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US land-based casinos roar back with record revenues and new openings

From lockdown closures to record profits—how America's casinos defied the odds. Industry leaders now bet big on a thriving future for in-person gambling.

The image shows St. John's Casino in Miami Beach, Florida, with a building on the right side, a...
The image shows St. John's Casino in Miami Beach, Florida, with a building on the right side, a windmill in the middle, and palm trees in the foreground. The sky is visible at the top of the image, and there is some text at the bottom.

US land-based casinos roar back with record revenues and new openings

Land-based casinos in the US have bounced back strongly after a difficult 2020. Industry leaders now report rising revenues and new openings, proving that physical gaming remains popular. A recent webinar hosted by the National Council of Legislators from the Gaming States (NCLGS) even declared the sector is still expanding. The 2020 pandemic hit land-based casinos hard as lockdowns forced closures nationwide. Yet, while physical venues struggled, online gaming sites saw record growth. Some operators, like those in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, still managed to generate revenue through digital platforms.

Despite the challenges, new developments continued. The Cordish Companies opened two gaming properties in Pennsylvania during the pandemic. By March 2021, casinos in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Atlantic City, and Nevada reported strong revenue figures. Major operators like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have since seen high demand for their Las Vegas properties. Penn National Gaming also announced record quarterly results for 2021, signalling a clear recovery. Industry experts, including Howard Glaser of Scientific Games, dismissed claims that land-based gaming is fading. Instead, they argue that physical casinos remain a key part of the gambling industry.

The latest figures and expansions show that land-based casinos are far from obsolete. Operators are seeing increased visitor numbers and revenue growth. With new properties opening and strong financial results, the sector appears to be on solid ground once again.

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