New Jersey’s online gambling market is on a record-breaking streak, with November 2023 setting a new high for monthly revenue. According to the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, online gambling platforms generated an unprecedented $214 million, narrowly surpassing the previous record achieved just one month prior. The milestone cements New Jersey’s position as a leader in the growing online gaming industry, which continues to expand even as physical casinos face lingering challenges.
James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, celebrated the achievement, saying, “The continuing success of online gaming and sports wagering has helped total gaming revenue achieve its best November monthly result in over a decade.” His remarks underscore the critical role online gambling has played in reshaping New Jersey’s gaming industry.
While the digital sector flourishes, Atlantic City’s brick-and-mortar casinos are still grappling with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite matching their November 2019 in-person revenue of $223.9 million, only three of the city’s nine casinos—Hard Rock, Ocean, and Resorts—managed to exceed their pre-pandemic performance. This uneven recovery highlights the shifting dynamics within the gambling sector, as players increasingly favor the convenience and accessibility of online platforms.
The pandemic’s disruption to the casino industry accelerated this shift. When physical venues were forced to shut their doors, many players turned to online alternatives, where they discovered a broad array of gaming options and enhanced digital experiences. Even with casinos now fully operational, a significant portion of that online clientele has remained loyal to digital platforms.
In November 2023, online gambling revenue saw an impressive year-over-year increase of nearly 25%. This marked the third consecutive month that New Jersey’s digital gambling sector surpassed $200 million in monthly revenue. Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, highlighted this trend, noting the sustained momentum of the state’s online gaming ecosystem.
When combined with revenue from sports betting, New Jersey’s total gaming income for November 2023 reached $556 million, reflecting a 15.4% increase from the same month in 2022. Notably, the presence of two extra weekend days in November 2023 compared to the previous year contributed to the revenue boost.
Among individual operators, Borgata emerged as the standout performer, generating $122.6 million in combined revenue—a remarkable 25% increase from the previous year. Resorts closely followed with nearly $101 million, up 28%. Other operators, including Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Ocean, and Bally’s, also posted significant revenue growth, driven largely by the success of their online platforms.
However, not all casinos shared in this prosperity. Traditional venues such as Harrah’s, Tropicana, and Caesars reported year-over-year declines in in-person revenue. These losses underscore the ongoing challenges facing Atlantic City’s physical casino sector in an era increasingly dominated by digital gambling.
Sports betting, another key driver of New Jersey’s gaming revenue, contributed nearly $119 million in November 2023. This figure was derived from a total betting handle of $1.2 billion, demonstrating the enduring popularity of wagering on sports events. The Meadowlands Racetrack, bolstered by its partnership with FanDuel, accounted for $50.5 million of the sports betting revenue, while Resorts, through its collaboration with DraftKings, generated nearly $38 million. Smaller operators like Monmouth Park also made notable gains, with the venue experiencing a 163% increase in revenue—partly attributed to the closure of Freehold Raceway, which left less competition in the market.
As New Jersey’s online gambling market continues to set new benchmarks, the future of the state’s gambling industry appears to hinge on the ability of operators to adapt to the evolving landscape. Brick-and-mortar casinos, in particular, face the challenge of staying competitive in a market increasingly dominated by digital innovation. To maintain their relevance, physical venues may need to invest more heavily in hybrid models that integrate digital and in-person gaming experiences.
Moreover, enhancing customer experiences and diversifying entertainment offerings will be critical for traditional casinos seeking to attract and retain players. Some industry analysts also recommend that physical casinos leverage their established brands to expand into the digital realm, offering seamless cross-platform experiences that appeal to modern gamblers.
The continued growth of online gambling in New Jersey underscores broader trends in the gaming industry, as technology reshapes how players engage with their favorite games. While this evolution presents significant opportunities, it also demands careful navigation to balance the interests of both digital and traditional operators.
As the industry progresses, regulators, operators, and stakeholders will need to work collaboratively to ensure sustainable growth. By fostering innovation and prioritizing customer satisfaction, New Jersey can maintain its leadership in the global gambling market, even as it navigates the challenges posed by this rapidly changing environment.
