According to the latest figures from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, online casino operators in New Jersey had a huge month in March. They pulled in a record $243.9 million in revenue, smashing the previous $228 million record set in December. This new high is the biggest monthly total ever recorded for online gambling in the state.
It also marks the third month in a row that online casinos outperformed the revenue from Atlantic City’s brick-and-mortar casinos. Atlantic City’s nine land-based casinos reported $230.9 million for the month, a 3.7% drop from last year.
I can’t say I’m surprised, though. Personally, I enjoy both online and in-person gaming, but there’s just something special about being there on the casino floor—the sounds, the smells, the people, the overall energy. It’s a whole vibe you just can’t recreate at home. That said, I totally get why online gaming is taking off the way it is. Today’s world is all about convenience, and it’s pretty hard to beat being able to play your favorite games without ever leaving your house.
Unfortunately for us traditionalists, online casinos just keep pulling further ahead. In March 2025, they brought in almost $13 million more than the brick-and-mortar spots. Online revenue shot up 23.7% compared to March 2024, jumping from $197.2 million.
Looking at the first quarter of 2025, online casino revenue climbed 19.6% YOY. It totaled $673.3 million. That gave digital platforms a 4.5% lead over traditional casinos.
All that growth also meant a nice payday for the state. New Jersey collected almost $36.5 million in online gaming taxes just in March. So far this year, iGaming has brought in $100.6 million in tax revenue.
Golden Nugget / FanDuel Casino NJ On Top
Golden Nugget was the clear standout among Atlantic City’s online operators, setting a new record with $74.5 million in revenue. Six of the eight casinos licensed for online gaming reported their best-ever months, and 11 operators set new personal records.
FanDuel Casino, operating under the Golden Nugget license, led all individual operators with $52.3 million in revenue, up 25.7% compared to last March. And DraftKings is not far behind at $49.6 million.
- BetMGM: $31.6 million
- Borgata: $22.4 million
- Caesars Palace Online / Tropicana-based platforms: combined for $20.5 million
Other strong performances came from BetRivers at $8.3 million and Fanatics Casino at $5.3 million, both setting new personal highs. Meanwhile, BetPARX made its debut with $1.7 million in March through a partnership with Harrah’s.
Atlantic City Casinos Struggle to Keep Pace
While online gaming soared, Atlantic City’s physical casinos continued to slide. The nine land-based properties brought in $8.9 million less than they did in March 2024, marking the second month in a row with about a 4% year-over-year decline.
Although slot machine revenue actually increased by 0.5%, table games took a hit and dropped by 15% to $57.3 million.
Sports betting in New Jersey also took a hit in March. With the Super Bowl behind us and March Madness coming to an end, the action slowed down a bit. Casinos, racetracks, and their partners brought in $71.3 million — down 20.5% from last year’s $89.7 million. Year-to-date, sports betting revenue hit $267.1 million. That’s an 18.6% drop compared to the same time in 2024.
Atlantic City, once known as the gambling mecca of the East Coast, has been facing a decline in recent years due to the rise of online casinos in New Jersey. The city, which was once a bustling hub of entertainment and excitement, has seen a decrease in revenue and visitors as more and more people turn to online gambling from the comfort of their own homes.
One of the main reasons for the decline of Atlantic City is the convenience and accessibility of online casinos. With the click of a button, players can access a wide variety of games and betting options without having to travel to a physical casino. This has made it easier for people to gamble without the hassle of dealing with crowds, parking, and other inconveniences that come with visiting a brick-and-mortar casino.
In addition, online casinos offer a wider range of games and betting options than traditional casinos, making them more appealing to a broader audience. Players can choose from a variety of slots, table games, and live dealer games, all from the comfort of their own home. This variety and convenience have drawn many gamblers away from Atlantic City’s casinos, leading to a decline in revenue for the city.
Another factor contributing to the decline of Atlantic City is the competition from neighboring states. With the legalization of online gambling in New Jersey, other states in the region have followed suit, creating a more competitive market for Atlantic City’s casinos. Players now have more options when it comes to online gambling, making it harder for Atlantic City to attract visitors and generate revenue.
Despite these challenges, Atlantic City is working to revitalize its gambling industry and attract more visitors. The city has been investing in new attractions, entertainment options, and amenities to draw in tourists and gamblers. Additionally, some casinos in Atlantic City have started offering online gambling options to compete with the growing trend of online casinos.
While the decline of Atlantic City in the face of growing online casinos is a significant challenge, the city is not giving up without a fight. By adapting to the changing landscape of the gambling industry and investing in new attractions, Atlantic City hopes to regain its status as a premier destination for gamblers and tourists alike. Only time will tell if these efforts will be successful in reversing the city’s decline.
