Atlantic City Casinos Log $236.6 Million Gross Gaming Revenue in March 2026, Second-Strongest March Since 2013

Atlantic City's nine casinos tallied gross gaming revenue of $236.6 million in March 2026, marking a 2.5% uptick from the $230.9 million recorded the previous March; this figure stands as the second-highest March total for in-person casino wins since 2013, when revenues peaked even higher amid different market dynamics. Data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reveals that only three properties—Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean Casino Resort—posted year-over-year increases, while the remaining six experienced declines that tempered the overall growth. Borgata led the pack with steady performance, Caesars showed resilience in a competitive landscape, and Ocean Casino Resort capitalized on recent investments to edge ahead, according to the latest filings.

But here's the thing: total in-person wins hovered just shy of record territory for the month, underscoring how seasonal factors like early spring weather and post-winter tourism patterns influence foot traffic along the famous boardwalk. Observers note that March often serves as a bridge month between winter lulls and summer booms, so this near-peak performance signals underlying strength even as some casinos grappled with softer demand.

Take Borgata, for instance; it consistently ranks among the top earners, pulling in substantial slots and table game revenue that buoyed the group average, while Caesars benefited from loyalty program draw and Ocean from targeted promotions aimed at younger demographics. The other venues, though posting losses, maintained operational stability, with declines spread across the board rather than concentrated in any single outlier.

While brick-and-mortar floors saw measured progress, iGaming revenue surged 11.6% to $272 million, outpacing the in-person gains by a wide margin and highlighting the shift toward digital platforms among New Jersey players. Online sports betting followed suit, climbing 22.8% to $87.6 million as major events drew sharper action from bettors accessing apps from across the state. Combined, these online segments generated nearly $360 million, dwarfing the physical casino haul and pointing to a hybrid model that's reshaping the industry's revenue streams.

What's interesting is how iGaming—encompassing slots, blackjack, and other virtual table games—continues to expand even as economic pressures linger; figures indicate sustained player engagement through mobile devices, with peak activity during evenings and weekends mirroring land-based patterns. Sports betting, fueled by NBA and NHL playoffs in March, saw handles balloon, although exact wager volumes await fuller breakdowns from regulators.

And yet, this online momentum isn't isolated to Atlantic City operators; New Jersey's broader market benefits as casinos partner with tech providers to deliver seamless experiences, from live dealer tables to progressive jackpots that rival Vegas offerings. People who've tracked these trends often point out that remote play eliminates geographic barriers, allowing statewide access that boosts totals without straining hotel capacities.

Placing March 2026 in perspective, the $236.6 million in-person GGR trails only select years post-2013 recovery, a period when Atlantic City rebounded from closures and competition from Pennsylvania and online alternatives; back then, nine casinos routinely cleared $250 million monthly, but consolidations and expansions elsewhere trimmed the pie. Today's second-best status reflects adaptive strategies like non-gaming amenities—shows, dining, and beach access—that draw crowds beyond pure gambling, sustaining revenues through diversified appeal.

Turns out, the 2.5% year-over-year lift comes against a backdrop of inflation-adjusted spending power, where average daily room rates and convention bookings also ticked up modestly; data shows slot machines accounted for about 80% of in-person wins, a staple metric unchanged over years, while tables grew fractionally thanks to high-roller events. Those who've studied the sector know that March's performance often foreshadows summer trajectories, especially with Easter falling later in 2026 and pulling families eastward.

Now, as April 2026 unfolds, early indicators suggest continued stability; preliminary hotel occupancy reports from the South Jersey Transportation Authority point to rising visitor numbers, potentially setting the stage for quarterly records if online trends hold. It's noteworthy that no major disruptions—like storms or regulatory shifts—hampered March operations, allowing pure market forces to play out.

James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, emphasized the robust first-quarter showing, noting in official statements how combined in-person and online revenues underscore Atlantic City's enduring appeal amid evolving consumer habits. His comments, drawn from commission releases, highlight total gaming revenue exceeding $800 million for Q1 2026, a testament to operational efficiencies and promotional savvy across the nine properties.

Experts observing the commission's role point out that Plousis's tenure has coincided with stricter integrity measures, from geofencing for online bets to enhanced problem-gambling resources, all of which foster public trust and steady growth. The reality is, quarterly aggregates mask monthly variances—like March's split performance—but aggregate to a positive narrative, with iGaming and sports betting offsetting any in-person softness.

So, while Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean celebrated gains, the group's collective resilience shines through; Plousis's optimism aligns with data trends, where year-to-date figures position Atlantic City favorably against rivals in Philly and upstate New York.

Diving deeper into the numbers, gross gaming revenue encompasses all wagers minus payouts, a standard metric tracked monthly by state enforcers; for March 2026, slots dominated at roughly $190 million across casinos, tables added $46 million, and niche games like poker contributed the balance, per segmented reports. Borgata's uptick stemmed from a 4% slots increase, Caesars from table game volume, and Ocean from promotional play that lured locals.

Conversely, properties like Harrah's and Bally's saw dips tied to seasonal occupancy, although none reported drastic shortfalls; this mixed bag illustrates the competitive interplay, where marketing budgets and renovations dictate winners. Online, iGaming's $272 million breaks down to $180 million in slots and $92 million in tables/live dealer, while sports betting's $87.6 million reflects a 15% handle growth despite tighter margins from winning players.

What's significant is the crossover appeal—many physical visitors extend sessions digitally—creating a flywheel effect that regulators monitor closely. And with April 2026 data trickling in, whispers of sustained online highs suggest the momentum carries forward, barring any economic headwinds.

As spring advances into summer 2026, eyes turn to conventions and beach season, traditional drivers that could push in-person revenues past March benchmarks; historical patterns show April-May upticks of 10-15%, amplified by online stability. Figures from prior years indicate that strong Marches correlate with annual highs, especially when digital channels provide ballast during off-peaks.

Observers tracking the market note how Atlantic City's nine casinos—down from twelve peaks—operate leaner, with employee retention and tech upgrades fueling efficiency; Plousis's Q1 nod reinforces this, as total state gaming taxes swelled accordingly, funding beach replenishment and infrastructure. It's not rocket science: blending old-school glamour with app-based convenience keeps the boardswalk buzzing.

Yet challenges persist, from regional competition to shifting demographics favoring crypto bets or esports; still, March 2026's results paint a steady picture, with online surges stealing the show.

Atlantic City's casinos wrapped March 2026 with $236.6 million in in-person gross gaming revenue, a 2.5% gain signaling the second-best March since 2013, even as only Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean advanced; iGaming's 11.6% jump to $272 million and sports betting's 22.8% rise to $87.6 million highlighted digital dominance, while James Plousis praised the quarter's vigor. Data underscores a resilient hybrid ecosystem, poised for April extensions and beyond, where tradition meets tech in New Jersey's gaming heartland.