New Jersey’s online gambling scene just keeps booming, pulling in massive cash even as Atlantic City’s physical casinos hit a rough patch after summer ended. State regulators dropped fresh numbers showing iGaming revenue at a whopping $243 million in September 2025, one of the best months ever. But the brick-and-mortar spots? They struggled, with revenue dropping sharply. What’s behind this split, and what does it mean for the state’s gambling future?
iGaming Powers Through with Strong Growth
Online gambling in New Jersey showed no signs of slowing down last month. The state’s iGaming sector raked in $243.1 million in September 2025, marking the fourth-highest monthly total on record. This figure comes straight from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, released on October 17, 2025.
That haul represents a solid jump from previous months, fueled by slots and table games. Slots alone saw a 37.14% increase year-over-year, while table games climbed 17.75%. Players are clearly loving the convenience of betting from home, especially with apps and sites offering everything from poker to virtual roulette.
Experts point to better tech and more options as key drivers. For instance, partnerships with big tech platforms have made these sites smoother and more engaging.
This growth isn’t just numbers on a page. It means more tax dollars flowing into state coffers, supporting schools, roads, and other public needs. In September alone, total tax revenue from all gaming forms hit $227.8 million.
Brick-and-Mortar Casinos Face Post-Summer Blues
While online bets soared, Atlantic City’s nine casinos felt the pinch as vacationers headed home. Revenue from physical slots and tables fell 26.7% compared to September 2024, according to the latest state reports.
The drop kicked off the seasonal slowdown, with casinos winning about $311.9 million in August but seeing a sharp decline last month. Without the summer crowds packing the boardwalk, foot traffic dipped, and so did the cash flow.
One casino operator noted that events and promotions helped some spots, but overall, the industry is grappling with competition from online options. “We’re adapting,” said a spokesperson from a major Atlantic City venue, “but the shift to digital is real.”
This slump affects jobs too. Casinos employ thousands in the area, and slower months could mean fewer hours or tighter budgets for staff.
Here’s a quick look at how the top performers stacked up in September:
- Borgata: Led with strong table game wins, but still down from peak summer.
- Hard Rock: Saw a modest uptick in events, cushioning the blow.
- Ocean Casino Resort: Benefited from new attractions, yet overall revenue lagged.
The contrast is stark. Physical casinos won less solely from their operations, while sharing online profits with partners eats into totals.
Overall Gaming Revenue Edges Up Slightly
Putting it all together, New Jersey’s total gaming revenue for September 2025 came in at $563.7 million. That’s a slim 1% increase from the same month in 2024, per the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Sports betting played a role, with a handle of $1.13 billion but revenue dipping to $89.8 million, down nearly 25% year-over-year. Bettors lost big on mobile apps, contributing $208.1 million to online casino losses statewide.
This mixed bag highlights a key trend: iGaming and sports bets are carrying the load, making up for flat casino performance. The state has seen iGaming hit record levels multiple times this year, like $248 million in August.
Compared to neighbors, New Jersey outpaces Pennsylvania, where total gaming rose 5.9% to $535.8 million in September. But Atlantic City’s physical side needs a boost to keep up.
Factors like economic uncertainty and changing habits are at play. A recent business report noted that while summer 2025 was positive for South Jersey, future outlook remains shaky.
What This Means for the Future of Gambling in NJ
Looking ahead, industry watchers see online gambling as the growth engine. With iGaming surging 25% in August and staying hot into fall, it’s clear digital is king.
But brick-and-mortar spots aren’t doomed. Plans for new entertainment and tech integrations could draw crowds back. For example, some casinos are rolling out hybrid experiences, blending live events with app tie-ins.
Regulators are keeping a close eye. The state collected over $227 million in taxes last month, underscoring gambling’s role in funding public services.
Still, challenges loom. If physical casinos keep sliding, it could impact local economies in Atlantic City, where tourism drives everything from hotels to restaurants.
To break down the revenue split:
| Category | September 2025 Revenue | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| iGaming | $243.1 million | Up significantly |
| Casinos | Down 26.7% | Sluggish post-summer |
| Sports Betting | $89.8 million | Down 25% |
| Total | $563.7 million | Up 1% |
This table shows how online wins are propping up the totals.
One thing’s certain: players have more choices than ever, and that’s reshaping the game.
New Jersey’s gambling world is at a crossroads, with online bets delivering near-record wins while traditional casinos fight to stay relevant after a quiet September. This split could push more innovation, benefiting everyone from casual players to state budgets.
