Key Takeaways
- In 2024, Atlantic City casino Gross Revenue Retention (GRR) dropped by 1.1% compared to 2023.
- Total revenue saw a 3.8% year-over-year decline in February 2025.
- Online casino GRR increased by 14% in the first two months of 2025.
Recent statistics reveal that Atlantic City’s revenue has declined compared to prior years, which is accompanied by significant growth in online casino earnings.
The 2024 GRR data for all nine Atlantic City casinos indicates a 1.1% reduction from 2023’s figures. However, January 2025 demonstrated a positive trend with a 3% increase compared to January 2024, although this was followed by a drop of 3.8% in February 2025 versus February 2024.
Atlantic City Revenue Decline vs Online Casino Growth
The following are crucial facts that illustrate the decrease in Atlantic City’s casino revenue alongside the rise in online casino profits:
- 2024 revenue in Atlantic City fell by 1.1% compared to 2023.
- GRR for January 2025 marked a 3% increase from January 2024.
- February 2025 GRR showed a 3.8% decline compared to February 2024.
- In-person slot revenue dropped by 4.3% year-over-year in Atlantic City.
- Total winnings from players at Atlantic City casinos decreased by 2.5% from the previous year.
- In-person casino GRR has lagged behind online gaming for the second month in a row in 2025.
Impact on Atlantic City Casinos
The nine remaining physical casinos in Atlantic City collectively experienced a 1.1% drop in patron revenue in 2024 compared to 2023. These figures are preliminary since the final statistics for Q4 2024 are still pending.
The outlook remains concerning for this once-flourishing coastal destination in New Jersey.
January Increase Offsets February Decline
As mentioned earlier, the 3% increase in January 2025 was offset by a 3.8% decrease in February.
Despite January’s positive growth, Atlantic City casinos’ GRR lagged behind those of online gaming in the first two months of 2025.
In February 2025, Atlantic City casinos recorded a total GRR of $203.4 million, reflecting declines on two fronts as summarized below:
| Casino Activity | Total Earnings by Casinos (February 2025) | Year-over-Year Decrease (Percentage) |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person Slots: | $152.1 million | -4.3% |
| Other In-Person Casino Activities: | $51.3 million | -2.5% |
Contrasting Fortunes of iGaming
While traditional casinos face declines across various metrics, online casinos are experiencing growth. The total GRR for iGaming in February 2025, which includes online slots, table games, and poker, reached $207.8 million.
This figure not only exceeds that of Atlantic City’s in-person casinos by $4.4 million but also signifies a 14% increase from the previous year.
Insights from the Figures
These statistics indicate that interest in gambling remains robust—quite the opposite of waning. Although fewer individuals are visiting physical casinos like those in Atlantic City, more are opting for online alternatives.
According to Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism, “A quieter month for in-person visitors opened the door for increased online gaming.”
She added that this has allowed online casino operations to surpass brick-and-mortar venues for the second consecutive month with a 14% increase compared to February 2024.
Online Sports Betting in NJ Outpaces Retail
The trend extends beyond online casinos; online sports betting is also significantly ahead of retail sportsbooks in New Jersey. Out of the total $988.9 million wagered in February 2025, merely $39.3 million was placed via in-person bets, with the majority conducted online.
Sportsbooks garnered $73.6 million from the total amount wagered, representing a 9% year-over-year increase.
For February 2025, total online iGaming and sports betting in New Jersey amounted to $484.8 million, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year.
Future Prospects for Atlantic City’s Casinos
While these trends suggest a decline in the popularity of in-person gambling in Atlantic City, there have been improvements since the COVID-19 pandemic.
For February, adverse winter weather may have contributed to lower in-person figures, leaving room for optimism about a vibrant Spring and a solid summer for the casinos.
