U.S. gaming industry breaks record with $71.92 billion in 2024
This article was first published in Portuguese on 21 February 2025.
The gaming industry in the United States reached a historic milestone in 2024, recording a total revenue of $71.92 billion. This figure represents a 7.5% increase compared to the previous record set in 2023 when revenue stood at $66.5 billion. The data was released by the American Gaming Association (AGA) in February 2025, confirming the gaming sector as one of the country’s leading entertainment industries.
Gaming market performance in Q4 2024
The fourth quarter of 2024 was the strongest for the sector, reaching a revenue of $18.62 billion. This amount is a quarterly record and highlights the strength of the gaming market. Within this total:
- Traditional casinos contributed $12.59 billion, an increase of 2.3% compared to the same period in 2023.
- Sports betting generated $3.66 billion, growing by 7.3%.
- iGaming raised $2.38 billion, a growth of 33.1%.
These figures indicate that players are diversifying their preferences, with a growing interest in online betting platforms.
However, despite the rise of sports betting and iGaming, physical casinos remain the industry’s primary revenue source. In 2024, traditional casinos generated a total of $48.79 billion. The popularity of land-based casinos is justified by their immersive experience, combining gambling, live entertainment, and high-end hospitality.
Expansion of sports betting and iGaming
Sports betting and iGaming (online casino games) saw strong growth in 2024, driven by the activity regulation in new states. Over the course of the year:
- Sports betting generated $13.71 billion, a 25.4% increase compared to 2023.
- iGaming raised $8.41 billion, registering a growth of 28.7%.
These segments are becoming increasingly attractive to players who prefer to bet from the comfort of their homes or via mobile devices. Advances in technology and the security of digital platforms also contribute to this growth.
Contribution to the economy and local communities
The sector’s expansion also had a positive impact on the U.S. economy. In 2024, the commercial gaming industry paid approximately $15.66 billion in gaming taxes, an 8.5% increase compared to the previous year. These funds were allocated to various state and municipal programmes, including:
- Public education funding.
- Infrastructure investments.
- Responsible gaming and addiction prevention initiatives.
Outlook for 2025
The future of the gaming industry in the United States remains one of the most promising in the world, according to expert forecasts. The demand for diverse entertainment options continues to rise, and the expansion of sports betting and iGaming is expected to sustain accelerated growth.
Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, commented on the sector’s strength:
“In 2024, Americans embraced the wide range of legal gaming options available to them—whether in casinos, sportsbooks, or online—leading to another record-breaking year for our industry.”
