Atlantic City Casinos Log Second-Best March Revenue Since 2013 with Modest 2.5% Gain

Atlantic City's nine casinos pulled in $236.6 million in gross gaming revenue from in-person gamblers at slots and tables during March 2026, a figure that represents a 2.5% increase over the same month in 2025 and stands as the second-highest March performance since 2013. Data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement underscores this uptick, revealing how the brick-and-mortar sector held steady even as individual properties showed mixed results. What's interesting here is that while overall in-person gaming revenue climbed, the gains came from just a handful of operators, with Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean posting increases, whereas the other six casinos saw declines.

Figures like these don't emerge in a vacuum; they reflect broader trends where traditional slots and table games continue drawing crowds to the Jersey Shore, yet face headwinds from shifting player habits. Observers have long noted Atlantic City's resilience, especially since its post-pandemic rebound, and this March data reinforces that narrative without breaking records set in boom years prior to 2013.

Borgata led the pack among those that grew, building on its reputation as a high-roller magnet with strong slot play and table action; Caesars followed suit, leveraging its central boardwalk location and loyalty programs to boost foot traffic, while Ocean capitalized on its oceanfront appeal and recent upgrades to attract more casual gamblers. These three properties' gains offset losses elsewhere, keeping the market's total afloat amid what experts describe as competitive pressures and seasonal fluctuations typical for early spring in a coastal resort town.

The six casinos experiencing declines—though specifics on their exact drops remain unreported in initial releases—highlight the uneven playing field, where factors like marketing spend, room occupancy rates, and even weather patterns during March can sway fortunes. Take one operator that's struggled lately; it mirrors patterns seen in prior months, where smaller venues grapple with Borgata's dominance, yet the collective 2.5% rise shows the ecosystem's interconnected strength. And that's where the rubber meets the road: no single casino dictates the market's health, but outliers like these winners keep the lights on for all.

Slots drove much of the revenue as usual, accounting for the lion's share of that $236.6 million since players gravitate toward their accessibility and frequent payouts, while tables provided higher-margin plays from dedicated enthusiasts; together, they formed a stable base that edged out last year's totals despite the split performance across properties.

While in-person revenue grabbed headlines, the full story includes iGaming and online sports betting, which the Division of Gaming Enforcement data positions as key stabilizers for Atlantic City's overall market; these digital channels not only grew but cushioned any land-based softness, ensuring total gaming revenue trended positively. According to the official March 2026 results announcement, this synergy—where apps and websites tied to physical casinos rake in fees—has become the new normal, allowing operators to diversify beyond the boardwalk crowds.

People who've tracked New Jersey's gaming evolution point out how online sports wagering, especially around major events like March Madness basketball, spikes alongside seasonal upticks in visitor numbers; iGaming slots mirror their land-based counterparts, drawing in remote players who might otherwise skip the drive to Atlantic City. The reality is that without this digital lift, the in-person 2.5% gain might have looked far slimmer, underscoring a hybrid model that's here to stay.

Turns out, March 2026's second-best showing since 2013 ties back to 2022 levels when post-COVID enthusiasm peaked, but with online now filling gaps left by economic caution among some gamblers; experts who've studied these cycles note that such months often preview summer surges, as warmer weather pulls in tourists from Philly and New York.

Since 2013—the last true pre-expansion era before Pennsylvania casinos and online options reshaped the East Coast landscape—Atlantic City hasn't seen many Marches top this one, making the $236.6 million mark noteworthy because it signals sustained demand despite headwinds like inflation and competing destinations. Data indicates prior years hovered lower: March 2025's baseline grew modestly, but earlier months like 2024 showed flatlines, so this 2.5% bump feels like quiet momentum building.

Those who've followed the nine-casino roster over time observe how consolidation—think mergers and rebrands—has streamlined operations, yet competition remains fierce; Borgata's consistent outperformance, for instance, stems from its MGM backing and upscale amenities, while Ocean's gains reflect targeted renovations that refreshed its vibe post-2019 opening. But here's the thing: even with six decliners, the market avoided contraction, a feat attributable to steady convention traffic and entertainment lineups that complemented gaming floors.

And while specifics on table versus slot splits weren't broken out in the initial release, historical patterns suggest slots captured around 80% of in-person GGR, a ratio that's held firm as beginners flock to them over riskier tables; this reliability helped propel the second-place ranking against 13 years of data.

Overall stability shines through when viewing the full Division of Gaming Enforcement report, where iGaming's remote accessibility paired with sports betting's event-driven spikes created a buffer that land-based venues could lean on; without it, those six declining casinos might have dragged totals lower. Observers note this balance mirrors 2025's trajectory, yet March 2026 edged ahead, hinting at pent-up demand releasing as winter faded.

One case that illustrates the dynamic involves Caesars, which parlayed its vast hotel inventory and shows into revenue lifts, even as smaller peers contended with occupancy dips from early-spring rains; Borgata, meanwhile, benefited from high-limit rooms that drew whales undeterred by weather. Ocean's uptick rounds out the trio, proving beachfront properties can thrive when promotions align with seasonal optimism.

So as April 2026 data rolls in—expected soon from the same regulators—eyes turn to whether this momentum carries, especially with Easter crowds and pre-summer buzz potentially amplifying in-person plays while online sustains the backend.

This March performance, with its second-best ranking since 2013 and narrow 2.5% gain driven by just three standouts, paints a picture of a mature market adapting through diversification; iGaming and sports betting's role can't be overstated, as they propped up totals while in-person slots and tables delivered the core growth. Figures from the Division of Gaming Enforcement reveal no dramatic shifts, but rather incremental progress that keeps Atlantic City competitive against upstarts like Philly's parx or online-only rivals.

Experts anticipate April's report—due mid-month—will test if the pattern holds, particularly as warmer days lure more day-trippers and conventions fill hotel towers; the writing's on the wall that hybrid gaming remains the path forward, with winners like Borgata setting the pace. In the end, $236.6 million from slots and tables alone underscores enduring appeal, even in a split field where gains and dips coexist yet yield net positivity.