Online gaming ventures in New Jersey, including casinos and sportsbooks, earn a revenue of $97 million in June.
In the midst of historic business disruptions, the gaming industry in New Jersey has shown a remarkable resilience. While the more than three-month shutdown of Atlantic City casinos has resulted in a significant decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR), the online sector has been a beacon of hope.
The total revenue generated by online casinos and sportsbooks in New Jersey in June 2020 reached an impressive approximately $97.6 million. Golden Nugget led the pack with $29.6 million, followed closely by Resorts with $21 million.
However, the situation is not as rosy for the land-based operations. Casinos have won $767 million fewer dollars from their brick-and-mortar operations through June 2020 than they did through the same period in 2019, a 60.8% year-to-date drop. The nine Atlantic City casinos were closed in June 2020 due to orders from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
The impact isn't limited to casinos; state taxes have also been affected. Through June 2020, state taxes from gaming totaled $112.7 million, a loss of $23.8 million compared to the same period in 2019.
Despite the closures, the online sector has provided some revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online casinos and mobile sportsbooks won approximately $85 million in June 2020, a 123% increase from the same period last year. Mobile sports betting in New Jersey has won nearly $109 million through the first six months of 2020, down only 0.6% year-to-date.
As Atlantic City began reopening ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, after being dark for 108 days, safety measures have been put in place. Each casino must limit the number of occupants to 25% of its typical maximum. Slot machines have been rearranged to promote social distancing, and plexiglass dividers have been installed at table games. Food and beverages are banned on the casino floor.
Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chairman, notes that traffic has been slow at casinos and restaurants nationwide, but once a guest visits, they're likely to return due to health safety protocols. Borgata will reopen on July 26, 2020, joining the eight Atlantic City casinos that reopened earlier in the month.
The reopening of Atlantic City casinos reflects a historic business disruption across the region and beyond. However, the online sector's success story offers a glimmer of hope for the future of the gaming industry in New Jersey.
[1] Total gaming revenue around $581.6 million in June 2025, including both retail and online gaming operations, with strong contributions from internet gaming and sports betting revenue. [2] Combined revenue (slots, tables, poker) at approximately $133.1 million, but this appears only to cover traditional gaming operations, excluding sports betting for that month. [3] No explicit breakdown for June 2020 sports betting revenue.
- The gaming industry in New Jersey continued to show resilience in June 2025, as total gaming revenue reached around $581.6 million, with significant contributions from internet gaming and sports betting revenue.
- While the combined revenue (slots, tables, poker) in June 2025 was approximately $133.1 million, it seems to only cover traditional gaming operations, with no explicit breakdown for sports betting during that month.
- Political discussions surrounding the gaming industry may focus on the continued growth of online casinos and sports betting, as these sectors demonstrated potential for significant revenue during historic business disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
