Americans legally wagered more than $ 55 billion on sports in 2021 , generating over $ 4 billion in revenue .
AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
By the Numbers
The gaming industry rebound from the pandemic is complete , and this will prove it
By Dave Forman
2021 was a monumental year for gaming . The industry recovered in recordsetting fashion as gaming continued to expand across geographies and verticals . We strengthened our responsible gaming efforts and , most importantly , we supported our communities through their own pandemic recovery .
With 2021 now in the rearview and the year ’ s final revenue reports filtering in , here are the numbers that tell the story of gaming ’ s recovery .
44
Forty-four states now offer some form of commercial or tribal gaming , with commercial gaming expanding to Arizona , Connecticut , Virginia and Wyoming for the first time in 2021 .
50
The U . S . commercial gaming industry generated more than $ 50 billion in gaming revenue for the first time ever , shattering the previous record of $ 44 billion set in 2019 .
55
Americans legally wagered more than $ 55 billion on sports in 2021 , generating over $ 4 billion in revenue .
130
By year ’ s end , 130 million American adults lived in states with live , legal sports betting .
3
Three states — Michigan , New Jersey and Pennsylvania — generated more than $ 1 billion each in iGaming revenue . Prior to 2021 , no state had reached that milestone .
10
Casinos in 10 states now offer digital payment options on the casino floor , giving consumers payment choice , bolstering responsible gaming tools and adding transparency to transactions .
80
Responsible gaming messaging reached more people , with nearly 80 percent of gamblers aware of at least one responsible gaming resource .
153
At least 153 casinos across 31 states supported the health and safety of their communities by serving as Covid-19 vaccination sites in 2021 .
Americans legally wagered more than $ 55 billion on sports in 2021 , generating over $ 4 billion in revenue .
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While it ’ s too soon to tell if 2022 will match last year ’ s revenue numbers , there ’ s reason for optimism for another great year for gaming to come . As we head into the year , American Gaming Association member CEOs are positive about the future direction of the industry : three-quarters expect to increase the pace of hiring and nearly half expect the short-term business situation to improve even further .
We expect this year will see Americans continue to select casinos as their first-choice entertainment destination , payments modernization accelerate , millions more Americans gain access to the safety of the legal sports betting market and gaming grow its commitment to its communities in new and unique ways .
The AGA will also continue to do its part to drive gaming ’ s full recovery by championing the industry in Washington , D . C ., leading on responsible gaming and communicating the important contributions of gaming companies to their communities . Working together , 2022 is set to be another remarkable year for gaming .
Dave Forman is senior director , research at the American Gaming Association .
10 Global Gaming Business FEBRUARY 2022