49% of Americans have engaged in gambling over the past year

The American Gaming Association (AGA) released the results of a study this week that highlights the growing perception of the gambling industry in the United States. Over the past twelve months, American engagement in gambling activities has reached an all-time high.
Conducted by Kantar on behalf of the AGA from August 11 to 18, 2023, the online survey included 2,002 U.S. residents aged 21 and older. The findings revealed that 49% of Americans participated in some form of gambling in the past year. Specifically, 26% of respondents played slot machines, while 20% placed sports bets. Additionally, 102 million adult Americans, or 41% of the population, visited casinos for gaming or entertainment purposes in the last year, a significant increase from just 28% in 2021.
When compared to other entertainment options, Americans view gambling as innovative (87%) and beneficial (83%). The average age of casino visitors has been declining for four consecutive years, dropping from 49.6 years in 2019 to 42 years in 2023.
The level of public engagement with the gambling industry has remained exceptionally high over the past decade, with nearly 9 out of 10 Americans (88%) considering gambling entertainment acceptable for themselves or others.
Almost three-quarters (71%) of Americans believe that the gambling industry has a positive impact on the overall U.S. economy. Furthermore, 83% of respondents feel that casinos contribute to tourism development, particularly in areas that would otherwise struggle to attract visitors.
Seventy-nine percent of Americans note that the gambling sector generates investments and jobs in the U.S., with 77% describing the available positions in the industry as well-paying.
Overall, Americans identify job creation as the primary benefit of the gambling industry (73%), while 61% and 57% cite increased tourism appeal and the taxes paid by casinos, respectively, as additional advantages.
In summary, the AGA study confirms the positive contribution of the gambling industry to the U.S. economy.