Atlantic City Casinos Maintain Winning Streak, Though September Marked a Cooldown

Atlantic City Casinos Maintain Winning Streak, Though September Marked a Cooldown

In addition to the lowering temperatures, casinos in Atlantic City experienced a decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) from the crowded summer months last month.

The nine casinos along the beach made slightly over $230.7 million on their actual gaming floors last month, according to information released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) on Friday. In September 2024, the retail GGR figure increased by 0.1%.

Although table game wins increased by nearly 6% to $60.5 million, the September mark was significantly impacted by a 1.8% decrease in slot machine volume. Despite the 0.1% rise, Atlantic City's winning run in physical GGR reached five months.

In May, June, July, and August, in-person GGR increased by 10.9%, 6.1%, and 4.3%, respectively. Following year-over-year casino revenue drops in February (-3.8%), March (-3.7%), and April (-2.7%) for Atlantic City, the winning run followed.

Revenue from the Atlantic City casino has increased by 2.5%, or roughly $53.3 million, through the first three quarters of 2025.

Diverse Outcomes for Operators

Even while Atlantic City's retail casino sector is doing well overall, the nine properties are not seeing an increase in play. Actually, through September, five casinos have recorded lower in-person GGR.

In 2025, the only establishments with increased legacy revenue were Borgata, Hard Rock, Ocean, and Harrah's. Online casino play, however, is still on the rise and gives casinos extra income that more than makes up for the decreases in physical casinos.

In September 2024, iGaming's gross gaming revenue (GGR) increased by about 17% year over year to $243.1 million, a premium of $35 million. The entire September GGR for the New Jersey gambling industry was over $563.6 million, which included $89.8 million in online and retail sports betting, as well as money shared by the racetracks and casinos with their sportsbook partners. That is 1% more than it was a year ago.

"Atlantic City continued to benefit from the strength of online gaming in September. Statewide internet gaming win helped total gaming revenue grow one percent compared to last September, with total gaming revenue reaching its highest level for September in over a decade,” said James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

“Monthly internet gaming win has exceeded $230 million for seven consecutive months for the first time. During the initial nine months of this year, internet gaming win grew nearly 23% and eclipsed $2.1 billion faster than any prior year,” Plousis added.

In 2025, sports betting in New Jersey is still declining. During the nine months, bettors have wagered $8.6 billion, which is around $549.5 million less than they wagered from January to September of 2024.

The Start of Shoulder Season 

After a much-needed busy summer, Atlantic City is placing a large wager on sustaining its rally. The shoulder season began in September and continued through fall and winter.

According to Plousis, casino revenue "remained consistent" even if it "flattened" in September. He believes that the destination is well-positioned for sustained operational success thanks to recent and ongoing investments at the nine locations.