US Gambling Spend Hits the Jackpot With $172 Billion in 2024
Commercial & Tribal Casinos Account for 56% of Total Spend
All Verticals Go
Gambling in the United States reached $172 billion in total wagers across all major verticals during 2024, according to the newest findings from Eilers and Krejcik Gaming. This figure marks a 3.3% rise compared to the previous year and highlights the success of digital bet platforms, brick-and-mortar casinos, and state lotteries.
Although traditional betting casinos still capture a solid portion of gaming revenue, online casinos continue to shine.
The report didn’t include social casinos, online sweepstakes casinos, or skill-based gaming.
Online Casinos Power Record Growth
In 2024, mobile gambling apps experienced a surge of 29%, according to the report. Popular offerings include virtual slots, live dealer blackjack, and various types of online roulette. In the last couple of years, a small number of states have become key beneficiaries of this trend by implementing online gambling regulations.
Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania each logged record iGaming revenues in 2024. Analysts say these moves pave the way for competitors, bigger player pools, and broader gaming revenue.
Sports Betting and iLottery in the Spotlight
Meanwhile, sports wagering remains a prominent feature of the U.S. gambling landscape. Eilers and Krejcik estimate total sports bets surged by 34% year over year.
iLottery also earned attention in the latest data. It posted a 26% revenue boost but represents only a small percentage of the total market.
The New York State Gaming Commission reported a whopping $600,838,016 (!) in online sports betting handle for the week ending Jan. 5, 2025.
It’s a new online sports betting handle record. The Empire State had never broken $600 million in handle in a single week.
— RLinnehanSR (@RLinnehanSR) January 10, 2025
Commercial and Tribal Dominance
However, cash casinos and traditional lottery models still command a majority of the wagering volume.
Commercial and tribal casinos account for 56% of total spend during 2024. The balance of the industry’s reported spending indicates ongoing consumer preference for in-person gambling experiences, although online platforms have become more prevalent.
Another interesting fact is that, excluding sports betting, commercial and tribal casinos account for 61% of gross gaming revenue. This share surpasses their 56% total spend figure.
Lottery activity has maintained strong momentum, representing 22% of operator winnings in 2024. It also accounts for 21% of overall spending when combining online and in-store lottery transactions.
If Florida had a competitive sports betting market there’s no doubt it would be bigger than New York. Even with just Hard Rock (which doesn’t publicly disclose its FL financials), I’m willing to bet it’s already not too far off https://t.co/CV19lFFLVn
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) February 19, 2025
Revenue Records
Two months ago, the American Gaming Association (AGA) shared statistics revealing that commercial gambling revenue climbed to $71.92 billion in 2024, up 7.5% from 2023.
Online casinos played a large role, with their revenue growing by 28.7% for a total of $8.41 billion last year. However, as of February 2025, just seven states have local operators. These are:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
Recently, states like Wyoming and New Hampshire made casino news after folding on gambling regulations to expand iGaming.
However, in Maine lawmakers could join the live dealer tables if proposal LD 1164 is approved. The bill was filed by Representative Ambureen Rana on March 20 and recently received backing from Maine’s four federally recognized tribes, known as the Wabanaki Nations.
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