New Jersey’s gaming industry posted another strong month in April, with total revenue topping $600 million—but the most interesting number wasn’t on the casino floor.
According to figures released on May 15 by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, total gaming revenue reached $600.8 million in April, up 12% from a year ago.
All three major segments posted double-digit growth. Casino wins totaled $235.6 million, up 11.7% from last year; internet gaming revenue hit $263.1 million, up 11.9%; and sports betting totaled $102.1 million on $934.2 million in bets, up 12.8%.
For the eighth consecutive month, internet gaming revenue outpaced traditional casino wins, according to NJ Biz. Year-to-date, the industry has already surpassed $1 billion—placing it ahead of every prior year on record.
Atlantic City’s Best April In a Decade
Despite being outpaced by online gaming, Atlantic City had its strongest April on the floor for in-person gaming since 2012.
The top performers by casino win were Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa at $67 million, up 14.5%; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City at $45.3 million, up 9.1%; and Ocean Casino Resort at $36.6 million, up 19.5%.
New Jersey Casino Control Commission Chairman James Plousis called it the highest monthly gaming revenue total for April in over a decade, noting that each casino-hotel reported growth in either slot machine wins or table game wins. Five casinos reported growth in both.
“The increased revenue is no surprise because Atlantic City is really doing it right,” said New Jersey Digest Publisher Tom LaVecchia. “From the city’s focus on convention traffic to becoming more of a resort destination—whether it’s catching a show at the Hard Rock or a staycation at MGM—people are showing up and spending money.”
The outlook heading into summer is cautiously optimistic. Analysts have flagged growing competition from Resorts World New York City, which recently launched live table games, as a potential headwind for Atlantic City. But with the FIFA World Cup coming to MetLife Stadium and nearby Philadelphia this summer, there are reasons to expect a strong season for tourism.