Gambling in the USA

American Attitudes Toward Casino Gaming, Sports Betting Reach High-Water Marks

Published

3 weeks ago

August 28, 2024

Americans are increasingly embracing casino gaming and sports betting as acceptable forms of entertainment and responsible industries, according to new consumer survey results from the American Gaming Association (AGA). The new data comes ahead of Responsible Gaming Education Month this September and on the eve of the seventh NFL season with widespread legal wagering.

Among new high-water marks in consumer sentiment, 75% of Americans believe the gaming industry behaves responsibly in the communities where it operates, 9 in 10 Americans view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment, and 75% of Americans support legal sports betting in their home state.

“These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility and provides unmatched entertainment,” said Joe Maloney, AGA Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications.

The study reveals particular increases in favorable views toward the industry’s commitments to responsible gaming, with 65% of Americans now saying the gaming industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combating problem gambling—a notable rise from 55% last year. This confidence is even stronger among those who engage with the industry directly, with 81% of physical casino players and 88% of sports bettors agreeing with this sentiment, up from 70% and 78%, respectively last year.

This sentiment is driven by increased perceptions across several areas:

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Responsible Marketing and Advertising: Americans are taking notice of the legal industry’s efforts around responsible marketing and advertising marketing, with 65% of respondents saying they believe the industry is truthful in its marketing and advertising, up from 58% last year. Additionally, 73% view the industry as responsible in its marketing efforts, up from 68% in 2022.

Effectiveness of Responsible Gaming Programs: Data shows 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming programs are effective, up from 59% last year. Among those who participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree that these programs are effective.

Increased Awareness of Responsible Gaming Messages: The study shows a significant rise in the number of Americans exposed to responsible gaming information. Specifically, 46% of land-based casino players and 57% of sports bettors noted an increase in responsible gaming messaging. Notably, 66% of all Americans say they have encountered responsible gaming messaging in the past year, up from 56% in 2022.

Familiarity with Responsible Gaming Resources: Awareness of responsible gaming resources has grown, with 76% of Americans familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource, an increase from 65% in 2022. Awareness is particularly high among industry participants, with 92% of land-based players and 96% of sports bettors familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource.

“The gaming industry’s responsibility efforts are stronger than ever, and consumers are noticing,” continued Maloney. “As we embark on another Responsible Gaming Education Month, we’re more energized than ever to continue our work to give consumers the legal, safe and fun gaming experiences that they want and deserve.”

Gambling in the USA

Apache Lonestar Casino Announces Expansion of its facilities

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2024

Niji Narayan

Apache Lonestar Casino, a premier gaming destination in Devol, Oklahoma, announced an expansion of its facilities, set to enhance the gaming and dining experience for its guests. The expansion, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, will add more than 2000 square feet of gaming space and introduce additional seating, family dining and new menu options at the popular Lonestar Bar & Grill.

Expanded Gaming Space
The additional 2000+ square feet of gaming space will allow Apache Lonestar Casino to accommodate more gaming options, further solidifying its position as a top-tier entertainment destination in the greater Wichita Falls area. With the current offering of 611 slot machines, 6 blackjack tables, the expansion will introduce new games including Texas Hold ’em ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.

“Our goal has always been to provide our guests with an exceptional experience. This expansion reflects our commitment to continually improving our offerings and providing more variety and excitement for our guests,” said Kristopher Killsfirst Sr., Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino LLC.

Enhanced Dining at Lonestar Bar & Grill
In addition to the gaming floor expansion, Apache Lonestar Casino is enhancing the dining experience at Lonestar Bar & Grill. The popular restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, will see an increase in seating capacity and family friendly seating. The menu will be expanded to include a wider variety of dishes, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

“The Lonestar Bar & Grill has quickly become a favorite among our guests, and we’re excited to offer even more with this expansion. The additional seating and menu options will ensure that our guests can enjoy a great meal as part of their visit to Apache Lonestar Casino,” said Michael Spell, General Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino.

Gambling in the USA

Detroit Casinos Report $112.5M in August Revenue

Published

4 days ago

September 12, 2024

Niji Narayan

The three Detroit casinos reported $112.5 million in monthly aggregate revenue (AGR) for the month of August 2024, of which $110.8 million was generated from table games and slots, and $1.7 million from retail sports betting.

The August market shares were:

• MGM, 48%
• MotorCity, 28%
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 24%

Monthly Table Games, Slot Revenue, and Taxes

The casinos’ revenue for table games and slots for the month of August 2024 increased 5.9% when compared to the same month last year. August’s monthly revenue was 4.2% higher when compared to the previous month, July 2024. From Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, the Detroit casinos’ table games and slots revenue increased by 0.9% compared to the same period last year.

The casinos’ monthly gaming revenue results all increased compared to August 2023:

• MGM, up 8.9% to $53.86 million
• MotorCity, up 0.1% to $30.76 million
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, up 7.4% to $26.18 million

In August 2024, the three Detroit casinos paid $8.97 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. They paid $8.47 million for the same month last year. The casinos also reported submitting $17.3 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in August.

Monthly Retail Sports Betting Revenue and Taxes

The three Detroit casinos reported $9.61 million in total retail sports betting handle, and total gross receipts were $1.7 million for the month of August. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) were up by $1.4 million in August when compared to August 2023, and up by $2.1 million when compared to July 2024.

August QAGR by casino was:

• MGM: $521,529
• MotorCity: $930,952
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $241,045

During August, the casinos paid $64,015 in gaming taxes to the state and reported submitting $78,241 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit based on their retail sports betting revenue.

Gambling in the USA

State of Colorado Marks One Year of Successful Self-Exclusion List for Responsible Gambling

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that almost 300 people enrolled in the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, ahead of the effort’s one-year anniversary.

The Self-Exclusion Program, which launched in September 2023, is a crucial tool in promoting responsible gaming throughout the state and each signature is a significant step for each person who enrolls.

When people enroll in the Self-Exclusion Program, they voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gaming activities offered under the regulatory purview of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.

“We are encouraged by the positive response to the Self-Exclusion Program in its first year. The fact that 288 Coloradans have signed up demonstrates the importance of offering resources for those who seek to manage their gaming habits,” said Division of Gaming Director Chris Schroder.

This initiative is part of Colorado’s broader efforts to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment. In addition to the Self-Exclusion Program, the Division offers a variety of resources aimed at promoting responsible gaming, including public education campaigns, responsible gaming grants, and access to a 24/7 helpline.

The Self-Exclusion Program is confidential and free of charge, providing individuals with the option to exclude themselves for a period of one year, five years, or even a lifetime. During the exclusion period, participants are barred from entering and gaming at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as they are unable to redeem points, bonuses, comps, or freeplay.