The American Gaming Association (AGA) has unveiled findings from a survey conducted of various gaming executives who showcased a “positive outlook” and “remain optimistic” despite threats from prediction market operators and geopolitical conditions.
“The legal state- and Tribal-regulated gaming industry continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a dynamic economic environment,” AGA President & CEO Bill Miller said.
“Operators are focused on investing in innovation and delivering world-class entertainment, while also navigating an evolving competitive and regulatory landscape.”
The AGA’s Gaming Industry Outlook stated “emerging risks” such as sports event contracts, inflation and tariffs continue to serve as “major factors” in limiting operations and are “increasingly shaping industry concerns.”
Miller continued: “Illegal sports betting through sports event contracts is increasingly encroaching on legal, state-and Tribal-regulated operators.
“It’s clear the legal, regulated industry views this (as) a threat, and will continue to fight back and protect the integrity of our industry.”
According to the AGA’s Gaming Conditions Index, real economic gaming activity – including gaming revenue, employment, wages, executive sentiment and casino hotel event activity – increased 1.5% year-over-year, marking “sustained confidence and momentum.”
Over 60% of gaming executives who took part in the survey expect increased capital investment, greater revenues and stronger balance sheets in the next six to 12 months. The AGA reported a 21.4% net positive outlook across key business indicators, representing the highest executive since Q3 2022.
The Gaming Industry Outlook found 62% of executives will initiate plans to increase capital investments ahead of 2027, although promotional activity is expected to decline for the second consecutive survey.
Just over 50% of those surveyed view employee wages as the top expense pressure, followed by tax and regulatory policy changes, while 42% believe issues stem greater from new competition in gaming.
Miller also spoke on prediction markets during a panel held by The Economic Club of Las Vegas on May 5, having joined Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) Chairman Mike Dreitzer, describing Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael Selig as a “joke.”
The AGA updated its US commercial gaming revenue tracker on April 16 to include results for February 2026, as total gross gaming revenue across the country increased 4.6% to $6.22bn
