The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) today announced that Atlantic City had a strong year, according to the December 2018 Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) gaming revenue results report. Throughout 2018, Atlantic City saw strong gains in casino, sports betting and Internet gaming revenues; high employment numbers; the introduction of sports betting and increased tourism to the premier beachfront destination.
“This past year was a turning point for Atlantic City,” said Kevin Ortzman, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. “In 2018, we saw increases across the board in gaming revenue, jobs and tourism. Sports betting and online gaming continue to make significant gains, and we look forward to building upon this success in 2019.”
The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) report released on Monday indicates that December gaming revenue for Atlantic City was over $247 million. This reflects a 19.5 percent increase over the same period last year.
In addition, in 2018:
- Total gaming revenue for Atlantic City was $2.85 billion, a 7.5% increase over last year
- Patrons wagered $1.24 billion in New Jersey on sports betting
- Internet gaming revenue was over $298 million, up 21.6 percent from 2017
“Atlantic City had an outstanding year, with gaming revenue up for seven consecutive months and eight months in total throughout 2018,” said Rummy Pandit, executive director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University. “Two new casinos and the overwhelming success of sports betting helped attract new visitors in 2018.”
The introduction of legalized sports betting, continued success of Internet gaming, expanded offerings, the opening of two new casinos, South Jersey Gas headquarters, the Stockton University beachfront campus, the Boraie Development residential complex, and the Tennessee Avenue redevelopment helped provide a boost in jobs, revenue and tourism this past year.
“The Atlantic City casino industry created an impressive number of job opportunities and job training programs this year for New Jersey’s hardworking families,” said Joseph Kelly, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. “The casino industry’s success creates a ripple effect, boosting economic growth for other businesses throughout the city, state and region.”
The casino industry continues to work tirelessly to solidify the seaside resort’s comeback by diversifying Atlantic City’s offerings, as well as investing hundreds of millions of dollars in redevelopment projects and non-gaming services to attract new visitors. The industry’s efforts have advanced the revitalization of Atlantic City, transforming the city into a business conference destination and first-class resort that features great restaurants, entertainment and shopping.