The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) today announced that Atlantic City had its best summer in recent years. The casino industry enjoyed the highest employment numbers since 2014, as well as increased revenue and tourism throughout the summer, solidifying Atlantic City’s ongoing transformation into a premier beachfront destination.
“The summer of 2018 was the best summer in recent years for Atlantic City,” said Kevin Ortzman, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. “Casinos saw significant gains this summer in employees, visitors and gaming revenue. This growth demonstrates that the casino industry’s investment in Atlantic City’s transformation into a first-class resort and business conference destination is working.”
The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) report released on Wednesday indicates that August gaming revenue was $303.9 million. This reflects a 24.1 percent increase over the same period last year.
“The recently released revenue numbers clearly demonstrate the strength and resilience of the industry moving forward. The advent of sports wagering which generated $9.2 million in the month of August, not only increases gaming revenues but also attracts new tourism and economic segments to the region” said Rummy Pandit, executive director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University. “Atlantic City provides an exciting destination experience for visitors, and this economic growth will only continue with new, diverse offerings.”
The introduction of legalized sports betting, expanded offerings, the opening of two new casinos and the Stockton University beachfront campus helped provide a boost in jobs, revenue and tourism this summer. Highlights of the healthy growth the casino industry experienced this summer includes:
- $303.9 million in August gaming revenue, representing a 24.1 percent increase over last year
- $302.1 million in July gaming revenue, representing a 12.8 percent increase over last year
- $233.6 million in June gaming revenue, representing a 7.3 percent increase over last year
- 30,217 casino hotel employees in July for the first time since 2014
- Atlantic City saw an increase of visitors, recording over 2,000,000 toll-paying vehicles in the month of July
“The casino industry is and always has been an economic engine for the city, state and region,” said Joseph Kelly, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. “This economic growth will continue as the casino industry strengthens its commitment to the community through new job training initiatives and employment opportunities.”
Atlantic City casinos have served as a leader in the gaming industry on the East Coast for 40 years. The casino industry has produced more jobs, investment and tax revenue than any other industry in Atlantic County. Over the last five years, Atlantic City has experienced a renaissance following the economic downturn. The casino industry worked 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 world-class restaurants, entertainment and shopping.