In a surprising turn of events, the state of New Jersey has reported a record-breaking month for gaming in March. According to the latest figures released by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the state’s casinos and online gaming platforms raked in a staggering $797.3 million in revenue last month, marking the highest monthly total in New Jersey’s history.
This figure represents a 30% increase from March 2020, when the state was just beginning to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The strong performance in March is a clear sign that the gaming industry in New Jersey is rebounding strongly from the challenges posed by the global health crisis.
One of the key drivers of this remarkable growth was the surge in online gaming activity. Online casino revenue alone reached $113.7 million in March, up 96.5% from the same month last year. The popularity of online gaming has continued to soar in recent months as more and more people turn to digital platforms for entertainment and socialization during the pandemic.
In addition to online gaming, New Jersey’s land-based casinos also saw a significant increase in revenue in March. The state’s nine casinos reported a combined total of $563.8 million in revenue, up 27% from the same month last year. This growth is particularly impressive considering that many casinos in New Jersey are still operating at reduced capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In a statement released in response to the record-breaking revenue figures, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy praised the resilience of the state’s gaming industry and its ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic. “The strong performance of our gaming industry in March is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the sector,” said Governor Murphy. “I am confident that New Jersey’s gaming industry will continue to thrive in the months and years ahead.”
Looking ahead, industry experts predict that New Jersey’s gaming sector will continue to experience strong growth in the coming months. With the gradual easing of pandemic restrictions and the increasing popularity of online gaming, the state’s casinos are poised for even greater success in the future.
Overall, the record-breaking March for gaming in New Jersey is a clear indicator of the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. As the state continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, the gaming sector remains a beacon of hope and success for New Jersey’s economy.