New Jersey’s gambling sector opened 2026 with overall revenue growth, supported largely by continued strength in online casino activity. Figures released for January show combined gaming revenue reached $586.4 million across casinos, racetracks, and their partners. This total reflects a 5.9% increase compared with $553.9 million recorded in January 2025.

Tax contributions tied to the month’s gaming activity totaled $86.5 million. These funds support state initiatives, including programs benefiting seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Online Gaming Strength Shapes Market Trends

Online gambling remained a key contributor. As reported by New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, internet gaming revenue reached $258.9 million for the month, marking a 16.8% increase from $221.6 million a year earlier. At the same time, land-based casino revenue rose more modestly. The nine Atlantic City casino hotels reported $213.3 million in gaming win, representing a 1.6% year-on-year increase from $210.1 million.

Sports wagering revenue moved in the opposite direction. Combined sports betting activity generated $114.2 million, reflecting a 6.5% decline compared with $122.2 million in January 2025.

Digital gambling activity has continued to expand within the state. January marked the third consecutive month in which online gaming revenue exceeded land-based casino revenue. Internet gaming accounted for a substantial share of overall performance during the period.

Commenting on the data, Jane Bokunewicz said: “For the third consecutive month (and the eighth time since inception) internet gaming gross revenue surpassed brick-and-mortar revenue to claim 48.1% of total revenue share.”

She also noted the distribution of revenue among sectors: “Sportsbooks (online and retail) represented 12.2% of revenue while traditional land-based gaming accounted for just 39.7%.”

Online results remained strong even after December’s record performance. January revenue declined slightly from December’s $273.2 million record but still ranked as the third-highest monthly total for online casinos in New Jersey history.

Individual operators reported varied performance. FanDuel Casino led the market with $58.9 million in January revenue, followed by DraftKings Casino at $48.6 million. Some platforms recorded significant year-on-year growth, including Fanatics Casino, which increased revenue by more than 240%, and BetParx Casino, which posted a 210% rise.

Retail Casino Performance And Seasonal Factors

Brick-and-mortar casinos reported steady but limited growth. Slot machine revenue increased compared with January 2025, while table game revenue declined. Combined results produced the modest overall increase for Atlantic City properties.

Jane Bokunewicz also observed seasonal influences on performance: “Despite a span of brutal cold and severe winter weather across the region, Atlantic City casino operators realized a fairly strong month of brick-and-mortar gaming revenue for January 2026.”

The retail sector continues adjusting to changing market conditions, including competition from online platforms and broader regional gaming developments. Analysts note that winter months traditionally produce slower activity in Atlantic City, with expectations for stronger performance as warmer seasons approach.

When combining retail casino revenue with online casino results, the industry generated $472.2 million during January. Continued expansion of internet gaming has reshaped the revenue balance between digital and physical venues.

According to The Press of Atlantic City, annual data from 2025 showed online casinos slightly ahead of Atlantic City’s land-based venues in total revenue, with $2.91 billion compared with $2.89 billion for retail casinos. January’s figures suggest that this pattern may continue.