New jerseyans cut back on casinos as state reports 8% revenue drop

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The economy is doing great, they tell us. But, New Jerseyans on the ground are feeling the heat and people are still cutting back on discretionary spending, including gambling and trips to the casinos in Atlantic City.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported a 2.6% increase in total gaming revenue for October 2024, driven by significant growth in internet gaming despite declines in casino and sports betting revenue.

Total gaming revenue for the month reached $499.8 million, up from $487.1 million in October 2023. Internet gaming continued its upward trajectory, generating $213.6 million, a 28.1% increase from $166.8 million in the same month last year.

In contrast, brick-and-mortar casino revenue declined to $208.7 million, down 8.5% from $228.1 million in October 2023. Sports wagering revenue also dropped 16%, totaling $77.5 million compared to $92.3 million the previous October.

Year-to-date figures show overall gaming revenue at $5.22 billion, a 9.3% increase compared to $4.77 billion during the same period in 2023. Internet gaming alone contributed $1.95 billion year-to-date, reflecting a growth of 23.7%, while sports wagering gross revenue rose 13.9% to $912.8 million.

Despite casino revenue declines, the online gaming sector continues to buoy New Jersey’s gaming industry with record-setting growth.

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