The first two months of 2025 saw a minor decline in income for Atlantic City casinos. Total revenue was $413.7 million, down 0.7% from 2024, according to data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
January numbers were $203.5 million, down 3.8% from the previous year and 3.1% from December 2024. While internet gaming continued to grow in popularity, the decline is ascribed to fewer people visiting physical stores.
“For the second month in a row, online gambling revenue has surpassed earnings from physical casino floors,” said Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism at Stockton University. She attributed the shift to seasonal factors, noting, “A less busy month for in-person patrons opened the door to more internet gaming activity.”
Weather and Sports Betting Impact
Winter storms in February 2025 disrupted casino visitation, adding to the challenges faced by physical venues. In contrast, February 2024 saw drier conditions, providing a more favorable environment for in-person gaming.
Bokunewicz remains optimistic, adding, “With warmer months on the horizon, we should expect to see the industry make up this gap.”
Despite hopes for a boost from the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run, sports betting results were underwhelming. Atlantic City’s retail sportsbooks recorded a $39.3 million handle in February, down 14.7% from January. However, the figure remained 3.7% higher than the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, New Jersey maintained its leadership in U.S. sports betting with a total handle of $168.7 million.
With $49.89 million in total gaming revenue, Borgata continued to dominate among individual properties. Ocean Casino reported $32.39 million, followed by Hard Rock with $41.87 million.
With $12.92 million, Hard Rock had the highest income from table games, barely surpassing Borgata’s $12.13 million. Bally’s was in second place with $7.35 million. With $37.76 million, Borgata once again topped the list for slot machines. Hard Rock came in second with $28.95 million, and Ocean Casino came in third with $22.38 million.
Industry observers predict a recovery for Atlantic City’s casinos as spring and summer draw near. Increased tourists and warmer temperatures could encourage more in-person gaming, undermining the dominance of online platforms. It’s still unclear, though, if retail casinos will take the top spot again.
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