AGA

Gaming CEOs Maintain Positive Business Outlook for 2022

Published

2 years ago

April 20, 2022

Gaming CEOs are optimistic about the industry’s continued growth and recovery, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Gaming Industry Outlook presented in partnership with Fitch Ratings.

More survey respondents (67%) rate the current business situation as “good” than six months ago (54%), while none describe it as “poor.” Meanwhile, four in ten CEOs expect the industry’s business climate to improve over the next two quarters compared to 13 percent that expect business conditions to worsen.

“Gaming executives are signaling confidence in our continued recovery that is in line with record-setting consumer demand for gaming,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “I’m optimistic that 2022 will see the return of a true sense of normalcy for gaming.”

While gaming CEOs are generally positive about the industry’s economic outlook, they also report macroeconomic impediments to business growth. Top concerns include:

Supply chain issues (75%).
Inflationary and interest rate concerns (67%).
Labor shortages (54%).

Notably, COVID-19 and demand for meetings and events are no longer among the top five concerns for gaming CEOs.

“Like businesses across the country, our industry is grappling with supply chain, labor and inflation challenges that, if left uncontrolled, could dampen our continued growth and economic outlook,” added Miller.

The Gaming Industry Outlook includes two separate indices: the Current Conditions Index and the Future Conditions Index.

Current Conditions Index

Despite all-time high commercial gaming revenue through the first two months of 2022, the Current Conditions Index of 93.5 reflects a slowing in casino gaming-related economic activity compared to record industry growth in the fourth quarter of 2021. The index shows that the gaming industry has grown at an annualized pace of approximately 16.5 percent over the last three quarters.

Future Conditions Index

The Future Conditions Index stands at 101.1, reflecting anticipated expansion of casino gaming-related economic activity over the next six months at a modest 1.1 percent annualized rate—a return to normal industry growth after a year of tremendous industry expansion from pandemic-era lows in 2020.

Gaming Executive Panel

The majority of gaming CEOs surveyed (79%) expect the pace of wage and benefit growth to increase over the next three-to-six months, while 50 percent expect the pace of hiring to increase.

Among gaming operators, 53 percent plan to invest more capital than normal in hotel facilities in the coming year, while about one-third plan to invest more than normal in slots on the casino floor (27%) and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks (33%).

Suppliers report increased bullishness for sales growth over the next six months: 100 percent of respondents expect sales of gaming units for new or expansion use to rise; 86 percent expect sales of gaming units for replacement use to rise; and 71 percent expect the pace of their capital investment to rise.

About the Outlook

The AGA Gaming Industry Outlook is presented in partnership with Fitch Ratings and prepared biannually by Oxford Economics. It provides a timely measure of recent industry growth and future expectations. The Q1 2022 survey was conducted between March 21 – April 1, 2022. A total of 24 executives responded, including executives at the major international and domestic gaming companies, tribal gaming operators, single-unit casino operators, major gaming equipment suppliers and major iGaming and/or sports betting operators.

AGA

DraftKings Set to Launch Mobile Sports Betting in North Carolina on March 11

Published

1 month ago

March 8, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

draftkings-set-to-launch-mobile-sports-betting-in-north-carolina-on-march-11

Today, DraftKings Incorporated (DraftKings) (Nasdaq: DKNG) announced plans to launch its top-rated online sportsbook in North Carolina on March 11, 2024. This announcement is the culmination of DraftKings’ continued work with stakeholders and regulators across North Carolina to offer fans a responsible form of sports betting. Earlier this year, DraftKings and NASCAR agreed to terms on a written designation agreement, paving the way for the digital sports entertainment and gaming company to operate in the state. Once live in North Carolina, the DraftKings Sportsbook will be available in 27 United States states, in addition to Ontario, Canada.

North Carolina is known for its strong sports culture, housing the majority of the NASCAR industry, professional teams in the NFL, NBA and NHL as well as several universities competing at the Division-I level. Starting from March 11, DraftKings will provide eligible fans in the state several new and responsible ways to get in on the action. DraftKings’ online sportsbook provides a wide variety of betting markets and key offerings such as same-game parlays, in-game betting, special odds boosts and more on a safe, regulated platform with various customer protections in place such as deposit and time limits, access to responsible gaming resource materials, cool off and self-exclusion features along with DraftKings’ all new My Stat Sheet, an innovative responsible gaming feature that shows customers exactly how much time they’ve spent on DraftKings and the total amount of deposits they’ve placed on the platform.

“With the NCAA Tournament right around the corner and the NASCAR season in full throttle, we are thrilled to be launching our top-rated sportsbook app in North Carolina,” the President for DraftKings North America, Matt Kalish, said. “‘The Tar Heel State’ is home to a passionate fanbase and some of the most iconic college basketball programs of all time, making this an exciting time to introduce legalized online sports betting. We’re proud to be working alongside NASCAR as our market access partner and look forward to enhancing the fan experience across North Carolina with a fun, safe and seamless sports betting product.”

To celebrate the launch of legalized mobile sports betting going live in North Carolina, DraftKings, in collaboration with NASCAR, is teaming up with Carolina Panthers legend Greg Olsen for a ceremonial first bet on March 11, 2024. The event will take place at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte and feature remarks from Olsen as well as DraftKings Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Elbaum and North Carolina State Representative Zack Hawkins.

In addition to hosting the ceremonial first bet in North Carolina on March 11, DraftKings is also recognizing Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in March, led by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to increase public awareness of problem gaming and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services. DraftKings works closely with the NCPG to highlight the company’s responsible gaming initiatives and resources such as cool offs, limitations, key partnerships and mental health services.

Both active members of the American Gaming Association (AGA), DraftKings and NASCAR are committed to promoting the AGA’s Have A Game Plan: Bet Responsibly public service campaign, which educates customers on responsible gaming best practices such as establishing and adhering to a budget and only engaging with legal, regulated operators. DraftKings is committed to creating inclusive and responsible pathways for people to build, create, imagine and innovate through the DraftKings SERVES program.

Eligible customers in North Carolina can access the latest betting markets and more by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app available via iOS and Android. DraftKings is committed to providing customers with resources to help bet responsibly. Customers can review DraftKings’ responsible gaming tools here. For additional problem gaming support or services, North Carolina customers can call 1-800-GAMBLER.

AGA

MEDIA ADVISORY AGA to Host State of the Industry Presentation, Release Report on Record-Breaking 2023 Commercial Gaming Revenue

Published

3 months ago

February 1, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) will hold its annual State of the Industry presentation with AGA President and CEO Bill Miller on Tuesday, February 20 at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT.

During the presentation, the AGA will release full-year 2023 commercial gaming revenue numbers, discuss gaming’s third consecutive record-setting revenue year, provide analysis on the current gaming landscape, and preview AGA priorities for 2024.

Media are invited to a press call immediately following the presentation for Q&A.

What: AGA State of the Industry: Gaming’s Look Ahead & 2023 Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker Release

Who: AGA President and CEO Bill Miller and Vice President, Research David Forman

When: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT

Where: WEBINAR REGISTRATION | PRESS CALL REGISTRATION

For questions about this event or AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, contact [email protected].

AGA

OKTO Joins American Gaming Association

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

OKTO, a leading global digital payment solutions provider, proudly announces its ally membership with the American Gaming Association (AGA), the premier national trade group for the U.S. casino gaming industry. The membership solidifies OKTO’s dedication to the highest regulatory standards, continual support for responsible gambling practices, and the advancement of digital transformation in the industry.

As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $329 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.

As a member of the AGA, OKTO aims to bolster its ability to provide advanced payment services to regional merchants while actively engaging with local authorities for a secure and responsible gambling ecosystem.

Theo Engelis, OKTO’s Vice President North America, expressed, “Joining the AGA allows us to contribute to the advancement of the American gaming landscape. OKTO is committed to upholding stringent regulatory standards and collaborating closely with local authorities to deliver innovative, secure, and efficient cashless payment solutions in the American gaming industry.”

OKTO will actively participate in member events to share our unique perspective on the digital payments’ environment. This commitment underscores OKTO’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of the American gaming Industry, fostering industry relationships, and supporting shared business objectives.

OKTO’s membership with AGA highlights its proactive contribution to the industry’s growth and responsible development, showcasing a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the promotion of a secure and responsible gaming environment.