New Jersey’s online gambling sector achieved a significant milestone in October 2024, with revenues reaching an all-time high of $213.6 million. This figure surpasses the previous record of $208 million set in September and highlights a continuing shift toward digital gaming over traditional in-person casino activities.

Internet Gambling Outpaces Brick-and-Mortar Casinos

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s latest figures reveal that for the first time, internet gaming revenue has exceeded in-person casino earnings on a consistent basis, barring brief periods in 2020 when physical venues were shut due to the pandemic. The growing preference for online gaming options is reshaping the state’s gambling landscape, as noted by James Plousis, Chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission: “These two accomplishments are emblematic of the importance of online gaming as a component of the evolving casino business.”

In October, the total gaming revenue—including in-person, internet, and sports betting—amounted to $499.8 million, marking a 2.6% increase from October 2023’s $487.1 million. However, brick-and-mortar casinos reported an 8.5% year-over-year decline, with total in-person earnings falling to $208.7 million.

Online Gaming: A Vital Growth Driver

Internet gaming remains a strong driver for New Jersey’s gambling industry, with revenues rising by 28.1% compared to October 2023’s $166.8 million. Year-to-date internet gaming earnings have surged to $1.95 billion, a 23.7% increase over the previous year.

This trend underscores the growing importance of online platforms as they capture a larger share of consumer interest. According to Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, cited by Associated Press: “Despite a historically dry and very mild October, brick-and-mortar gaming operators in Atlantic City did not see strong gains over 2023, instead declining by 8.5% year-over-year. Total revenue for the casinos was up over 9% from a year ago, in no small part due to internet gaming, which continued a record streak.”

Casino Performance: Winners and Losers

Among Atlantic City’s nine casinos, only Tropicana, Caesars, and Bally’s saw growth in in-person gambling revenue compared to October 2023. The top performer, Borgata, generated $53.4 million, although this represented a 6.1% decline year-over-year. Other notable results included:

Hard Rock: $40.8 million, down 1%
Ocean Casino: $32.8 million, down over 24%
Tropicana: $17.6 million, up 7.4%
Caesars: $15 million, up 4.1%
Golden Nugget: $9.6 million, down over 20%

Sports Betting Faces Challenges

While online gaming flourished, sports wagering showed a 16% decline, with revenues dropping from $92.3 million in October 2023 to $77.5 million this year. Despite this monthly dip, year-to-date sports betting revenue grew by 13.9%, reaching $912.8 million compared to $801.3 million in 2023.

The sustained growth of online gambling demonstrates its increasing significance within New Jersey’s gaming ecosystem. Plousis emphasized the role of digital platforms in adapting to changing consumer preferences and contributing to overall revenue growth.

As online gaming continues to expand, the state’s casinos face the challenge of balancing their traditional in-person offerings with the booming digital market. The shift represents not only a transformation for New Jersey but also sets a precedent for other states exploring online gambling’s potential.