New Jersey’s gambling industry is continuing to grow steadily in 2025. In July alone, New Jersey’s gambling revenue reached $606.2 million, which marks a 10.7% increase from July 2024. This success comes despite a dip in sports betting revenue during the same period. Both land-based casinos and online gambling platforms contributed to these gains, with online gaming (iGaming) showing particularly strong growth. Online casino revenue rose by 26.6% year-over-year, reaching $247.3 million.
When looking at the year so far, through July 2025, the state has collected around $3.92 billion in total gambling revenue. That represents an 8.8% increase compared to the same seven months in 2024. Online gambling stands out, with revenue increasing by more than 23%, totaling $1.63 billion so far this year. If these trends continue, New Jersey could very well break its previous annual gambling revenue records.
Online gambling continues to be a major factor behind New Jersey’s recent success. While land-based casinos are still trying to get back to their pre-pandemic revenue levels, online platforms are thriving. Many players prefer the convenience and variety available through websites and apps operated by well-known brands such as FanDuel, Golden Nugget, and BetMGM.
At the same time, some players are looking at other options beyond the state-regulated platforms. For example, offshore gambling sites are attracting users through offering larger bonuses, a wide selection of games, and different betting features. Many of these sites also accept US players offshore, which makes them attractive alternatives for those looking for more options or better deals. While offshore platforms usually have better promotions and features, the experience can vary widely from one site to another.
However, even with the overall gambling market expanding, the sports-betting side appears to be losing steam. In July, the handle (total dollars bet) edged up, yet the win (the dollars kept by the sportsbooks) slid by 6.6% year-over-year, compared with 2024. Physical sportsbooks took the bigger hit, running in the red, though digital applications only dipped slightly.
The drop can be traced to several trends. One likely suspect is rising promotions, which sportsbooks use to attract new customers. Another is a more knowledgeable player base; bettors now routinely make use of data-driven tactics that the books themselves relied on a few years ago.
eSports betting has long been touted as the growth driver in New Jersey’s gaming sector, so a month-to-month drop invites extra scrutiny. The upcoming NFL schedule, which usually drives a seasonal surge, will offer a natural stress test. If markets bounce back, the drop will appear as a speed bump. If revenue fades again, however, questions about the strength of New Jersey’s sports-betting future will get louder.
Atlantic City casinos have seen some growth during the summer months, but many still fall short of their pre-pandemic revenue numbers. Casino operators have been trying to attract visitors by offering new entertainment, dining, and hotel experiences alongside gambling. They are also blending their in-person and online offerings through combined loyalty programs and promotions to keep players engaged across both formats.
Competition among casinos remains fierce, with only a handful of major players in the market. Each is looking to hold onto its share of gamblers by offering the best possible experience. While online gaming has become the star performer, land-based casinos continue to play a vital role in New Jersey’s overall gambling revenue.
As of now, the outlook for New Jersey remains positive for another year of record gambling revenue, in line with expected trends. Continued growth of online gaming presents itself well for supplementary revenue from the land-based casino and provides another value-add revenue stream. However, the fall in sports betting revenue and other possible economic and regulatory headwinds may still cap the state’s revenue.
If New Jersey's sports betting revenue stream continues to fall, there is a possibility that other headwinds may pull the state even further from record revenue. Over the next few months, especially during the coming football season, we can likely expect sports betting revenues to be significantly higher. Other potential revenue streams will also have to be observed, especially if gambling laws and tax structures change.
Paterson, New Jersey. is one of the most lucrative gambling markets in the country. However, challenges do still exist, but this does not overshadow the overall success that the state has had this year. It is expected that if New Jersey can maintain these positive trends, the gambling revenue for 2025 will be the best New Jersey has ever had.
