July 2026
In LIGHT of the data.
At the peak of summer, Atlantic City’s casino operators realized the best single-month
of brick-and-mortar gross revenue since August 2025 and the second highest such return
in more than a decade. A fire and flood in the early morning hours of July 27 that
resulted in the one-day closure of Ocean Casino Resort could have negatively impacted
revenues for the month. However, Ocean and the industry overall seem to have taken
the disruption in stride. Atlantic City operators still managed to achieve a 7% year-over-year
gross gaming revenue increase for the month. This resilience and growth may have been
boosted by activity around the World Cup as tourism volume from neighboring destinations
overflowed into Atlantic City.
The World Cup may have also favored Atlantic City’s sportsbooks. In contrast to last
month, July’s sports wagering outcomes favored sportsbooks rather than patrons. This
resulted in a 33% increase for casino operators year-over-year compared to July 2025
and a 92% increase for casino operators compared to June 2026.
All this while internet gaming continued its double-digit increases, realizing a new
single month gross revenue record. It almost goes without saying that amid these gains
Atlantic City Operators again set a record for single-month total gross gaming revenue.
As we have learned from experience, such high returns on gross gaming revenues do
not always translate to net gaming revenue gains and gross operating profits. Costs
of doing business continue to increase and other pressures on the industry may suppress
the overall profitability of Atlantic City’s casinos.
Read more..
The second quarter of 2026 release from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
(DGE) illustrates once again that revenue at Atlantic City casinos does not always
translate to profitability.
While total gross gaming revenue (GGR) increased by 7.3% in the year-to-date ended
June 30 compared to the same period in 2025, and net revenues increased 0.2% in the
same six-month period in 2026 compared to 2025, this did not translate to gains in
gross operating profit (GOP), which recorded a 15.5% decrease in the first half of
2026 compared to 2025.
Even allowing for seasonal variation, there appears to be a clear trend in declining
GOP even as the relatively mature integrated casino resort market in Atlantic City
has produced steady net earnings year over year. This relationship between earnings
and profits suggests that something more complex is happening.
Inflationary pressures (labor, energy, cost of goods etc.) continue to impact the
profitability of the industry, but this is not the only factor. The casinos have also
faced a significant increase in tax burden. The recent raising of the state’s internet
and online sports wagering taxes have contributed to at least $120 million in additional
expenses for operators. This year, the Internet Wagering Tax increased from 15% to
19.75%, and the Online Sports Wagering Tax increased from 13% to 19.75%.
Also not to be overlooked is the reporting that the cost of attracting patrons to
the resort is increasingly putting pressure on casino resort overall revenue. Even
if comped rooms, food, entertainment etc. are recorded as net nongaming revenue, they
are likewise recorded as an expense for gaming operations. Comps and promotional gaming
credits make it difficult to compare the performance of gaming and nongaming operations
within the resorts and complicate comparisons of casino hotel operations to their
noncasino peers.
Atlantic City Gaming Win & Total Casino Revenue
Atlantic City Gaming Win & Total Casino Revenue
Source: N.J. Division of Gaming Enforcement
| Monthly Revenue (Casino Licensees, $ In Thousands |
July 2026 |
% Change from Prior Year | July 2025 | YTD
2026 |
% Change from Prior Year | YTD 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Gaming Win | 304,210 | 7.1% | 284,126 | 1,411,411 | 2.3% | 1,379,702 |
| Internet Gaming Win | 276,948 | 12.0% | 247,298 | 1,870,145 | 14.5% | 1,633,251 |
| Sports Wagering Revenue* | 61,546 | 33.1% | 46,239 | 353,978 | -0.2% | 354,610 |
| Total Gaming Win (includes Internet & Sports Wagering) | 642,741 | 11.3% | 577,664 | 3,939,744 | 7.9% | 3,651,689 |
| Quarterly Revenue (Industry, $ In Millions)** | Q2 2026 | % Change from Prior Year | Q2 2025 | YTD June 30, 2026 | % Change from Prior Year | YTD June 30 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino | 445,925 | 4.7% | 425,797 | 836,148 | 2.5% | 815,795 |
| Rooms | 174,142 | -0.9% | 175,677 | 311,913 | -0.4% | 313,257 |
| Food & Beverage | 135,974 | -2.5% | 139,443 | 257,512 | -1.9% | 262,493 |
| Entertainment & Other | 88,487 | -8.1% | 96,234 | 164,591 | -6.5% | 175,942 |
| Casino Licensees Total Net Revenue | 844,528 | 0.9% | 837,151 | 1,570,164 | 0.2% | 1,567,487 |
| Gross Operating Profit (GOP) | 164,928 | -10.1% | 184,254 | 269,645 | -15.5% | 319,987 |
* Data as reported in New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Monthly Financial Reports for individual licensees for respective months. May not match Monthly Press Releases and Statistical Summaries. Does not include Racetracks.
** Data agregated from New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Quarterly Financial Reports for individual properties. May not match totals from Quarterly Press Releases and Statistical Summaries, which represent a 'snapshot' of data at the time of publication and are not retroactively updated.
Atlantic City Casino Hotel Lodging
Atlantic City Hotel Lodging
Source: N.J. Division of Gaming Enforcement
| Casino Hotel Lodging Statistics For the Period Ended March 31, 2026 & 2025 |
Q1 2026 | Q1 2025 | YTD 2026 | YTD 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupancy percentage | 64.6% | 62.9% | 64.6% | 64.6% |
| Average Daily Room Rate (ADR) | $161.03 | $159.13 | $161.03 | $159.13 |
| Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)* | $104.03 | $100.13 | $104.03 | $100.13 |
* RevPAR= ADR X Occupancy Percentage
Atlantic City Casino Operator Taxes & Fees
Atlantic City Casino Operator Taxes & Fees
Source: N.J. Division of Gaming Enforcement
Total Paid Taxes & Fees |
294,841,618 | 220,826,000 | 33.5% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taxes & Fees |
Q1 2026 | Q1 2025 | % | |||
|
Casino Gaming Gross Revenue Tax |
39,409,809 |
40,186,000 | -1.9% | |||
|
Internet Gaming Gross Revenue Tax |
154,173,618 | 100,597,000 | 53.3% | |||
|
Sports Wagering - Retail Gross Revenue Tax (includes racetracks) |
470,221 | 710,000 | -33.8% | |||
|
Sports Wagering - Internet Gross Revenue Tax (includes racetracks) |
51,998,163 | 33,678,000 | 54.4% | |||
| Investment Alternative Tax/CRDA Obligations | 27,673,302 | 24,821,000 | 11.5% | |||
| 1.25% Additional Tax | 1,910,304 | 1,822,000 | 4.8% | |||
| 1.25% EDT | 1,445,016 | 1,517,000 | -4.7% | |||
| Luxury Tax | 7,984,275 | 7,525,000 | 6.1% | |||
| Tourism Promotion Fee | 1,746,497 | 1,744,000 | 0.1% | |||
| Hotel Room Fee | 2,566,527 | 2,593,000 | -1.0% | |||
| Hotel Room Surcharge | 1,711,018 | 1,729,000 | -1.0% | |||
| Casino Parking Fees | 3,752,868 | 3,904,000 | -3.9% | |||
Atlantic City Operator Spending
Atlantic City Casino Operator Spending
Source: Casino Association of New Jersey - Member Reported
| Total | $162,005,367 | $143,126,063 | 13.19% | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Purchase of Goods and Services From New Jersey Vendors(By County) |
Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | % | ||
| Atlantic | $100,507,551 | $8,7157,649 | 15.32% | ||
| Bergen | $3,039,901 | $3,016,167 | 0.79% | ||
| Burlington | $2,888,533 | $3,210,041 | -10.02% | ||
| Camden | $4,102.502 | $4,505,412 | -8.94% | ||
| Cape May | $2,562,490 | $2,338,743 | 9.57% | ||
| Cumberland | $4,714,778 | $4,396,910 | 7.23% | ||
| Essex | $10,775,553 | $10,414,741 | 3.46% | ||
| Gloucester | $2,468,038 | $2,273,721 | 8.55% | ||
| Hudson | $417,358 | $788,450 | -47.07% | ||
| Hunterdon | $67,141 | $18,693 | 259.18% | ||
| Mercer | $4,013,369 | $4,282,983 | -6.30% | ||
| Middlesex | $4,053,406 | $3,635,497 | 11.50% | ||
| Monmouth | $3,357,695 | $3,479,775 | -3.51% | ||
| Morris | $2,599,438 | $2,364,116 | 9.95% | ||
| Ocean | $2,400,184 | $1,809,421 | 32.65% | ||
| Passaic | $2,312,488 | $1,284,891 | 79.98% | ||
| Salem | $92,943 | $76,624 | 21.30% | ||
| Somerset | $2,632,372 | $2,448,137 | 7.53% | ||
| Sussex | $2,463 | $5,974 | -58.77% | ||
| Union | $8,996,730 | $5,615,129 | 60.22% | ||
| Warren | $428 | $2,963 | -85.56% | ||
Other Spending |
Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Expenditures | $59,520,293 | $46,984,010 | 26.68% | |||
| PILOT Contributions (Includes PILOT & additional payments under PILOT legislation) | $29,188,337 | $28,616,166 | 1.32% | |||
| CRDA Special Improvement District | $271,810 | $323,863 | -16.01% | |||
| Municipal/Atlantic City Fees- Water | $1,614,230 | $1,380,885 | 16.88% | |||
| Municipal/Atlantic City Fees- Sewer | $803,978 | $969,266 | -17.05% | |||
|
Municipal/Atlantic City Fees- Other (permits, boardwalk seating, mercantile etc.) |
$395,244 | $723,083 | -45.37% | |||
| Charitable Contributions | $88,443 | $203,816 | -22.22% | |||
Total Spending |
$253,886,000 | $222,327,000 | 14.19% |
|---|
Atlantic City Visitation
Atlantic City Statistical Transportation Data
Source: South Jersey Transportation Authority
|
Travel Mode |
June 2026 |
June 2025 |
Change from Prior Year |
YTD 2026 |
YTD 2025 |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Expressway | ||||||
| Total Toll-Paying Traffic Pleasantville Toll Plaza |
||||||
| AC Airport | ||||||
| Scheduled Service Passengers | ||||||
| Charter Passengers | ||||||
| Total Air Passengers | ||||||
* A note regarding year-over-year comparison of Toll-Paying Traffic at Pleasantville Toll Plaza of the Atlantic City Expressway. In the period January 2020 through January 2026 tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway have increased by approximatly 52%. As of January 4, 2026 cashless tolling has been adopted at all toll plazas - this has impacted data collection and reporting.
Atlantic City Meetings and Conventions
Atlantic City Meetings and Conventions Data
Source: Vist Atlantic City
| July '26 | July '25 | % Change from Prior Year |
TOTAL 2026 YTD |
TOTAL 2025 YTD |
% Change from Prior Year |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventions/Tradeshows/Meetings1 | ||||||
| # of Shows | 2 | 6 | -67% | 40 | 46 | -13% |
| # of Room Nights | 4,072 | 10,714 | -62% | 67,689 | 83,323 | -19% |
| # of Attendees | 13,397 | 55,583 | -76% | 283,460 | 332,257 | -15% |
| Delegate Spending | $3,530,103 | $10,937,941 | -68% | $74,815,966 | $87,694,233 | -15% |
| Boardwalk Hall Bookings | ||||||
| # of Shows | 3 | 1 | 200% | 24 | 23 | 4% |
| # of Attendees | 13,269 | 293 | 4429% | 137,865 | 113,811 | 21% |
| Hotel Bookings | ||||||
| # of Shows | 16 | 15 | 7% | 106 | 104 | 2% |
| # of Room Nights | 10,368 | 10,693 | -3% | 81,594 | 87,529 | -7% |
| # of Attendees | 12,590 | 7,515 | 68% | 348,311 | 158,581 | 120% |
| Delegate Spending | $6,375,950 | $6,542,825 | -3% | $73,299,704 | $66,423,443 | 10% |
| Monthly Totals | ||||||
| # Convs_Trade_Mtgs / Boardwalk Hall / Hotel |
21 |
22 |
-5% |
170 |
173 |
-2% |
| # of Room Nights | 14,440 | 21,407 | -33% | 149,283 | 170,852 | -13% |
| # of Attendees | 39,256 | 63,391 | -38% | 769,636 | 604,649 | 27% |
| Delegate Spending | $9,906,053 | $17,480,766 | -43% | $148,115,670 | $154,117,676 | -4% |
1Includes Visit Atlantic City events booked at Boardwalk Hall
Atlantic City Information
Atlantic City Community Fund announces grant awards for 40 local nonprofits - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on June 30, the Atlantic City Community Fund announced the awarding of grants to 40 local nonprofits, ranging in mission from the preservation of arts and culture to providing services to the city's youth. The community fund is an independent nonprofit that seeks to invest in other local nonprofits and community initiatives through grantmaking, partnerships and community engagement, and in so doing improve the quality of life for city residents.
Bill introduced in support of Atlantic City Convention Center, study of how Meadowlands Center might affect it - As recorded by the New Jersey legislature and reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan (D-Atlantic) has proposed a bill (A5408) that would authorize the EDA to provide financial assistance up to $50 million for certain projects related to Atlantic City Convention Center and require the state to conduct an impact study on anticipated effects of certain Meadowlands projects on the Atlantic City Convention Center. The bill comes in response to plans released by North Jersey lawmakers and the Meadowlands Chamber for a $3 billion convention center at the sports complex in East Rutherford.
Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) approves relocation of Atlantic City beach bar - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the CRDA has approved the relocation of the business that formerly operated as the Chelsea Beach Bar to a section of beachfront near Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. The business' prior location, in front of the Ocean Club condominiums between Chelsea and Montpelier avenues, drew critisism from neighbors who complained of late night noise and the creation of parking and other quality-of-life issues.
Chelsea Economic Development Corp. launches Jumpstart Atlantic City - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Chelsea Economic Development Corp. has launched a seven-week program beginning in September, is designed to connect and train aspiring and experienced developers, investors, contractors, entrepreneurs and community leaders who live or work in the city.
City leaders, residents join in Community Walk for a Safer Atlantic City - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on July 14 members of the Atlantic City community came together for an annual event bringing together residents, faith leaders, nonprofits and public safety officials to focus on strengthening relationships between the community and law enforcement. The mile-long walk was organized by City Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz, chairman of the Advocacy Committee for the Coalition for a Safe Community.
Community Cleanup & Laborer Team staffed by students provides free cleanups for city residents - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the Community Cleanup & Laborer Team has completed about a dozen residential cleanups this summer targeting litter, brush removal, bulk debris hauling and picking up trash cans set curbside, and has about 35 more scheduled. The free cleanup initiative is operated by Atlantic City's Division of Reentry Services in partnership with the city's anti-violence summer workforce program. The cleanup team consists of about 10 Atlantic City High School students participating in the city's summer workforce program after spending the school year in its mentoring initiative.
CRDA extends funding for Atlantic City’s Tourism District Policing Unit through Oct. 31, 2026 - As reported by Play NJ, Atlantic City’s Tourism District Policing Unit will receive $2 million in funding from the through Oct. 31, 2026. The funding is part of a $6.3 million partnership between the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Atlantic City, which is contributing the remaining $4.3 million.
Exhibit documenting how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted small businesses in Atlantic City opens at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, "Documenting Resilience on Atlantic Ave," an exhibit created by two Stockton professors and their students, opened at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University on July 11. The project features the owners, employees and regulars of Atlantic City small businesses during and after the pandemic.
Long-vacant tract between Borgata and Harrah’s could become site of 1,800 new market-rate housing units - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City and Play NJ, Atlantic City City Council and MGM Resorts International have begun negotiating a financial agreement that could see a 70-acre site near Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa developed into as many as 1,800 new market-rate housing units and complementary retail/commercial uses. Talks are expected to include a long-term tax exemption agreement for land in the Marina District. City officials have framed the exemption as necessary for the project’s financial viability. No construction timeline is public. Design and phasing details remain unreleased.
Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel conversion to result in layoffs - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, developers, LINY Investor LLC, have notified the New Jersey Department of Labor that they will lay off 99 employees as of Oct. 1. The layoffs come amid a $100 million renovation project which plans to turn half of the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel into senior citizen housing. The property across from the convention center will no longer be a Sheraton once the project is completed.
New Jersey Gaming News
Atlantic City casinos give back to the community - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Atlantic City's casinos made philanthropic contributions in the region. The Caesars Foundation awarded $150,000 in grants to six nonprofits serving Atlantic and Cape May counties, employees from Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and other volunteers packaged 60,500 meals for local food banks and nonprofits and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City presented a check for $50,000 to NAN Tech World Atlantic City’s youth development program. As reported by Play NJ, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will also host New Jersey's largest Out of Darkness Walk again in 2026 - the seventh straight year the event has been held at the property.
Bill requiring sports wagering licensees to adopt and publish rules governing wagering account limitations passes in New Jersey Assembly - As recorded by the New Jersey Legislature and reported by Play NJ, members of the New Jersey Assembly voted nearly unanimously to pass a bill (A4002) that requires sports wagering operators to adopt clear rules on wagering account limitations and notify bettors when their accounts are restricted. The bill or its companion (S3419) will need approval from the Senate before heading to the Governor's office.
Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) asks Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to prohibit prediction markets from taking bets on sporting events that violate state gambling laws - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, in comments submitted July 27 to the CFTC, the CANJ asked the agency to prevent companies from offering bets on sporting events, particularly in states where sports betting is illegal. Efforts to prohibit predictions markets from operating in New Jersey have been rebuffed by a federal court ruling. Additional reporting from Play NJ.
G2 Digital launches Vegas Club Casino in New Jersey, third new online casino in the state since June 2026, 30th currently operating in state - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on July 22, G2 Digital launched Vegas Club Casino, an online casino operating in New Jersey under a market access partnership with Caesars Entertainment. Vegas Club Casino joins Ember Casino and Betinia Casino, both affiliated with Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey, which launched in June. As of July 22, there were 30 approved internet gambling websites in New Jersey, according to the DGE.
Ocean Casino Resort named in list of 'Best Hotels on New Jersey’s Beaches' - According to a July 20 article in Parade, Ocean Casino Resort ranks as one of the best hotels along the New Jersey shore. The article cites Ocean’s recently renovated guest rooms and its beachfront footprint. Gaming played no part in the selection criteria. Further reporting by Play NJ.
Resorts Casino Hotel opens new retail outlet - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel celebrated the opening of Talk of The Walk, a family-owned fashion boutique with a ribbon cutting on July 10.
Small fire and flooding from a burst pipe damage Ocean Casino Resort - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on July 27 Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City was forced to shut down its gambling operations after a small early-morning fire and flooding from a burst pipe damaged systems that support gambling operations. Operations reopened the following day but not before the property realized an estimated $1 million or more in lost revenue. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
USA Today ranks three Atlantic City casinos in top 20 of country's casinos (excluding Las Vegas) - USA Today 10 Best released a ranking of the country's 20 best casinos outside of Las Vegas. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel made the list. Further reporting from NJ.com.
National Gaming News
BetMGM releases rankings of states based on best casino experience - BetMGM Casino has released a new study ranking casino experience among the 27 legal land-based casino states. Rankings were based on data the American Gaming Association’s “State of the States 2026” report. New Jersey ranked at #10 out performing Florida (#11) and New York (#12). The top three spots went to Nevada, South Dakota and Pennsylvania.
Federal judge in Minnesota blocks first-in-the-nation ban on prediction markets - According to Legal Sports Report, Minnesota's first-in-the-nation ban on predictions markets was blocked from taking effect when a U.S. District Judge ruled that the CFTC and predictions markets companies had "met their burden to show they are likely to succeed on their claims that federal law preempts Minnesota’s ban."
Kalshi to stop offering contracts in Nevada - According to a July 24 press release from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), NGCB and Kalshi have come to an agreement that will require Kalshi to cease offering sports, election and entertainment contracts in the state by Aug. 12. If Kalshi does not stop its offerings by that date, it will risk a fine of $120,000 per day. Further coverage from Legal Sports Report.
National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) calls on Congress to ban predictions markets - According to Legal Sports Report, the NCLGS has released a resolution calling on Congress to "clarify that prediction markets are a form of illegal gambling, leaving it up to the states and tribal governments to decide what gaming they wish to regulate."
Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission releases report recommending changes to address gambling addiction - A Pennsylvania government study "Sports Betting and Related Interactive Gambling in Pennsylvania," was released on July 13. The report recommends a number of changes aimed at addressing gambling addiction, including ending live betting and requiring self-imposed limits at online casinos and sportsbooks. Additional coverage by Legal Sports Report.
Hospitality & Tourism News
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) survey finds that Americans are adapting, not canceling their summer travel - As reported by the AHLA, American travelers are responding to increased travel expenses by finding creative ways to stretch their budget. People are still planning, but they are cutting expenses such as shopping and dining and opting to drive rather than fly to destinations. Read the full report.
CoStar and Tourism Economics make significant upward adjustments to 2026-27 U.S. hotel forecast - As reported by Lodging Magazine, CoStar and Tourism Economics made significant upward adjustments to the 2026-27 U.S. hotel forecast. Projected gains in average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) for 2026 were upgraded by 1.1 percentage points and 1.6 percentage points, respectively. Occupancy was lifted to 63.1%, a 0.3 percentage point lift from the previous forecast. Stable labor markets, recent wealth gains, and easing inflation were cited as factors that should keep consumer spending on lodging resilient.
International Hotel Industry Coalition calls for long-term extension of United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - As reported by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Hotels Canada, and the Hoteles Por México have called for the extension of USMCA trade policies which support the interconnectedness of the North American hospitality industries. A long-term extension of USMCA provides "the certainty businesses need to invest, strengthen integrated supply chains, support workforce mobility, and keep North America globally competitive as a destination for business and leisure travel."
LIGHT Snapshots is a publication of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism, Stockton University School of Business
Brian J. Tyrrell, Ph. D., Faculty Director and Professor of Hospitality
