In 2018, their record-setting revenues totaled $41.68 billion, an increase of 3.5 percent from the previous year. Gambling could well be America’s favorite pastime, with the commercial casino industry raking in billions every year. In 2018, there were 465 commercial casinos in the United States.The decision was made to allow states to set their own gambling policies, without federal government interference.One of the first major casinos to open in Las Vegas was El Rancho Vegas, opened in 1941.In 2018, their record-setting revenues totaled $41.68 billion, an increased of 3.5 percent from the previous year.Slot machines at a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.