The US gaming industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually. According to data from the American Gaming Association (AGA), total gross gaming revenue from all US state casinos was about $67 billion in 2023. Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Michigan are the top players in this set, with the highest casino earnings. The difference between them is enormous, as Nevada alone brought more than $15 billion GGR during 2023. Why do these states make so much money from their casinos? Let’s look at a few factors that contribute to this success.

Early Legalization Created a Stronghold in Nevada

Ever since gambling was legalized in 1931, Nevada has been at the forefront of the American casino industry. Being the first state to allow casino gaming gave it an edge over other regions that later expanded legal gambling.

Throughout the 20th century, the Las Vegas Strip transformed into a gambling mecca. Nevada casinos built luxurious integrated casino resorts featuring hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and gaming floors full of slot machines and tabletop games.

The years have only solidified Nevada’s position as number one with nearly a quarter share (24%) for 2023 alone, bringing around $16 billion out of total US GGRs ($67 billion). Until now, no state can beat the famous Vegas Strip — the world’s number one gambling destination.

Online Betting & Daily Fantasy Sports Boosted Revenue in Top States

Although other states have been catching up, Nevada still leads overall. In recent years, online sports betting, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and other products like boasting the “best online poker site” and other casino options have proliferated in states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan, leading to increased revenues.

These states were among the first to legalize online betting and the retail casino industry, resulting in much higher gaming revenue. For instance, New Jersey earned over $5.7 billion through casinos during 2023 — that’s 19% more than the previous year. Pennsylvania hit $5.8 billion, representing an impressive 24% per annum growth rate.

Although not densely populated, Nevada thrives on tourism. Gaming alone lured more than 160 million visitors to Las Vegas over the last four years. In addition, New York received high casino revenue from its largely populated region, plus a steady flow of domestic and international tourists.

However, Michigan raked in over $3.5 billion from casinos despite having only about 10 million residents. It also relies heavily on tourism, as people come from neighboring Midwestern states and Canada for regional gambling getaways.

The Future Looks Good for Current Casino Leaders

The future seems bright for top US casino states. As online gambling expands across the country, those states that have already embraced it will be at an advantage over others trying to catch up.

However, more states are now legalizing gambling, along with online and mobile betting, which creates more avenues for potential revenue. If some states oversaturate their markets, this could easily lead to an influx of casinos.

Nevertheless, leaders like Nevada and New Jersey should still come out on top despite losing their positions as new challengers emerge. They possess what can only be described as critical mass — in terms of population size and expertise in operating gaming facilities within their jurisdictions. However, they must stay ahead through shrewd marketing tactics and continual product innovation.

Convenience Offered by Online Gambling on Trustworthy Sites

For anyone interested in playing casino games online, regulated sites provide convenient avenues without fear of being defrauded or swindled by unscrupulous operators. Regulated sites have been in the business for many years, meaning they have had ample time to learn what works and what doesn’t, especially regarding user interface design. 

This transition is paramount for top brands, which are transitioning from brick-and-mortar establishments to an online platform where players may access various titles such as poker, blackjack, and slots, either on the go or using a personal computer at home.

Outlook for Top Casino States

While Nevada and a select group of states with mature commercial casino industries are likely to maintain their leading positions in generating total casino gaming revenues in the foreseeable future, there are no guarantees of sustained dominance. Complacency could significantly erode market share and profits in this highly competitive market, so continuous reinvestment and upgrading of the overall integrated resort experience will be pivotal to attracting spend from existing patrons as well as gaining wallet share from new audiences. At the same time, new entrants to the market through expanded gaming present a threat. These fresh faces will vie for launch traction by capitalizing on industry growth opportunities and differentiated offerings, and established casino regions must creatively engage customers and strengthen the brand appeal to maintain high visitation levels.