It appears America's infatuation with gambling is far from over.
According to the latest 2025 consumer survey by the American Gaming Association (AGA), more Americans engaged in legal gaming this year than ever before, with several key findings indicating record levels of participation and strong consumer approval for legalized gambling.
“These results underscore a sustainable foundation for the American gaming industry, reflecting strong consumer confidence in a state-regulated market as a safe and trusted form of entertainment,” AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said in a statement.
Nearly three in four Americans also encountered responsible gambling messaging in the past year. This includes a big push to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month in September.
This new information is backed by the American Gaming Association's "State of the States" report, which found gaming revenue on track to surpass 2025 projections.
What is Driving the Popularity of Casinos in the United States?
As casinos continue to gain popularity in the United States, several factors are driving this trend:
Record Casino Visitation
Over half (about 53%, or 134 million American adults) reported visiting a casino in the past year, marking the highest rate since the AGA began tracking this data. This represents a significant increase from previous years and a strong rebound from pandemic-era lows, where visitation had dropped below 30%.
Legal Gaming Participation
57% of U.S. adults engaged in some form of gambling in the past year, whether at casinos, racetracks, sportsbooks, lottery locations, bars, or online.
Participation was bipartisan, with similar rates across political affiliations: 58% of Republicans, 56% of Democrats, and 60% of Independents reported gambling over the past year.
Public Attitudes and Preferences
Most Americans recognize the positive effects of gaming on local communities. Here’s what they think:
- 85% believe casinos provide entertainment and dining options in places that wouldn't have them otherwise.
- 86% agree that casinos boost tourism and attract conventions and meetings to their locations.
- 82% say the gaming industry generates jobs and investments in the U.S. that can't be outsourced.
- 82% think gaming offers good-paying jobs.
A significant majority (74%) support legal, regulated sports betting for adults in their state, with support spanning political lines.
Also, 90% of Americans consider casinos acceptable for themselves or others, and 62% now find gambling to be personally acceptable.
There is continued strong support for legal, regulated sports betting, with 74% of Americans in favor and 93% of bettors prioritizing legal status when choosing a platform.
78% view sports betting as entertainment.
What States Showed the Largest Increases in Casino Visits?
The states that showed the largest increases in casino visits in 2025 were primarily regional casino hubs outside of Las Vegas, with standout growth in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and several Midwestern markets. Here's a more detailed breakdown for each:
Michigan: Led all states in online casino revenue growth, posting a 33.9% annual increase compared to 2024, signaling substantial gains in player activity and visitation.
Pennsylvania: Surpassed 2019 (pre-pandemic) visitation levels, pointing to a resurgence in physical casino traffic alongside strong online revenue growth.
Colorado: Black Hawk and other casino destinations reported increases in casino visitation, with the region seeing a 5% uptick, partly driven by new property openings.
Delaware: Noted for double-digit growth in online casino revenue, reflecting an increase in both digital and associated physical visits.
Connecticut: Also reported strong, double-digit online casino growth, closely tied to broader casino engagement.
While regional markets experienced notable increases, Las Vegas visitation lagged behind these states in terms of year-over-year percentage gains, though gross gaming revenue remained resilient due to higher spending per visitor.
| Statistic | 2025 Survey Result |
|---|---|
| Adults who gambled in the past year | 57% |
| Adults who visited a casino | 53% (134 million) |
| Perceived acceptability of casinos | 90% |
| Support for legal sports betting | 74% |
| Recognition of legal status by bettors | 93% |
| Positive impact of gaming on the economy | 77% |
| Perceive responsible gaming programs as effective | 77% |
These trends reflect broader momentum for U.S. casino participation, particularly in regulated and newly expanded markets, with Michigan and Pennsylvania standing out as leaders in 2025 visitation growth.
