Commercial gaming revenue in the United States has seen a significant increase in the first two months of 2024, reaching a total of $11.46 billion. This growth has been attributed to the continued expansion of the sports betting industry, which has been legalized in several states. North Carolina recently joined the list of states allowing legal mobile sports betting, with tax revenue from sportsbook operators earmarked for youth sports programs and gaming addiction programs.
One company capitalizing on the trend is Dave & Buster's, which has announced plans to allow customers to bet on arcade games through its app. Using Lucra Sports' real-money gamification software, Dave & Buster's loyalty members will be able to compete with each other, earn rewards, and unlock exclusive perks. The company's senior vice president of entertainment and attractions, Simon Murray, emphasized the partnership with Lucra as providing unrivaled gaming experiences for their customers.
The legal sports betting industry has seen record revenue for a third consecutive year, with March Madness expected to break betting records and generate interest in women's sports. The American Gaming Association reported that U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached an annual record of $66.5 billion in 2023, surpassing the previous record set in 2022.
AGA CEO Bill Miller noted that American adults' demand for gaming is at an all-time high, whether in person at casinos or online. The growth in commercial gaming revenue in the first two months of 2024 is a positive sign for the industry, with revenue already exceeding last year's record pace by 6.8%. As the industry continues to evolve and expand, it will be interesting to see how companies like Dave & Buster's adapt to meet the changing demands of their customers.