Gambling in the USA
New AGA Report Shows Americans Gamble More Than Half a Trillion Dollars Illegally Each Year
Americans gamble an estimated $511 billion each year with illegal and unregulated sportsbooks, iGaming websites and so-called “skill games,” according to a new report from the American Gaming Association.
This illegal wagering robs state governments of $13.3 billion in tax revenue annually, nearly $2.5 billion more than legal operators generated in 2021 ($11.7 billion). It also costs the legal gaming industry $44.2 billion in annual revenue, or nearly half of the $92 billion in combined commercial and tribal revenue in 2021.
“Illegal and unregulated gambling is a scourge on our society, taking advantage of vulnerable consumers, skirting regulatory obligations and robbing communities of critical tax revenue for infrastructure, education and more,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “We have always known that the illegal and unregulated market is expansive, but this report illuminates just how pervasive it is.”
Sports Betting Findings
AGA’s report estimates that Americans wager $63.8 billion with illegal bookies and offshore sites at a cost of $3.8 billion in gaming revenue and $700 million in state taxes. With Americans projected to place $100 billion in legal sports bets this year, these findings imply that illegal sportsbook operators are capturing nearly 40 percent of the U.S. sports betting market.
While the numbers are significant, they also demonstrate Americans’ movement to the regulated market with legal sports betting’s expansion to 36 states and the District of Columbia.
The report also found that 49 percent of past-year sports bettors have placed a bet with an illegal operator. Previous AGA research shows that more than half of Americans that bet on sports with illegal operators believe they are wagering legally.
iGaming Findings
Americans wager an estimated $337.9 billion with illegal iGaming websites, with a loss of $3.9 billion in state tax revenue. With $13.5 billion in estimated revenue, the illegal iGaming market in the U.S. is nearly three times the size of the legal U.S. iGaming market, estimated to be $5 billion in 2022.
With iGaming only legal in six states, nearly half of Americans (48%) that have played online slots or table games in the past year have played with illegal online casinos.
Unregulated “Skill Machine” Findings
Unregulated gaming machines also continue to proliferate, with an estimated 580,651 unregulated machines in the U.S. With 870,000 regulated machines in casinos and slot routes, that means 40 percent of all gaming machines in the U.S. are unlicensed.
Based on state regulatory data for similar machines, the operator win percentage on unregulated gambling machines is significantly higher than legal casino slot machines. During the past 12 months, slot machines in Nevada have a 7.16 percent win rate, compared to a nearly 25 percent estimated win rate for unregulated machines—demonstrating how unregulated machines take advantage of customers.
“All stakeholders—policymakers, law enforcement, regulators, legal businesses—must work together to root out the illegal and unregulated gambling market. This is a fight we’re in for the long haul to protect consumers, support communities and defend the law-abiding members of our industry.”
Methodology
The study was conducted by The Innovation Group on behalf of the American Gaming Association and is based largely on a survey of 5,284 U.S adults, examining their past-year gambling behaviors with both legal and illegal operators as well as their observations of unregulated gaming machines. It also incorporates publicly available data on the size of the legal U.S. gaming market and certain state gaming machine markets.
Background
- Commercial or tribal casino gaming is legal in 36 states, iGaming is legal in six states, and sports betting is legal is 36 states and Washington, D.C.
- AGA’s State of Play Map provides a state-by-state look at legal, regulated gaming in the U.S.
- StopIllegalGambling.com provides additional resources for consumers, industry stakeholders and media to raise awareness on the importance of eliminating illegal gambling and bolster efforts to combat illegal operators.
Gambling in the USA
Games Global Launches Custom Slot Game Caesars Palace Frenzy with Caesars Digital
Launch marks the first bespoke game launch in the partnership between gaming operator and premier gaming provider
Games Global today announced the exclusive launch of Caesars Palace Frenzy, a Caesars-branded slot title that marks the first bespoke game launch on behalf of Games Global’s partnership with premier gaming operator Caesars Digital. Caesars Palace Frenzy is now exclusively live on Caesars Palace Online Casino in New Jersey with plans to expand to Michigan and Pennsylvania, offering players another highly engaging, operator-specific gaming experience with iconic Caesars Palace branding.
Caesars Palace Frenzy combines the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip’s iconic casino with innovative gaming dynamics crafted by Games Global. Designed exclusively for Caesars Digital online casino players, this game delivers an online slot experience with engaging gameplay, sophisticated graphics and dynamic features like scatter pays, multiplied free spins selected by a concentric wheel and a seven-tier jackpot line-up.
This launch demonstrates Games Global’s continued emphasis on partnering with top iGaming operators to deliver exclusive and custom gaming products to players.
“Working closely with Caesars Digital to create Caesars Palace Frenzy has been an exciting journey,” the Chief Executive Officer for Games Global, Walter Bugno, said. “This game is more than just an online slot experience, it is an adventure that mirrors the thrill and grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic destinations. We’re thrilled to see it come to life and deliver a unique blend of entertainment and gaming.”
“We’re committed to collaborating with top gaming providers to launch custom online casino experiences for our players that can’t be found anywhere else,” the Senior Vice-President and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland, said. “Caesars Palace Frenzy delivers on that commitment by providing an elevated gaming experience that we’re certain our players will enjoy.”
Gambling in the USA
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Announces Plans to Build New Casino Resort
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has announced the plans to build a brand-new casino resort on its Tribal lands in Polk County.
“We are incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter. This new casino resort will not only provide significant economic benefits for those living and working in the region, but it will also become a vibrant destination for visitors,” Ricky Sylestine, Chairman of the Tribal Council, said.
While specific details are still being finalized, the new resort may offer a variety of amenities including a state-of-the-art casino floor, hotel accommodations, and diverse dining and entertainment options.
The Tribe has engaged the architectural firm FFKR to design the new resort. FFKR is known for its innovative and creative designs. The Tribe is confident the firm will create a truly exceptional destination.
In addition to the new casino resort, the Tribe is planning an extensive remodel to its existing Ischoopa/One Stop Convenience Store and Truck Stop. The remodel will include adding electronic bingo machines.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas will be releasing news related to the new resort and any additional developments in the coming months.
Gambling in the USA
BetConstruct to Display Its Products and Services at Sigma Americas
BetConstruct, a leading company in iGaming technology and services, is heading to Sigma Americas in Sao Paulo, Brazil from April 23-25, 2024.
Sigma Americas is a major event focusing on iGaming with 10,000 delegations and more than 200 professional speakers. This event serves as an exceptional platform for participants to present their innovative offerings, engage with fellow industry leaders, and establish new business relationships.
BetConstruct is poised to introduce its cutting-edge products and solutions to the growing Brazilian market at the upcoming event. As a premier provider of online iGaming solutions, the company will showcase its comprehensive range of services to all attendees, offering diverse solutions tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Moreover, BetConstruct will demonstrate its newest Spettacolare offer by Mr. First, which is a fleeting opportunity to maximise user profits and explore the potential of FTN.
Attendees of the event can find BetConstruct in the Transamerica Expo Center at Stand O60, where they will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of BetConstruct’s products and solutions.
-
Latest News3 days ago
Xpoint Launches Groundbreaking New Capability to Reduce Geolocation Costs for Operators
-
Latest News4 days ago
FBMDS, Planet Invest and EverPlay Score a Fantastic Goal in a Revolutionary Partnership Involving Ronaldinho Gaucho
-
Press Releases2 days ago
YouGov unveils US bettor research report, which highlights that 43% of sports bettors use three or more sportsbook apps
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
Hub88 granted supplier licence in Peru
-
eSports7 days ago
HAWKS TALON GC SET FOR THE STEAL ON APRIL 19TH FOR CHANCE TO ENTER NBA 2K LEAGUE 3V3 PLAYOFF
-
Gambling in the USA4 days ago
Games Global Launches Custom Slot Game Caesars Palace Frenzy with Caesars Digital
-
Latest News2 days ago
SCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Comm100 to Enhance Player Engagement with Leading Customer Support Solutions
-
Latest News4 days ago
Xtremepush boosts Brazilian presence with Weebet platform deal