As 2025 comes to a close, leadership from the American Gaming Association has outlined how the gaming industry performed during a year marked by economic pressure and regulatory scrutiny, while also identifying areas that will shape the sector’s direction in 2026. The reflection points to steady growth alongside coordinated efforts to protect the legal market and strengthen consumer safeguards.
The year began amid economic uncertainty tied to tariffs, inflation, and broader market conditions. Despite those pressures, industry performance improved as the year progressed. Executive confidence recovered to its strongest level since late 2022, and the industry recorded its 20th consecutive quarter of growth, keeping it on pace for another record year.
According to the association’s leadership, those results stemmed from collective action across operators, regulators, and policymakers, with the AGA playing a central role in advancing shared objectives.
Enforcement And Consumer Protection Efforts
One of the most prominent areas of activity in 2025 involved enforcement against illegal and unregulated gaming. Collaboration with state and tribal regulators, attorneys general, and law enforcement agencies led to several enforcement actions, including cease-and-desist orders and state bans that removed sweepstakes casinos from multiple jurisdictions.
At the federal level, a coordinated response also emerged. A letter signed by 50 attorneys general urged the Department of Justice to take action against offshore operators, while updated FBI guidance highlighted the scale of illegal gaming activity. The association also challenged prediction markets that attempted to operate outside established gaming laws, reinforcing existing regulatory authority.
Responsible gaming initiatives expanded during the year as well. The industry launched Play Smart from the Start and built on the momentum of Responsible Gaming Education Month with year-round programming aimed at consumer protection.
Policy modernization also advanced in 2025. The industry secured an update to the federal slot tax reporting threshold, addressing a long-standing policy issue. Additional progress occurred on tax and regulatory matters designed to support legal gaming operations.
The year also marked a milestone for the industry’s flagship event. The Global Gaming Expo celebrated its 25th anniversary, bringing international stakeholders together and reaffirming its position as a central forum for the sector.
Priorities Guiding 2026 Agenda
Looking ahead, the association outlined three policy areas that will guide its work in 2026. On regulatory authority, leadership stated, “Our position is clear and unwavering: sports event contracts are gambling, and gambling is regulated by states and tribes.” The association plans to continue defending state authority and tribal sovereignty in the coming year.
Strengthening the legal market will remain a focus, particularly following recent betting scandals. According to the association, cooperation among licensed operators, sports leagues, regulators, and law enforcement has demonstrated the effectiveness of regulated systems in detecting suspicious activity and enforcing rules. Efforts to curb illegal and offshore operators will continue, citing their lack of consumer protections and responsible gaming standards.
Business conditions also feature prominently in the 2026 outlook. The association said it will advocate for policies that support long-term stability, including restoring fair tax treatment of gaming losses. These measures aim to ensure that legal gaming continues to invest, operate responsibly, and contribute economically.
Source:
“AGA President and CEO reflects on 2025 and looks ahead to 2026“, cdcgaming.com, December 27, 2025
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