Online casino revenue has increased significantly in New Jersey, hitting $208.12 million in 2024. This continues an upward trend that began in 2018 as more people adopt digital platforms for casino activities. Overall, the reception toward online casino culture has been positive throughout the country, but New Jersey is one of only six states that has dominated the market.
This is partially due to the increased efforts of major casino establishments to expand their reach online in these locations. The increased player base and revenue in New Jersey peaked in 2024 but, thanks to continued development and economic shifts, could potentially see another banner year in 2025.
New Jersey has now led the pack for a decade since online casinos started operating in the state, partly due to the increased sophistication of these platforms since their introduction. State players have also invested heavily in the operations to generate a steady stream of revenue, which is starkly different from the other state bodies that are still concerned with the impact this may have on physical casinos.
Even Nevada, largely considered the biggest betting state, is stalling behind in this market because of its limitations in online casino offerings. The state only focuses on poker and imposes more restrictions on other games. Even with the recent World Series of Poker (WSOP) release from Ceasars, it remains in Las Vegas for the next 20 years. This allows Ceasars to maintain the rights to use the WSOP brand in physical casinos and online poker platforms. The acquisition sees WSOP continuing to run online poker experiences in New Jersey but firmly keeps it from penetrating the larger digital casino landscape.
In contrast, bipartisan legislation in NJ has allowed online gambling and sports betting to continue. The NJ Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee unanimously advanced Sen. Vince Polistina’s bill to extend stability in the industry and allow authorization of online services through 2033. As such, the Garden State remains the leader in the emerging digital era of the industry, reflecting part of a more considerable effort to sustain the state’s economic growth and provide jobs to combat the pitfalls of labor and financial shifts faced by the country in recent years.
Statistics show that user penetration for online gambling services will hit 6.6% in 2025. As more people shift to a more digitalized lifestyle, casinos are naturally reacting to the change in preferences and playing behavior. In turn, the revenue increase is supported by more targeted efforts to improve convenience and security.
A lot of the player engagement seen in online casinos has also come from a greater investment in different tournaments. In August 2024, ACR Poker wrapped up its biggest Mystery Bounty and PLO tourneys yet, awarding more than $10 million overall. The Mystery Bounty Venom alone garnered 3,234 entries and emerged with a total prize pool of over $8 million. The title ultimately went to Ivan ‘chickenpastry’ Limeira, who received a total payout of $617,333.
These high-stakes tournaments have been the main attraction in developing online casinos and their player base. US Poker pro and New Jersey native Tom Dwan was among the participants in ACR Poker’s tourney, drawing even more attention to the $2 million guarantee with 914 entries. This turnout was lauded by other poker icons like Chris Moneymaker, who has a significant presence as one of Americas Cardroom’s high-profile ambassadors and is one of the figures credited for the online poker boom.
Talent across the country has bolstered the growth of the professional scene and increased the casual player base. In addition, the presence of online platforms has also been supported by an increased aversion to physical casinos as part of the dreaded COVID-19 drag, as indicated by the South Jersey Economic Review. While brick-and-mortar avenues still take a massive share of revenue, there is an inevitable surge in digitally based financial increases. With further secure innovations, cryptocurrency potentially being revitalized by tech advancements, and legal safeguards in place for the industry, it seems online casinos will continue their upward flight in Jersey.
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