New Jersey’s internet gambling industry has hit a new high, generating over $198 million in August alone, marking its best month ever. While this is a massive win for online operators, it highlights an uncomfortable truth for Atlantic City’s land-based casinos: physical gambling venues are still struggling to regain pre-pandemic levels of success. For many of these casinos, the shift toward digital gaming is both a blessing and a curse, providing much-needed revenue but also revealing the limitations of their in-person offerings.
The rise in online gambling reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. Players have become accustomed to the convenience and variety of online platforms, which offer everything from sports betting to virtual slots at the touch of a button. However, this convenience comes at a cost for traditional casinos, which must now compete with an entirely different gaming experience that doesn’t require players to leave their homes. Despite efforts to lure customers back to physical properties with upgraded amenities and entertainment options, six of Atlantic City’s nine casinos still report earnings below pre-pandemic levels.
For some casinos, like Borgata and Hard Rock, the story is different. They’ve managed to adapt and even thrive in the new landscape, likely due to their strong brands and diversified offerings. But for others, the reality is clear: the future of gambling in New Jersey may be more digital than physical. This presents an important challenge for the industry as a whole—how to balance the growth of online platforms with the need to maintain the vitality of land-based casinos, which remain essential to Atlantic City’s economy.
