In an emerging trend within New Jersey’s gaming landscape, February 2025 witnessed online gaming revenues surpassing those from in-person casino activities. This shift is highlighted by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s recent report, which detailed total gaming revenue of $484.8 million, up 5.1% from the previous year.

Online gaming surges as traditional casinos face challenges:

Despite the collective success, traditional casinos are seeing a different story unfold. The revenue from patrons physically present at casinos was recorded at $203.4 million, a decrease of 3.8% year-over-year, underscoring a challenging period for these establishments. In contrast, internet-based gaming activities brought in $207.7 million, marking a significant 14% increase from the same period last year. This rise in online revenue is especially notable given the adverse weather conditions and the fact that February 2025 had one less day than the previous leap year.

The detailed breakdown of revenue sources reveals mixed results across various sectors:

  • Casino Wins: The nine casino hotels collectively reported a win of $203.5 million, continuing a slight downward trend with a 3.8% drop compared to February 2024.
  • Internet Gaming Win: Reflecting a robust growth, the internet gaming win stood at $207.8 million, a notable 14% increase year-over-year.
  • Sports Wagering Gross Revenue: This segment saw a revenue of $73.6 million, up by 8.9% from the previous year, despite a slight decrease in total money bet on sports during the month.

Individual casino and online platform performances:

Among individual establishments and their online counterparts, the performance varied:

  • Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: Led the in-person gambling wins with $49.9 million, although this was a decrease from the previous year.
  • FanDuel and DraftKings: Dominated the online sports betting scene, with FanDuel pulling in $33.8 million, up by 27.2%, while DraftKings saw a decrease.

Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism, commented on the shift, noting that a quieter month for in-person visitors has paved the way for the online sector’s success. Bokunewicz further stated: “A less busy month for in-person patrons opened the door to more internet gaming activity and the opportunity for online casino operations to pass brick-and-mortar for a second consecutive month with a 14% increase over February 2024,” as reported by the Press of Atlantic City.

As the industry navigates through the offseason, with traditional casinos typically regaining traction in the summer, the dynamic between online and in-person gaming continues to evolve. The state remains a leading market in sports betting, reflecting a complex interplay of consumer behavior, seasonal impacts, and evolving gaming preferences.