The American Gaming Association (AGA) survey reveals that the U.S. gaming sector is expanding at a slower rate in the initial quarter, but it’s a more consistent pace.
The AGA’s “Gaming Industry Outlook” states that the current conditions indicator for the first quarter of 2024 is 102.8. This signifies that the industry is expanding at a rate of 2.8% annually. The index assesses the performance of the U.S. casino industry, encompassing factors such as revenue generation and employee compensation.
The AGA’s future conditions indicator is also at 102.2 for the first quarter, indicating that the industry is projected to grow at a rate of 2.2% annually over the subsequent six months. This index examines anticipated developments in the U.S. casino industry, including economic conditions, consumer sentiment towards spending, and the perspectives of the AGA’s panel of gaming executives.
The AGA received 32 responses from executives within U.S. gaming enterprises for its “Gaming Industry Outlook.” They expressed that the industry is currently performing adequately, but they hold a slightly more positive outlook for the future.
The Future Conditions Index also indicates that the economy is more robust than initially anticipated, although it is predicted to decelerate for the remainder of 2024.
Development has slowed in comparison to prior years.
The AGA’s Current Conditions Index reveals that actual economic activity in 2023 was less brisk than in 2021 and 2022.
Nevertheless, the index remains at a positive 102.8, suggesting that “industry expansion remains strong” despite high inflation somewhat diminishing its findings. This follows a reading of 108.8 in the fourth quarter of 2023, consistent with an annualized growth rate of 8.8%.
Game company chief executives’ expectations for growth are largely the same as they were six months prior. Positive responses outweighed negative responses by 6.3%, down from 6.4% in the third quarter of 2023.
According to 32% of executives, improvements are anticipated in the next three to six months. Meanwhile, 58% expect gaming activity to remain at the same level. The nine out of ten finding that the industry is expected to improve or remain unchanged is also higher than the eight out of ten reported in the fall. Overall, 44% describe current conditions as favorable, while 50% say they are adequate.
Moreover, 42% of executives are more optimistic about the overall health of their balance sheets improving. However, 13% expect revenue growth to stagnate, while 22% expect new hiring to slow.
The AGA anticipates growth to slow further in a “restrictive” financial environment.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) anticipates that the US economy will experience a slowdown in 2024, leading to a decrease in growth within the gaming sector due to rising interest rates.
Despite this, the AGA remains optimistic about the future, citing a robust job market as a driver of increased disposable income. This outlook is more positive than the one presented six months ago.
Looking forward, a smaller percentage of executives (19%) expressed concerns about restricted access to credit, down from 26% in the previous CEO survey. A significant portion of respondents (28%) also identified interest rate limitations as a factor hindering operations, while geopolitical risks were cited by 34%. Furthermore, 34% of respondents highlighted economic uncertainty as a limiting factor.
The AGA’s Future Index reading of 102.2 indicates growing economic activity within the gaming industry, taking into account potential inflationary pressures.
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