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Commercial Gambling Win Tops $16 Billion In First Quarter Of 2023

Figure Comes From Record-Breaking March

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According to the American Gaming Association’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, U.S. commercial gambling revenue reached a quarterly record of $16.6 billion in Q1 2023, marking the industry’s eighth straight record-breaking quarter.

The quarter was highlighted by the industry’s highest-grossing month of $5.9 billion in March.

“After two full years of successive growth post-COVID, the U.S. gaming industry has never been stronger,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “With record growth across every gaming vertical—from brick-and-mortar casinos to mobile gaming—American adults continue to choose gaming as one of their top entertainment options.”

Across the country, 18 of 35 commercial gambling markets set new revenue records for the quarter, with only Mississippi trailing its quarterly revenue from Q1 2022.

Every commercial gambling vertical saw quarterly revenue records in Q1 2023. Retail gambling accounted for 75.3 percent of total revenue, while online gambling represented its largest share ever, 24.7 percent.

Traditional brick-and-mortar casino gambling generated quarterly revenue of $12.3 billion, surpassing the previous high of $12.26 billion in Q3 2022.

Nationwide, Americans wagered a record $31.11 billion on sports in Q1 2023, generating an all-time high of $2.79 billion in quarterly revenue (+70.1% year-over-year). Compared to Q1 2022, the growth was primarily driven by new market launches in Kansas, Massachusetts and Ohio.

Online casino gambling grossed $1.48 billion in Q1 2023, marking a 22.7 percent year-over-year revenue increase.

Commercial gambling generated a record $13.48 billion in direct gaming tax revenue paid to state and local governments in 2022—up 15.3 percent from 2021. This does not include the billions more spent in income, sales or other taxes.

“As one of the biggest taxpayers in states across the country, we know that when gaming is successful, so are our communities,” added Miller. “Beyond our significant tax contributions, our industry is engrained in local communities, bolstering economic development through job creation, supporting local charities and nonprofits, and setting the standard on corporate responsibility.”

Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia featured operational commercial gaming markets in Q1 2023, including casino gaming, sports betting and iGaming.