Operator News
US- Atlantic City’s casinos up 19.7 per cent in January
By Phil - 18 February 2019
Atlantic City’s casino sector was off to a solid start to the year with gains in casino, Internet gaming revenues and sports betting in Atlantic City.
The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) revealed that January’s total gaming revenue for Atlantic City was over $220m. This reflects a 19.7 per cent increase over the same period last year.
“2019 is off to a solid start for Atlantic City,” said Kevin Ortzman, President of the Casino Association of New Jersey. “With increases across the board in casino, sports betting and online gaming revenue last month, along with strong employment numbers at the end of 2018, we look forward to making 2019 another positive year. With the continued success of sports betting and additional non-gaming offerings, visitors have so many reasons to visit America’s Playground.”
Customers bet nearly $19m on sports betting in New Jersey in January whilst online gaming revenue was over $33m, up 53 per cent over January 2018.
In addition, the DGE recently announced that Atlantic City casinos employment numbers increased over 20 per cent in December 2018 compared to the same period last year. Employment numbers grew to 27,927, reflecting a 5,749 increase in jobs over December 2017.
“Employment numbers from the end of last year show that the casino industry continues to be a vital economic engine for Atlantic City,” said Joseph Kelly, President of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. “The latest revenue numbers are great news for the city, region and state. This sustained growth creates more tourism, jobs and economic activity in Atlantic City.
The CANJ added: “The casino industry continues to work tirelessly to solidify the seaside resort’s comeback by diversifying Atlantic City’s offerings, as well as investing hundreds of millions of dollars in redevelopment projects and non-gaming services to attract new visitors. The industry’s efforts have advanced the revitalisation of Atlantic City, transforming the city into a business conference destination and first-class resort that features great restaurants, entertainment and shopping.”
