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In his message, Bill Miller, the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), reflected on 2024 as a remarkable year for the gaming industry and expressed optimism for even greater achievements in 2025.
The U.S. gaming market kept expanding, offering players more choices each year. From new commercial and tribal casinos to sports betting, online gaming, and historical horse racing (HHR) machines, the market enjoys steady growth. The combination of gaming with sports and entertainment has further accelerated this growth.
This momentum has propelled the industry forward. In 2024, the market marked its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking gross gaming revenue (GGR), achieving its highest revenue yet. As CEO of the industry’s major association, Miller attributed this success to the sector’s capacity to innovate and attract diverse audiences.
Miller wrote “While this growth has been driven primarily by the continued expansion of online gaming and sports betting, our traditional brick-and-mortar operations have shown strong resilience in the face of macroeconomic headwinds. As we approach year-end, the industry remains well on track to surpass last year’s record $67 billion in annual commercial gaming revenue,”
the AGA boss added. “We can point with pride to growth across every gaming vertical. This growth not only reflects increased consumer engagement but also underscores the industry’s role as a significant driver of economic impact nationwide.”
As 2024 comes to a close, Miller is optimistic about the opportunities the new year will bring. He highlighted the potential for continued growth across commercial and tribal gaming sectors.
One standout success has been sports wagering. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn a federal ban on single-game sports betting, nearly 40 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports wagering, driving growth and attracting younger demographics.
This shift has also attracted younger audiences to casinos, with the average age of visitors dropping from 50 to 42 in recent years. The popularity of sports betting, both online and at physical locations, has played a significant role in this demographic shift.
“In 2025, we anticipate further innovation at the intersection of sports, gaming, and entertainment,” Miller forecasted. “These developments will create immersive and integrated experiences that redefine the industry.”
Miller also emphasized the importance of responsible gaming as a foundation for sustainable growth. The AGA and its members remain committed to promoting safe gambling practices across all jurisdictions.
Unlike many industries that face political polarization, the gaming sector enjoys broad bipartisan support. According to AGA research, 70% of voters, including supporters of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, favor legalized gaming. Miller attributes this unity to the industry’s positive impact on local communities, including job creation, increased tourism, and tax revenue.
As the gaming industry continues to align with federal and state governments, Miller remains confident in its ability to maintain bipartisan backing.
“We need this bipartisan buy-in in our efforts to uplift gaming’s role in society,” he concluded.
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