This is consistent with predictions made in our most recent Gaming America magazine.
The nation’s 987 commercial casinos have collected over $44.15bn so far in 2021. However, several states have not reported numbers for November and December yet. The nation’s previous record of $43.65bn was set in 2019 and it’s obvious it has already been surpassed.
Although Nevada is to report the data for November by the end of December and this month’s revenue is scheduled to be reported at the end of January 2022, the state is naturally one of the country's strongest.
Casino gambling attracts most of the interest, being the pillar of the industry’s recovery. For October, slot machines and table games generated a combined $34.22bn in revenue ($27bn coming solely from slots).
Sports betting has generated $3.16bn in revenue for October, showing an increase of 359% compared to the same period of 2019.
The sports betting market has been growing intensely since October 2019, when only 13 states had legalised betting. Presently, 30 states and Washington DC have legal, live sports betting.
Ten out of 25 states with commercial casinos, including Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, reported quarterly revenue records from July until September.
The Las Vegas Strip hit an all-time high of $2.06bn during that quarter. The record was driven by the steady return of tourism, as 9.2 million people visited Las Vegas during that time period.
Commenting on the Q3 2021 numbers, AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said: “With brick-and-mortar gaming setting records, the expansion into new verticals, and domestic and international tourism recovering, the industry is in a strong position for a full recovery.
"I’m confident that the return of meetings, conventions and international travel will further accelerate gaming’s recovery in 2022.”
