Americans Bet $57.2 Billion on Sports in 2021
- Americans bet $57.2 billion on sports through legal sportsbooks in 2021
- Total sports betting revenue for the U.S. in 2021 was $4.29 billion
- 2021 was the highest grossing year for the U.S. gaming industry ever
The U.S. commercial gaming industry reached $53 billion in revenue for 2021, shattering the previous industry record of $43.65 billion set in 2019 by more than 21%, Bill Miller, CEO and President of the American Gaming Association, said today during a state of the industry address.
Miller today presented the AGA’s 2021 industry report and described an impressive rebound for the U.S. commercial gaming industry from COVID-impacted 2020.
“These results are nothing short of remarkable,” Miller said during the presentation. “The success of 2021 reflects our commitment to health and safety and how Americans have welcomed gaming’s expansion across the country. Today’s industry is effectively meeting customers how and where they want to engage—whether at a casino or through mobile gaming.”
Of 34 active commercial gaming jurisdictions in 2021, 23 set new individual records for full-year commercial revenue, according to a press release the AGA published after Miller’s state of the industry address.
U.S. Sports Betting Balled Out in 2021
U.S. sports betting catapulted into the stratosphere during 2021, generating $57.22 billion in handle and $4.29 billion in revenue, increases of 165% and 177% over 2020 totals. New Jersey remained the top sports betting market in 2021, reporting $815 million in sports betting revenue for the year.
2021 saw the launch of seven new commercial sports betting markets, including the following:
Brick-and-mortar casino gambling saw a resurgence in 2021, Miller also reported. Combined slot and table gaming revenue totaled $44.94 billion, nearly a 7% increase over 2019’s record setting year.
“Despite our record-setting year, gaming’s total recovery is still reliant on the full return of travel and large events, which requires a safe health environment and open economy,” Miller said. “I’m optimistic that we will see continued growth throughout 2022.”
Rob covers all regulatory developments in online gambling. He specializes in US sports betting news along with casino regulation news as one of the most trusted sources in the country.
