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(AsiaGameHub) –   Despite global geopolitical concerns, the US gaming sector continues to experience strong growth.

In its latest State of the States 2026: The AGA Survey of the Commercial Casino Industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) reported another year of record-setting revenues for the industry, with total income reaching an all-time high of $78.6 billion in 2025, marking a 9.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Industry Maintains Strong Performance Amid Rising Uncertainty 

The industry contributed $17.9 billion in tax revenue to state and local governments, while supporting 1.8 million jobs nationwide, solidifying its position as one of the largest economic sectors in the United States. 

The survey covers the 38 states and jurisdictions operating commercial casino gaming or sports betting—or both. In response to these findings, AGA president and CEO Bill Miller commented:

“These results are particularly significant given the economic instability that defined much of 2025. They demonstrate the lasting appeal of legal, regulated gaming as entertainment and reflect the resilience of the American gaming model we’ve developed together over decades.”

AGA president and CEO Bill Miller

These remarks followed closely behind the trade group’s release of its annual industry outlook report, in which gaming executives expressed cautious optimism about the future. While they acknowledged challenges such as inflationary wage pressures, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and evolving regulatory landscapes, their overall sentiment remained positive.

“Through collaboration with state and tribal regulators, attorneys general, and law enforcement agencies, we successfully halted the expansion of sweepstakes casinos and pushed them out of numerous key markets,” Miller said in reference to the latest survey results.

The organization’s leader did not use the occasion to reiterate AGA’s opposition to the rapidly growing prediction markets sector, despite prior warnings about its potential impact on traditional gaming operations.

AGA Intensifies Criticism of Prediction Markets

He described the issue as a critical battle central to the integrity of the American gaming system, arguing that the prediction market industry lacks sufficient consumer safeguards and responsible gambling measures to ensure player protection.

“We mobilized stakeholders across the industry and allied partners to confront the escalating threat posed by prediction markets offering sports betting outside the framework of established state and tribal gaming regulations,” he added.

However, not all gaming companies share this stance. DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel have all terminated their affiliations with the AGA due to its aggressive approach toward the prediction markets. These firms—alongside others—are actively pursuing growth in the sector, viewing it as an inevitable evolution in the industry’s future.

Miller’s skepticism has extended beyond policy debates; most recently, he publicly mocked the head of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), referring to him as “a joke.”