U.S. Gambling Revenues Down by $1.6B in 2008

The American Gaming Association says consumers spent $1.6 billion less in commercial casinos in 2008 than 2007 as economic woes led many Americans to cut leisure spending.

Tuesday, May 19th 2009, 10:42 am

By: News 9

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS -- The American Gaming Association says consumers spent $1.6 billion less in commercial casinos in 2008 than 2007 as economic woes led many Americans to cut leisure spending.

A study the industry group released shows U.S. commercial casino revenues fell 4.7% to $32.5 billion.

It was the first yearly decline since 1999, when the group started tracking revenue using state data.

The study said statewide smoking bans hurt gambling in Colorado and Illinois. Those states saw the largest percentage decreases among the 12 states with commercial casinos.