Our community's casino industry is experiencing a tale of two markets, according to new data released Thursday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. While Atlantic City's casinos saw modest growth in March, winning 2.5% more from in-person gamblers compared to last year, the numbers tell a more complex story about where gambling dollars are actually flowing.
The March figures reveal what industry observers have been tracking for months: gambling in New Jersey is increasingly becoming an online activity. The revenue from internet gaming now surpasses what visitors spend on Atlantic City's casino floors, marking a fundamental shift in how residents and tourists choose to gamble.
This trend carries significant implications for our region as Atlantic City prepares to face unprecedented competition. Three new casinos are planned for New York City, with one expected to open its doors within a month. These developments could draw away the out-of-state visitors who have long been crucial to Atlantic City's economy.
Adding to the competitive pressure, there's a renewed effort to ask New Jersey voters whether casinos should be allowed in locations beyond Atlantic City. Such a change would end the city's decades-long monopoly on land-based casino gambling in the state.
While the 2.5% increase in March revenue suggests our casinos remain resilient, the growing dominance of online gambling raises questions about the future of brick-and-mortar gaming establishments. Casino operators and local officials are watching these trends closely as they strategize how to maintain Atlantic City's position as a premier gaming destination in an increasingly digital and competitive marketplace.
The coming months will be critical as our community navigates these challenges while working to preserve the jobs and economic activity that casinos have provided for generations of Atlantic City residents.
