Key Moments:
- US legal commercial gaming revenue reached $78.72 billion in 2025, marking a new record and a 9.2% increase year-over-year
- Online casino revenue surged nearly 28% to $10.74 billion, while sportsbook revenue climbed 23% to $16.96 billion
- All 38 states with commercial gaming posted annual revenue growth in 2025
Outstanding Industry Growth in 2025
The US commercial gaming industry continued its robust upward trajectory in 2025, fueled by expanding online gambling and sports betting. According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), legal, regulated commercial gambling generated $78.72 billion in revenue over the year. This figure not only marks a 9.2% increase from the previous year but also represents the fifth straight year of record-setting gross gaming revenue (GGR).
The reported revenues encompass commercial casinos, sportsbooks, and iGaming platforms, but specifically exclude tribal gaming, state lotteries, prediction markets, online sweepstakes casinos, and skill games.
Online Casinos and Sportsbooks Lead Revenue Growth
Among the verticals, iGaming stood out with the most substantial year-over-year growth. Online casino revenue soared nearly 28% to $10.74 billion. Sports betting also had a strong performance, with operator revenue rising by 23% to $16.96 billion.
Traditional forms of gaming, including casinos, racinos, and riverboats, collectively posted a 2% revenue increase, totaling $50.95 billion in 2025.
| Gaming Segment | 2025 Revenue | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| iGaming (Online Casino) | $10.74 billion | +28% |
| Sports Betting | $16.96 billion | +23% |
| Legacy GGR (Casinos, Racinos, Riverboats) | $50.95 billion | +2% |
| Total Commercial Gaming | $78.72 billion | +9.2% |
“For another year, legal commercial gaming in the United States has delivered exceptional results for consumers, operators, and the communities we serve,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “These record revenues and tax contributions demonstrate the broad appeal of regulated gaming markets and why strong state oversight remains essential as our industry evolves.”
Notably, all 38 states with commercial gaming operations experienced revenue growth during the year.
Prediction Markets and Regulatory Hurdles
The sector’s record-breaking performance has come amid a series of regulatory headwinds. The biggest concern highlighted involves prediction markets, which have gained approval from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission to operate derivative exchanges offering contracts based on sports outcomes. The AGA, multiple lawmakers, regulators, and attorneys general contend that these channels enable unlawful sports betting that bypasses state regulations.
The iGaming segment, especially online sweepstakes casinos, has also drawn increased regulatory scrutiny. These platforms use a dual-currency system where players obtain ‘sweeps coins’ to participate in online slots and table games, receiving rewards in credits convertible to cash.
Recent legislative actions have shifted against online sweepstakes casinos. States such as California, Connecticut, Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, New York, and Washington have passed outright prohibitions, while others including Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Tennessee, Minnesota, Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania have issued cease and desist orders to operators.
Top Casino Performers
During a Thursday announcement, Miller revealed that Resorts World New York City in Queens led in gross earnings among casinos outside of Las Vegas, followed by MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Atlantic City’s Borgata, Hard Rock, and Ocean casinos also ranked among the year’s standout performers.
“Americans continue to see the more than 1,000 brick-and-mortar casinos in communities across the country as compelling entertainment destinations. Last year, 134 million American adults visited a casino, whether to gamble, see a show, or have dinner,” Miller said.
- Author
Daniel Williams
