The ‘Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker’ report notes that the reopening of casinos across the US helped commercial gross gaming revenue (GGR) grow 293% quarter-on-quarter in Q3, but continuing novel coronavirus restrictions on land-based venues mean revenue remains below prior year levels.
COVID-19 health and safety measures, including social distancing and capacity restrictions, have contributed to the gaming industry’s recovery lagging the country’s broader economic recovery. Gaming revenue is down 36.5% year-over-year (YoY) in the first nine months of 2020, compared to the U.S. GDP’s three percent decline in the same period.
“Our industry continues to prioritize the health and safety of our employees, customers, and communities above all else. While these quarterly results are promising, the reality is a full recovery is dependent on continued public health measures to control prevalence rates,” said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO.
“As state and local officials respond to current COVID-19 outbreaks with additional restrictions, urgent Congressional action to provide COVID-19 relief is even more crucial. Gaming employees and communities depend on it,” Miller added.
More than 100 casinos reopened between July and September with 902 commercial and tribal casinos (90.8% of total) operational by the end of the third quarter, compared to 800 (80.8% of total) at the start of July.
iGaming continued to grow in Q3 2020, due, in part, to West Virginia launching in July. iGaming generated US$435 million in Q3, up 8% from Q2 and 232% from Q3 2019.
Source: GMB
