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Good news for the US casino industry as figures show gambling revenues across the board have increased the most this past year since the start of the recession in 1998.
4.8 percent more gamblers hit the slots and blackjack tables in 2012 while consumer spending at casinos grew to $37.3 billion, just slightly below the industry’s 2007 record high of $37.5 billion, according to figures released by the American Gaming Association on Monday.
Some have attributed the rise in revenue to the opening of new casinos in markets that include the New York City area, Kansas and Ohio, however, revenues decreased where new casinos opened in both New Jersey and Delaware.
“After three years of increasing growth and positive signs in all sectors of the industry, it’s clear that we have weathered the recession,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO of AGA, in a statement.“Whether we look at jobs, casino visitors served or tax revenues being provided, the bottom line is that there is much to be optimistic about in the commercial casino industry.”
Fifteen of the 22 states that had commercial casinos in 2011 witnessed increases, according to Monday’s figures. Kansas saw the largest boost at 603.7%, followed by Maryland and Maine with a respective 142.6% and 66.9% surge.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
