New Jersey’s online gambling industry set a new benchmark in March 2025, pulling in $243.9 million in revenue—a nearly 24% jump from the same month last year. This figure broke the state’s previous monthly record and marked the third straight month where online earnings outpaced Atlantic City’s casino floors.
This widening gap—now nearly $13 million—highlights a shift in player behavior as digital platforms continue to gain ground. March also became the seventh consecutive month when online gaming revenue exceeded $200 million.
Six of the eight licensed casino operators hosting iGaming platforms hit all-time monthly highs. Leading the charge was the Golden Nugget, which reported a staggering $74.5 million in revenue. FanDuel Casino, under its license, accounted for $52.3 million of that total. DraftKings followed with $49.6 million, while BetMGM crossed the $30 million threshold for the first time. Borgata, Caesars, and Hard Rock also saw record-setting performances.
Land-Based Casinos Lag Behind
While Atlantic City casinos saw month-over-month growth from February, the year-over-year comparison revealed a 3.7% dip, with total in-person revenue sliding to $230.9 million. Table games took the biggest hit, plunging nearly 15% to $57.3 million, while slot machine earnings rose slightly to $173.6 million.
Casino Control Commission Chairman James Plousis downplayed the downturn, calling March one of the strongest months in over a decade for in-person revenue. Still, casinos like Bally’s, Caesars, and Tropicana reported lower numbers, particularly at the tables.
March’s results continued a trend: for two straight months, digital platforms have brought in more revenue than Atlantic City’s brick-and-mortar venues. Jane Bokunewicz of Stockton University called the shift a potential “watershed moment” for the industry.
Q1 Wrap-Up: Online Surpasses Retail
The first quarter numbers echoed March’s trend. Online gambling revenue reached $673.3 million from January through March, a 19.6% rise over last year’s figures. Land-based casinos, in contrast, brought in $644.4 million—a near 2% year-over-year dip.
Despite the softening in retail revenue, total gaming activity across all verticals—land-based, online, and sports betting—reached $1.58 billion in Q1, the highest first-quarter total in more than a decade.
Online gambling also delivered major benefits to the state’s coffers, generating $36.5 million in tax revenue in March alone, bringing the year-to-date total to $100.6 million.
Sports Betting Slumps
Sportsbooks weren’t immune to March Madness, but not in a good way. Total sports betting revenue for the month dropped 20.5% year-over-year, falling to $71.3 million. Disappointing betting results during the NCAA tournament were blamed for the dip. Year-to-date sports betting revenue also fell 18.6% to $267.1 million.
Atlantic City Gears Up for Summer Rebound
Casino executives are banking on a seasonal boost. August 2024 brought in nearly $294 million in retail casino revenue, and a similar spike is expected this summer. To meet demand, more than 1,700 positions are being opened across Atlantic City’s nine casinos. A Casino Career Fair is scheduled for April 24 to help fill the roles.
Illegal Gambling Bust Casts Shadow
Just as the state’s legal gambling industry posted record highs, news broke of a massive illegal gambling ring operating across northern New Jersey. Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced charges against 39 individuals, including Anand Shah, a member of the Prospect Park borough council. Shah is accused of managing underground poker games and an illicit online sportsbook allegedly tied to the Lucchese crime family.
The operation reportedly netted more than $3 million in illegal revenue. Raids conducted by state police uncovered hidden gambling dens, some operating out of restaurant backrooms, as well as a stash house for gaming machines.
Beyond gambling, the investigation uncovered a retail theft scheme involving over $22,000 in stolen goods from Home Depot. Authorities say the operation wasn’t just illegal—it was dangerous, tied to violent organized crime.
“These are not victimless crimes,” said Theresa Hilton, director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We take seriously our responsibility to root out these illegal enterprises.”
