimistic about the year ahead,” continued Miller. “To carry our momentum into 2023, the AGA remains focused on combating the illegal market, doubling down on responsibility, and creating favorable policy and regulatory conditions that enable our industry’s sustained success.”

Miller will make additional remarks on full-year 2022 commercial gaming revenue figures and preview AGA’s priorities for the year ahead in AGA’s annual State of the Industry webinar on Feb. 15 at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT.

Webinar Registration | Press Availability Registration

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Background

  • AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker provides state-by-state and cumulative insight into the U.S. commercial gaming industry’s financial performance based on state revenue reports. This issue highlights full-year 2022 figures and Q4 2022 results. Tribal gaming revenue is released annually by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
  • 34 states and the District of Columbia featured operational commercial gaming markets in 2022, including casino gaming, sports betting and iGaming.
  • 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.

Empowering customers to play responsibly is integral to building a sustainable gaming industry.

This September, join the American Gaming Association and our members as we extend our week-long RG celebration to introduce Responsible Gaming Education Month. Together, we can promote gaming literacy and consumer education, elevate employee training, and work with partners to advance our understanding of responsible gambling.

 

PENN Entertainment

“Here at PENN Entertainment we consider the tenets of responsible corporate citizenship vital to the well-being of our communities, customers and employees. Taking care of our shared environment and embracing diversity and inclusion is in PENN’s DNA.”    – Jay Snowden, CEO

Advancing Sustainability

Lowering Carbon Emissions

In 2019, PENN Entertainment reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 40,830 tons. PENN’s LED projects reduced electricity consumption by 52.4 million kWh—an 11 percent reduction. The Company’s newest casinos in York and Morgantown, Pennsylvania feature new energy efficiency measures, including EV charging stations, AER-DEC(r) integrated sinks, LED lighting, water-conserving toilets, HVAC efficiency improvements and water bottle refilling stations.

PENN Entertainment is implementing new energy standards at its portfolio of properties. PENN Entertainment’s three newest greenfield developments are certified as LEED Gold or Silver while remodeling plans to all 23 hotel properties include energy efficiency updates. Small steps make a difference, too: 80 percent of properties have already completed an energy efficient lighting upgrade.

Reducing Resource Consumption & Waste

At its hotels, PENN Entertainment has reduced plastic waste by replacing plastic toiletry bottles with integrated shower amenity dispensers. At Hollywood Casino St. Louis, this change has reduced plastic bottle use by 91 percent, and use of electric hand dryers and core-less toilet paper rolls has reduced paper waste by 22,000 pounds. Linen and towel reuse programs and low-flow fittings are also helping reduce water waste. Beginning in 2021, new contactless technology at PENN Entertainment casinos will help further reduce plastic and paper waste.

 

 

Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Strengthening Employee DEI

In 2020, PENN Entertainment formed the Penn Diversity Committee, which reports directly to CEO Jay Snowden. Composed of PENN Entertainment team members from underrepresented groups, the committee ensures team members are heard on important social justice issues. The committee implemented key initiatives throughout the Company, including increasing recruitment from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). PENN’s mentoring program, Leadership Excellence at Penn National Gaming Program (LEAP), has also strengthened its ties to HBCUs. 20 percent of LEAP candidates in 2021 attend HBCUs and students from 15 HBCUs now participate in the program.

Currently, 48 percent of PENN Entertainment team members identify as female, 25 percent of team members and 18 percent of managers as African American and 10 percent of team members as Latino/Hispanic.

Increasing Board & Management Diversity

“The PENN Way” initiative requires that diverse candidates are considered for open executive roles and the PENN Diversity Committee is initiating a Company-wide talent development program for team members from underrepresented groups. In 2019, women held 34 percent of leadership positions. The corporate senior management team is 35 percent women and the executive team is 37.5 percent women. 

Supporting Racial Equality & Social Justice Efforts

PENN Entertainment requires unconscious bias and inclusion training for all management-level employees and above.

In November 2021, PENN announced a $4M commitment to fund a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarship Program in partnership with HBCUs in states where PENN operates.

 

Diversity Scholarship Program

As part of PENN Entertainment’s commitment to promoting equity in higher education, the PENN Entertainment Gaming Diversity Scholarship Program will provide $1 million annually in higher education scholarships to families of team members from underrepresented groups. In 2021, 57 percent of recipients were first-generation college bound students.

 

Learn More
 

Penn National’s Supplier Diversity Initiative

 

In 2019, PENN Entertainment’s Supplier Diversity Initiative more than doubled spending with businesses owned by minorities, women, disabled individuals and veterans to $104 million. In addition to hosting and attending more minority business events, the PENN Diversity Committee has created benchmarks for minority-owned supplier spend, beginning with an initial target of three percent annual growth. PENN Entertainment is also in the process of creating the PENN Small Business Incubator Program, designed to onboard minority-owned suppliers.

 

Learn More

 

 

Investing in Communities

Delivering in Times of Crisis

The PENN Entertainment Gaming Foundation has supported disaster relief efforts since 2005. In 2020, the foundation made an initial $2.5 million contribution to Hurricane Laura relief efforts, along with $6 million in full wages and benefits for employees while L’Auberge Lake Charles was closed. PENN Entertainment also established the Hurricane Ida relief fund in 2021, raising $500,000 to support impacted employees in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and other declared-disaster areas in which PENN operates, as well as providing support to the Baton Rouge and New Orleans communities.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PENN Entertainment provided health benefits to furloughed employees and $13 million in holiday bonuses to non-executive team members. The PENN Entertainment Gaming Foundation raised $4 million for a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. PENN Entertainment properties in 19 states made more than 45 tons of food donations, served as test sites, housed emergency personnel, donated stocks of masks and gloves and organized food and blood drives. PENN also contributed over $4.6 million to the Barstool Small Business Fund to help save and sustain small businesses that were impacted by COVID.

Addressing Critical Community Needs

In addition to thousands of volunteer hours by team members, in 2020, the PENN Entertainment Gaming Foundation contributed $6 million to charities and civic organizations benefiting host communities.

Spurring Economic Development

In 2020, PENN Entertainment generated more than $12 million in economic development funds for host communities in Indiana, Iowa and Kansas.

 

 

“PENN Entertainment is deeply committed to fostering a culture that welcomes a diverse set of customers and dedicated team members. In addition, as a long-standing good corporate citizen, we’re committed to being a trusted and valued member of our communities and a responsible steward of our finite natural resources.” – Eric Schippers, SVP of Public Affairs

 

 

Responsible Leadership

PENN Entertainment’s Corporate Responsible Gaming Committee has established a comprehensive Corporate Responsible Gaming Program to promote a culture of responsibility. The initiative aims to promote responsible gaming in advertising, employee training and other policies and procedures, including offering self-exclusion and restrictions for customers and conducting regular internal audits to ensure compliance.

PENN’s digital wallet app features multiple responsible gaming safeguards, including voluntary maximum deposit limits and e-mail and text alerts for wallet activity.

Washington, D.C. – Amidst an evolving economic landscape, gaming executives report a positive outlook on future industry business conditions while remaining satisfied with the current business environment, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Gaming Industry Outlook.

Nearly all gaming executives surveyed characterized the current business environment as good (44%) or satisfactory (50%), mirroring similar sentiment from Q3 2023. Meanwhile, executives are more optimistic about future conditions, with 32 percent of CEOs expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months, up from 20 percent in Q3 2023.

“Gaming’s record-setting growth over the last three years has set a new standard for industry success,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “However, as we enter a period of market normalization, continued investment and innovation in offering world-class, responsible entertainment experiences will be required to maintain industry momentum.”

Gaming Executive Panel
Gaming executives have become more positive in their views that overall balance sheet health will improve over the next six months (42% net positive), but they expect the pace of revenue growth (13% net negative) and new hiring (22% net negative) to slow. These expectations for decelerating growth have influenced expectations for increases in capital investment and gaming units in operation, with smaller net positive sentiments than before.

  • In contrast to past Outlooks, gaming equipment suppliers are slightly pessimistic about the sale of gaming units for replacement use and new or expansion use (both 13% net negative). However, they remain optimistic about the pace of capital investment (38% net positive).
  • Half of operator CEOs expect capital investments in hotels over the next year to be higher than normal, and compared to last fall, more also expect higher than normal levels of capital investment in meetings and conventions and table games (28%). Meanwhile, 44 percent of CEOs expect increases in food and beverage investment, down from 67 percent in Q3 2023.

These expectations are also informed by evolving macroeconomic challenges. Executives report that inflationary or interest rate concerns continue to be a major factor limiting operations (28%), but these have been overtaken by geo-political risk (34%) and uncertainty of the economic environment (34%) as the biggest limiting factors in the most recent Gaming Executive Panel.

Current Conditions Index
The Current Conditions Index of 102.8 for Q1 indicates solid annualized real economic growth in the industry of 2.8%. This includes gaming revenue, employment and employee wages and salaries. Notably, the Current Conditions Index shows gaming expanding faster than the overall U.S. economy which last week reported 1.6 percent GDP growth in Q1 2024.

Future Conditions Index
The Future Conditions Index stands at 102.2, indicating annualized industry economic activity, after controlling for underlying inflation, is expected to moderately increase over the next six months. This outlook reflects Oxford Economics’ forecast that the U.S. economy will slow during 2024 but avoid recession. Despite a projected economic slowdown, 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.

About the Outlook
The AGA Gaming Industry Outlook is prepared biannually by Oxford Economics. It provides a timely measure of recent industry growth and future expectations. The Q1 2024 survey was conducted between March 28 – April 10, 2024. A total of 32 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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Gaming Engagement at Record Level

More Americans than ever participated in gaming-related entertainment over the past twelve months, according to new American Gaming Association research. That exposure and increasing familiarity with the gaming industry is driving widespread recognition of the positive economic and community impacts that gaming brings to the areas we operate.

AGA research shows that nearly half of all American adults (49%) participated in some form of gambling in the past year. More than a quarter of adults (26%) gambled at a physical casino in the past year, while 20% placed a sports bet.

The record level of engagement with the gaming industry comes as nearly 9-in-10 (88%) Americans find casino gambling to be acceptable for themselves or others – a level that has remained consistent for over a decade.

102 million adult Americans, or 41% of the population, visited a casino for gambling or other entertainment purposes in the past 12 months, up from 28% in 2021 and approaching pre-pandemic levels.

The resurgence in visitation has been driven by an influx of younger adults embracing legal, regulated gaming options. The average age of casino-goers has fallen for four consecutive years, from 49.6 in 2019 to 42 in 2023.

 

*Americans’ mean age reflects adults 21+

Compared to other entertainment options, consumers see casino gaming as innovative and value for entertainment spending. 87% of casino visitors consider the entertainment provided by casinos innovative, while 83% believe that casinos offer good value for money compared to other entertainment options.

Widespread Acknowledgement of Gaming’s Economic Benefits

Large majorities of Americans continue to recognize gaming as a growing and value-adding segment of the U.S. economy.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of Americans say that the gaming industry has a positive impact on the overall U.S. economy.

Further, strong majorities of Americans also acknowledge gaming’s local impact; more than three-quarters of credit the industry’s contributions to local economies, job creation and tourism:

  • 83% say casinos bring entertainment and dining options to areas or regions that might not otherwise be able to attract them;
  • 83% agree casinos increase tourism and brings conventions and meetings to areas where they are located;
  • 79% say the industry produces jobs and investments here in the U.S. that cannot be outsourced to other countries; and
  • 77% agree that gaming creates good paying jobs.

Overall, Americans identify job creation as the most significant benefit that the casino gaming industry brings to local communities, with 73% ranking it among the top benefits, followed by tourism attraction (61%) and casino taxes (57%).

 

Methodology
Kantar, on behalf of the American Gaming Association, conducted an online survey August 11-18, 2023 among a nationally representative sample of 2,002 American voters aged 21 and over related to responsible gaming and industry perceptions. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups.

Washington, D.C. – Q3 2023 marked the U.S. commercial gaming industry’s best third quarter on record, generating $16.17 billion, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. The total is up 6.1 percent year-over-year and represents the 11th straight quarter of annual revenue growth.

Q3 2023 also marks the second-highest grossing commercial gaming quarter of all-time, behind Q1 2023. Despite early indicators of a slowdown in the fourth quarter, the industry is poised for a third straight record year, pacing 9.9 percent ahead of 2022 through September.

“With growth across land-based and online gaming, we are delivering career opportunities for millions of Americans and strong economic contributions to communities across the country through increased tax revenue,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Our sustained momentum reflects gaming as a first-choice entertainment option for millions of American adults.”

State and local governments in gaming states saw an influx of direct gaming taxes in the third quarter. Commercial gaming operators paid an estimated $3.43 billion in taxes tied directly to gaming revenue, an increase of 4.7 percent year-over-year.

Industry revenue grew year-over-year across all verticals in Q3 2023, with both land-based casino and iGaming generating all-time quarterly records. As expected, the industry’s pace of growth slowed for a second consecutive quarter due to tougher year-over-year comparisons.

Combined traditional slot machine and table game revenue reached $12.49 billion for the quarter, up 1.8 percent year-over-year, while iGaming grossed $1.52 billion, up 26 percent year-over-year.

Combined in-person and online sports betting also recorded a strong quarter, with revenue up 22.8% percent year-over-year to $2.15 billion. This growth was mostly driven by Maryland (online), Massachusetts, Nebraska and Ohio – states that were not operational a year ago. The vertical is set for a new record year with Americans wagering $79 billion through the first nine months of 2023, a 32.7 percent increase from last year.

“Americans continue to migrate their action to the protections of legal, regulated sportsbooks in record numbers. This sustained demand only reinforces the need for federal and state enforcement against illegal, offshore operators,” added Miller.

Background

  • AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker provides state-by-state and cumulative insight into the U.S. commercial gaming industry’s financial performance based on state revenue reports. This issue highlights Q3 2023 results.
  • 35 states and the District of Columbia featured operational commercial gaming markets in Q3 2023 with legal casino gaming, sports betting or iGaming.
  • 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.

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 $329 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.

The AGA remains focused on stopping illegal gambling, elevating responsible gambling, and telling the industry’s story. Find details on these efforts and additional AGA updates below.

💥 ICYMI: G2E 2023 is 95 days away! Preview this year’s schedule and register today to join the global gaming industry from October 9-12 at The Venetian Expo.

Engaging Industry Stakeholders

The AGA continues to engage the broader gaming ecosystem, including regulators, policymakers and law enforcement, on combating the illegal market and advancing responsible gambling and advertising. These efforts have led the AGA team to several industry events in recent weeks, including:

  • Speaking at the IAGA International Gaming Summit on the dangers of illegal gambling and how the U.S. industry is leading the fight against these operators.
  • Testifying to the Indiana Gaming Commission on the legal gaming industry’s commitment to responsible gambling.
  • Attending the North American Gaming Regulators Association Annual Meeting to educate regulators on the illegal market and industry efforts on responsible sports betting advertising.
  • Presenting at the Attorney General Alliance Annual Meeting on “skill” games, offshore sites and “faux fantasy” operations, sharing specific actions state attorneys general can take to crack down on these illegal operators.

As I often say, whether it's combating illegal operators or building a sustainable legal sports betting market, our success will hinge on securing buy-in from the entire gaming ecosystem.
- AGA President and CEO Bill Miller

Five Numbers from AGA Q2 Research

AGA research released across Q2 2023 covered an array of industry topics. Here are five numbers to know.

  • 85 percent of American adults agree with the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
  • Nearly nine in ten (88%) gaming equipment manufacturer CEOs expect sales of gaming units for replacement use to increase in the next three to six months.
  • Commercial gaming generated $13.49 billion in direct gaming tax revenue paid to state and local governments in 2022, not including billions more paid in income, sales or other taxes.
  • April 2023 marked the 26th consecutive month of annual growth with commercial gaming revenue reaching $22.06 billion through April, up 13.8 percent year over year.
  • More than 6 in 10 (61%) of gaming industry employees are minorities, compared to 42 percent of the total U.S. workforce.

AGA in the News

The AGA continues to push back against false narratives about gaming and highlight the benefits of a legal market, our commitment to responsibility, and our contributions to communities. In June, these efforts resulted in several AGA opinion pieces being published.

Bonus Read: Congressional Gaming Caucus Co-Chair and Chief Deputy Whip Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) also recently shared his thoughts on protecting legal betting markets in The Hill following the fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA.

One More Thing

As the 2023 legislative cycle comes to a close, the AGA’s interactive Legal Sports Betting Map reflects movement in North Carolina, Kentucky and Vermont.

  • North Carolina legalized online wagering with an anticipated launch in the first half of 2024.
  • Kentucky and Vermont became the 37th and 38th states respectively to legalize sports betting. Kentucky is targeting a late 2023 launch while Vermont plans for mobile-only wagering in early 2024.