In 2013, the national commercial casino industry saw its second-largest gross gaming revenues ever, according to a national economic impact study released by the American Gaming Association. The annual State of the States: The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment shows an industry that has now seen three consecutive years of escalating growth—reaching its highest levels of gross gaming revenues since prior to the recession that began in 2008.
The 2013 report also includes public opinion polling indicating that an overwhelming majority of American adults view casino gaming as acceptable for themselves or others.
“After three years of increasing growth and positive signs in all sectors of the industry, it’s clear that we have weathered the recession,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA. “Whether we look at jobs, casino visitors served or tax revenues being provided, the bottom line is that there is much to be optimistic about in the commercial casino industry.”
The latest edition of State of the States reveals that in 2012, gross gaming revenue at commercial casinos rose 4.8 percent to $37.34 billion. States and local communities benefited from $8.6 billion returned from this revenue in the form of gaming tax contributions. This represents an 8.5 percent increase over 2011 figures. Furthermore, the jobs created by the commercial casino industry continue to provide vital employment opportunities for more than 330,000 workers across the country; in 2012, these men and women earned $13.2 billion in wages, benefits and tips, a 2.3 percent increase over 2011 figures.
“At a time when many industries are still feeling the lingering effects of the so-called Great Recession, gaming companies are going strong,” Fahrenkopf said. “We continue to provide much-needed jobs and tax revenue at a time when both are greatly needed.”
Widely regarded as the most comprehensive resource of its kind, State of the States offers an in-depth look at the commercial casino industry and provides national and state-by-state economic impact data, such as gaming revenues, tax contributions and employment and wage figures for the 23 U.S. commercial casino states operating in 2012. Public polling data included in the report were collected by VP Communications Inc. in conjunction with national pollster Peter D. Hart.
A full copy of the 2013 State of the States can be downloaded at www.americangaming.org.
