Atlantic City’s Brick-and-Mortar Casinos Reclaim the Crown in June Revenue Surprise

Atlantic City’s glitzy casino floors just did something they haven’t pulled off in months — they beat their digital counterparts. The numbers are in, and they’re turning heads across the gaming industry.

For June 2025, revenue from New Jersey’s nine physical casino hotels clocked in at $259 million. That’s up 6.1% from last June. Meanwhile, online gaming — often the star performer in recent years — came in slightly behind at $230.7 million, despite growing a massive 23.5% year over year. What gives? A renewed focus on in-person hospitality may be the kicker.

The Shift That No One Saw Coming

Let’s be clear — for the past couple of years, online gaming has been on a roll.

With the rise of mobile apps and digital-first experiences, it’s been easy to assume that internet gaming would keep outpacing traditional casino floors. And for the most part, it has. Until June.

One less Saturday this June compared to 2024 didn’t stop casino floors from filling up. That’s unusual. Saturdays are typically the big moneymakers. Jane Bokunewicz of Stockton University called it “encouraging,” and she’s not wrong.

People are showing up again — not just logging in.

Why In-Person is Back on Top — For Now

It’s not just nostalgia driving people to Atlantic City.

James T. Plousis, the Casino Control Commission Chairman, credited a laser focus on the visitor experience. More live shows. Better food and drink. Upgraded rooms. Little things that feel big after years of being online.

Some gamblers just want to hear the ding of a real slot machine again. Others want a cocktail brought to their poker table. There’s a social magic that can’t be coded into an app.

• In-person casino revenue (June 2025): $259 million

• Online gaming revenue (June 2025): $230.7 million

• Online growth YoY: +23.5%

• Brick-and-mortar growth YoY: +6.1%

And here’s the wild part — both sectors grew. But one grew faster, the other pulled ahead. That says something.

The Bigger Picture: Online Is Still Eating the Pie

Even with this short-term win, nobody’s forgetting where the long-term trends are pointing.

Here’s a quick table to show where things stand:

Notice something? Online is growing at nearly four times the pace.

Sure, in-person came out ahead this month. But that digital line keeps climbing higher. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s 24/7. And for younger gamblers who might never set foot in a traditional casino, it’s the only way they play.

One casino operator reportedly said, “We love June’s numbers. But we’re not taking our eyes off mobile — that’s where the future lives.”

So What Does This Mean for Atlantic City?

Atlantic City’s been in a weird spot for a while.

Once the East Coast’s glittering gambling capital, it’s had to reinvent itself post-pandemic and amid competition from neighbouring states. The fact that it just had a month like this? That’s big.

It’s proof the town still has draw. Real draw.

Plousis believes “investments in guest experience” are paying off. He might be right. Everything from valet service to steakhouse upgrades could be tipping the scales. Small touches are mattering more.

Some casino operators are quietly optimistic. “It’s not just about gambling anymore,” said one hotel manager. “It’s the spa, the food, the concerts. People want a full experience.”

Just one sentence here — and it’s an important one.

Could Summer Be the Wild Card?

Let’s not forget — June is just the beginning of peak season.

Tourists swarm the boardwalk during July and August. If June already outperformed expectations, the rest of the summer could be electric.

But then again, that works both ways. Mobile gaming doesn’t take vacations. It’s in your pocket at the beach. It follows you to weddings, barbecues, even lunch breaks.

So the real test? It’s coming. July’s numbers might tell us if June was a fluke — or a real shift.

For now, Atlantic City’s casinos are smiling. But behind closed doors, they’re already planning their next big move.