New Jersey internet gambling revenue hits record $208 million in September

New Jersey's internet gambling market surged to a record $208 million in September, marking the first time that monthly online winnings have exceeded $200 million. This milestone underscores the increasing significance of online gaming in the state's gambling landscape, particularly as physical casino revenues face challenges.

The figures, released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, reveal that the growth of internet gambling is reshaping the state's gaming sector. However, the revenue generated must be shared with external technology partners, highlighting that traditional in-person gambling remains a primary focus for many casinos.

While the total in-person revenue for September increased by $6 million compared to the same month in 2019, five out of nine Atlantic City casinos reported lower in-person winnings than they did five years ago. This trend reflects a shifting dynamic within the industry as online platforms continue to attract a growing number of players.

Overall gaming revenue for the month reached $558 million, a 7.1% increase from the previous year, fueled by both internet gambling and sports betting. Notably, this marks the third consecutive month in which total gaming revenue has surpassed $500 million — a significant achievement given that last year this benchmark was only met once, in August.

“The ongoing success of internet gaming helped push Atlantic City’s total gaming revenue to its highest figure for the month of September in over a decade,” said James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, characterized the September figures as “a mixed bag,” noting that while internet revenues soared, traditional brick-and-mortar gaming revenues appeared to lag behind.

As internet gaming continues to thrive, it accounted for 40.8% of the total revenue for Atlantic City operators during the first three quarters of the year, illustrating its growing role in the region's gambling ecosystem.

In terms of in-person winnings, Borgata won $62.4 million in September, up 15%; Hard Rock won $44.6 million, down 4.7%; Ocean won $28.4 million, down 28%; Caesars won $20.5 million, down 4.1%; Harrah’s won $18.6 million, down 16.3%; Tropicana won $17.9 million, down 16.3%; Resorts won $14.3 million, down 3.9%; Bally’s won $12.5 million, down 4.4%, and Golden Nugget won $11 million, down 12.5%.

When internet and sports betting revenue is included, Borgata won $120.2 million, up 12%; Resorts won $106.5 million, down 3.4%; Golden Nugget won $72.8 million, up 25.8%; Hard Rock won $64.4 million, up 10.8%; Ocean won $33.9 million, down 24%; Bally’s won $24.1 million, up 19.2%; Caesars won $20.6 million, down 3.4%; Harrah’s won $18.7 million, down 16.6%; and Tropicana won $18.1 million, down 16%.