Canada
COVID-19 Causes 79% Year-Over-Year Drop in Q2 Commercial Casino Gaming Revenue

Record Start to 2020 Provides Strong Foundation for Gaming’s Recovery
U.S. commercial gaming revenue for the second quarter of 2020 totaled $2.30 billion, a steep 78.8 percent year-over-year contraction, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) new Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. gaming industry saw revenue decline in nearly every reported vertical compared to Q2 2019.
“COVID-19 has undoubtedly posed the most difficult economic challenge the gaming industry has ever faced,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Yet, gaming’s record popularity prior to COVID-19, as well our resilience in the midst of such adversity, is evidence of the industry’s foundation for continued success as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Contrary to recent revenue declines, commercial casinos demonstrated strong consumer demand in 2020 when open for business. Before all 989 U.S. brick-and-mortar casinos closed their doors in March, combined commercial gaming revenue for January and February was up 10.4 percent year-over-year. Following the return of casino gaming in Q2, several states have reported a year-over-year uptick in average daily GGR per open casino despite operating with limited capacity, game availability, and amenities. This includes South Dakota (+42.5%), Ohio (+19.3%), and Indiana (+7.4%).
While April and May both experienced year-over-year GGR declines north of 90 percent, June saw nearly 300 commercial casinos reopen throughout the month and, as a result, revenue was nearly four times greater than the previous two months combined. More than 85 percent of U.S. casinos are now open, including nearly 9 in 10 commercial casinos, all of which have implemented stringent, regulator-approved health and safety plans. “The gaming industry has been a leader in implementing rigorous, innovative protocols that have allowed the vast majority of our properties to reopen and stay open,” continued Miller. “With business returning to casino floors and sportsbooks seeing increased action, the gaming industry is steadily charting a responsible path to recovery that prioritizes health and safety, supports the communities where we operate, and offers first-class entertainment.”
Sports betting experienced a sharp decline in GGR in the second quarter due to the shutdown of sports activity, but is still up slightly (4.1%) in the first half of 2020 as a result of a record start to the year and increased legal options.
iGaming, the only gaming vertical to experience year-over-year growth in Q2 2020, marked the first full quarter generating more revenue than sports betting in the post-PASPA era. Online casino gaming is only legal in six states: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Nevada (poker only), New Jersey, Michigan (not live), and West Virginia.
AGA’s reporting on the financial performance of the U.S. commercial casino industry will continue on a quarterly basis as the association tracks the industry’s economic recovery. Monthly updates will be available on AmericanGaming.org.
Background About the Report
AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker provides state-by-state and cumulative insight into the U.S. commercial gaming industry’s financial performance based on state revenue reports. The first issue highlights second quarter results, ending June 30 (Q2 2020), and year-to-date comparisons.
About the AGA
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers, and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.
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Alberta Gaming
Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership

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Home field advantage has a new name, as the Edmonton Elks announced that Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is now the home of the Elks.
The field naming rights are part of a broader multi-year agreement between Play Alberta and the EE, making Play Alberta the official sports betting partner of the Club.
âWe couldnât be more excited to expand our partnership with Play Alberta. This partnership is about more than just putting a name on the field â itâs about building something meaningful for our fans and our community. Play Alberta is an Alberta-based organization that shares our values and our commitment to giving back. Together, weâre creating new ways for fans to connect with our team and experience the game day atmosphere in a whole new way,â said Elks President and CEO Chris Morris.
The expanded relationship between the Elks and Play Alberta will allow the game day experience to continue to grow. Fans can look forward to unique activations and promotions around the stadium, including the chance to win game tickets and memorabilia.
âSince Play Albertaâs launch five years ago, our team has made it a priority to connect with the communities where our players live and work. We are very excited to join the Edmonton Elks on the field on game days during upcoming CFL seasons. Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium allows us to partner with the Elks and showcase two brands built for Albertans in a historic Edmonton location,â said Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Chief Executive Officer Kandice Machado.
The Elks open their 76th season on Saturday, June 7 in Vancouver when they take on the B.C. Lions. Edmontonâs home opener at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is slated for Thursday, June 19 against the Montreal Alouettes.
The post Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BCLC
BCLC Celebrates its 40th Anniversary With New Scratch & Win that Lets Winners Give Back

BCLC has launched a Scratch & Win ticket that is a win-win for both the Top Prize winner and their registered B.C. charity of choice.
The Greater Good Giveaway ticket offers a Top Prize of $10,000 for the winner and $10,000 for their registered charity of choice, selected from a list of British Columbia charities on CanadaHelps.
Thomas DâCruz from Richmond is the first Top Prize winner for Greater Good Giveaway. DâCruz selected the B.C. Childrenâs Hospital Foundation to receive the $10,000 charity prize, sharing that he âwanted to help children.â The winning ticket was purchased at Walmart on Alderbridge Way in Richmond.
There are over 12,000 registered B.C. charities on CanadaHelps for Top Prize winners to select from that support a variety of different causes, including arts and culture, education, social services and more.
âAt BCLC, we believe that when we share the wins, we feel more connected to each other, our communities and our province,â says Natasha Questel, BCLC Chief Social Purpose Officer and Vice President of Marketing. âOur players have shared that they are interested in different types of prizing that go beyond a dollar amount, so as we celebrate our 40th anniversary weâre thrilled to launch the Greater Good Giveaway â a ticket that allows our players the chance to support causes that resonate deeply with them, and aligns strongly with our social purpose â to generate win-wins for the greater good.â
Greater Good Giveaway tickets are $2 each and are available for purchase at lottery retailers across the province. For full details on the Greater Good Giveaway ticket, including how to play, please visit our website.
In 2024, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $137 million in winnings from Scratch & Win.
Since 1985, BCLC has delivered more than $29 billion to the provincial government to support communities, provincial programs and services, charities and major events that have helped shape B.C.
The post BCLC Celebrates its 40th Anniversary With New Scratch & Win that Lets Winners Give Back appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Adam Fonsica CoâFounder & COO at Random State
Random State obtains Ontario iGaming licence

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Random State (âRSâ), the Swedish studio behind nextâgeneration iLottery and multiplayer bingo content, has been granted a GamingâRelated Supplier â Manufacturer licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The approval, effective 14 May 2025, authorises RS to offer its games and platform services to licensed operators across Ontario.
âSecuring the Ontario licence is a milestone our entire team has worked tirelessly toward,â said Adam Fonsica, CoâFounder & COO at Random State. âOntario not only validates the quality and integrity of our technology; it provides a launchpad for our broader NorthâAmerican expansion. We canât wait to introduce our eInstant titles and multiplayer bingo hub to Ontario players later this year, together with a soonâtoâbeâannounced operator.â
The licence clears the way for RS to roll out its full product portfolio in Ontario:
Interactive eInstants â instantâwin games that reâimagine traditional lottery mechanics with modern gameplay and rich visuals.
Multiplayer bingo â a complete suite of 90-, 75-, 80/60/40â and 30âball variants, featuring progressive jackpots, Pot Booster and realâtime chat hosting.
Turnâkey iGaming platform â advanced Player Account Management (PAM), certified RNG, gamification engine and a WYSIWYG gameâconfiguration tool that lets operators launch new games in minutes.
Random State expects its first Ontario goâlive in Q3Â 2025, delivering both eInstants and multiplayer bingo on day one.
The post Random State obtains Ontario iGaming licence appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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