New Jersey doesn’t need proof to show that it built one of the most influential iGaming markets in North America, and every new revenue report reinforces that online casinos are a pillar of the state’s gaming economy. As 2026 approaches, the numbers and player habits data reveal a market ready for a new phase of growth, sharper regulation, and a digital experience that feels more personal than ever.
A Record-Setting Market That Shows No Signs of Slowing
To understand where New Jersey is heading, you have to look at what the state achieved in 2024 and 2025. These were defining years for the state.
The New Jersey Casino Control Commission reported that total gaming revenue reached $6.3 billion in 2024, marking the highest amount in the state’s history. Internet gaming wins exceeded $2.3 billion, a 24.1% year-over-year increase, and tax receipts more than doubled compared to 2019.
iGB’s 2024 analysis breaks down that success even further, noting that online slots and table games alone generated $2.36 billion, up nearly 24.5%. Poker remains steady, albeit small, while casino games account for the largest portion of the revenue pie.
And the momentum carried into 2025. By October, total gaming revenue had already climbed to $5.74 billion, about 10% higher than the same point in 2024. Internet gaming accounted for $2.39 billion of that, outpacing both sports betting and land-based casino revenue.
New Tax Rules Shape Operator Strategy for 2026
With growth comes scrutiny, and New Jersey Gaming Enforcement didn’t hesitate to update its tax structure.
From January to June 2025, operators paid 15% on casino revenue and 13% on online sports betting. On July 1, 2025, the Division of Gaming Enforcement introduced a blended tax rate of 19.75 percent, which increased the cost of doing business online for operators.
That shift is a result of a broader trend. The Casino Control Commission highlighted in its annual report that gaming taxes grew from $266 million in 2019 to more than $569 million in 2024, helping fund programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
The impacts of the new tax rules will be quickly reflected in the market. Operators will continue to fight for market share, which means you’ll still see competitive bonuses and platforms equipped with the latest technology. Behind the scenes, though, every offer will be measured against a higher tax bill and new regulatory expectations.
At the same time, the state will likely strike a balance between industry growth and efforts to protect players. In past years, New Jersey has already expanded its self-exclusion program and simplified the enrollment process to help players opt out if they don’t feel comfortable.
In 2026, it is reasonable to expect more visible controls inside online casino platforms and more restrictions designed to protect vulnerable players.
A Smarter, More Immersive Casino Experience Online
The digital experience is evolving, and operators are adapting quickly. If 2024 was the year of record revenue, 2026 will be the year players feel the difference in how games are curated, delivered, and recommended on an NJ online casino.
You can already see where the market is heading by watching how platforms are upgrading. Online casinos are investing in more innovative platforms, cleaner interfaces, and more efficient payout systems. A seamless mobile experience with a great UI design matters not just to regular players, but to anyone who logs in occasionally.
Behind the scenes, operators rely more heavily on analytic tools. That means game libraries, promotions, and bonuses will be tailored to your individual play style. This change could also help you better control your playing habits, such as personalization that lets you avoid risky patterns or reminders to pause if play becomes too intense.
Atlantic City Adapts Instead of Shrinking
One question always sits under the spotlight in states where online gaming is booming. Will online casinos cannibalize traditional casinos?
So far, the evidence suggests coexistence, but with some changes.
In summer 2025, casinos in Atlantic City reported solid results. In August, casino wins rose 6.1% year-over-year. Meanwhile, July data showed that in-person revenue stayed healthy.
That said, as online gaming continues to grow rapidly, casinos on the ground will double down on experiences that players can’t replicate from home: dining, entertainment, live shows, and social moments.
Casinos, hotels, and resorts will evolve. Their online platforms will continue to drive traffic, but their physical floors will lean even more heavily into hospitality and entertainment, extending beyond gaming.
For New Jersey as a whole, the financial implications are significant. More iGaming revenue means more tax income. That money funds state and local services, and supports jobs in hospitality, technology, and regulation.
A Stronger, Smarter Market
By the time 2026 arrives, New Jersey’s iGaming market will be bigger, more refined, and more tightly integrated into the state’s economy than ever before. Online casinos are no longer the understudy to Atlantic City. They are the main growth drivers, with land-based venues adapting and evolving instead of fading into the background. For you, the message is clear. Enjoy the evolution. Take advantage of better technology, richer game libraries, and competitive loyalty programs. But play with intention and keep your entertainment budget tight while engaging with the fastest-growing gaming market in America.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.