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The AGA reported a record-breaking $71.9 billion generated between the commercial gaming sectors in the US in 2024, which shows just how much the industry has grown. Tribal, commercial, and online gambling have driven this growth, with the wider casino industry benefiting from fresh momentum after online gambling was legalized in various states. Still, tribal partnerships supported by long-standing agreements between sovereign nations and state regulators have always been a pivotal growth factor for the gambling sector.
Legal online platforms in US states with regulated online casino markets have also contributed to the industry’s momentum. CardPlayer explains why these sites appeal to users in these various US states. These platforms offer impressive gaming selections that bring the type of variety physical venues can’t always match. They also offer attractive bonuses for new and old users, and they typically accept modern payment methods that support near-instant withdrawals. State-owned platforms generate local revenue while offshore options improve accessibility in the states that don’t have local sites yet.
Still, tribal casinos in 29 states are driving revenue and industry growth more than any other sub-industry, and long-standing agreements continue to support America’s gambling future. Tribal alliances are age-old agreements and relationships that enable tribal leaders to operate casino venues with more stability in mind. Tribes often deliver new venues in regions commercial operators have not yet serviced because the tribal leaders negotiate agreements with state regulators to ensure semi or exclusive rights for operating within that area.
The kind of exclusivity that comes from these agreements ultimately makes all projects more appealing for investors and even visitors, particularly those in states that don’t have commercial venues. Tribal venues have become the ultimate destination that offers dining, gaming, entertainment, accommodation, and even resort-style benefits. These venues attract visitors from other states, which also improves the nationwide tourism numbers and allows surrounding businesses to capitalize on these ventures.
Tribal casinos generated a record-breaking $43.9 billion in 2024, which is more than half of the commercial revenue from the same year. Tribes use these agreements to expand the national gambling footprint and operate on much larger scales than small gaming halls. Many tribal venues offer slot floors with various table games and live entertainment. They even have sportsbooks where the compact agreements allow it. There’s a diversity within this model that appeals to more investors, while the tribal venues can compete with commercial giants and online options.
The agreements between states and tribes have regulatory protections from federal and state laws that make the investments more stable, which is important for long-term development projects. Tribes don’t face as many challenges, making them more resilient than commercial projects. That alone adds certainty and welcomes more investment for infrastructure, venue expansions, employment, and hospitality ventures.
Some indicators show that the tribal model is solid. The sub-industry generated impressive numbers in 2024, which showed a growing confidence in the entire industry itself. Commercial and online gaming also grew, but tribal revenue proved that the venue’s capacity could meet the demands of out-of-state visitors while ensuring leaders maintain control. Sovereignty remains essential, with various tribes continuing to pursue new economic partnerships.
Tribes also negotiate with state regulators to include digital formats within legal states so that they can offer online sportsbooks and casinos that appeal to a larger audience. These would also follow compact rules and integrate their protections. Online gambling generated 30% of the revenue for 2024, which amounted to $21.54 billion for the year. Tribal leaders know that including digital formats is the next stage of expansion, which will help the entire industry. However, they will maintain control over revenue distribution and regulatory oversight while meeting modern consumer demands. Tribal leaders intend to combine the physical venue model with the online potential in legalized states to appeal to old-school and modern users.
Meanwhile, tribal leaders allow for better regional variance within the gambling industry across the US. They serve many rural areas and states that offer limited gambling options for locals or visitors. Tribes can bring more people into these regions while delivering the experience to underserved populations through strategic alliances. The tribal leaders have always made sure that gambling remains a lively and competitive industry in the US, and opening opportunities in the digital front will just expand the numbers further.
Revenues will continue to set records if the industry carries on with its current growth trajectories, especially once tribal alliances expand into states that don’t have many options. The growth of the US gambling industry relies a lot on the tribal partnerships that have already boosted revenues and driven more foot traffic to regions that wouldn’t otherwise experience such numbers.