In the world of gambling, New Jersey continues to dominate as one of the top destinations for both in-person and online gaming. The latest data released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has revealed that the overall gambling revenue in the state was up 10.4% in April compared to the same period last year. However, despite this increase, in-person casino winnings were actually down during the same time frame.
According to the DGE report, the total gambling revenue for April reached an impressive $352.2 million. This significant increase is largely attributed to the booming online gambling market, which saw a 39.4% jump in revenue compared to April 2020. With more and more people turning to online options for their gaming needs, this surge in digital revenue comes as no surprise.
On the other hand, in-person casino winnings saw a decrease of 9% in April. This decline is likely due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and capacity limitations at brick-and-mortar casinos. With health and safety protocols still in place, many patrons may be opting to stay home and play online rather than venturing out to physical casinos.
Despite this decrease in in-person casino revenue, Atlantic City casinos still managed to generate a total of $184.2 million in April. This figure represents a 10.2% increase from April 2020, highlighting the resilience of the industry in the face of challenging circumstances.
The success of New Jersey’s gambling industry can also be attributed to the state’s robust sports betting market. In April alone, sportsbooks in New Jersey saw a total handle of $747.9 million, setting a new monthly record for the state. This surge in sports betting activity demonstrates the continued popularity of wagering on sports events, especially as major leagues like the NBA and NHL approach their playoff seasons.
Overall, the latest data from the DGE paints a positive picture for New Jersey’s gambling industry. Despite challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the state’s gaming market continues to thrive, thanks in part to the growth of online gambling and sports betting. As the summer months approach and restrictions ease, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and what the future holds for the Garden State’s gambling landscape.
