The American Gaming Association (AGA) has said the US commercial gaming sector generated $4.89bn in August, up 10% year-on-year to set a new record for the month.
Despite “difficult macroeconomic conditions,” August represented the 18th consecutive month with positive year-on-year revenue growth.
However, gaming revenue declined by 4% on a sequential basis, “in line with seasonal trends.” Since March, every month met or surpassed the $5bn mark, excluding June and now, August.
Unsurprisingly, Nevada generated more revenue than any other state for August, producing $1.2bn. New Jersey was second, responsible for $471m, and Pennsylvania third, contributing $429m.
Virginia, meanwhile, experienced the highest year-on-year growth at 185%. New Hampshire’s gaming revenue grew by 163% and Oregon’s by 155%.
Only four of the 31 United States’ commercial gaming jurisdictions recorded a year-on-year revenue decline: Delaware, Massachusetts, Mississippi and Montana.
Nationwide revenue from land-based casino slot machines and table games amounted to $4.02bn, with the former responsible for the lion’s share – $2.92bn.
The AGA commented: “While overall US travel spending contracted from August 2019, the pace of revenue growth for traditional casino verticals was the highest since April.
“Regional casino visitation increased on average by 4.2% in Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri from 2019 levels.”
Sports betting, meanwhile, was hindered by the so-called “summer lull.” Handle remained flat at $4.54bn, consistent with “the year’s lowest level of betting activity in July.”
However, this figure constitutes an almost 50% year-on-year increase.