The gaming industry began 2025 with strong domestic momentum, particularly in the rapidly expanding iGaming and sports betting segments. International performance, however, remained mixed depending on the region.
In the United States, total gaming revenue reached $18.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 5.7 percent year-over-year increase. Sports betting generated $3.9 billion in revenue, up 13.6 percent from the same period in 2024, while iGaming grew an impressive 27.3 percent to reach $2.5 billion. These digital segments combined to represent 33.9 percent of industrywide revenue – marking the highest share ever recorded. In contrast, traditional gaming products posted more modest results, with slot revenue rising to $9.0 billion (a 1.8 percent increase), while table game revenue declined by 2.9 percent to $2.5 billion.
Of the 37 states with commercial gaming operations, 33 reported year-over-year revenue growth during the first quarter, and 12 of those achieved new quarterly revenue records. These gains occurred despite a noticeable decline in consumer sentiment. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell from 71.7 in January to 50.8 in May, indicating persistent economic uncertainty. Future data will help determine whether this negative consumer outlook ultimately affects gaming activity.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY BRIAN R. GORDON IN THE SUMMER 2025 EDITION OF GAMING & LEISURE MAGAZINE.