US nationwide commercial (non-tribal) gaming revenue exceeded $14.3bn in Q1 this year, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA), a 29% increase year-on-year. 

This marks a new Q1 record for the United States, almost matching the all-time quarterly record annually (Q4 2021 – $14.35bn). 

It’s clear that numbers would not have been as high were it not for March 2022, which was the highest-grossing revenue month in the industry’s history, posting a mammoth $5.31bn.  

The success was widespread, too, touching 32 of the United States’ 34 regulated states. These states all surpassed Q1 revenue year-over-year, and three set quarterly records.  

These were Arkansas ($147.4m), Florida ($182m) and New York ($996.6m). 

Both the sports betting and iGaming verticals continued to expand across the country, and all-time records were posted in both fields. Land-based gaming also grew this quarter, despite a typical seasonal slowdown usually expected between 1 January to 31 March. 

AGA President and CEO Bill Miller commented on the results: “Consumers continue to seek out gaming’s entertainment options in record numbers.   

“Q1’s strong results build on the industry’s record year in 2021 despite continued headwinds from supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and the impact of soaring inflation.” 

He added: “Four years post-PASPA, legal sports betting’s success is proving what we’ve known all along: American consumers are eager to wager within the protections of the regulated market. It also reinforces the need to stamp out offshore, illegal operators who prey on vulnerable customers. 

“Our industry’s success goes beyond the bottom line and into communities across the country. The record state and local tax contributions fund vital services from infrastructure and education to healthcare and emergency services.”