Casino Revenue Declines by Three Percent as Atlantic City Struggles Persist
Atlantic City Struggles Persist, Casino Revenue Down Almost Three Percent
- Atlantic City casinos continue to struggle
- iGaming maintained its growth trajectory in April
- Oddsmakers are fielding fewer bets
As summer approaches, the nine casinos in Atlantic City are hoping for a resurgence in visitors while grappling with a downturn in in-person gaming compared to 2024. Recent reports reveal that casino revenue dropped nearly 3% in April, equating to a loss of about $5.9 million.
According to the latest figures from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, gross gaming revenue (GGR) across brick-and-mortar casinos amounted to $211 million, marking a 2.7% decline from the same month last year. Within this breakdown, while slot machine revenues saw a slight increase of 2.1% to $162.2 million, table games experienced a noteworthy loss, retaining less than $48.8 million—a drop of approximately $9.3 million compared to April 2024.
Trend: Oddsmakers Struggling
It’s not just traditional casino gaming that feels the pinch; the sports betting sector is also experiencing a downturn. In the first four months of 2025, total bets in New Jersey amounted to $4.2 billion, a stark contrast to $5.2 billion during the same period in 2024.
Factors contributing to this downturn range from customer frustrations over sportsbook odds when compared to offshore platforms to economic pressures influencing betting habits. As a result, sportsbooks recorded a 15% drop in winnings, totaling $90.5 million in April alone. Year-to-date, sports betting revenue is down 18%, leaving oddsmakers struggling to keep pace with previous years.
Unstoppable iGaming Growth
While traditional gaming sectors face challenges, the online gaming market (iGaming) continues to thrive, showcasing a remarkable growth trajectory. In April 2025, iGaming revenue hit $235.2 million—a 25% increase. This boom has seen year-to-date figures exceeding $908.4 million, which is 21% higher than the previous year, illustrating a strong shift towards online platforms.
Preparing for a Busy Summer Season
Summer is typically the peak season for Atlantic City, with an influx of visitors from Philadelphia and New York. The city is optimistic that 2025 will see improvements over 2024, thanks to recent beach restoration efforts and enhanced customer service experiences, with dedicated staff aimed at providing top-notch service.
“Tourists who visit Atlantic City can expect first-class service from our casino hotels,” said James Plousis, head of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. “The upcoming summer season looks promising, with exceptional hospitality being recognized at recent award events.”
The next couple of summers will be crucial as well, with New York set to establish locations for three multibillion-dollar casinos featuring live dealer tables and sports betting options, which will likely shift the dynamics of competition away from Atlantic City’s established venues.
Key Takeaways
- Atlantic City faces a revenue decline with significant drops in table game incomes.
- Oddsmakers are struggling as total bets fall considerably year-on-year.
- iGaming continues to flourish, marking a robust sector amidst challenges in physical casinos.
- Expectations for summer are high, aiming to leverage restored beach facilities and service excellence.
- Future competition from New York’s new casinos could reshape Atlantic City’s gaming landscape.
In summary, Atlantic City’s casinos are currently experiencing a challenging landscape with a notable decrease in revenue from traditional gaming, while the online gambling sector thrives. With summer around the corner, stakeholders are keen on revitalising visitor numbers and enhancing the overall experience to meet new competition emerging on the horizon.
