AGA Reports Growing Popularity of Casinos and Sports Betting Among Americans
Increasing Involvement in Gambling Activities
In July 2025, the American Gaming Association (AGA) released findings that highlight a surge in gambling participation across the United States. Their recent “American Attitudes Toward Gaming 2025” study surveyed over 2,000 registered voters aged 21 and older, revealing new highs in engagement with various forms of gaming.
Unprecedented Participation Rates
According to the study, 57% of adults engaged in gambling activities over the past year, ranging from casino visits to sports betting. About 30% reported visiting a physical casino, while 21% placed bets on sports events. These numbers mark record-breaking participation.
Public opinion towards gambling has also shifted significantly. Nine out of ten Americans now find casino gambling socially acceptable, with 62% personally comfortable with it. Around 134 million adults, which is approximately 53% of the population, visited casinos in the last year either for gambling or entertainment purposes—the highest number documented so far.
Positive Perception and Economic Benefits of Casinos
Casinos are increasingly viewed as innovative venues, with nearly 90% of gamblers recognizing their creativity and good value. Younger generations, in particular, see casinos as modern entertainment hubs.
The industry’s economic impact receives widespread approval. Approximately 77% of Americans agree that gaming positively influences the national economy. Moreover, many acknowledge local advantages provided by casinos, such as new entertainment and dining options (85%), boosted tourism and convention attractions (86%), and the creation of well-paying jobs that benefit the local workforce (82%).
Growing Support for Regulated Sports Betting and Responsible Gaming
Legal sports betting enjoys substantial backing, with 74% favoring regulated sports betting for adults in their states. Awareness of responsible gambling practices is also on the rise. Around 64% of respondents believe the gaming industry is committed to encouraging safe gambling and addressing problem gambling issues, a significant increase from fewer than 40% in 2018.
Among casino patrons and sports bettors specifically, confidence in these efforts is even stronger—77% and 84%, respectively. Additionally, approximately 72% of Americans have encountered messages promoting safe gambling in the past year, up from 56% in 2022.
