Published on: March 17, 2026, 08:31h.
Updated on: March 17, 2026, 08:31h.
- A blizzard in February affected Atlantic City casino earnings
- Online gambling platforms likely thrived during the snowfall
- Atlantic City is nearing its peak visitor season
A severe blizzard in February 2026 disrupted revenue flows for casinos in Atlantic City.
According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), the nine casinos in Atlantic City generated $202.9 million in revenue last month, a slight 0.3% drop compared to February 2025.
Had it not been for the blizzard on February 22-23, which brought approximately 15 inches of snow, February could have been more profitable. Although casinos remained operational, officials urged residents to refrain from traveling.
“The blizzard in late February played a significant role in the minor decline in winnings at Atlantic City casinos,” noted James Plousis, Chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
Only four casinos experienced growth in in-person gaming revenue compared to last year: Bally’s (up 6.6%, $9.2 million), Borgata (up 7.7%, $53.7 million), Caesars (up 3.6%, $14.5 million), and Ocean (up 9.4%, $35.4 million).
In contrast, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Harrah’s, Resorts, and Tropicana faced declines in traditional gaming revenue.
Despite the tough circumstances in February, casino earnings in Atlantic City for the first two months of 2026 were up 0.7%, totaling $416.2 million.
iGaming Profits from Adverse Weather
The February snowstorm kept millions of New Jersey residents indoors, leading many to seek entertainment online.
Revenue from online casinos soared by 21.2%, reaching $251.8 million. iGaming platforms earned $44 million more than in February 2025.
“Online gaming revenue grew by double digits, surpassing $250 million for the fifth consecutive month,” remarked Plousis.
FanDuel and DraftKings, in collaboration with Golden Nugget and Resorts respectively, led the online gaming sector with $58 million and $45.2 million in gross gaming revenue.
New Jersey’s online casinos generated $510.7 million in revenue during the year’s first two months, marking the first time the market surpassed the $500 million threshold by February.
iGaming launched in New Jersey in November 2013, and December saw the highest iGaming revenue ever recorded in the state, with earnings of $273.1 million. Recently, online casinos have outperformed Atlantic City in total gross revenue.
Sports betting operations recorded $66 million in revenue, reflecting a 10.3% decrease from the previous year. The Super Bowl LIX witnessed substantial betting on the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots, who ultimately covered the spread and won.
Overall, New Jersey’s gaming sector accrued $520.7 million from patrons in February 2026, a 7.4% increase—equating to a $36 million rise—over February 2025.
Future Expectations
Atlantic City is preparing for its peak season. The beach restoration project from 2025 is complete, and new features are being introduced to attract a broader audience beyond the casinos.
Numerous casinos have invested heavily in upgrading their accommodations and resort offerings. In February, Hard Rock announced a $50 million investment in enhancements. Tropicana is nearing the end of its Solana Tower renovations.
Recently, Caesars Atlantic City secured a beach lease to create and operate a beach bar, joining existing locations such as the LandShark Beach Bar at Resorts, the Bungalow Beach Bar near Tropicana, and the Bally’s Beach Bar.