Connecticut ranks 4th in casino spending

Casino LobbyA holiday display at Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. | Staff

A new study has revealed which states are spending the most on casinos, with Connecticut ranking fourth.

The study, conducted by Freespins.com.co, analyzed data from the American Gaming Association’s “State of the States 2024” report. The analysis covered commercial casino consumer spending for 2023, factoring in the number of casinos and the population aged 21 and older in each state.

Residents on average are spending $106.24 per capita at the state’s two tribal casinos; Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville. In total, nearly $580 million was spent at Connecticut’s casinos in 2023, a substantial rise from the previous year’s $416 million.

Rhode Island topped the list, with residents spending $423.60 per capita, nearly 650% more than the national average of $56.51.

Rhode Island’s significant per capita spend is fueled by its two commercial casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton. In 2023, these casinos together reported over $707 million in consumer spending—up from $688 million in 2022.

Delaware and West Virginia took the second and third spots, respectively. Delaware residents spent $219.96 per person at casinos in 2023, a 289% increase over the national average. The state’s three commercial casinos reported $507 million in consumer spending.

West Virginia ranked third, with residents spending $118.79 per capita, 110% more than the national average. The state’s five casinos generated $805 million in consumer spending, marking a significant year-over-year increase.

Despite being synonymous with gambling, Nevada did not make the top ten list. According to Marcio Pereira, a spokesperson from Freespins.com.co, the large number of casinos and the intense competition in Nevada may contribute to lower per capita spending.

“While Nevada is a major player in terms of total casino revenue, its high number of casinos likely spreads consumer spending across a larger number of venues,” Pereira said. “In states like Rhode Island, where fewer casinos mean less competition, each casino may see a higher concentration of spending.”

Americans spent a total of nearly $66 billion at casinos in 2023. The 32 states with available data accounted for $65.98 billion of that total, a $6 billion increase from 2022.


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About the Author

Laura Bailey
Photographer and photojournalist living in Bristol Connecticut