Most Americans view gambling favorably as participation hits record high, AGA report shows

A record share of Americans participated in gambling over the past year, with broad majorities viewing the activity as socially acceptable and economically beneficial, according to new research from the American Gaming Association (AGA).

The American Attitudes Toward Gaming 2025 survey found that 57% of U.S. adults engaged in some form of gambling in the past 12 months - the highest level ever recorded. Roughly 30% gambled at a physical casino, while 21% placed a sports bet.

Public acceptance of gambling has also reached new highs, with nine in ten Americans saying casino gambling is acceptable for themselves or others, and 62% finding it personally acceptable. Casino visitation hit a record, with 134 million adults (53%) visiting a casino for gambling or entertainment.

More Americans than ever are engaging with gaming-related entertainment, and that exposure is driving greater recognition of the industry’s positive economic and social impact, according to AGA research.

Nearly 89% of casino visitors described casino gaming as innovative, while 90% said it offers good value for money compared with other entertainment options. The association said this perception continues to attract a younger generation of casino visitors whose average age remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The survey shows widespread agreement that gaming contributes positively to the economy. 77% of Americans said the industry has a positive national impact, while large majorities credited casinos with boosting tourism, job creation, and local investment.

Among respondents:

•  85% said casinos bring new dining and entertainment options to underserved regions.
•  86% agreed that casinos attract tourism and conventions.
•  82% said gaming creates good-paying, non-outsourcable jobs in the U.S.

Support for legal sports wagering remains strong, with 74% of Americans - across political lines - favoring regulated sports betting for adults in their state.

The study was conducted by Kantar on behalf of the American Gaming Association. An online survey was held from July 22 to August 8, 2025, among a nationally representative sample of 2,001 registered voters aged 21 and over

The AGA report indicates growing public trust in the industry’s responsible gaming practices. 64% of Americans believe operators are committed to promoting safe play and combating problem gambling, up from less than 40% in 2018.

Among those who gamble, 77% of casino players and 84% of sports bettors say the industry acts responsibly.

Americans are increasingly aware of the gaming industry’s commitment to responsible play, from safer gaming tools to clearer marketing practices, the association noted.

Public exposure to responsible gaming messaging has also risen sharply, with 72% of adults saying they’ve encountered such information in the past year - up from 56% in 2022. Analysts cited New Jersey’s move to mandatory responsible gaming standards as a milestone in strengthening consumer protection.

The AGA commissioned Kantar to conduct the online survey from July 22 to August 8, 2025, among 2,001 registered voters aged 21 and over. The poll carries a margin of error of ±2 percentage points.