In 1999, gross gaming revenues exceeded which amount?

• A. $5 billion
• B. $10 billion
• C. $20 billion
• D. $40 billion

Answer: (C)

Gross gaming revenues measure the casino industry’s take from gaming activities—the amount wagered by players minus what is paid out to players as winnings. It represents the house win before expenses, taxes, and other costs, so it shows the scale of the market rather than profitability.

By 1999, the total house win across the major gaming markets had surpassed twenty billion dollars, marking a clear milestone for the industry. That level is higher than the smaller figures of five or ten billion, and it sits below forty billion, which would indicate an even larger total than what was reported for that year. So, twenty billion is the threshold that was exceeded in 1999.