December 25, 2024 Marija D
American Gaming Association (AGA), commercial gaming revenue is projected to exceed $67 billion for the year, reflecting sustained consumer interest and expanding market opportunities.
Through September 2024, US commercial gaming generated $53.24 billion, up 8% compared to the same period in 2023. This growth trajectory carried into the third quarter, which yielded $17.71 billion—the highest Q3 revenue ever recorded.
Online gaming stood out as a dominant growth driver, contributing 29% of the industry’s total revenue. Revenue from iGaming climbed 30.3% year-over-year to $2.08 billion, while sports betting surged by 42.4% to $3.24 billion. Despite a slight 0.9% decline in brick-and-mortar casino earnings—which totaled $12.38 billion—the sector remained resilient, ed by new casino openings and consistent demand amid economic challenges.
Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, expressed optimism about the industry’s adaptability and future potential. “Looking ahead to 2025, I see tremendous opportunity,” said Miller. “The age of our industry’s average casino visitor has dropped from 50 to 42, a shift that speaks volumes about our industry’s ability to evolve and attract new generations of customers.”
The convergence of sports, gaming, and entertainment is reshaping the industry landscape. This integration offers innovative platforms to deliver seamless and immersive customer experiences, positioning gaming to capture the interests of younger audiences and expand its reach.
Miller highlighted bipartisan for gaming as an encouraging trend. Recent polling shows that 70% of Harris and Trump voters view the industry positively. This widespread approval underscores gaming’s role in community development, from creating jobs and boosting tourism to generating significant tax revenues.
The AGA also addressed challenges such as unregulated gaming activities. Efforts to combat illegal operators gained momentum in 2024, with a notable victory in Virginia against unauthorized gaming machines. Such wins reflect the industry’s commitment to maintaining transparency and adhering to strict regulatory standards.
“Our victory against illegal skill game operators in Virginia was a pivotal win, but we know we must stay vigilant and prepared,” Miller emphasized.
The industry contributed $3.79 billion in gaming taxes during Q3, an 8.9% increase from 2023. These funds have reinforced state and local budgets, illustrating the sector’s economic significance.
As the industry evolves, its dedication to responsible gaming remains central. In 2025, the AGA plans to launch an enhanced campaign focused on fostering sustainable growth and safeguarding consumers. Miller described this initiative as an opportunity to “raise the bar higher” while promoting an enjoyable and secure gaming environment.
The US gaming industry’s remarkable performance in 2024 showcases its resilience and adaptability. From record-breaking revenues to bipartisan and an unwavering commitment to responsibility, gaming continues to cement its role as a dynamic force in the economy and entertainment sectors.