Nine Astonishing Facts About the Gambling Industry in the USA

Gambling is a pastime enjoyed by billions around the globe. In the US, it arrived with the first settlers, with Farro, Poker’s predecessor gaining massive ground across the country in the early days of the Wild West period. However, by the time the 20th century rolled around, gambling in the United States became a highly restricted because of pressure from various religious groups throughout the nation. That has slowly changed in the past three decades, as multiple US territories have followed the example set by gaming/betting-friendly states such as Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Noticing how much they could dramatically profit from allowing this hobby to residents. Today, gross gaming revenues in the US have reached almost $53 billion annually, with the sports betting sphere adding an additional $76 billion in 2021. Those numbers show how much of an upswing wagering on games of chance, skill, and sports are experiencing in Earth’s most developed economy. Below, we complement these figures with nine more facts that few laypeople know about this sector in the United States.

WinStar World Is the World’s Largest Casino

While the answer to the question - What is the most famous casino in America is up for debate. The mystery regarding the most massive gaming establishment in the US and the world is easily discoverable with a simple Google search. That honor falls on the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. It is a tribal casino and hotel that boasts a 370,000 square feet (34,000 m2) gambling floor, which attained this size following a 2009 expansion.

Pennsylvania Pulls in More Casino Revenues Than New Jersey

Despite the popular belief that Jersey is the second most-visited gambling destination in the US, it does not come right behind the Battle Born State concerning casino revenues. Pennsylvania usually outshines it by a slight margin. In 2021, the difference stood at only $103 million, but it was enough to hold the Garden State from claiming the number two casino revenue spot in the nation.

There Are Over Five Hundred Tribal Venues

Native American gaming became a reality in the US via the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. In 2011, twenty-three years after its passing into law, four hundred and sixty tribal venues operated on reservations in the US, run by two hundred and forty tribes. Nowadays, the active number is five hundred and fifteen such properties.

Close to 900,000 Slots Occupy US Casinos

Many believe the most reliable American casinos are well-known locales in gambling hot spots. However, the reality is that every licensed commercial and Native American property must pay out wins or face dramatic legal consequences. The primary difference between these two groups of venues is that tribal ones may only feature video lottery terminals (Class II gaming) and not offer slots and table games. The tribal spots with Class III gaming and all other commercial US casinos are home to around nine hundred thousand reel spinners.

Nevada Has 433 Casinos

Going by the latest count from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the state of Nevada houses four hundred and thirty-three casinos singapore online casino. That is a substantial increase from the three hundred and thirty-four that were up and running in 2017. This jump ranks as one of the more interesting facts about casinos in the US in general.

Online Sports Betting Became Legal in 2018

That happened following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that maintained a federal ban on sports betting in the country.

Two States Prohibit All Forms of Gambling

Only two US regions forbid all forms of betting, including lotteries. Those are Utah and Hawaii. The chief reason why these two states have taken such a firm stance against this pastime is that religion and strong family values are super prevalent in them.

California Allows Poker, But No Table Games

The California Gambling Gaming Association states that seventy-two card rooms are currently operating in the Golden State, with poker getting regulated here for over one hundred and fifty years. That said, table games, Class III gaming, is not allowed within California’s borders at commercial spots.

Only Six US States Permit Internet Casino Games

These are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Delaware, and Connecticut. The latter was the last group of six to allow this entertainment form. It did so in 2021.

To Sum Up

Without argument, the United States is one of the most developed gambling markets. So, it should be no surprise that its industry can rattle various bits of curious trivia. A few more not discussed above that should interest most Americans are: what two states have the most casinos? Nevada and Oklahoma. And What is the oldest casino in the United States? The Golden Gate in Vegas. For more gambling news and reviews, visit OUSC.