To Top

New Jersey Holds Firm as One of America’s Top Gaming States

New Jersey finished third in U.S. commercial gaming revenue in 2025, generating nearly $7B, powered by iGaming and sports wagering.
nj commercial gambling revenue
Photo by Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock
Corey Sharp Avatar
3 mins read
Share Share
Copy link Share on X Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share via Email

New Jersey’s commercial gaming industry delivered one of its strongest performances yet in 2025, finishing third nationwide in total commercial gaming revenue at nearly $7 billion, according to the American Gaming Association’s annual Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker.

The Garden State trailed only Nevada and Pennsylvania in total gross gaming revenue, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most competitive regulated markets with New Jersey online casinos, New Jersey sportsbooks and Atlantic City casinos.

Record revenue at the national level

Across the United States, commercial gaming revenue reached a projected $78.7 billion in 2025, a 9.2% increase over the previous year. The total marked the sixth consecutive year of record industry revenue, fueled by continued expansion in traditional casino gambling, sports wagering, and iGaming.

Internet gambling alone generated more than $10.7 billion nationally, underscoring the growing role of digital platforms in established markets such as New Jersey.

The Garden State finished in third behind Nevada and Pennsylvania. New York and Michigan rounded out the top five with the following revenue figures:

  • Nevada: $15.8 billion
  • Pennsylvania: $7.7 billion
  • New Jersey: $7.0 billion
  • New York: $5.7 billion
  • Michigan: $5.0 billion

Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, said in a statement:

“For another year, legal commercial gaming in the United States has delivered exceptional results for consumers, operators, and the communities we serve.

“These record revenues and tax contributions demonstrate the broad appeal of regulated gaming markets and why strong state oversight remains essential as our industry evolves.” 

Garden State’s Growth Drivers

In New Jersey, total gross gaming revenue approached $7 billion in 2025, up nearly 11% year over year, according to figures released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The state’s diversified gambling structure helped propel it into the No. 3 spot nationally.

iGaming leads the way

Internet gaming once again served as the primary growth engine. iGaming revenue climbed to a record $2.91 billion in 2025, surpassing traditional in-person casino win for the first time on an annual basis.

The milestone highlights the continued evolution of player preferences as more customers opt for digital convenience alongside retail casino experiences.

Atlantic City hold steady

Atlantic City’s nine casino properties continued to generate significant revenue, with brick-and-mortar win rising modestly compared to 2024. While land-based gaming did not grow at the same pace as online platforms, it remained a vital pillar of the state’s gaming ecosystem.

Market leaders such as Borgata Atlantic City, Hard Rock Atlantic City, and Ocean Casino Resort continued to post competitive numbers throughout the year.

Atlantic City remains as the top retail casino destination in the country outside of Nevada.

Sports wagering adds momentum

Sports wagering also contributed to the state’s strong showing, with gross revenue topping $1.18 billion in 2025. While smaller than iGaming and total casino win, sports remains an important complement to the broader market and continues to generate steady returns for operators and the state.

What it means for New Jersey

New Jersey’s third-place national ranking reflects both the maturity of its regulatory framework and the balance of its gaming portfolio. With iGaming driving record-setting growth and Atlantic City maintaining stable performance, the state has demonstrated it can compete with larger, more casino-dense jurisdictions.

As 2026 begins, New Jersey appears well-positioned to remain among the nation’s top commercial gaming markets, particularly if digital gaming and sports wagering continue their upward trajectory.

About the Author
VIEW ALL POSTS
Corey Sharp

Lead Writer

Corey Sharp joined Catena Media in 2022 and is the go-to expert for New Jersey gambling. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he previously worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and NBC Sports Philadelphia as a sports journalist and content producer. In Corey’s role as Lead Writer for PlayNJ, he works alongside a talented team of expert journalists and analysts to bring you the most comprehensive and accurate coverage of gambling news in New Jersey. Corey’s contacts around the industry makes him a trusted source. Corey produces daily stories and features about the gambling space. Corey graduated from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

VIEW ALL POSTS