In March, New Jersey’s five legal online poker sites saw a surge in activity as players flocked to their virtual tables amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With brick-and-mortar casinos temporarily closed due to public health concerns, many poker enthusiasts turned to the internet to get their fix of Texas Hold’em and other popular variations of the game.
According to the latest figures released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the state’s online poker sites collectively generated $3.2 million in revenue in March, marking a 90% increase compared to the same period last year. This represents the highest monthly revenue total for online poker in New Jersey since the industry was legalized in 2013.
Leading the pack was the popular site PokerStars, which accounted for nearly 60% of the total revenue generated by New Jersey’s online poker operators. PokerStars has long been a favorite among players for its wide range of games, generous promotions, and user-friendly interface. In March, the site saw a 75% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, raking in a total of $1.9 million.
Coming in second was partypoker, which saw a 120% increase in revenue year-over-year, bringing in a total of $800,000. partypoker has been gaining traction in the New Jersey market with its innovative tournaments, lucrative prize pools, and top-notch customer service.
Rounding out the top five were WSOP.com, Borgata Poker, and Pala Poker, each contributing to the overall success of New Jersey’s online poker industry in March. WSOP.com, the online arm of the World Series of Poker, saw a 60% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, generating $300,000. Borgata Poker, operated by the renowned Atlantic City casino, saw a 40% increase in revenue, bringing in $200,000. Pala Poker, a smaller player in the market, also saw significant growth, with a 25% increase in revenue, totaling $100,000.
Overall, the performance of New Jersey’s online poker sites in March serves as a testament to the resilience of the industry in the face of unprecedented challenges. With live poker rooms closed and major tournaments postponed or canceled, players have turned to online platforms to satisfy their craving for competition and camaraderie. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, it seems likely that online poker will remain a popular pastime for many in the months to come.