The American Gaming Association released its annual consumer survey yesterday showing casino visitation crossed 50% for the first time ever. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller called the results proof of “strong consumer confidence in a state-regulated market as a safe and trusted form of entertainment.”
The survey tracks casino visits, sports betting support, and how well the industry’s responsible gaming efforts work.
Why These Numbers Matter for Gaming’s Future
Support for legal sports betting sits at 74% nationwide. But there’s a problem.
While 90% of online casino players check if platforms are legal, 40% still can’t tell licensed sites from illegal ones. That gap creates risk for players who think they’re using legal platforms when they aren’t.
The survey found 78% of Americans now see sports betting as entertainment rather than something else. And 93% of sports bettors actually check if a platform is legal before placing their first bet.
What the Survey Found About Player Behaviour
In states where sports betting operates legally, 70% of residents think the industry handles marketing responsibly. The AGA views this as “critical” because it helps players find legal options instead of offshore sites.
Land-based casinos saw their responsible gaming programs rated effective by 77% of players. That’s up from just 67% when the AGA asked the same question back in 2018.
Sports bettors gave even higher marks. 88% agreed that responsible gaming messages help them avoid dangerous betting habits.
How This Shapes Industry Direction
Miller said the AGA will “continue to build on this momentum by expanding the legal market, strengthening responsibility and ensuring gaming delivers for players and communities alike.”
The survey shows Americans increasingly prefer regulated options. They’re checking legal status before betting. They’re responding well to responsible gaming programs.
But that 40% who can’t identify licensed platforms remains a concern. It suggests education efforts need to improve even as the legal market grows.
The jump in responsible gaming effectiveness ratings, from 67% to 77% over seven years, shows casino programs are working better than before. Players notice when operators take responsibility seriously.
Sports betting’s 88% approval rating for responsible gaming messaging suggests the newer industry learned from casino best practices. Getting those messages right from the start paid off.
The first-ever 50% visitation rate caps off what the AGA sees as sustained industry growth. Not just more players, but more informed players who actively seek legal, regulated options.
