New Jersey’s gambling sector saw slight year-over-year growth in September, with revenue hitting $563.7 million — up just 1%. The real driver was online casino gaming, which offset steep losses in the sports betting space.
Compared to August, total revenue dipped 12.2%, but the state is still on track for another strong year, thanks to consistent gains in online slots and table games.
Sports Betting Takes a Hit, But Players Keep Wagering
Sportsbooks in New Jersey posted $89.8 million in revenue — a 24.9% drop from the previous year. Online betting was down 19.4%, and retail sportsbooks even posted a small loss, which is rare in this space.
Despite that, bettors haven’t backed off. The total handle climbed 3.7% to $1.13 billion, with $1.07 billion coming from online action. The issue wasn’t player interest — it was the hold. Sportsbooks just didn’t keep as much of the money wagered.
For the average bettor, this could mean sportsbooks offered better odds or that players simply had a lucky month. But with NFL and NBA seasons ramping up, those numbers could swing back up soon.
FanDuel (through Meadowlands) remained the top dog with $37.7 million in online betting revenue. DraftKings (via Resorts World) followed with $22.6 million, while BetMGM (partnered with Borgata) pulled in $7.1 million.
Online Casino Revenue Surges Again
If you play online slots or blackjack in New Jersey, you’re part of the state’s most reliable money-maker. iGaming brought in $243.1 million in September — up 16.8% from the previous year. That’s just shy of August’s record $248.4 million.
Slots and table games led the charge with $240.7 million, while online poker added $2.5 million.
Top performers mirrored the sports betting scene. FanDuel and Golden Nugget led with $56.6 million, DraftKings/Resorts World came in at $48.4 million, and BetMGM/Borgata hit $30.3 million.
For players, this continued growth means more investment into platforms, games, and maybe even more bonuses — especially as operators battle for market share.
Atlantic City Casinos Stay Steady Despite Slot Dip
The nine land-based casinos in Atlantic City saw a modest 0.1% revenue bump to $230.7 million. Slot machine revenue dipped 1.8%, but table games helped balance things out with a 5.7% increase.
This points to a steady land-based market — not growing fast, but holding its own as tourists slowly return. If you’re the kind of player who prefers the in-person experience, the casino floors aren’t going anywhere.
Year-to-Date Snapshot: iGaming Surges, Sportsbooks Lag
Through the first nine months of 2025, New Jersey’s total gambling revenue hit $5.13 billion — up 8.7% from 2024.
- Online casino revenue: $2.12 billion (+22.7%)
- Land-based casino revenue: $2.21 billion (+2.5%)
- Sports betting revenue: $798.5 million (–4.4%)
Despite the dip in sportsbooks, iGaming continues to carry the load. For players, this means operators will likely continue to prioritize their online platforms with better UX, new game rollouts, and loyalty programs.
New Rules Could Change Player Experience Online
The DGE isn’t just tracking revenue — it’s also looking to tighten up responsible gambling oversight. A new set of proposed rules would require operators to appoint a dedicated responsible gaming lead.
This person would maintain a list of at-risk players and ensure earlier intervention if gambling issues are detected. Public comment is open until November 14, so players and industry folks alike can weigh in.
If approved, players could start seeing more proactive messaging or contact from platforms based on their activity.
PA Growth Outpaces NJ, But iGaming Still the Standout
Across the river, Pennsylvania reported $535.8 million in September — a 5.9% year-over-year increase. That growth was also fueled by online gaming, which soared 32.08% to $233.3 million.
Retail slots and table games slipped slightly, while Hollywood Casino and Valley Forge Casino led the market.
The race between NJ and PA remains close, but both states are leaning heavily on their online platforms to drive growth. For players, that means more competitive offers, newer games, and evolving platform features.
Bottom Line for Players
If you’re betting online in NJ, you’re in the middle of the action. iGaming is thriving, and with possible new rules on the horizon, the playing experience could soon come with a stronger focus on responsible gaming. Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if sportsbooks up their game to recover from recent losses — especially with major sports seasons heating up.
