Americans Set Casino Visitation Record, Support for Legal Gaming Climbs
The legal gaming industry reached a new high point in 2025, with more Americans engaging with regulated options than ever before. New consumer survey results from the American Gaming Association (AGA) presents a strong, sustainable foundation for the industry, marked by record casino visits, broad political support for sports betting, and increasing public confidence in responsible practices.
Record Engagement and Economic Recognition
Participation in the casino sector reached an all-time high, highlighting its acceptance as mainstream entertainment and a local economic driver.
Past-year casino visitation surpassed 50 percent for the first time, with 134 million visitors engaging with casinos. This record level of foot traffic reflects growing consumer confidence. Furthermore, nearly three-fourths of Americans view having casinos in their state as advantageous. The public recognizes that casinos generate jobs, boost local tourism, and increase tax revenue for the community.
Support for the regulated sports betting sector remains exceptionally strong. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americansfavor legal, regulated sports betting for adults in their state, demonstrating broad bipartisan approval. An even larger majority, 78% of Americans, view sports betting as a form of entertainment.
Steering Consumers Away from Illegal Markets
The survey found that online gamblers strongly prefer legal platforms, but many still struggle to identify the regulated options available to them.
Online consumers overwhelmingly prioritize legality when deciding where to play: 93% of sports bettors and 90% of iGaming consumers cite legality as an important factor. Despite this preference for legal play, the data reveals a critical marketplace challenge: more than 40% of sports bettors and iGamers report difficulty identifying legal platforms.
The industry’s credibility in marketing and advertising is essential to combatting this issue. In states with legal sports betting, 70% of residents believe the industry conducts its marketing efforts responsibly. This credibility is vital for steering potential players toward transparent, regulated operators and away from illicit markets that lack consumer protection.
Growing Trust in Responsible Gaming Efforts
Public recognition of the industry’s commitment to responsible play has increased significantly, building trust among those who participate.
Awareness and approval of responsible gaming programs have grown across all segments:
- 77% of patrons who gamble at brick-and-mortar casinos rate the industry’s responsible gaming programs as effective. This figure is up substantially from 67% in 2018.
- Nearly nine in ten (88%) of sports bettors also rate the industry’s responsible gaming programs and initiatives as effective.
Mr. Miller concluded that the industry will continue to expand the legal market, reinforce responsibility efforts, and ensure that gaming delivers benefits for both players and local communities.
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