Atlantic City casinos on pace for US$ 3 B in gaming revenue

Atlantic City’s nine casinos are on pace to eclipse $3 billion in total gaming revenue this year. The industry last reported more than $3 billion in gaming revenue in 2012, when there were 12 operational casinos and online gambling and sports betting had not yet been introduced. In 2018, Atlantic City’s total gaming revenue was $2.86 billion.

The industry has reported revenue increases for 16-consecutive months, dating back to the dual openings of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort in June 2018.

James Plousis, chairman of the Casino Control Commission, attributed the industry's success this year to capital investments at nearly every property as well as a focus on customer service for both new and returning guests.

"All the casinos have upped their game in regards to entertainment and amenities," Plousis said. "I think all of these things are paying off. We're trending in the right direction."

The industry has reported revenue increases for 16-consecutive months, dating back to the dual openings of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort in June 2018.

Rummy Pandit, executive director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University, said the $3 billion revenue milestone was "an achievement and a feat that we need to celebrate."

"We've been positioned (to surpass $3 billion in revenue) for the last few months," Pandit said. "Despite growing competition and the fact that other areas might have sports betting or online gaming, Atlantic City is becoming a destination resort."

Through September, the city's casinos have reported more than $2.46 billion in total gaming revenue, according to data from the state Division of Gaming Enforcement.