New Jersey Casino Revenues Up 4.3% in July, Gov. Murphy Signs Sweepstakes Ban

New Jersey’s casinos generated $284.1 million in revenue last month, rising from last year’s figure of $272.3 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.3%. 

According to the latest figures published by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), the Garden State’s nine casinos recorded total slot revenues of $212.9 million, up 2.7% year-on-year from $207.3 million. Table games revenues also increased year-on-year, rising from $65 million to $71.3 million, up 9.7%. 

Ocean Casino Dominates Revenue Growth

The most impressive operator in terms of revenue growth during the month was Ocean Casino, which produced $43.1 million, representing an 18.2% rise from the $36.5 million in July 2024. It remains the third biggest revenue generator in the state, behind Hard Rock Atlantic City and the Borgata, which registered $79.9 million in revenue in July, up 5.2% on last year. 

Of the nine casinos, six showed an increase in revenue, with Bally’s Atlantic City, Harrah’s Atlantic City, and Resorts Casino all recording double-digit percentage increases year-on-year. 

There were some poorer performers, however. Caesars Atlantic City saw its revenue drop from $19.9 million to $18.8 million; a decline of 5.9%, while Golden Nugget returned an even bigger fall, of 8.6% from $14.1 million to $12.9 million this year. 

Governor Phil Murphy Signs NJ Sweepstakes Casino Ban Into Law

Meanwhile, New Jersey's governor Phil Murphy officially signed a bill banning online sweepstakes casinos, making the state the latest to take action against the controversial sector.

Bill A5447 cleared the Legislature on June 30 and sat on Murphy’s desk for weeks before receiving final approval Friday. It bans sweepstakes wagering, sets penalties for violations, and gives the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Gaming Enforcement shared enforcement powers.

Sweepstakes casinos use a dual-currency model in which players buy gold coins for entertainment while receiving ‘sweeps coins’ that can be redeemed for cash prizes. While operators say this model is a lawful contest similar to promotions run by major brands, opponents say it is an unlicensed workaround that mimics real-money gambling.

New Jersey becomes the sixth state this year to enact restrictions. Connecticut, Montana, and Nevada have passed similar measures, while New York and Louisiana saw bans stall in their legislatures. In both cases, regulators have issued cease-and-desist orders against operators like Virtual Gaming Worlds, which has since withdrawn from several states.