A significant number of Americans participated in gambling activities over the past year, with a majority viewing it as socially acceptable and economically advantageous, as revealed by recent findings from the American Gaming Association (AGA).
The American Attitudes Toward Gaming 2025 study indicates that 57% of U.S. adults engaged in some form of gambling in the last 12 months—the highest level ever documented. Approximately 30% visited a physical casino, while 21% placed bets on sports events.
Public acceptance of gambling has soared, with 90% of Americans considering casino gambling acceptable for themselves or others, and 62% personally deeming it acceptable. Casino attendance reached a record high, with 134 million adults (53%) visiting casinos for gambling or entertainment.
An increasing number of Americans are engaging with gaming-related entertainment, which is fostering greater appreciation for the industry’s positive economic and social contributions, according to AGA research.
Nearly 89% of casino visitors described casino gaming as innovative, while 90% believe it provides good value compared to other entertainment options. The association noted that this perception is drawing in a younger demographic of casino-goers whose average age is now younger than it was before the pandemic.
The survey demonstrates widespread consensus that gaming positively impacts the economy. About 77% of Americans stated the industry has a beneficial national effect, while large percentages linked casinos to increased tourism, job creation, and local investments.
A breakdown of respondent opinions:
• 85% believe that casinos introduce new dining and entertainment venues to underserved areas.
• 86% concur that casinos stimulate tourism and host conventions.
• 82% assert that gaming creates well-paying, non-outsourced jobs in the United States.
Support for legalized sports betting remains robust, with 74% of Americans—across various political affiliations—favoring regulated sports betting for adults in their respective states.
The study was conducted by Kantar on behalf of the American Gaming Association. An online survey occurred from July 22 to August 8, 2025, involving a nationally representative sample of 2,001 registered voters aged 21 and older.
The AGA report highlights increasing public trust in the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming practices. 64% of Americans believe that operators are dedicated to promoting safe play and addressing problem gambling, up from less than 40% in 2018.
Among gamblers, 77% of casino patrons and 84% of sports bettors believe the industry operates responsibly.
Awareness regarding the gaming industry’s dedication to responsible gaming practices is on the rise. The association has noted improvements in safer gaming resources and clearer advertising practices.
Public exposure to responsible gaming messages has increased significantly, with 72% of adults reporting they encountered such information within the past year—a rise from 56% in 2022. Analysts pointed out that New Jersey’s implementation of mandatory responsible gaming standards marks a significant advancement in consumer protection.
The AGA tasked Kantar with conducting the online survey from July 22 to August 8, 2025, sampling 2,001 registered voters aged 21 and older. The poll has a margin of error of ±2 percentage points.