U.S. Gambling Industry Wins Big Again

With by far the largest share of revenues coming from brick and mortar casinos via slots and table games, the U.S. gambling industry unsurprisingly took a pandemic-related hit in 2020. After posting record gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2019, the total annual figure dropped by 31 percent. Despite there being a shift to some degree toward sports betting and online gambling (iGaming) which actually resulted in growth in these areas in 2020, falls of between 30-40 percent for slots and table games guaranteed the overall drop.

Another record GGR level was about to be hit by the industry, however. 2020's $29.98 billion stepped aside for an incredible bounce up to $52.99 billion in 2021. “These results are nothing short of remarkable,” said American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller, adding: ” Revenues grew across the board in 2021, not only compared to the subdued results of 2020, but also to the strong 2019 performance.

Looking ahead, Miller commented: “Despite our record-setting year, gaming’s total recovery is still reliant on the full return of travel and large events, which requires a safe health environment and open economy...I’m optimistic that we will see continued growth throughout 2022.”

As this infographic illustrates, that growth did indeed continue last year, with a revenue record hit for the second year running. Speaking on the latest results, Miller said: "“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.”