written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
12 Aug 2022
Journalist, Editorial Department
The recently published report by the American Gaming Association (AGA) highlights new records set by the entertainment industry over the past six months, with particular attention drawn to the overall gross gaming revenue (GGR). This figure reached $14.81 billion (£12.21 billion/€14.39 billion), marking a new high for the sector.
According to the AGA's report on commercial gaming revenue, GGR in the second quarter increased by 8.8% compared to the same period last year. This figure also surpassed the previous record set at the end of 2021 by 3.3%.
Revenue growth was observed in approximately 22 out of 31 commercial gaming jurisdictions. Notably, nine states—Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—reported record-breaking figures.
Land-based slot machines continue to be the primary source of income for operators in the U.S., with GGR from this segment reaching $8.70 billion, a 0.2% increase from the previous year. This also represents a new quarterly record. The AGA noted that any lingering effects of COVID-19-related measures on the gaming industry appear to have diminished.
Additionally, GGR from online gaming operations surged by 34.3%, hitting a record high of $1.21 billion. The AGA attributed this growth to the introduction of six new legal markets since the second quarter of last year.
Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, commented, "The results from the second quarter reflect a 16-month period of growth in the commercial gaming sector. The figures from the first half of 2022 demonstrate sustained consumer demand for legal operators, as well as record popularity for various forms of gaming entertainment."
The AGA's report on commercial gaming revenue for the second quarter was released following the Indian National Gaming Commission's announcement of a record revenue of $39.00 billion in 2021.
In related news, Pragmatic Play is strengthening its presence in Brazil through a partnership with BNR Bet.
