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Gambling Industry Sees Record Increases in 2025

Lou Monaco

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Publish Date: Feb 26, 2026

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

AGA announced official 2025 figures, with U.S. generating record $78.72 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR).
The total was a solid 9.2% increase over 2024.
Sports Wagering: $16.96B in revenue (22.8% increase); total handle $166.94B (11% increase).

The gambling industry has never been stronger.

Washington, D.C.-based American Gaming Association (AGA) announced official industry figures for 2025 with the U.S. generating a record-high $78.72 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), a huge 9.2% increase over 2024.

Legalized gaming in the states generated $18.09 billion in gaming tax revenue (15.1% increase from last year), with the majority supporting state/local education, infrastructure, and problem gambling awareness programs.

"For another year, legal commercial gaming in the United States has delivered exceptional results for consumers, operators, and the communities we serve," said Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association in a news release. "These record revenues and tax contributions demonstrate the broad appeal of regulated gaming markets and why strong state oversight remains essential as our industry evolves."

Inside the Numbers

Traditional Gaming: $50.94 billion in revenue (2.3% increase), $11.33 billion in taxes (7.2% increase).

Sports Wagering: $16.96 billion in revenue (22.8% increase); total handle $166.94 billion (11% increase); state-regulated sports books generated $3.71 billion in taxes (32.4% year-over-year).

iGaming: $10.74 billion in revenue (27.6% increase), delivering $2.59 billion in taxes (36.9% increase).

Note: All 38 commercial gaming markets saw annual revenue increases last year.

Prediction markets that offer sports event contracts continue to be the hot button issue, with industry leaders and lawmakers continuing to take a firm stand against. These markets do not have state or tribal regulations, but fall under the auspices of the federally-regulated Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Prediction Markets

Platforms - such as Kalshi and Polymarket - are not subjected to the same consumer protection and responsible gaming standards under state regulators, and do not contribute tax revenue.

The AGA estimates that prediction markets that offer sports event contracts have diverted more than $500 million in potential sports betting tax revenue to date.

"With 2025 marking another record year, the industry's performance reinforces a clear principle," added Miller. "Sports betting belongs under state and tribal regulation. That's how consumers are protected and how communities share in the benefits."

One thing to predict: 2026 should be interesting.

Looking for more news and updates? Head over to our Ballislife Play page.

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