US commercial casino gaming revenue reached an all-time high of $41.7bn for 2018; a 4% rise.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the industry  generated $9.7bn in gaming taxes for both state and local governments.

The legalisation of sports betting in several states has played a vital role in the significant growth in gaming revenue, which is expected to grow further as mobile gaming begins to roll out across legalised states.

Seven states operated legal sports betting by the end of last year, with six states joining Nevada following the PASPA repeal.

The Las Vegas Strip remained top of the largest commercial casino markets, generating $6.59bn revenue.

The Baltimore-Washington region became the US’ fourth-largest casino market, with its revenue increasing  6% to $1.88bn .

Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, said: “Year after year, the commercial casino industry has reaffirmed its role as an economic powerhouse in the United States.

“More people than ever are experiencing the economic and social benefits of gaming in their communities, due in part of the expansion of legal sports betting across the country.”