for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
The U.S. gaming market is on the move, and the latest State of the Industry report from the American Gaming Association (AGA) shows a record year. Total U.S. gaming revenue was a whopping $71.92 billion in 2024, up 7.5% from the year before, according to their 2025 State of the Industry report. One measure of the health and resilience of a business is the fact that it still manages to survive despite all the changes the environment has undergone in recent years.
Traditional vs. Online Gaming
The casino and slot gaming industry, historically, has brought in about $49.78 billion. The figure, however, reflects stability, considering that table game revenue fell slightly by 1.7%, or $10.14 billion. Slots, on the other hand, were the star with revenue of $36.06 billion, an increase of 1.6%.
However, online gaming is where the most talk is. The AGA said iGaming was $8.40 billion, a whopping 28.7% year-over-year growth. This suggests the growing acceptance and popularity of online media among gamblers. New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania are where this is happening.
The boom in sports betting
The sports betting sector also had a record year, with Americans investing $147.91 billion, an increase of 23.6% in 2023. Sports betting sector revenue was $13.71 billion, an excellent 25.4% year-over-year growth. New York remains the top state for sports betting with revenue rising to $2.08 billion, with Illinois and New Jersey close behind.
But all the roses, it’s not for sportsbook operators; December 2024 saw a 2% decline in total revenue compared to December 2023 due to lower sports betting revenue and lower retention rates.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these victories, AGA CEO Bill Miller feared the cannibalisation of brick-and-mortar casinos by websites. He said that while both sides have the statistics, state legislatures have been hesitant to try to defend physical locations.
Miller also called for increased efforts against illegal gambling operators who are undermining legitimate businesses and depriving states of tax revenue. He hoped the newly elected Trump administration would make cracking down on such illegal operators a priority.
Tax Contributions
Its contribution to the state and local economy cannot be overstated. Gaming revenue contributed $15.66 billion in taxes in 2024, an 8.5% increase from the previous year. The revenue is used to fund local services and infrastructure, so the industry is very important in most locations.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the AGA predicts that total gaming revenue in the U.S. will reach about $115 billion when tribal gaming revenue is included in that number later this year. The forecast implies strong growth potential for the industry as it continues to adapt to changing consumer trends and the regulatory environment.
Overall, 2024 was a record year for the U.S. gaming market, demonstrating how it can adapt and thrive despite adversity and showing where it needs to continue to push in the future. Provided it continues to innovate and use good business sense, the future looks bright for the brick-and-mortar and online gaming industries as a whole.
Source: igamingbusiness.com
