U.S. gambling hits $53 billion

This week's gambling news focuses on the record breaking revenue generated by gambling in the U.S. this year and last year. Plus, the huge profits already being generated from sports betting in the U.S. are attracting all sorts.

In 2021, gambling in America set an all-time revenue record for the commercial gaming industry. Revenue reached $53 billion, according to our friends at the American Gaming Association. This gambling news total shatters the 2019 industry record of just under $44 billion by more than 20%. The industry closed the year on a high note, setting an all-time revenue record for the last quarter of the year at $14.3 billion, which eclipsed the previous quarterly record of $13.9 billion, also from 2021.

“These results are nothing short of remarkable,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “The success of 2021 reflects our commitment to health and safety and how Americans have welcomed gaming’s expansion across the country. Today’s industry is effectively meeting customers how and where they want to engage—whether at a casino or through mobile gaming.”

Of the 34 operational commercial gaming jurisdictions providing gambling in America in 2021—including four new markets—23 set individual records for full-year commercial gaming revenue. On a national level, every commercial gaming vertical set new annual revenue records.

In more gambling news, sports betting enjoyed an accelerated in growth in 2021, generating over $57 billion in handle and $4.3 billion in total revenue, both of which were jumps of approximately 170% from previous high marks, powered by the strong demand in established markets like Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. However, we cannot underestimate the launch of seven new markets across providing gambling in America in states such as Arizona, Louisiana, South Dakota, Connecticut, Virginia, Michigan, Maryland and Wyoming.