Atlantic City’s casinos just posted a strong November, with wins from in-person gamblers, online bets, and sports wagering all climbing higher than last year. Internet gambling and sports betting jumped by double digits, sparking hope for a rebound. Yet, casino bosses aren’t popping champagne. Why? Most spots still lag behind their 2019 earnings from slot machines and tables, a stubborn reminder of pandemic scars. Dive in to see what’s really at stake.
November brought good news for Atlantic City’s nine casinos. Total revenue from gamblers rose across the board compared to the same month in 2024. In-person gambling, the heart of the casino floor, saw a modest uptick. But the real stars were online platforms and sports books, each surging by over 10 percent.
This boost pushed the city’s overall gaming win past expectations, signaling a potential turnaround after tough years. Experts point to factors like easier access to apps and big sports events driving the online surge. For instance, football season always pumps up bets, and this November was no exception with major games drawing crowds to digital wagers.
Still, the picture isn’t all bright. Data from state regulators shows that while year-over-year numbers look solid, the recovery feels uneven. Casinos like Borgata and Hard Rock led the pack, but others trailed. This split raises questions about long-term health in a town built on bright lights and big crowds.
One key detail stands out. In-person wins, which make up the bulk of profits for many spots, remain a sore point. Without strong foot traffic, even online gains can’t fully offset the gaps.
Why 2019 Levels Still Haunt the Industry
Flash back to 2019, before COVID shut down the world. Atlantic City’s casinos raked in record highs from visitors flocking to the boardwalk. Slots buzzed, tables packed, and the vibe was electric. Then the pandemic hit, forcing closures and scaring off tourists for months.
Fast forward to now. Two-thirds of the city’s casinos are still pulling in less from in-person gamblers than they did six years ago. That’s according to fresh reports from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, released just this month. For these spots, the drop means tighter budgets, fewer jobs, and pressure to innovate.
Why the lag? Travel habits changed. People got comfy betting from home during lockdowns, and many haven’t returned. Plus, competition heated up. Nearby states like Pennsylvania and New York expanded their own gaming scenes, siphoning away potential visitors.
Take a closer look at the numbers. In 2019, the average casino won big on physical games. By November 2025, only a few have clawed back to those peaks. The rest hover 5 to 15 percent below, per state data. This gap hits hard because in-person play funds everything from staff pay to property upkeep.
Operators aren’t sitting idle. Some poured money into upgrades, like new entertainment venues or tech-savvy slots. But for many, it’s a slow grind back to glory.
Online Boom Offers Hope Amid Challenges
Internet gambling stole the show in November, with revenues soaring by double digits. Players logged in from couches across New Jersey, placing bets on virtual tables and slots. Sports betting followed suit, fueled by apps that let fans wager on games in real time.
This digital shift isn’t new, but it’s accelerating. Statewide, online gaming hit records earlier this year, and Atlantic City’s slice grew too. Experts predict this trend could add billions to the industry’s pot by 2030, based on projections from groups like the American Gaming Association. It helps casinos partner with tech firms to reach wider audiences.
Yet, not everyone wins equally. Smaller casinos struggle to compete online, where big names dominate. And while digital dollars flow in, they often get shared with partners, leaving less for the house.
Here’s a quick breakdown of November’s key wins:
- In-person gambling: Up slightly, but uneven across casinos.
- Internet bets: Double-digit growth, driven by mobile apps.
- Sports wagering: Similar jumps, thanks to NFL action and easy access.
This mix shows promise, but it also highlights a divide. Casinos that nailed their online game thrived, while others played catch-up.
On the flip side, concerns bubble up about addiction and regulation. With bets just a click away, some worry about rising problem gambling. Regulators are stepping up with tools like self-limits, but the debate rages on.
Broader Impacts on Jobs and the Local Economy
Atlantic City’s story ripples beyond the casino floors. Gaming employs thousands, from dealers to hotel staff. When revenues dip below pre-COVID marks, it squeezes payrolls and local businesses.
Think about the boardwalk shops and restaurants. Fewer in-person visitors mean emptier tables and slower sales. City officials estimate that every dollar lost in casino wins costs the economy more. Recent studies from economic think tanks peg the industry’s total impact at over $6 billion yearly for New Jersey.
If two-thirds of casinos can’t match 2019 in-person earnings, it could stall growth and lead to cuts. Already, some spots trimmed hours or staff during lean times. But the November uptick offers a glimmer. If trends hold, it might spark hiring and investments.
Looking ahead, threats loom. New York City’s push for its own casinos could draw away day-trippers. Atlantic City leaders are fighting back with marketing blitzes and events to lure crowds.
One positive note: Tourism boards report steady visitor numbers this fall, boosted by concerts and conventions. Pair that with online gains, and the city might just build momentum into 2026.
The November revenue report from Atlantic City paints a tale of progress laced with caution, where digital wins brighten the horizon but old-school gambling struggles to fully rebound from pandemic blows. It’s a reminder that recovery takes time, grit, and smart plays in a fast-changing game. As the industry evolves, everyday folks feel the effects, from job security to entertainment options that shape weekends and vacations.
