Commercial Gaming Revenue Breaks Records in 2021, AGA Expects More

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is confident that 2021 will result in the biggest commercial gaming revenue windfall for the United States recorded to date. This means that the nation’s 987 commercial casino properties are well on track to beat the 2019 record set at $43.65 billion. The present results are in line with AGA’s overall optimism about the industry this year.

AGA’s Commercial Revenue Tracker Already Marks Record Year

In the reported months of the year so far, AGA has said that casinos have already collected $44.15 billion, well above the previous record. Yet, the nation’s casinos are hardly relenting, as Ohio just posted its latest results, and the trends look promising.

Many commercial casinos in New Jersey and Nevada have also managed to beat their pre-pandemic levels, a combination of pent-up demand and renewed interest in entertainment after the long hiatus. While the pandemic still threatens to weigh down results, the entertainment and gaming world has adapted swiftly.

Nevada will be a little slow on reporting its full data, with the final numbers coming through the end of January 2022, but the prospects already look good. October’s results are already stronger than previous years, with sports betting alone driving $3.16 billion revenue, a three-and-a-half-fold increase since October 2019.

However, back in October, only 13 states offered legalized sports gambling products. Their number is 32 now, plus the District of Columbia. This means that over 140 million American adults have access to sports gambling products. Meanwhile, casino revenue has been going up in ten out of 25 states with commercial casinos between July and September.

Recovery Likely to Continue in Months to Come

AGA president and CEO Bill Miller commended the strong recovery shown by gaming properties in the United States and praised the expansion to new verticals. Overall, Miller estimates that the industry is well-poised to sustain its recovery, not least owing to domestic and international tourism:

“With brick-and-mortar gaming setting records, the expansion into new verticals, and domestic and international tourism recovering, the industry is in a strong position for a full recovery.”

AGA president and CEO Bill Miller

With conventions and meetings picking up, gaming is set to benefit in 2022, argues Miller. The American Gaming Association has been outlining strong signs of recovery for several months now. The third-quarter results amounted to $13.89 billion this year, a new record as per the Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker.