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April rain led to May blooms for the nine casinos in Atlantic City, as revenue from on-site gaming increased by 10.9% compared to last year, reaching $265.3 million.
Casino.org has received insights from numerous Atlantic City insiders who are forecasting a revival for the New Jersey shore town — the sole location in the Garden State where casinos are permitted. Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts and the Casino Association of New Jersey, predicted “a genuine resurgence” for America’s Playground.
Following a gradual beginning to 2025, during which Atlantic City’s land-based casino income fell 2% through April — subsequent to a 1.1% decrease in traditional gaming in 2024 compared to 2023 — May 2025 saw a turnaround. On Monday, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) announced that May’s results have brought year-to-date brick-and-mortar gross gaming revenue (GGR) into the positive, with the nine casinos showing a 0.8% increase over five months, translating to over $8.6 million.
In May, in-person GGR increases were driven by tables. The felt retained $70.5 million from the table wagers, a 21.9% rise, while slots held onto around $194.8 million of players’ wagers, a 7.5% enhancement.
It's important to mention that May 2025 had an additional Saturday in comparison to May 2024. Yet the month represented a significant triumph for the casino town that was in urgent need of such a win.
Radiant May
James Plousis, the chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC), stated to Casino.org in prepared comments that last month marked the best May performance for the nine casinos since 2011.
"May provided a strong foundation for positive momentum during the summer season. Atlantic City’s diverse gaming, leisure, and entertainment provide something to suit every taste and there are plentiful reasons to visit and stay,” Plousis added.
iGaming also continued to excel. Revenue from online casinos reached $246.8 million, an increase of 28.5%, or $57.7 million, compared to May 2024. May was a historic month for numerous online casino platforms and applications functioning in New Jersey.
May proved to be fruitful for the books, with oddsmakers indicating a GGR of $102.5 million. That was 30% more robust compared to the previous year.
Year to date, sports betting revenue is still 10% down, as bettors have wagered 12.6% less cash. In the first five months of 2024, sports bettors placed over $6 billion in wagers on sports via licensed retail and online sportsbooks in New Jersey.
"Heading into the peak summer season, we can hope to see the resort’s brick-and-mortar gaming operations gain momentum even as internet gaming revenues continue their upward trajectory,” said Bokunewicz.
This year, they have wagered $5.25 billion.
Overall, New Jersey's gaming revenue in May reached $614.6 million, marking a 20.5% increase from May 2024.
Hope Makes a Comeback
Plousis and Giannantonio aren’t the sole ones thrilled about the summer of 2025 for Atlantic City. Dennis Levinson, the CEO of Atlantic County, informed Casino.org last week that the resorts have invested significantly in their properties, and worries about crime have diminished.
In an interview with the Press of Atlantic City, Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism, shared a positive perspective regarding the immediate future of the casino town.
Considering a trip to Atlantic City in late June and curious about attractions and activities?
Hard Rock features Tom Segura on June 20-21, Incubus on June 27, and Jackson Browne on June 28. The Ocean Casino Resort in the vicinity shows 311 on June 20. Borgata will host The Allman Betts Band on June 21 and Def Leppard on June 28.
To discover additional activities in Atlantic City, visit Visit Atlantic City.
