Reflecting on 2025
Protecting the legal gaming industry and charting its future
The American Gaming Association works year-round to strengthen and safeguard the legal gaming industry through research and advocacy.
Throughout 2025, that mission guided us across state capitals, Capitol Hill and the broader public conversation in support of our members, consumers and communities.
Strengthening a Growing Industry
This year, more than half of all American adults (57 percent) participated in a form of legal gaming—a new all-time high. Commercial gaming revenue remains on pace for another record-setting year, driven by consistent growth across all verticals of gaming.
Sports betting remained a standout with nearly 20 percent year-over-year growth through three quarters, despite no new market launches until Missouri’s anticipated debut this December. At the start of the NFL season, we announced an expected total wager amount of roughly $30 billion, underscoring strong demand and showing that legal gaming has become mainstream.
Our latest consumer perceptions research reinforces this, finding that Americans overwhelmingly view gaming as entertainment and a positive contributor to their communities.
Advocating in Washington & the States
Whether on Capitol Hill or in statehouses, the AGA engaged lawmakers on critical policy issues such as taxes, illegal gambling and consumer protection.
On the federal front, our advocacy helped raise the slot reporting threshold, a long-sought modernization that will reduce administrative burdens. We also continued working with Congress to restore the 100 percent deduction for gambling losses.
At the state and tribal level, we supported policymakers with the information they need to craft effective legislation, regulatory frameworks and enforcement actions—including bans on sweepstakes casinos across many key states, such as California.
Cracking Down on Illegal Gambling
Combating illegal gambling remained a core focus in 2025. Our latest research, revealed in August, found that the illegal market is still roughly one-third the size of the legal one—underscoring the need for ongoing enforcement and public education.
We’ve supported efforts at all levels of government to crack down on illegal gaming, whether it’s offshore operators, “skill” machines or sweepstakes casinos. Research we commissioned shows that Americans overwhelmingly recognize these activities as gambling.
Most recently, a bipartisan coalition from the Senate Judiciary Committee urged the Department of Justice to prioritize enforcement against offshore operators. Earlier this year, 50 state attorneys general sent a similar letter, calling for stronger federal action. The FBI’s takedown of an illegal gambling ring further proved that, while the illegal market remains a threat, the legal market exposes bad actors and enforcement works.
Clarifying the Line: Prediction Markets
With the emergence of prediction markets, the AGA clearly stated that offering sports event contracts is gambling by another name, and it should be regulated as such. Research confirmed that Americans overwhelmingly agree.
As AGA Senior Vice President of Government Relations Chris Cylke wrote in GGB earlier this year, allowing prediction markets to bypass state regulations undermines fair competition, exposes consumers to unregulated risk and strips states and tribes of tax revenue. That’s why we continue to express significant concern and urge the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to enforce its existing rules prohibiting gaming contracts.
Keeping Things Responsible
This year, we launched “Play Smart from the Start,” a messaging platform and all-in-one hub offering practical tools to help players gamble responsibly. It complements our “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” campaign and its newest pillar, “Keep Your Cool,” introduced in late 2024 to affirm that harassment has no place in gaming.
Throughout September’s Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), we convened industry experts, lawmakers and regulators to discuss industry responsibility best practices. We went to the Pennsylvania State Capitol, hosted a webinar on how responsibility is embedded into gaming innovation, and championed industry-wide efforts that drive the needle on RG.
At the end of RGEM, we released research that showed responsible gaming tools are widely known and used, with most gamblers setting budgets and sticking to them. It’s a clear sign that education efforts are making a difference.
Engaging Members & the Broader Community
The 25th edition of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) offered a moment to reflect on how far the industry has come, and how collaboration continues to drive it forward.
The 2025 show floor featured nearly 400 exhibitors and more than 100 education sessions. The inaugural U.S. Dealer Championship celebrated those who bring the casino experience to life, as 34 of the nation’s top dealers competed for the title of Best Dealer in America.
Looking Ahead
As we close out 2025, our commitment to a safe, innovative and responsible gaming industry remains steadfast.
We’ll carry this momentum into 2026—upholding the integrity of legal gaming and keeping it a source of entertainment and economic growth for communities across the country.
