Gambling appears to have found favor with most Americans.
According to a new consumer survey conducted by American Gaming Association, more Americans engaged in legal gaming in 2025 than in past years.
According to a news release, the annual survey highlights “record casino visitation, sustained bipartisan support for sports betting, growing consumer preference for legal options, and increased recognition of the gaming industry’s responsible gaming efforts.”
“These results underscore a sustainable foundation for the American gaming industry, reflecting strong consumer confidence in a state-regulated market as a safe and trusted form of entertainment,” AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said in a statement.
The survey revealed that this past year casino visitation surpassed 50% for the first time, with 134 million visitors to casinos. Nearly three-fourths of Americans believe that having casinos in their state is advantageous as they generate jobs, promote tourism, increase tax revenue, and help other local businesses.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans support legal, regulated sports betting in their state, with broad bipartisan approval. More than three-quarters (78%) of Americans view sports betting as a form of entertainment.
Online gamblers overwhelmingly prefer legal options, with 93% of sports bettors and 90% of igaming consumers stating legality is an important factor when deciding where to play. More than 40% of sports bettors and igaming players, however, have difficulty identifying legal platforms.
In states with legal sports betting, 70% of residents believe the industry is responsible in its marketing and advertising efforts.
“That credibility in advertisements is critical to steering players toward legal options,” the release stated.
Recognition of the gaming industry’s commitment to responsible gaming increased, with 77% of brick-and-mortar casino gamblers saying the industry’s responsible gaming programs are effective, up from 67% in 2018. Nearly nine in 10, or 88% of sports bettors, rate the industry’s responsible gaming programs and initiatives as effective.
“We will continue to build on this momentum by expanding the legal market, strengthening responsibility, and ensuring gaming delivers for players and communities alike,” said Miller.
On behalf of the AGA, market research company Kantar conducted an online survey July 22–August 8 among a nationally representative sample of 2,001 registered voters 21 and older. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups.
