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AGA: Two Thirds of Americans View the Gaming Sector Positively
By Jeff Osienya Sep 21, 2021 IndustryA new research by the American Gaming Association has disclosed that the American population is continuously seeing the gaming industry more positively. Join us today as we dive deep into the research findings.A new research study by the American Gaming Association (AGA), the USA’s gambling industry trade body, indicates that more Americans view gaming in a favorable light. According to the survey dubbed American Attitudes on Casino Gaming 2021, a larger share of the American population appreciates the positive impact of the gaming sector.
From the survey, 65% or about two-thirds of Americans agreed that gaming benefits the country’s economy. Once again, nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults in the USA say that the gaming sector offers high-quality employment, 11% more than the 53% who had the same opinion in 2019. Additionally, 77% or almost 8 in 10 Americans consider gaming a developing industry, a 4% opinion uptick from 73% in 2019.
Rapid Industry Growth Continues Despite Pandemic Shortfall
Since the US Supreme Court repealed the PASPA in 2018 to give the states the freedom to regulate gaming as they saw fit, the industry has been expanding at lightning-fast speed. As of now, casino gaming is allowed by law in 44 states, with four states legalizing the activity in the last five years.
Meanwhile, sports betting is legal in 33 US jurisdictions (32 states and Washington DC). Before the PASPA repeal, Nevada was the only jurisdiction that legally offered a full slate of sports wagering. And for iGaming, the activity is legal in six states so far.
Thanks to the swift industry expansion, the USA commercial gaming industry produced a total of $4.83 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in July 2021. This the largest monthly haul in the history of the industry to date. With such superb momentum, the sector is projected to best the annual revenue record high set in 2019, before the Coronavirus pandemic turned the industry upside down. Despite the pandemic devastation in 2020, the industry has sprung back to life this year, to incredible heights, well beyond its former glory.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller shared a few words about the industry’s recovery after the publication of the research findings saying:
Quote“We are a committed, responsible partner and economic driver in communities across the country. Because of this, we’ve risen from the most devastating period in our history and embarked on a record-setting comeback.”
More Key Stats from the American Attitudes on Casino Gaming 2021 Survey
As more states continue to usher in regulated markets, Americans are also increasingly accepting the good that gaming is bringing in their local jurisdictions. AGA’s survey also showed that 87% or about 9 in 10 Americans consider gambling a form of entertainment acceptable on a personal level and for others. Additionally, 73% or nearly 3 out of 4 Americans support regulated sports betting in their states of residence.
Further, the American population is also increasingly seeing gaming as a positive contributor to local communities beyond just the economic benefits. As an industry, Americans believe that the activity is welcoming to all citizens irrespective of their backgrounds. On these considerations, here’s a quick summary of findings from the American Attitudes on Casino Gaming 2021 survey:
- 78% (8 in 10) of Americans agree that the gaming industry workforce comprises diverse staffers.
- 77% (8 in 10) of the American population think that the sector serves a diverse range of consumers.
- 75% (3 in 4) believe that the sector offers equal employment opportunities irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.
- 67% (7 in 10) think that the industry acts with responsibilities in the local communities where it has a presence.
- 57% (6 in 10) say that the gaming sector gives back to the local community where it has operations.
Americans Understand the Industry’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling
When it comes to fostering responsible gaming, the American population at large believes that the industry is dedicated to safer gambling. Compared to 2018, AGA’s survey indicates that 40% more Americans agree that the gaming sector is showing acceptable commitment to promoting responsible gaming.
Moreover, 78% or more than three-quarters of Americans who have gambled in the past year are aware of at least one resource for responsible gaming. Additionally, 43% of past-year gamblers know of text and phone helplines, whereas 33% of the said demographic are aware of telehealth or counseling.
Besides, Americans also consider gaming sector employees as some of the most effective tools for encouraging responsible gaming among consumers. Again, more than three-quarters (77%) of Americans who have gambled in the past year think that training staffers plus wager, deposit, and time limits are effective policies for gaming responsibly.
The release of AGA’s survey coincides with the Responsible Gambling Education Week (RGEW) launch from September 19th to 25th. The RGEW is a period when all gaming industry stakeholders come together to promote education for responsible gambling and showcase how the industry is committed to encouraging its consumers to gamble responsibly.
Some of the highlights of the RGEW include AGA’s public service campaign branded Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™. The Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering launched in September 2020 is also an integral component of the RGEW.
As part of his briefing, Miller added that:
Quote“Responsible Gaming Education Week provides an opportunity to highlight the tremendous work our members and industry do every day to invest in responsible gaming education. As legal gaming expands to new geographies and verticals, everyone engaged with legal gaming must work together to grow responsibly—our collective success depends on it.”
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