US commercial gaming revenue hit a new quarterly record in the first three months of 2023. The American Gaming Association (AGA) reported on Tuesday that the total for the first quarter was $16.6bn, surpassing the $15.9bn total in Q4 2022. It marks the sector’s eighth consecutive record-breaking quarter. One of the highlights of the most recent period was a $5.9bn total in March, which was the industry’s highest-ever grossing month.

AGA CEO and president Bill Miller acknowledged the tremendous recovery since pandemic-related struggles. Talking about the strength of the sector, he said: “With records across every gaming vertical—from brick-and-mortar casinos to mobile gaming—American adults continue to choose gaming as one of their top entertainment options.”

record sports betting handle of $31bn

Of the 35 commercial gaming markets in the US, 18 of them set new revenue records in the first quarter. Online gaming had its largest-ever share of the intake, accounting for almost 25% of the $16.6bn total. Record sports betting handle of $31bn was hit during the period, with revenue for the sector reaching $2.8bn. iGaming revenue was up nearly 23% year-on-year at $1.5bn.