The American gambling industry is undergoing a profound transformation. In 2024, the United States achieved a new milestone with $71.92 billion in commercial gaming revenue, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking performance and a 7.5% increase over 2023’s $66.5 billion. With both land-based casinos and online platforms thriving, the data reveals an evolving marketplace defined by digital innovation, mobile engagement, and a growing interest among younger generations. This shift is also reflected in state-driven initiatives like GA lottery promotions, which are increasingly leveraging mobile channels to reach new audiences and boost participation.
Let’s take a deep dive into the factors behind this historic growth, and what lies ahead for the U.S. gambling industry.
A Two-Speed Engine: Land-Based Strength and Online Acceleration
While much of the conversation around gambling today focuses on digital platforms, traditional casino gaming still makes up the majority of U.S. gambling income. In 2024, brick-and-mortar casinos contributed roughly $49.78 billion, or 69% of total commercial revenue.
Slot machines continued to be the dominant attraction in physical casinos, accounting for $36.06 billion and posting a modest 1.6% increase over the prior year. Table games, however, saw a slight dip in revenue, falling by 1.7% to $10.14 billion.
Despite the online surge, in-person gambling remains the economic backbone of the industry, responsible for 85% of gross gaming revenue in 2024. This underscores the enduring appeal of real-world casino experiences, especially in entertainment hubs like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Sports Betting Soars: $13.71 Billion in Revenue and 95% Online
Sports betting emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors, generating a record $13.71 billion in revenue —a 25.4% jump from 2023. Consumers wagered nearly $148 billion, and an astonishing 95% of those bets were placed online.
The final quarter of 2024 was particularly explosive, pulling in $3.66 billion, the highest quarterly earnings ever recorded in the U.S. sports betting market. States like New Jersey and Illinois surpassed the $1 billion annual revenue mark for the first time, highlighting just how mature and lucrative these markets have become.
What’s driving this growth? Convenience, mobile access, and a broadening legal framework. As of the end of 2024, 38 states plus Washington, D.C. had legalized sports betting, with North Carolina and Vermont joining the ranks during the year and Missouri preparing to follow suit.
Online Casinos (iGaming) Take Off
While sports betting grabs headlines, online casino gaming (iGaming) is another powerhouse. In just seven states with fully legalized iGaming, revenue reached $8.41 billion—a 28.7% year-over-year increase. This surge reflects both player interest and operational investment in digital infrastructure.
Altogether, online gambling—which includes online casinos, sports betting, and poker—accounted for $21.54 billion, representing 30% of all U.S. commercial gaming revenue. This is an astonishing figure considering how limited the availability of full-scale online casino regulation is compared to retail casinos or even online sportsbooks.
Notably, online gaming now generates the majority of commercial revenue in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, showcasing the financial potential of digital-first gaming markets.
Younger Generations are Redefining the Industry
One of the most significant shifts in the 2024 gambling landscape is the growing influence of Millennials and Gen Z. These demographics are not only more tech-savvy but also far more likely to engage with digital products than their older counterparts.
Data shows that mobile betting and online gambling platforms saw the steepest growth trajectories:
- Online sports betting grew 34%
- Online casinos and poker grew 29%
- Online lottery participation increased by 26%
This trend is shaping everything from user interface design to marketing strategies, with operators focusing more on gamification, social features, and app-based loyalty programs to retain younger players.
National Gambling Participation on the Rise
Beyond revenue, engagement across the U.S. population is growing steadily. In 2024, 55% of U.S. adults reported gambling participation, up from 49% in the previous year. This reflects not only increased accessibility due to mobile platforms and legal markets but also broader cultural acceptance of gambling as mainstream entertainment.
Whether it’s casual bets on a football game, spinning slots on a phone app, or attending a weekend at the casino, Americans are showing a sustained appetite for wagering in various forms.
Expanding Legalization: A Gateway to More Growth
Legal momentum is a critical factor behind the industry’s explosive performance. As more states legalize and regulate different forms of gambling—particularly sports betting and iGaming—the addressable market continues to expand.
2024 saw important market launches in North Carolina and Vermont, while Missouri is on track for approval. These new markets not only increase revenue potential but also reduce the share of unregulated or offshore activity, steering consumers toward safer, taxed platforms.
This expansion aligns with growing tax incentives for states, many of which are now heavily reliant on gambling revenue to support public budgets.
Key Takeaways: What 2024 Taught Us About U.S. Gambling
- Record Revenue: $71.92 billion in commercial gaming revenue marked the fourth straight record year.
- Digital Power: Online gambling now accounts for nearly one-third of all commercial revenue, despite being fully legalized in only a few states.
- Sports Betting Boom: $13.71 billion in revenue and nearly $148 billion in wagers, largely driven by mobile platforms.
- Casino Stability: Traditional casinos remain the industry’s core, generating nearly $50 billion in revenue.
- Youth Movement: Gen Z and Millennials are rapidly becoming the dominant gambling demographic.
- Wider Access: With 38 states now supporting legal sports betting, the legal landscape continues to widen.
The U.S. gambling market in 2024 wasn’t just about record numbers—it was about transformation. Digital platforms are no longer a fringe component but a central force driving growth, innovation, and accessibility. At the same time, traditional casino gaming remains deeply rooted in American culture and continues to deliver strong returns.
Looking ahead, the industry’s future seems bright, especially as more states embrace legalization and more consumers move online. For operators, regulators, and players alike, 2025 may be the year when online and offline finally find balance in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
