New Jersey’s gaming sector experienced a 12% revenue increase in April, primarily fueled by boosts in online gambling, sports betting, and live casino activities, though over half of Atlantic City’s casinos still have not reached pre-pandemic revenue levels in their primary on-site gaming operations.
Combined revenue from casinos, horse racing venues, and their online counterparts exceeded $600 million in total gambling earnings for the month.
In April, Atlantic City casinos generated $235.5 million from in-person players, reflecting a nearly 12% year-over-year rise. Internet gaming revenues climbed almost 12% to $263.1 million, marking the eighth straight month where online revenues outperformed those of traditional casinos. Meanwhile, sports betting revenue ascended nearly 13% to $102.1 million.
Sportsbooks processed over $934 million in total bets prior to accounting for payouts and expenses.
Despite overall industry growth, five of the nine casinos in Atlantic City are still seeing lower in-person gambling revenues than in April 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Casino executives consider in-person gambling revenue to be their core business since the income from online gambling and sports betting is split with affiliate technology companies and sportsbook operators.
The industry is also contending with increasing competition from proposed casinos in New York City and the potential for expanded casino operations throughout New Jersey.
“Given the ongoing challenges, including the recent launch of live table games at Resorts World New York City, it will be intriguing to observe whether Atlantic City’s gaming sector can sustain this growth heading into the summer tourism period,” stated Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism.
“With tourists returning to enjoy the city’s diverse offerings, the upcoming second annual Soar & Shore airshow later this month, along with the resort being a potential hub for those engaging in the FIFA World Cup celebrations, there’s certainly much to anticipate this summer and reason to hope that seasonal challenges will be offset by new opportunities,” added Bokunewicz.
Only four casinos — Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, and Resorts Casino Hotel — reported higher in-person gambling revenues compared to pre-pandemic figures.
Borgata topped the market with slightly over $67 million in in-person gambling revenue in April, an increase of 14.5% year-over-year. Hard Rock brought in $45.3 million, marking a 9.1% rise, while Ocean Casino Resort saw a 19.5% increase to $36.5 million.
Caesars Atlantic City recorded one of the highest percentage increases, with in-person gambling revenue surging 31.9% to $19.3 million. Conversely, Golden Nugget Atlantic City was the only establishment to report a decrease, with revenues dropping 3% to $10.7 million.
Slot machines contributed $169.3 million to April’s revenue, while table games accounted for $66.2 million.
In the realm of online gambling, FanDuel, in partnership with Golden Nugget, led the market with $58.8 million in revenue, up 11.4% from the previous year. DraftKings, associated with Resorts Casino Hotel, garnered $41.9 million, down 10.6%, while BetMGM, linked with Borgata, reported $32.7 million, an increase of 10.4%.
In online sports betting, FanDuel and Meadowlands Racetrack generated $39.7 million in revenue, up 25%, while DraftKings and Resorts achieved $25.7 million, a 15% increase.
Separately, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa was recognized as the leader among New Jersey gaming venues in total gaming revenue for the first quarter of 2026, amounting to $352.7 million between January 1 and March 31.
The property earned $177.7 million from casino operations, $174.2 million from online gaming, and $847,168 from sportsbook lounge activities.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City secured second place with $266.1 million in overall gaming revenue and achieved the highest state internet gaming revenue of $235.7 million. Resorts Casino Hotel followed in third place with $197.5 million.
Hard Rock Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort occupied the fourth and fifth spots, respectively, with total gaming revenues of $185.2 million and $122.7 million.
Caesars Atlantic City ranked last on the casino list, reporting total gaming revenue of $49.2 million, which included just $4,883 from online gaming.