This is How Much Texas Spends on Gambling – The Center Square

The 465 commercial casinos operating in the United States at the end of 2019 reported a combined revenue of $43.6 billion -- an all-time high. Gambling in the United States is by no means limited to casinos, either. All but six states had lottery games in 2019, and lottery ticket sales totalled $81.6 billion that year.

Between both lotteries and commercial casinos, Americans and tourists spent $125.2 billion on gambling in 2019 -- or about $491 for every adult in the country. Of course, gambling laws, which can restrict gambling opportunities, vary by state, as does interest in gambling. And residents of some states spend far more on lottery tickets and at casinos than others.

There were a total of two tribal casinos in all of Texas in 2019, housing 3,765 gaming machines. Commercial casinos are not permitted in the Lone Star State.

In November 1991, voters in Texas approved of a state lottery, and the first ticket was sold in May of the following year. Lottery ticket sales in Texas totalled $5.9 billion in 2019, more than in nearly every other state except New York, California, and Florida. However, per capita annual lottery ticket sales comes out to just $274 in Texas, less than in 22 other states.

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Gaming Association, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states spending the most and least on gambling. States were ranked based on total spending on lottery tickets and in commercial casino gaming per adult 18 years and over in 2019. Gaming revenue refers to the amount earned by commercial casinos after winnings have been paid out to patrons.

Exactly what constitutes commercial casino revenue can vary by state. See the AGA report for a full methodological explanation.It is important to note that while there were 524 tribal casinos in the United States in 2019, these institutions are subject to different regulations than commercial casinos, and revenue from these establishments were not included in this story. Click here to see how much people spend on the lottery in every state.

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This is How Much Texas Spends on Gambling - The Center Square