Summarized Findings: Key Insights and Results from the Study
Rewritten Article:
new Jersey's gambling industry reached an exciting new milestone in March, with online gaming revenue breaking records at a staggering $243.9 million. According to data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), this figure marked a significant 23.7% year-over-year increase and a 12.6% jump from February's revenue[1][2].
However, this record-breaking success is set against a backdrop of declines in both sports betting and land-based casino revenue. While the total gambling revenue across all verticals climbed to $546.1 million in March, representing a 3.7% year-on-year increase and a notable 12.6% rise from February, this growth was primarily driven by the digital segment[1][2].
March marked only the fourth month in which online gaming overtook all other forms of gambling in New Jersey. With the current momentum, online gaming is increasingly eclipsing the once-dominant land-based casino sector in terms of financial performance[3].
Among individual operators, FanDuel and Golden Nugget Atlantic City led the way with $52.3 million in revenue, up 25.7% from the previous year. DraftKings and Resorts Casino Hotel followed closely with $49.6 million, a 20.3% increase, while BetMGM and Borgata brought in $31.6 million[1].
On the other hand, sports betting revenue took a sharp dive, decreasing 20.5% year-on-year to $71.3 million in March. This figure also fell short of February's revenue, continuing a downward trend for the segment[1].
The decline in sports betting revenue extends beyond just online platforms. Total betting handle across online and retail channels fell 23.5% from March 2024 to $1.11 billion. FanDuel and Meadowlands led the online market with $23.4 million in revenue, whereas land-based retail sportsbooks struggled, with Meadowlands leading the pack at $2.0 million[1].
Land-based casinos also saw a decline in revenue, with total revenue of $230.9 million in March, marking a 3.7% decrease compared to the same month last year. This was primarily attributed to a 14.6% decline in table games revenue, with slot machine win holding steady[1][2].
As online gaming continues to surge ahead, it reshapes the gambling landscape in New Jersey. Regulatory agencies and operators will need to adapt to this digital-first reality while closely monitoring the performance of more volatile segments such as sports wagering[3].
Insights
- New Jersey's iGaming sector has experienced unprecedented growth, with online casino revenues outpacing traditional brick-and-mortar casinos for the first time in history. This surge is a response to consumer preference shifts toward online convenience, a saturated but innovation-driven market, and significant support from regulatory bodies[3][4][5].
- Convenience and Accessibility are key drivers of iGaming growth. Online platforms allow players to gamble anytime and anywhere, reducing the geographical and physical constraints of traditional casinos[4].
- Market Saturation and Competition drive innovation in the iGaming market. With over 30 operators, new entrants like Soft2Bet are leveraging competition by introducing innovative products and gamification features[3].
- Shifting Consumer Preferences favor online platforms, likely due to their convenience, diverse game offerings, and emerging technologies[4].
- Regulatory and Industry Support help create a trusted and secure environment for online gambling, encouraging growth and investment in the digital space[2][4].
- Declines in traditional sports betting revenue and land-based casino revenues reflect this transformative impact iGaming is having on the overall gambling industry landscape in New Jersey[1].
Sources:[1] Gambling Compliance - New Jersey Gambling Update: March 2025 | Revised Preliminary Internet Gaming Revenue Figures[2] New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement - Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering Revenue Report[3] PlayUSA Network - Soft2Bet To Launch In New Jersey And Pennsylvania[4] iGaming Business - Op-Ed: The year 2025 and New Jersey's fast-growing online gaming market[5] Inside Asian Gaming - Record-breaking $244 million in March for New Jersey online casino sector
- In 2025, the online casino sector of New Jersey reached a significant milestone, surpassing traditional land-based casinos in revenue for the first time, marking an unprecedented growth in iGaming.
- This rise in online gaming revenue is attributed to consumer preferences for convenience, a saturated but innovation-driven market, and supportive regulatory bodies like the NJDGE.
- The decline in sports betting and land-based casino revenues, on the other hand, indicates a transformative shift in the gambling industry landscape of New Jersey.
- Amongst individuals operators in the online casino domain during March 2025, FanDuel and Golden Nugget Atlantic City led the way in revenue, followed by DraftKings and Resorts Casino Hotel.
- In contrast to the online casino growth, sports betting revenue suffered a sharp decline, falling 20.5% year-on-year in March 2025.
- In the year 2025, the surge in online gaming is poised to reshape the gambling landscape of New Jersey, necessitating regulatory agencies and operators to adapt to a digital-first reality, while monitoring volatile segments like sports wagering.
