Economic contribution of the US gambling industry

The gambling industry in the United States is not only gaming halls, but also a huge chain of employment, taxes, construction and tourism. According to the results of recent reporting cycles, the industry demonstrates historical highs in revenue of commercial operators and steady growth in the breeding segment. Below are current benchmarks and how they are "assembled."

1) Key scales: economy, taxes, employment

The integrated contribution of the gambling industry to the US economy is estimated at ≈$329 billion cumulative economic effect, 1.8 million jobs and ≈$52,7 billion taxes of all levels (according to the AGA study, base year - 2022; this is the last full macro slice). In addition, the industry provides ≈$104 billion payroll.

These figures are complemented by monthly/quarterly revenue statistics, where in 2024 commercial operators showed a record $71.92 billion gaming revenue - the fourth year in a row with a maximum.

The tribal sector (indigenous casinos; NIGC reporting for fiscal years) in FY2024 also updated its all-time high - $43.9 billion GGR (+ 4.6% to FY2023).

2) Where records come from: commercial vs tribal

Commercial casinos and bets: 2024 drivers are stable offline (slots/board games) and growing verticals - sports betting and iGaming in the permitted states. The total result is $71.92 billion (+ 7.5% by 2023).

Tribal model: sustainable expansion of resorts and renewal of compact with states supported $43.9 billion GGR in FY2024 (historical maximum).

3) Regional "anchors": Nevada and Las Vegas

In 2024, Nevada gave $15.6 billion gaming win (fourth consecutive state record); Las Vegas Strip contributed about $8.8 billion, while inside the year there were both mild months and bursts against the background of baccarat and large events.

This revenue is fueled by tourism and congress activity (MICE), which strengthens the "multiplier" for hotels, restaurants, shows and retail.

4) Taxes: who gets how much

According to AGA, the industry generates ≈$52,7 billion annual taxes (federal/state/local levels) for the base macro section. These are direct gambling taxes, fees and taxation of salaries/suppliers.

Separately, the contribution of sports betting is growing: an example is New York, where a high tax on online betting provided about $2 billion in tax revenues in 2023. (The 51% rate effect for the operator is indicative.)

5) Employment and salaries

The industry supports ≈1,8 million jobs nationwide and ≈$104 billion payroll (direct jobs in casinos/online + suppliers/related services). This is a strong base for regions where casinos are "anchor" employers.

6) What's inside the revenue "pie"

• Board games provide a volatile upside (especially baccarat in premium markets - Vegas Strip);

Sports betting and iGaming are a growing, but so far smaller layer, highly dependent on the state legalization card.

7) Methodology: Why the numbers are "different"

GGR/gaming win/revenue - "casino win" from games (to operating expenses); this is not the same as the resort's total revenue.

Cumulative economic effect - includes direct spending by guests/companies, supply chains and induced demand (salaries → consumption). Therefore, the macro-estimate of AGA (≈$329 billion) is significantly higher than the amount of annual GGR.

8) Trends 2024-2025 and what to expect next

1. Offline stability + online growth. The commercial sector is updating records, the tribal sector is at an all-time high.

2. Role of events and MICE. Congresses/sporting events support downloading and a "non-gaming" check that correlates with gambling revenue.

3. States tax policy. High bets on sports can give an "indirect" budget effect (example NY), but affect the unit economy of operators - the balance is sought individually.

9) Practical conclusions for stakeholders

States/cities: casino resorts and regulated online verticals are a sustainable source of taxes and employment with strict compliance.

Operators: mix slots + board games + MICE + show gives the best "anticyclicity"; online - bet on RG, payments and cybersecurity.

Communities: in addition to taxes, responsible play programs, training, transport and safety of tourist clusters are significant.

The US gambling industry is a systemic economic sector: hundreds of billions in cumulative effect, millions of jobs and tens of billions in taxes. At the tactical level, commercial GGR records ($71.9 billion in 2024) are combined with a historic tribal GGR high ($43.9 billion, FY2024); strategically, the industry is increasingly integrating with tourism, MICE and digital channels. For the economy, this means a stable source of income, and for the states - space for responsible, but pro-market policies.