“Surge in Gaming Profits: The Rise of Online Fun and Sports Betting!”

The consistent growth of online gaming and sports betting forecasts favorable prospects for the ongoing development of the gaming industry in 2025, according to the head of the American Gaming Association.

Evaluating 2024, AGA President and CEO Bill Miller indicated that gaming revenue in 2024 has increased by 7 percent through October, largely due to the surge in sports wagering nationally and online betting in several states.

“While this growth has primarily been fueled by the continued proliferation of online gaming and sports betting, our conventional brick-and-mortar establishments have demonstrated remarkable resilience amid macroeconomic challenges,” Miller stated in an emailed message. “As we near the year-end, the sector remains well-positioned to exceed last year’s unprecedented $67 billion in yearly commercial gaming revenue. We can proudly highlight growth across all gaming sectors.”

Miller further mentioned that the age of the typical casino visitor has decreased from 50 to 42 in 2024 as a driving force for extended growth. He also remarked that the political divide in the U.S. has not impacted the gaming industry as significantly as it has other sectors.

“In a time of heightened ideological division, it’s especially rewarding to witness how gaming has surpassed political divisions,” Miller noted. “Our recent studies revealed that seven out of ten Harris voters and seven out of ten Trump voters endorse gaming. They recognize the beneficial effects we have on communities: creating employment opportunities, boosting tourism, and generating tax income. This bipartisan support will be vital as we collaborate with a new Trump administration, a new Congress, and new state lawmakers in the upcoming year.”

Below is a compilation of gaming news from Las Vegas and beyond.

Sands sustainability

Las Vegas Sands Corp. has once again been acknowledged on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, being featured on both the DJSI World and DJSI North America lists for the fifth consecutive year.

Sands and Sands China are the only two firms out of 18 invited to participate in the Casino and Gaming category included in DJSI World this year. Sands stands as the sole company in the Casino and Gaming category represented on DJSI North America, while Sands China is one of merely two companies in the Casino and Gaming category listed on DJSI Asia Pacific.

DJSI World encompasses global sustainability frontrunners identified by S&P Global via the Corporate Sustainability Assessment. It represents the top 10 percent of the most significant 2,500 companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index based on long-term economic, environmental, and social standards. DJSI North America and DJSI Asia Pacific signify the top 20 percent of the 600 largest North American companies and the top 20 percent of the 600 largest enterprises in the Asia Pacific developed region in the S&P Global Broad Market Index using the same criteria.

“To conclude this year with our fifth consecutive listing on DJSI reflects the outstanding teamwork within numerous aspects of our organization, all collaboratively enhancing our environmental, social, and governance strategies,” said Katarina Tesarova, Sands’ senior vice president and chief sustainability officer.

MGM welcomes more than 50 new security personnel

Last week, 52 individuals completed MGM Resort International’s newly established security officer training academy, marking the largest graduating class to date in its history.

The officers underwent a 12-day program covering a variety of subjects, including emergency response, first aid, guest safety, surveillance techniques, and the prevention and identification of human trafficking.

The newly graduated officers will be assigned to MGM Resort properties along the Las Vegas Strip.

“It’s one of the most exciting days for us when we get to introduce new officers through our academy to our teams,” remarked Marc Cassell, vice president of corporate security for MGM Resorts based in Las Vegas. “The enthusiasm these officers display upon completing this exemplary training program is simply remarkable. They transition from here into our on-site training initiative. They’re eager to explore our properties, and the properties are just as enthusiastic to welcome them.”

The Review-Journal is owned by the Adelson family, which includes Dr. Miriam Adelson, majority stakeholder of Las Vegas Sands Corp., and Las Vegas Sands President and COO Patrick Dumont.