Facts About Gambling 2024

It would be interesting to learn what the ancient Greeks and Romans, pioneers of gambling, would think of the aestically pleasing multi-million dollar betting hotels, resorts and online casinos that entertain millions around the world today. With the United States easing betting regulations at the state level and the industry becoming less taboo, gambling facts prove this branch of the entertainment industry is on the rise and become more popular and valuable every day. 

Best Online Casinos for US Players

Here are Gamble Online’s top-rated online casinos for US players for 2024:

Gambling Statistics

According to consumer data company Statista, the market size of the global brick and mortar casino and online gambling industry is valued at nearly $231-billion. That’s billion with a “b”! The gamble online segment of that data is valued at $58.9-billion as more and more online casino operators launch new websites.

2021 U.S. Casino Revenue by State

In 2021, and to the surprise of nobody, Nevada casinos raked in a U.S.-high of $13.4 billion, while Wyoming ranked last with a $4.01-million take.

Find more statistics at Statista

Sports Betting Gambling Facts

The global sports betting market was valued at more than $200-billion in 2019, but regressed slightly in 2020 due to the global coronavirus pandemic’s impact on games, events and schedules. However, the industry bounced back in a big way in 2021 when the market revenue shot up to nearly $218.5-billion. The easing of legal sports betting regulations in the United States will no doubt provide an increase in NFL betting action in 2022 and beyond.

Gambling Fun Facts

From Paul Newman’s pool shark bravado in the 1961 film “The Hustler” to Adam Sandler’s degenerate persona in “Uncut Gems” and every other iconic movie, like “Rounders” and “Oceans Eleven,” in-between, gambling plot lines have been well received in entertainment circles over the past century. In that spirit, here are some other fun gambling facts for you to chew on and share with your friends.

Card Counting is Legal

This wasn’t always the case and though card counting at blackjack tables doesn’t thrill pit bosses, it’s not illegal. In its most simple form, card counting is a sound strategy that uses math and odds to efficiently bet and beat the dealer.

FedEx Saved by Gambling

Frederick Smith, founder of global shipping company FedEx, was down to just $5,000 in his business accounts. So, he hopped on a plane and took a trip to Vegas where he dominated the blackjack table, won $27,000 and bought him enough time to raise more funding and save his fledgling company.

Super Bowl Gambling

Super Bowl betting soared above $179-million at just Las Vegas sportsbooks alone. When you factor in that nearly 13-million Americans were projected to wager on Super Bowl LVI at the best online sportsbooks, the total amount wagered on the last Super Bowl soars over $1-billion.

Viva Las Vegas

The first casino to open in Las Vegas was the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in 1906. It’s located on the famous Fremont Street in old downtown Vegas away from the main strip. By 1946, the first of dozens of casinos, The Flamingo, opened on the Vegas strip.

First online casino

Back in 1994, Microgaming created the first successful online casino software and allowed the first operator to launch later that year. Based in the Isle of Man, the private company still exists today and powers many of the online slots for real money enjoyed by millions around the globe.

Gambling Myths

Gambling to Earn Income

When gamblers start off hot, be it casino or sports bettors, they start to believe extra income can be earned by risking more money and more often. This is terrible bankroll management and can lead to losing more money rather than the odds of hitting it big time and time again.

Luck Will Change

The gambler’s famous last words of “I’m due,” can get even seasoned bettors in trouble. If your casino strategy banks on luck changing as an excuse to bet money you don’t have, it’s time to walk away. The casino’s house edge will always fade away from you the longer you play.

Casinos Cheat

Yes, casinos cheating the player is a myth because they don’t have to when the house edge tilts in their favor over time. The best online casinos reviews we recommend are all licensed and regulated by third parties that verify fair play and that random number generator software is keeping online games on the up and up.

Gambling Addiction and Treatment

Whether it be inside a classic casino or online from the comfort of your own couch, gambling is suppose to be a form of entertainment and enjoyable experience. However, as we know, gambling addiction can become a serious problem for many in a short period of time. It is estimated that approximately 2,000,000 people in the United States are addicted to gambling in some form.

For those players who are open to receiving help and assistance with their addiction, several treatment options are available:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline – 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-GAMBLER (via phone or text)
• Gamblers Anonymous
• National Council on Problem Gambling
• Gambling Therapy

All of these resources provide unique treatment options catered towards each person’s individual needs. They are there to help and aid in beating gambling addiction.

If you’d rather do the work on your own, some states allow players to voluntarily ban themselves from casino floors for 1, 5, 10 years and even lifetime.

Gambling Facts FAQs