Published on: May 6, 2026, at 11:59 AM.
Updated on: May 6, 2026, at 11:59 AM.
- Stockton University indicates that Atlantic City casinos are pivotal to New Jersey’s economic landscape.
- Approximately one-third of the workforce in Atlantic City is employed by casinos at the nine resort venues.
- The gaming sector accrued $1.1 billion in taxes and fees during the fiscal year 2025.
A recent study underscores the significant contributions of Atlantic City and its nine casinos, benefiting not only South Jersey but the entire Garden State. These insights emerge amidst competitive challenges from downstate New York, where a new full-service casino featuring slot machines and live dealer games has commenced operations in Queens.
Today, the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University released its report titled “2025 Impact: Atlantic City Casino Industry.” This third edition of the annual report explores how both traditional and online casino operations contribute to New Jersey’s economic expansion.
During the 2025 fiscal year (July 2024 to June 2025), the New Jersey gaming sector contributed $1.1 billion in taxes and fees, marking a substantial 25% increase compared to 2024, which followed an 11% rise from 2023. This sector contributed a record-breaking $661.7 million to the Casino Revenue Fund, which aids various statewide programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“The gaming industry in Atlantic City exhibited remarkable resilience and growth in 2025. Record-breaking gains in internet gaming generated essential tax revenue for programs supporting seniors and those with disabilities, while the resurgence of major events reinvigorated the local economy,” stated Jane Bokunewicz, the faculty director at LIGHT.
“Even with traditional gaming stabilizing and operators managing rising expenses, casinos have continued to invest in new amenities and experiences, positioning Atlantic City for sustained growth and revitalization in light of increasing competition in the region,” added Bokunewicz.
Core Component of NJ Economy
The LIGHT report highlights the vital role that the Atlantic City casino sector—and its online gaming counterparts—play in bolstering the New Jersey economy.
The Casino Revenue Fund allocated $590 million in housing assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities, $16 million for community-centric programs for seniors, and $5 million for prescription assistance. The gaming industry also supported numerous small businesses, purchasing $634 million worth of goods and services from New Jersey suppliers.
Undoubtedly, the casino sector is essential to the economic vitality of South Jersey.
The nine resorts employ 22,500 residents in New Jersey. Though this accounts for a mere 0.4% of the statewide workforce, over 11% of the labor force in Atlantic County is reliant on these casinos.
About 4,600 individuals from Atlantic City are employed by the casinos, representing one out of every three jobs in the city.
Planning for the Future
In the last five years, Atlantic City casinos have invested $1.2 billion in capital improvements, including nearly $200 million in 2025 alone.
“Recognizing the challenges presented by an increasingly competitive market, Atlantic City’s casinos have committed their resources towards enhancing their properties, workforce, and community initiatives. These commitments—although the returns may be difficult to measure—are poised to create a positive impact on the future of Atlantic City and the residents, businesses, and economies reliant on the ongoing stability and sustainability of New Jersey’s casino sector,” Bokunewicz concluded.
Some lawmakers in New Jersey are advocating for the expansion of casino operations beyond Atlantic City to retain essential gaming revenue, which could otherwise flow to New York as Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, Resorts World New York City, and Bally’s Bronx begin full operations. A recent survey indicated that 61% of likely voters in New Jersey support establishing a casino at the Meadowlands in North Jersey.