American Gaming Association releases new study on industry's economic impact

The report, commissioned by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and conducted by Oxford Economics, is the first comprehensive study on the gaming industry’s national economic impact since 2014. 

According to Oxford Economics’ 2018 study, there was a 9.5 percent increase in economic output, and the industry now supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide.

The main findings about the industry were as follows:

• It contributes $261 billion to the U.S. economy, a 9.5 percent increase since 2014;
  
  
• It supports nearly 1.8 million jobs, up from 1.7 million jobs in 2014; and
  
  
• It generates $40.8 billion in tax revenues to federal, state and local governments.

"Gaming companies across the country are enabling long-lasting careers for their employees and making a huge impact on their communities through innovative partnerships with local nonprofits, volunteerism and the generation of revenue that supports critical services. The industry’s tax revenue alone provides enough funding to hire 692,000 new teachers," said Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs for the American Gaming Association. “Since our last study in 2014, casino gaming has expanded into new markets, offered innovative new entertainment options and enhanced its position as a key contributor to local, state and federal economies."

The research was commissioned by AGA and conducted by Oxford Economics.