The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) recent studies show that $34.1 billion was spent at commercial casinos throughout the US during 2007. Not only is this a 5.3% increase since 2006, but a whopping 73% increase in gross gaming revenues for casinos since 1997.

The official report revealed that 25% of adult Americans made multiple visits to casinos over 2007, and calculated that the average amount of trips made by each of these people was seven. According to the Chief Executive of the AGA, Frank Fahrenkopf, this is due to the major growth and maturation shown by the casinos industry over the past decade, which has not only proved commercial casinos to be a significant economic force in the country but also a steady supplier of employment, community and economic development.

The report also proclaimed that Iowa and Mississippi casinos experienced the highest increases in gross gaming revenue. Furthermore, its projected that casinos to be built in the areas of Las Vegas, St. Louis and Atlantic City would contribute significant amounts to their gaming jurisdictions via tax revenues, wages and long-term employment.

The AGA report also mentioned their exclusive survey results, which found that 84% of American adults viewed gambling at commercial casinos as “acceptable for themselves or others”., and that an additional 86% believed that everyone should be allowed to casino gamble if they approve of it. Accordingly, many states have changed their legislations recently to allow gambling at casinos, which is a key factor in the industry’s growth.