Evolution, located in Malta, is enhancing its footprint in New Jersey by establishing a state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot technology center and live dealer studio at the Showboat Resort in Atlantic City, reflecting the increasing trend of online gambling surpassing in-person casino earnings in the region.
This new facility will take up the second floor of the Showboat and will feature broadcasting studios along with necessary technical infrastructure. Evolution has already set up studios at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, and Ocean Casino Resort. While these locations will continue to operate, there may be potential consolidation of resources in the future.
“We construct broadcasting studios globally to facilitate video streams, allowing players to engage from their devices, whether on their phones or elsewhere,” stated Jacob Claesson, CEO North America for Evolution, as quoted by The Press of Atlantic City. “Currently, about 20% of online gaming in New Jersey is comprised of live dealer games, and that percentage is on the rise.”
“It’s feasible to have hundreds or even thousands of players participating in the same game simultaneously,” he added.
Notably, online gambling revenue has surpassed the earnings from patrons physically visiting Atlantic City’s nine casinos for three consecutive months, including January, highlighting the shift towards digital gaming platforms.
“With our growth trajectory, securing enough space to house all our tables is a significant challenge,” Claesson mentioned. “As a result, we have had to open multiple studios throughout the city, but this is necessary to keep up with the demand.”
Claesson revealed that Evolution has invested “tens of millions of dollars in Atlantic City,” although neither he nor Bart Blatstein, owner of Showboat, shared specifics regarding the new project’s cost or lease duration.
Blatstein described the partnership as a substantial commercial achievement for the resort, asserting, “This marks the largest office usage in Atlantic City in decades.”
“Securing a 60,000 square-foot office lease is a tremendous win,” he emphasized. “This aligns with my vision of transforming this into a year-round destination where people can work, live, and enjoy leisure activities.”
Once operational, the new studio is anticipated to create approximately 1,200 jobs. Blatstein provided this estimate, while Claesson expressed, “We could be close to that number.” Currently, Evolution has around 1,000 employees in Atlantic City and is on the lookout for new hires, including dealers, technicians, camera operators, and audio-visual specialists.
“Live dealer games have become essential today, and we are fortunate to collaborate with all licensed operators in New Jersey,” Claesson mentioned. “Online gaming is on the rise, and we are thrilled to contribute to its advancement.”
Claesson expressed hopes of obtaining approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, aiming to have the facility operational by the second or third quarter of this year.