WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached $13.6 billion in Q2 2021, marking a new industry record, according to the American Gaming Association's (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. The total bested the previous record—$11.1 billion set in Q3 2019 and matched in Q1 2021—by more than 22 percent.
With nearly $24.8 billion generated to date, 2021 is close to surpassing 2020 full-year revenue ($30 billion) and on track to overtake 2019 ($43.6 billion) as the highest-grossing year ever for commercial gaming revenue.
"These first half results are truly remarkable. It is even more impressive when you consider commercial gaming revenue was at its lowest point ever just a year ago," said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. "This is a testament to our resilience and commitment to providing customers safe environments and world-class entertainment experiences."
At the state level, 22 out of 25 commercial casino states saw quarterly gaming revenue increases in Q2 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2019. The majority (19 of 25) of commercial casino states outperformed their first half of 2019.
While growth in sports betting and iGaming buoyed the gaming industry over the last year, record brick-and-mortar casino revenue—up nearly 10 percent from its previous high in Q3 2019 to $11.8 billion—is now strengthening the industry's record-setting recovery. This is a result of easing capacity and amenity restrictions, coupled with continued consumer demand. While three-quarters of commercial casinos began Q2 capped at 50 percent capacity or less, nearly every commercial casino had returned to full capacity by the end of June.