Stable Visitation at U.S. Casinos Observed in June, according to Report
The US commercial casino industry is currently experiencing strong growth, with total commercial gaming revenue through May 2025 reaching $31.89 billion, a 7.1% increase year-over-year. This growth is largely attributed to expanding retail sports betting, online gaming sectors, and broad market expansion in multiple states.
Industry analyst David Katz would likely highlight the doubling of retail sports betting revenue and the 33% growth in iGaming as key contributors to this growth.
In specific markets, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts continue to be strong contributors to the commercial casino sector. Pennsylvania maintains a robust casino market, while Massachusetts grows due to newer casino developments and expanded sports betting options. Atlantic City in New Jersey also benefits from tourism-fueled casino visitation increases, a key driver as tourism volumes have risen sharply post-pandemic.
Other important regional markets, such as Illinois, Ohio, Detroit (Michigan), Kentucky, and Colorado, have seen growing revenues contributing to the overall sector growth. For example, Detroit's casinos in Michigan are part of this positive trend in land-based gaming revenue growth.
However, Maryland presents a slightly different picture, with casino revenues dipping by 0.9% year-over-year in January 2025. Despite this, MGM National Harbor showed revenue growth, and state contributions from casinos slightly increased, supporting local education funds and industries.
Three prominent operators benefiting from these industry trends are Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, and Churchill Downs. They have expanded their presence in sports betting, iGaming, and traditional casinos. Boyd Gaming and Caesars, with large footprints in key markets including Atlantic City and emerging states, align well with market growth, while Churchill Downs benefits from both casino operations and associated racing revenues.
The positive performance of the US commercial casino industry is supported by robust land-based gaming, doubling of retail sports betting revenue, strong online gaming expansion, broad geographic growth, and tourism recovery in key casino markets. This suggests resilience despite isolated downturns and intense competition, highlighting the importance of omni-channel gaming strategies for operators such as Boyd Gaming, Caesars, and Churchill Downs.
References:
[1] American Gaming Association. (2025). May 2025 Commercial Gaming Revenue Reaches Record $6.73 Billion. Retrieved from https://www.americangaming.org/news/may-2025-commercial-gaming-revenue-reaches-record-6-73-billion/
[2] Maryland Lottery and Gaming. (2025). Maryland Casinos Post Record Revenue in May 2025. Retrieved from https://news.maryland.gov/mlg/2025/06/23/maryland-casinos-post-record-revenue-in-may-2025/
[3] American Gaming Association. (2025). AGA Releases Year-to-Date Commercial Gaming Revenue Data for May 2025. Retrieved from https://www.americangaming.org/news/aga-releases-year-to-date-commercial-gaming-revenue-data-for-may-2025/
Analyst David Katz may emphasize the doubling of retail sports betting revenue and the 33% growth in iGaming as crucial factors fueling the US commercial casino industry's growth. On the other hand, the revenue in Maryland's casinos slightly decreased, but MGM National Harbor experienced an increase, supporting local education funds and industries.
