Key Moments:
- Over half of American adults visited a casino in the past year, marking a new milestone
- 74% of Americans support legal and regulated sports betting; 78% view it as entertainment
- 77% of casino visitors now see responsible gaming programs as effective, up from 67% in 2018
Record Numbers in Casino Engagement
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced that more than 50% of American adults visited a casino in the past year, which is the highest rate since this statistic began being measured. The data was gathered through the AGA’s annual consumer survey, which delved into individuals’ visitation habits, opinions on sports betting, and attitudes toward responsible gaming initiatives.
Public Attitudes Toward Sports Betting and Regulations
Legal and regulated sports betting maintains robust support, with 74% of Americans expressing approval. The survey further revealed that 78% of respondents regard sports betting as a form of entertainment, while 93% of those who bet on sports take a platform’s legal status into account before wagering. Despite this, 40% of internet gaming players still have difficulty identifying which operators are licensed, emphasizing the AGA’s point that clearer communication is necessary.
In areas with regulated sports betting, 70% of residents have confidence that operators are advertising responsibly, and that this approach is helping steer players toward legal activities.
Responsible Gaming and Consumer Confidence
Responsible gaming programs are perceived as increasingly effective, with 77% of casino visitors stating such programs help, a notable rise from 67% in 2018. Among sports bettors, 88% indicated that responsible gaming messages assist them in steering clear of high-risk behaviors.
Industry Views and Outlook
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller described these developments as evidence of a “sustainable foundation” for the sector, built on transparency and sound regulation. Miller stated:
“We will continue to build on this momentum by expanding the legal market, strengthening responsibility, and ensuring gaming delivers for players and communities alike.”
Summary Table: Survey Results Snapshot
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Casino visitation (past year) | More than 50% of American adults |
| Support for legal sports betting | 74% |
| View sports betting as entertainment | 78% |
| Consider legal status before betting | 93% of bettors |
| Struggle to identify licensed operators | 40% of iGaming players |
| Perceive advertising as responsible (regulated states) | 70% |
| Responsible gaming programs seen as effective | 77% (up from 67% in 2018) |
| RG messaging helps avoid risk (sports bettors) | 88% |
Conclusion
The latest AGA survey demonstrates a significant rise in U.S. casino activity, growing public support for regulated betting, and heightened confidence in responsible gaming programs. These trends indicate that the mainstream gaming audience values consumer protection and responsible play as the sector continues to evolve.
- Author
Daniel Williams
