2013 Aga Survey of Casono Entertainment

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he American Gaming Association (AGA) is proud to present the 2013 edition of State of the States: The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment. As you sit down to review this report, I hope you’ll agree with me that the commercial casino industry is back. 2012 marks three consecutive years of increasing growth rates for gross gaming revenue. In fact, revenue figures were the second-highest in history, which is excellent news for all of those involved in the U.S. gaming industry. As the following pages show, by almost all measures, our industry is expanding and growing, which is good for our employees and the communities where they live and work. Just as it has for the previous 14 years, this year’s State of the States report gives readers a comprehensive look at the commercial casino industry. The core of the report is made up of national and state-by-state economic impact data, including gaming revenues, direct gaming tax contributions, employment and wages for the 23 commercial casino states. Once again, we partnered with the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) to also present the economic impact of the important — and growing — gaming equipment manufacturing sector. While the bulk of the report is focused on economic impact data, I know that readers also look forward to the results of the AGA’s annual public opinion polling, which is another important part of State of the States. The primary goal of any casino property or gaming company is to entertain our customers, so taking a look at what they enjoy and how they spend their time when they visit is vital to our industry’s success. That is why this year’s polling not only includes an analysis of Americans’ attitudes about the acceptability of casino gaming and the gambling habits and activities of casino visitors, but also an indepth look at young adult casino visitors — the very people with whom the future of our business lies. Each year, we compile State of the States with...