Public approval and engagement with gaming reach new peaks as industry earns credit for economic growth and responsible practices.
More Americans are gambling than ever before, and public approval of the industry has reached record levels, according to a new report from the American Gaming Association (AGA).
The AGA's American Attitudes Toward Gaming 2025 survey found that 57% of U.S. adults gambled in the past year - the highest participation rate ever recorded. About 30% visited a casino in person, while 21% placed a sports bet.
Public acceptance of gambling has surged alongside this growth. Nearly nine in ten Americans now say casino gambling is acceptable for themselves or others, and 62% consider it personally acceptable. Casino visitation also hit an all-time high, with 134 million adults (53%) visiting casinos for gaming or entertainment purposes.
"More Americans than ever are engaging with gaming, and that exposure is deepening recognition of the industry's positive economic and social impact," the AGA said in its report.
Among casino visitors, 89% described gaming as innovative, and 90% said it offers good value compared with other forms of entertainment. The report also noted that casinos continue to attract younger audiences, with the average visitor's age remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
Growing Economic Confidence
Americans increasingly view gaming as a key contributor to the economy. 77% of respondents said the industry has a positive impact nationwide, while large majorities credited casinos with driving tourism, job creation, and community investment.
- 85% said casinos bring new dining and entertainment options to underserved areas.
- 86% agreed casinos help attract tourism and conventions.
- 82% believe gaming creates good-paying, non-outsourceable U.S. jobs.
Support for legal sports betting remains strong, with 74% of Americans, across political affiliations, favoring regulated wagering for adults in their state.
Responsible Gaming Awareness on the Rise
Public trust in the industry's responsible gaming efforts has also grown. 64% of Americans now believe gaming operators are committed to promoting safe play and addressing problem gambling, up from less than 40% in 2018. Among active gamblers, 77% of casino players and 84% of sports bettors said the industry behaves responsibly.
Awareness campaigns appear to be paying off. 72% of adults reported seeing responsible gaming messages in the past year - a sharp rise from 56% in 2022. The AGA highlighted New Jersey's adoption of mandatory responsible gaming standards as a key milestone in strengthening consumer protection.
Methodology
The AGA commissioned research firm Kantar to conduct an online survey between July 22 and August 8, 2025, polling 2,001 registered voters aged 21 and older. The results carry a margin of error of ±2 percentage points.
Source:
www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/11/03/116131-most-americans-view-gambling-favorably-as-participation-hits-record-high-aga-report-shows
