Sky-high Gaming Income Tops $72 Billion, Yields highest Tax Payments Ever
Updated Article:
May 14, 2025, 9:38am
Last Updated: May 14, 2025, 9:55am
Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO | Asia Pacific Gaming | Commercial Gaming | Legislation | Politics
Buckle Up: gambling losses hit an all-time high for three years running!A mind-boggling $72 billion lost by gamblers in 2024*iGaming and online sports betting operators smash revenue records again*
Gambling has never been so popular – or expensive – for punters in the good ol' US of A. In 2024, these thrill-seekers racked up a record loss of $72 billion to commercial operators.
Celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Supreme Court's repeal of the federal sports betting ban (May 14, 2018)? That decision has played a massive role in transforming the US commercial gaming industry. Since the ban on single-game wagering outside of Nevada was lifted, the market has flourished with an influx of gamblers, thanks to online sports betting and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
In its "State of the States" report for 2025, the American Gaming Association (AGA) revealed that total commercial gaming revenue transcended $72 billion, shooting up 7.5% from 2023[1][3][5]. State taxes on the newfound wealth climbed 8.5% year over year, landing at an impressive $15.9 billion[3].
Bill Miller, the AGA's President and CEO, shares his thoughts: "The industry's unprecedented success in 2024 comes as more Americans embrace the legal, regulated gaming market. We're proud of what we bring to local communities[4]."
The AGA estimates that over half of all American adults engaged in some form of legal gambling in 2024, and 45% of them visited a physical gaming venue[4].
Sports Betting and Online Casino Takeover
Gambling hasn't been limited to brick-and-mortar businesses in recent years. More than half of U.S. states now offer legal online sports betting, while iGaming, or online casinos, is available in just seven states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia[4].
But don't let those numbers fool you. Online gaming has sent the commercial gaming industry spiraling to new highs. While land-based casino revenue has remained stagnant, increasing just 1% to $49.9 billion in 2024[3], revenue from iGaming has surged by 29% to $8.4 billion[4]. Online sportsbooks kept nearly $13.8 billion of bettors' money, the largest take since the industry's inception[4].
The Rise and Embrace of Gambling
It's no secret that gambling ads bombard the average American at least once a week[4]. The expanding market, led by sports betting but also supported by new commercial casinos in states like Arkansas, Nebraska, and Virginia, has shifted public opinion about gambling. No longer seen as a vice relegated to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, gambling is now more popular – and, arguably, more accepted – than ever.
Miller underscores the importance of responsible gambling: "Americans increasingly recognize our commitment to operating responsibly, as well as the economic benefits we extend to local communities. These positive views form the foundation of our industry's credibility with the public, regulators, and lawmakers[4]."
Footnotes:
- AGA, "2025 State of the States" Report, p. 7.
- Gambling Insider, "Q1 2025 gaming revenue hits new high," May 13, 2025.
- AGA, "Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits Record High in 2024," May 10, 2025.
- AGA, "American Gaming Industry Shines," May 12, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, "U.S. GDP by Industry (NAICS)," accessed May 14, 2025.
- The record-breaking commercial revenue of $72 billion in 2024 was a significant portion of the total gross gaming revenue (GGR), which reached new heights in the US.
- Online sports betting and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks have boosted the commercial gaming industry, especially since the Supreme Court lifted the federal sports betting ban in 2018.
- In 2024, over half of American adults participated in some form of legal gambling, with 45% visiting a physical gaming venue.
- Online sports books retained nearly $13.8 billion of bettors' money in 2024, marking the largest take since the industry's inception.
- The American Gaming Association (AGA) reported that iGaming revenue surged by 29% in 2024, while land-based casino revenue increased only 1%.
- Bill Miller, the AGA's President and CEO, emphasized the industry's commitment to operating responsibly and the economic benefits provided to local communities.
- The AGA's "State of the States" report for 2025 revealed that commercial gaming revenue transcended $72 billion and state taxes on the newfound wealth climbed 8.5% year over year, landing at $15.9 billion.
