In 2024, it raked in a jaw-dropping $72.04 billion in revenue, a new record, and the fourth year in a row it’s broken its own high score. The data, published by the American Gaming Association (AGA), shows an industry that’s not just holding steady, but growing in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
From traditional casinos to smartphone betting apps, the numbers are surging. What makes this record year even more noteworthy is that it happened while a portion of American bettors still turn to offshore sites. International platforms remain popular with American gamblers, with many Australian online pokies sites being a frequent choice. These sites offer massive payouts and support instant deposits, making them popular among US gamblers. It’s a clear signal that there’s still untapped potential on US soil.
Online Betting and iGaming Lead the Charge
There’s no doubt about what’s driving the surge. Two sectors have completely transformed the game: mobile sports betting and online casino gaming, also known as iGaming. In 2024, iGaming alone pulled in $8.41 billion, a staggering 28.7% jump from the year before. What makes that figure even more impressive is that it came from just seven states where online casinos are legal.
Three of them—New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—accounted for nearly 90% of all iGaming revenue. Pennsylvania, in particular, led the pack with strong consumer interest and broad offerings. It’s clear that when regulation meets demand, the results are explosive.
Then there’s sports betting. With $13.78 billion in annual revenue, up 25% from 2023, it’s proving that Americans love a wager. The betting handle for the year reached nearly $150 billion. States like North Carolina and Vermont helped push the growth after launching legal sports betting in 2024. Together, iGaming and sports betting are rewriting the rulebook on how Americans gamble. And how states profit from it.
Traditional Casinos: Still King, But Growth Is Slowing
Despite the digital wave, brick-and-mortar casinos continue to dominate total revenue. In 2024, they brought in $49.89 billion, roughly 70% of the industry’s total. But that growth was just 1% over the previous year, a sign that the traditional casino floor may be peaking.
Slot machines made up the bulk of that number, generating $36.06 billion (up 1.6%). Table games, on the other hand, slipped slightly.
That’s not to say casinos are in decline. Far from it. But in an age where you can spin a virtual roulette wheel from your couch, the competition is stiffening. The comfort and speed of mobile gaming are pulling more users online, particularly among younger demographics.
2024 Was a Record-Breaking Year For Most States
One of the biggest headlines of the year? Widespread growth across the U.S.
Out of the 38 states with legal commercial gaming, 28 reported new annual revenue records in 2024. Even more impressive: 15 of those saw double-digit year-over-year growth.
Washington D.C., stood out with a whopping 181.7% increase. The jump came after the city ended its sports betting monopoly, finally opening the market to competition.
Newcomers North Carolina and Vermont also made waves by launching regulated sports betting for the first time. Their contributions may seem small in the national picture, but they point to a clear trend: legalization is spreading, and every new market brings fresh energy and revenue.
Of course, not every state shared in the success. Eight reported revenue declines, though most were slight. Montana stood out with a more notable drop.
Americans Are All In
Gaming isn’t just growing. It’s going mainstream.
In 2024, more than half of U.S. adults took part in some form of gambling, and 45% visited a casino. These numbers reflect a shift in perception. Gambling, once seen as risky or fringe, is now a common form of entertainment.
The numbers also reflect greater access. As more states legalize online betting and casinos, the barrier to entry gets lower. You no longer need a plane ticket to Las Vegas, you just need a phone and a few minutes.
The Tax Windfall
With more people gambling, states are seeing the payoff. In 2024, the U.S. gaming industry generated $15.91 billion in direct gaming tax revenue for state and local governments, an 8.5% jump from the year before. That doesn’t even count other taxes the industry contributes, like income, payroll, and corporate taxes.
These funds support everything from public education to infrastructure, and they make a strong case for continued legalization. States that once resisted gambling on moral or political grounds are now reconsidering, with dollar signs in their eyes.
Digital Dominance Continues to Rise
Here’s a key trend that’s hard to ignore: online gaming is taking over.
In Q1 of 2025, online platforms accounted for 32.8% of all commercial gaming revenue. Compare that to 29.3% in Q1 of 2024, and it’s clear which direction things are heading.
Whether it’s the convenience, the variety, or the promotional offers, players are increasingly going digital. And as more states weigh iGaming legislation, that percentage is expected to keep climbing.
The catch? Many Americans are still betting on overseas platforms simply because they don’t have legal options in their home state. Until regulation catches up to consumer demand, that money will continue to leave the country.
The Road Ahead: Cautious Optimism
After four straight years of record growth, the question now is whether the streak will continue in 2025. Industry leaders are optimistic, but they’re also keeping an eye on the broader economy. Tariffs, inflation, stock market swings, and changes in consumer spending habits could all have an impact on how much Americans are willing to gamble.
With new states coming online, digital adoption rising, and consumer interest still climbing, the U.S. gaming industry looks well-positioned to keep rolling, whether the dice land in Vegas or a virtual slot room.
