U.S. commercial casinos are off to the best two-month start in their history, according to figures released last week by the American Gaming Association.
The AGA’s statistics show that revenue from in-person casino games, sports betting and internet gambling reached $8.92 billion in January and February, up more than 19 percent from the previous record set in 2020. Slot and table revenues were $7.18 billion over the two months, edging out the same months in 2020 by 1 percent.
“This record start to the year demonstrates the sustained momentum of our industry’s recovery into 2022,” said Bill Miller, AGA president and CEO. “While it remains to be seen if we’ll match last year’s all-time high, it’s clear that Americans are continuing to make gaming a first-choice entertainment option.”
Combined casino revenue from land-based slot machines and table games grew in 14 of 25 states through the first two months of 2022 compared to 2020. Combined revenue from internet gambling and sports betting accounted for just under 16 percent of commercial casino revenue in February, which was the lowest share total revenue since August 2021.
Last year was a record year the U.S. casino industry as it won $53 billion. Almost $45 billion was won from in-person gamblers at casinos last year, up 6.6% from 2019.
The figures do not include tribal-run casinos, many of which are experiencing similar increases.
