New Jersey’s casinos, horse tracks, and online partners experienced a significant upswing in April, reporting total winnings of over $511 million, marking a notable 10.4% increase from the previous year, according to state gambling regulators.
Internet gambling surges:
A major contributing factor to this growth was the state’s exceptional performance in internet gambling, achieving its second-best month ever in this sector. Despite the ongoing challenges in the global landscape, the online segment of the gaming industry in New Jersey continues to thrive, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
However, amidst this surge in internet gambling, the core business of in-person gambling witnessed a decline, down 6.3% from the previous year. While this trend poses challenges for traditional brick-and-mortar establishments, it also highlights the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers in the digital age.
Despite the overall increase in revenue, the division between in-person and online gambling remains crucial for casinos. In-person winnings are considered the cornerstone of their business, representing a steady revenue stream unaffected by profit-sharing agreements. As such, casinos continue to prioritize the enhancement of their physical offerings and customer experiences to maintain competitiveness in the market.
According to the Associated Press, Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, highlighted the potential shift in revenue dynamics within the Atlantic City gambling market. She stated, “Operators’ recent investments in improving resort offerings suggest that a significant shift in the market’s overall revenue mix could be coming.” Bokunewicz emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue sources beyond gambling to enhance competitiveness and resilience.
Casino performance:
In terms of in-person revenue, several casinos experienced varying degrees of success. The Borgata led the pack with $58.3 million in winnings, followed by Hard Rock with $41.1 million, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. However, other establishments faced challenges, with Harrah’s witnessing a significant drop of nearly 25% in revenue.
Including internet and sports betting revenue, the landscape shifts slightly. The Borgata retained its lead with $107.7 million, closely followed by Golden Nugget with nearly $66 million. Notably, internet-only entities such as Resorts Digital reported a substantial increase in winnings, signaling the growing popularity of online gambling platforms.
Sports betting also contributed significantly to April’s revenue, surpassing $1 billion in total bets. The Meadowlands Racetrack emerged as the frontrunner, securing $73.1 million in revenue, followed by Resorts Digital with nearly $19 million.
As the gaming industry in New Jersey continues to evolve, with internet gambling experiencing robust growth and sports betting gaining traction, stakeholders remain optimistic about future prospects. The ongoing focus on diversification and innovation underscores the resilience of the state’s gaming sector in navigating changing market dynamics.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving consumer preferences, New Jersey’s gaming industry has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience. By embracing technology, enhancing customer experiences, and exploring new revenue streams, casinos and gaming operators are poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities and drive sustained growth in the months and years ahead.