The past year has been nothing short of remarkable for the gaming industry across the Americas, with both commercial and Tribal operators achieving record results and suppliers continuing to drive innovation at pace. 

The US commercial gaming revenue reached an all-time annual high of $71.92bn in 2024, as revealed in the American Gaming Association’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. This total surpassed 2023’s previous record by 7.5%, marking the fourth consecutive record year for the sector. Online gaming’s role in this growth cannot be overstated, accounting for 30% of nationwide commercial gaming revenue with a record-breaking $21.54bn generated in 2024. 

Tribal gaming also posted historic numbers. The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) reported Gross Gaming Revenues of $43.9bn for FY 2024, up 4.6% year-on-year. As NIGC Acting Chairwoman Sharon Avery highlighted, this achievement reflects the commitment of Tribal leadership to preserving and expanding a vital economic driver for their communities, and stands as a testament to strong governance and sound regulation that safeguard the industry’s integrity. 

On the development front, the land-based industry continues to expand and invest in new experiences. The past year saw the opening of properties such as The Rose Gaming Resort in Virginia, the new Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties in Bristol, Virginia and in Ottawa, Canada, each bringing fresh energy to their local markets. Meanwhile, anticipation remains high in New York, where the race for commercial casino licenses has intensified – with some operators bowing out while others double down on their bids. 

Suppliers have also been at the forefront of industry progress. Slot and ETG manufacturers unveiled new products designed to capture the next generation of players, while digital suppliers pushed the boundaries of online content with immersive experiences and cross-channel integration.  

Elsewhere, Artificial Intelligence continued to play a key role in casino management systems, from optimizing floor operations and personalizing player experiences to strengthening security and compliance. New tools powered by AI have also been helping operators monitor and protect players more effectively. These innovations underline the central role suppliers play in shaping the future of gaming, not just in the Americas but globally. 

Across Latin America, momentum is building as Brazil launched its regulated sports betting and iGaming market on January 1, setting the stage for what many believe will become one of the largest regulated markets in the world. Meanwhile, Peru remains a strong iGaming hub, drawing both local and international operators, while other countries across the region are closely watching these developments as they consider their own regulatory paths. 

One particular industry development that genuinely brings me great joy, is seeing responsible gaming take center stage – not only in North and South America, but across the global regulated markets. Over the past year, responsible gaming has moved from being a talking point to becoming a true priority, with both operators and suppliers investing in meaningful action. From innovative problem gambling detection tools, to comprehensive education programs, community initiatives and enhanced support systems, the industry is showing a collective determination to place player protection at the heart of its future.  

The big achievements of the past year are reflected in the following pages as we profile each of our 15 categories and give you the reasons why every company and individual are shortlisted. From operators delivering record-breaking results to suppliers shaping the future through technology, and from responsible gaming initiatives to landmark property developments, the Shortlist exemplifies the best of what our industry has to offer. 

To each of you who are shortlisted, congratulations and thank you for making the gaming industry such a dynamic and inspiring place! 

Mariya Savova, Event Manager, Global Gaming Awards