Americans’ views of the casino gaming industry improved in 2020 as voters increasingly recognize the industry’s economic benefits and commitment to local communities.

Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) Americans say that gaming provides a positive benefit to the U.S. economy and 63 percent agree that the industry provides high-quality jobs. At the local level, 69 percent say that the industry behaves responsibly in the communities where we operate. Overall, more than 50 percent of Americans now have a favorable view of the industry – a new record and a far cry from the early days of legalized gambling – according to a national survey of registered voters.

In 2020, nearly every facet of the global economy was impacted by COVID-19, and reopening businesses while protecting public health has been crucial to reviving local economies and communities. The gaming industry’s work to safely reopen its doors to employees and patrons hasn’t gone unnoticed by Americans, with 28 percent of voters reporting they have visited a casino in the last 12 months despite COVID-19 and 58 percent of Americans saying the gaming industry has responded well in regard to keeping customers and employees safe throughout the pandemic.

Voters are also aware of the importance that gaming tax money plays in funding vital public services, as 76 percent of voters believe that the industry’s tax payments to state and local governments will become even more important in the future due to COVID-related budget shortfalls.

With the gaming industry paying an already outsized tax rate, it is more important than ever that governments provide a competitive tax and regulatory environment so that gaming can continue to power local communities, economies, and public services.

Methodology
Kantar conducted this survey of Americans’ attitudes on behalf of the American Gaming Association between Sept. 25-30, 2020 among a national sample of 1,000 registered voters.