Despite having a population of about 40,000, Atlantic City has built a reputation of being New Jersey’s casino industry for decades. However, the state’s gambling landscape is slowly shifting from physical casinos to digital platforms.
In June 2026, New Jersey’s online casinos and their partners generated approximately $271 million in gaming revenue, surpassing the $257.3 million generated by Atlantic City’s nine physical casino resorts. While revenue from the Atlantic City casino floor declined slightly from the same month in 2025, nj online casino revenue has experienced a consistent annual growth over the years.
The June results highlight a broader transformation in how New Jersey residents and visitors participate in gambling. Through the first half of 2026, internet gaming continued to expand, demonstrating the growing importance of digital casinos to the state’s overall gaming economy. Unlike Atlantic City’s traditional model, online casinos allow players to gamble from virtually anywhere in the state.
Comparing the Numbers Between the Two Casino Sectors
The stats reveal a clear, consistent shift from Atlantic City’s physical casino floors toward online gambling. In 2025, the two markets were already close: Atlantic City’s nine casinos generated $2.89 billion, while internet gaming generated $2.91 billion, meaning online gambling edged ahead by roughly $20 million for the year. More importantly, online revenue grew 22% from 2024, compared with just 2.7% growth for the physical casinos.
That momentum has accelerated in 2026. In January, online gaming produced $258.9 million, compared with $213.3 million for the land-based options. By February, the gap remained substantial, with online revenue at $251.8 million versus $202.9 million for physical casinos.
To prove it was not just a winter fluctuation in favor of NJ online casinos, the spring numbers continued the trend. In May, online casinos generated $276.3 million, growing 11.9% year over year, while Atlantic City casinos produced $265.6 million, virtually unchanged from May 2025.
By June, the difference became even more striking: online gaming reached $271 million, up 17.5%, while physical casino revenue fell 0.7% to $257.3 million. Through June, online gaming had reached $1.59 billion, compared with about $1.1 billion for the physical properties.
The numbers prove how the switch has been more about online gambling growing at a staggering rate than a collapse of Atlantic City casinos. However, this shift raises important questions about the future of Atlantic City and whether the city’s casinos can adapt to a market increasingly driven by technology.
Why NJ Online Casinos Keep Growing Faster
Convenience and accessibility of mobile technology
Smartphones have fundamentally changed how people consume entertainment, and gambling is no exception. One of the biggest advantages of online casinos is convenience. Players don’t need to travel to Atlantic City or spend money on hotels and other expenses to access casino games. Instead, they can play from their phones, tablets, or computers, making online gambling more accessible to a wider audience.
Financial growth and increased capacity
The consistent growth in NJ’s internet gaming revenue hit a historic milestone in 2025, when online casino revenue eclipsed revenue from the traditional casino floor for the first time. As a result, this financial surge has enabled online casinos to scale their advertising and expand their operational capacity.
Operators continue investing in digital products
Online casino companies are constantly competing for customers through new games, promotions, and improved digital experiences. This competition encourages operators to invest in technology and make their platforms more attractive, helping online gambling maintain its growth.
Mature online gambling market
New Jersey has had regulated online casino gambling for more than a decade. As a result, operators have had years to improve their websites, mobile applications, payment systems, and customer experiences.
What the Future Holds for NJ Online Casinos
New Jersey’s online casino industry looks increasingly strong, with the market on pace for another record year. Through June 2026, online gaming revenue reached $1.59 billion, up 15% from the same period in 2025.
Technology will likely remain a major driver of this growth. Mobile access, expanded game selections, and competition among operators are making online casinos more convenient and attractive to consumers. The market is also becoming increasingly competitive, with major brands continuing to invest in their digital platforms and new operators entering New Jersey.
However, regulation and taxation will remain important factors. New Jersey increased taxes on iGaming and online sports betting under its 2025 budget law, while the state continues to monitor how online gambling revenue is shared among casinos, technology companies, and other partners.
Overall, if the current growth rate continues, online casinos could become an even more dominant part of New Jersey’s gaming economy, potentially widening the gap with Atlantic City’s traditional casinos.