A year of growth & innovation
A look back at the progress made by the industry over the past 12 months.
Few gaming markets have evolved as rapidly over the past year as the Americas. From record-breaking financial performance and regulatory developments to major resort investments and breakthrough technology, the industry has continued to raise the bar across every sector. Commercial, Tribal and digital gaming all reached new milestones, while operators and suppliers embraced innovation to deliver better experiences both on the casino floor and online.
The latest figures from the American Gaming Association highlight the industry's continued strength. According to the AGA, US commercial gaming generated a record $78.72bn in gross gaming revenue during 2025, a 9.2% increase on the previous year. Legal, regulated gaming also contributed a record $18.09bn in state and local tax revenue, supporting education, infrastructure and public services across the country. Every one of the 38 commercial gaming jurisdictions reported annual revenue growth, underlining the resilience and continued appeal of regulated gaming.
Growth was recorded across every major vertical. Traditional casino gaming remained the industry's largest revenue generator, while sports betting continued its impressive expansion and iGaming once again delivered the fastest year-on-year growth, reflecting increasing consumer demand for regulated online products.
Tribal gaming enjoyed another exceptional year. The National Indian Gaming Commission reported gross gaming revenues of $46.2bn for fiscal year 2025, up 5.3% year-on-year. Generated by 545 gaming facilities operated by 246 Tribes across 29 states, the results reinforce the vital role gaming continues to play in supporting Tribal self-sufficiency, economic development and community investment.
Across the country, Tribal operators have continued investing in their properties and communities. One notable milestone came from Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel, a multiple-time Global Gaming Award winner, which celebrated its 40th anniversary. The milestone reflects both the remarkable evolution of Tribal gaming over the past four decades and the enduring success of one of North America's premier integrated resorts.
Confidence in land-based gaming also remained evident through continued investment in new and existing properties. Hard Rock's Tejon casino represents another significant addition to California's gaming landscape, while operators such as Graton Resort & Casino continued investing heavily in property enhancements and guest experiences. New York also reached a historic milestone by awarding its long-awaited downstate casino licenses to Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, Resorts World New York City and Bally's Bronx. Together, the three multibillion-dollar developments are expected to transform the city's gaming landscape, creating new entertainment destinations, thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic investment.
The sports betting sector reached another landmark this summer as the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered record engagement across regulated sportsbooks. DraftKings reported the World Cup Final became the most bet soccer match in the company's history, attracting more than two million bets, while wagers placed throughout the tournament increased by 650% compared with the 2022 World Cup. FanDuel also reported that the Final generated almost 200% more handle than its previous biggest soccer event, demonstrating both the growing popularity of sports betting and operators' ability to deliver at scale during global sporting events.
Canada also entered a new chapter. Following Ontario's success, Alberta became only the second Canadian province to launch a competitive regulated sports betting and iGaming market. The new framework immediately attracted many of North America's leading operators and further strengthens Canada's position as an increasingly important regulated market.
Latin America continues to be one of the industry's most exciting growth stories. Brazil completed its first full year of regulated betting and iGaming, with the licensed market generating BRL37bn ($7bn) in gross gaming revenue according to the regulator. While the regulatory framework continues to evolve, policymakers have shown a clear commitment to building a sustainable, well-regulated market that is expected to become one of the largest in the world. Peru continues to remain one of the most attractive online markets, while Colombia remains an important benchmark for the region despite ongoing tax discussions.
Technology continues to redefine every aspect of gaming. Artificial intelligence is now helping operators personalize marketing, optimize casino operations, strengthen compliance and enhance responsible gaming initiatives, while advances in cybersecurity, payments and data analytics are creating smarter, more efficient businesses.
Perhaps the biggest technological shift has been the continued rise of omnichannel gaming. Retail and online operations are increasingly viewed as complementary rather than separate, with operators focused on delivering seamless player experiences across every touchpoint. Suppliers have responded by developing technologies that bridge both worlds. Aristocrat's Awager platform, for example, allows players to remotely access and interact with real slot machines and ETGs located on casino floors across the US and Canada, seamlessly connecting the offline with the online experience.
Innovation has also continued to reshape the casino floor itself. Interblock's AMUSE has introduced a new category of entertainment-driven gaming, bringing amusement-style experiences to casinos through cinematic themes and social gameplay. Its rapid rollout across US properties highlights operators' appetite for fresh concepts that attract both traditional casino patrons and new audiences.
Of course, it wouldn't be a year in the gaming industry without a headline-making M&A deal. Fertitta Entertainment's agreement to acquire Caesars Entertainment in a transaction valued at approximately $17.6bn, including assumed debt, ranks among the largest deals in gaming history and represents another strong vote of confidence in the sector's long-term growth.
Alongside this commercial success, responsible gaming continues to move to the forefront of business strategy. Operators and suppliers alike are investing more heavily in player protection technologies, staff training, education and compliance, demonstrating that sustainable growth and responsible gambling increasingly go hand in hand.
Taken together, these achievements paint the picture of an industry that continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace. Record revenues, expanding regulated markets, continued investment in world-class destinations and groundbreaking technological innovation all point toward a sector that is stronger, more resilient and more ambitious than ever before.
The companies and individuals featured throughout the following pages have not only witnessed this remarkable year, they have helped shape it. Every nominee on this year's Global Gaming Awards Americas Shortlist has contributed to the industry's progress through innovation, leadership, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to delivering better experiences for players.
Congratulations everyone! We are proud to celebrate your achievements and the role you have played in another exceptional year for the Americas gaming industry.
Mariya Savova, Marketing Director, Global Gaming Insider