Gaming revenues rose a modest three per cent in the US in 2011, new figures from the American Gaming Association show.
In its latest State of the States report, the AGA found that commercial casinos recorded gross gaming revenue of $35.64bn last year. However, some jurisdictions experienced revenue increases far above the national average, with the opening of a new property in Maryland ensuring the state collected four times as much gaming revenue as the previous year.
In Pennsylvania, meanwhile, casinos reported a 21 per cent increase in revenue compared with the previous year. Nevada, which was the hardest hit by the recession, continued its recovery with a 2.9 per cent increase in earnings. The state also reported more than a million more visitors than in 2010.
“These positive 2011 economic figures are welcome news to our industry, our employees and the communities where we operate,” said Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the AGA. “While the recovery is ongoing and the commercial casino industry is not monolithic, the data paints an optimistic picture.”
The commercial casino industry remains a key economic driver, employing more than 339,000 people who earned $12.9bn in wages, tips and benefits. The casino also contributed $7.93bn in tax revenues – 4.5 per cent more than in 2010.
