April 2026
In LIGHT of the data.
Atlantic City鈥檚 casino operators and their partners saw strong gross gaming revenue
returns in April 2026, realizing a greater than 11% increase year-over-year for both
brick-and-mortar AND online revenue streams. While internet gaming continued to exceed
traditional casino operations for total revenue share, slots, table and other games
put up their strongest April revenue numbers since 2022.
Amid persistent headwinds, including the recent opening of live table games at Resorts
World New York City, it will be interesting to see if Atlantic City鈥檚 gaming industry
will be able to carry this growth into the summer tourism season. With visitors returning
to take advantage of the city鈥檚 many amenities, the second annual Soar & Shore Airshow
later this month and the resort鈥檚 potential as a destination for those enjoying the
FIFA World Cup festivities, there certainly will be a lot to look forward to this
summer and reasons to hope that the season鈥檚 challenges will be balanced by opportunities.
Gross gaming revenue continues to be a poor indicator of the industry鈥檚 performance as first quarter net revenues and gross operating profit tell a story of greater challenges than what might have been suggested by the positive gross gaming revenue reported January through March 2026.
Economic pressures, local and global, seem to be catching up with Atlantic City鈥檚 casino industry as it reports its third consecutive decline in year-over-year first quarter gross operating profits and a lukewarm quarter for net revenue.
As increased regional competition often translates to efforts to hold on to market share through greater investment in marketing and promotions, we can expect the cost of doing business to increase, and industrywide margins to continue to narrow. Whether this will be a temporary or long-term effect is difficult to say given the many variables at play 鈥 especially those that are completely out of operator鈥檚 hands like inflation and the increased cost of fuel heading into what is historically the peak tourism season.
Atlantic City Gaming Win & Total Casino Revenue
Source:
| Monthly Revenue (Casino Licensees, $ In Thousands |
April 2026 |
% Change from Prior Year | April 2025 | YTD
2026 |
% Change from Prior Year | YTD 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Gaming Win | 235,579 | 11.7% | 210,963 | 888,497 | 3.9% | 855,386 |
| Internet Gaming Win | 263,100 | 11.9% | 235,152 | 1,045,890 | 15.1% | 908,420 |
| Sports Wagering Revenue* | 59,109 | 5.0% | 56,320 | 211,660 | 4.8% | 201,893 |
| Total Gaming Win (includes Internet & Sports Wagering) | 557,789 | 11.0% | 502,436 | 2,146,051 | 9.2% | 1,965,701 |
| Quarterly Revenue (Industry, $ In Millions)** | Q1 2026 | % Change from Prior Year | Q1 2025 | YTD March 31, 2026 | % Change from Prior Year | YTD March 31, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino | $390.22 | 0.1% | $389.00 | $390.22 | 0.1% | $389.00 |
| Rooms | $137.77 | 0.1% | $137.58 | $137.77 | 0.1% | $137.58 |
| Food & Beverage | $121.54 | -1.2% | $123.05 | $121.54 | -1.2% | $123.05 |
| Entertainment & Other | $76.10 | -4.5% | $79.71 | $76.10 | -4.5% | $79.71 |
| Casino Licensees Total Net Revenue | $725.64 | -0.6% | $730.34 | $725.64 | -0.6% | $730.34 |
| Gross Operating Profit (GOP) | $104.72 | -22.9% | $135.73 | $104.72 | -22.9% | $135.73 |
* Data as reported in New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for individual licensees for respective months. May not match . Does not include Racetracks.
** Data agregated from New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for individual properties. May not match totals from which represent a 'snapshot' of data at the time of publication and are not retroactively updated.
Atlantic City Hotel Lodging
Source:
| 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
Source:
Total Paid Taxes & Fees |
$1,084,758,000 | $870,391,000 | 24.63% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taxes & Fees |
Year End 2025 | Year End 2024 | % | |||
|
Casino Gaming Gross Revenue Tax |
$180,652,000 |
$180,102,000 |
0.31% | |||
|
Internet Gaming Gross Revenue Tax |
$509,111,000 | $358,328,000 | 42.08% | |||
|
Sports Wagering - Retail Gross Revenue Tax (includes racetracks) |
$2,807,000 | $2,873,000 | -2.24% | |||
|
Sports Wagering - Internet Gross Revenue Tax (includes racetracks) |
$191,555,000 | $138,346,000 | 38.46% | |||
| Investment Alternative Tax/CRDA Obligations | $108,942,000 | $94,941,000 | 14.75% | |||
| 1.25% Additional Tax | $8,493,000 | $6,189,000 | 37.23% | |||
| 1.25% EDT | $6,389,000 | $7,521 | -15.05% | |||
| Luxury Tax | $41,632,000 | $45,217 | -7.93% | |||
| Tourism Promotion Fee | $8,154,000 | $8,519,000 | -4.29% | |||
| Hotel Room Fee | $11,764,000 | $12,090,000 | -2.70% | |||
| Hotel Room Surcharge | $7,842,000 | $8,060,000 | -2.70% | |||
| Parking Fees | $16,775,000 | $17,835,000 | 55.94% | |||
Atlantic City Casino Operator Spending
Source: - 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 Statistical Transportation Data
Source:
|
Travel Mode |
March 2026 |
March 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 Data
Source:
| April '26 | April '25 | % Change from Prior Year |
TOTAL 2026 YTD |
TOTAL 2025 YTD |
% Change from Prior Year |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventions/Tradeshows/Meetings1 | ||||||
| # of Shows | 6 | 7 | -14% | 26 | 26 | 0% |
| # of Room Nights | 4,218 | 7,062 | -40% | 46,844 | 52,203 | -10% |
| # of Attendees | 34,307 | 32,867 | 4% | 203,825 | 205,479 | -1% |
| Delegate Spending | $5,933,438 | $7,936,755 | -25% | $54,851,823 | $57,586,603 | -5% |
| Boardwalk Hall Bookings | ||||||
| # of Shows | 3 | 3 | 0% | 8 | 12 | -33% |
| # of Attendees | 9,667 | 15,544 | -38% | 34,068 | 55,105 | -38% |
| Hotel Bookings | ||||||
| # of Shows | 11 | 18 | -39% | 49 | 51 | -4% |
| # of Room Nights | 6,997 | 10,309 | -32% | 36,157 | 47,312 | -24% |
| # of Attendees | 6,651 | 11,697 | -43% | 53,111 | 52,928 | 0% |
| Delegate Spending | $3,858,010 | $6,455,747 | -40% | $24,177,347 | $31,398,656 | -23% |
| Monthly Totals | ||||||
| # Convs_Trade_Mtgs / Boardwalk Hall / Hotel | 20 | 28 | -29% | 83 | 89 | -7% |
| # of Room Nights | 11,215 | 17,371 | -35% | 83,001 | 99,515 | -17% |
| # of Attendees | 50,625 | 60,108 | -16% | 291,004 | 313,512 | -7% |
| Delegate Spending | $9,791,448 | $14,392,502 | -32% | $79,029,170 | $88,985,259 | -11% |
1Includes Visit Atlantic City events booked at Boardwalk Hall
Atlantic City Information
AtlantiCare and Temple University partner to bring $50 million medical college to Atlantic City, Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health also planned - As reported by , AtlantiCare and Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine have a partnership that will lead to the development of a $50 million medical college campus in Atlantic City's midtown district by the fall of 2029. AtlantiCare also that it will partner with 国产传媒 to establish a College of Community Health in the city. Additional reporting from .
Atlantic City Housing Authority names new director - As reported by , the Atlantic City Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners appointed William Garrett to lead the agency. Garrett replaces Tom Sahlin who resigned in April. Garrett, who is an employee of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has been an executive director at a number of troubled agencies, including the Indianapolis Housing Authority.
Atlantic County Board of Commissioners adopts 2026 Budget - As reported by , the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a $283.4 million spending plan for fiscal year 2026 that increases overall expenditures while slightly lowering the county tax rate. Additional budget details reported by .
Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approves three new development projects - As reported by , the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has given planning and zoning approval to three development projects including a 74-unit townhouse development on parking lots across from the former Atlantic Club Casino Hotel.
Final phase of Atlantic Avenue paving project begins - As reported by , Contractors have begun working on the final phase of a $24.8 million project to repave Atlantic Avenue. The span of road from Tennessee Avenue to Albany Avenue will likely be paved before the end of spring.
Inlet Community Development Corp. highlights role in securing change to federal flood map - As reported by , the Inlet Community Development Corp. has secured a Federal Emergency Management Agency letter of map revision tied to the Absecon Inlet seawall. The move removes portions of the neighborhood from the most severe flood-risk designations with immediate financial implications.
Overhaul of Atlantic County property tax system proposed - As reported by , Atlantic County Tax Administrator Terry Prendergast presented a proposed 鈥渁nnual reassessing鈥 system for property values to the Atlantic County commissioners. The proposed system is a response to widening gaps between assessed property values and actual market prices and seeks to create fairer tax distribution, reduce costly large-scale revaluations and better reflect fast-changing real estate markets.
New Jersey Gaming News
Caesars Atlantic City to open 'Caesars Beach Club' for summer 2026 - As reported by , Caesars Atlantic City has announced the opening of a premier beach club for summer 2026. The amenity is expected to provide daytime relaxation and 鈥渧ibrant nighttime energy.鈥
East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC) showcases roster of industry leaders, New Jersey Governors - As reported by , and , the 29th annual event featured a keynote address by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a fireside chat with Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and remarks from other industry and community leaders.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City continues property upgrades - As reported by , Golden Nugget Atlantic City hasa "new series of property upgrades" as part of an ongoing multi-million dollar renovation project. The most recently completed improvements include the addition of new slot machines, the refresh of a visitor atrium and the creation of a new slots lounge, "Lightning Link Lounge."
Hard Rock International sells stake in potential casino at the Meadowlands Racetrack - As reported by and , Hard Rock International has sold its 50% stake in a potential casino at the Meadowlands Racetrack to the track's owner, Jeff Gural. Hard Rock and Gural came up with the Meadowlands casino plan in 2015, a year before the question of allowing casinos outside Atlantic City was put to voters, who rejected it by an 80% to 20% margin.
Ocean Casino Resort announces summer programing including an anticipated $20 million investment in enhancements for 2026 - Ocean Casino Resort programing and investments ahead of the 2026 summer tourism season. The property anticipates $20 million in spending to introduce "culinary concepts, elevated entertainment, and enhanced wellness experiences." Additional reporting from .
Lawsuit accuses Ocean Casino Resort of improperly structuring its tip-pooling system - As reported by , dealers at the property have proposed a class-action lawsuit claiming the casino improperly uses employee tips to cover internal costs n violation of federal and New Jersey laws..
Poll finds New Jersey Voters (Still) Don鈥檛 Want Casino Expansion/ Another Poll finds majority support for Casinos in North And Central New Jersey - released findings of a March 2026 poll showing that negative voter sentiment on the issue of north Jersey casino expansion hasn鈥檛 budged in more than a decade. Approximately 50% of New Jersey voters said they opposed casino expansion in 2014, 2016 and 2026. Additional reporting from . According to , another poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group, has concluded that more than six in 10 (61%) favor allowing a casino at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Support for a casino at Monmouth Park, which is in Central New Jersey, fielded 54% support.
Tom Pohlman, longest-tenured casino general manager in Atlantic City, steps down from Golden Nugget Atlantic City - As reported by , after 15 years, Tom Pohlman has stepped down from his role at Golden Nugget Atlantic City. Pohlman will be succeeded by Kevin Scull, who has served as assistant general manager of the casino for as long as Pohlman has been there.
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has exclusive jurisdiction on prediction markets, federal appeals court rules - As reported by and , on April 6 the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that New Jersey gambling regulators cannot prevent prediction market firms like Kalshi from accepting wagers on sports. According to the court, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has exclusive jurisdiction on prediction markets.
National Gaming News
Bally's reaches final construction phase on Chicago Casino, anticipates Spring 2027 opening - As reported by , Bally's reports its permanent Chicago casino hotel is on course to open in spring 2027. The $1.7 billion project, part of a 30-acre redevelopment of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, will include a 500-room hotel, a theater, a 2-acre park, and thousands of gaming options.
Colorado lawmakers consider changes to state's sports betting rules - As reported by , Colorado legislators have proposed a landmark law that would prohibit sportsbooks from banning winning "sharp" players.
Detroit's MotorCity Casino Hotel begins $65 million renovation - As reported by, Detroit鈥檚 MotorCity Casino Hotel is undergoing a multi-year $65 million renovation that seeks to transform the guest experience through the renovation of its 400 rooms and suites.
Kalshi reaches estimated $2 billion in March handle-equivalent volume - As reported by , analysts Eilers & Krejcik estimate Kalshi reachhed an estimated $2 billion in March handle-equivalent volume making the prediction market the fourth-largest U.S. sports betting operator by handle-per-adult. Also as reported by , predictions platforms are urging federal regulators to accept narrow definition of gaming to prevent industry shutdown.
Missouri lawmakers fail to pass sports betting tax increase, casino smoking ban - As reported by , Missouri legislators failed to pass legislation (HB3533) that would have increased the states tax on sportsbooks from 10 to 34%. A bill proposing to amend the Missouri Clean Indoor Air Law of 1993 to end casino smoking (HB1618) was considered unlikely to pass before the adjourned on Friday, May 15.
New York City鈥檚 First Full Casino Opens in Queens - As reported by , and , New York City's first full casino with live table games opened on April 28. Resorts World Queens became the city鈥檚 first Las Vegas-style casino, with more than 200 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. Future phases of the property's expansion will be aimed at making the property a destination integrated resort, featuring a new hotel, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, more than 12 acres of public green space, expanded shopping and dining options, and additional gaming capacity.
NFL sends letter to prediction markets, asks them to refrain from offering certain contracts - As reported by , and , the NFL sent a letter to prediction markets asking them not to offer event contracts in four categories. The first of these are events that can be determined by a single participant, followed by things that can be known ahead of time, bets tied to officiating, and wagers on 鈥渋nherently objectionable鈥 topics like player injuries. The letter came weeks after U.S. senators from New Jersey and Connecticut introduced legislation to more tightly regulate prediction market companies, including preventing them from offering bets that can be manipulated through insider trading.
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) fines Kalshi for running an illegal sportsbook - As reported by , gambling regulators in Ohio have fined prediction market Kalshi $5 million for conducting what the state gaming regulatory agency believes to be an unlicensed sportsbook.
Ohio legislators propose "Save Ohio Sports Act" - According to legislators in Ohio have proposed an act that would overhaul ohio sports betting law. Proposed changes include abolishing online sports betting, prohibiting credit card funding of accounts, restricting individuals to a maximum $100 bet and eight bets within 24 hours, and banning sports betting ads during sports broadcasts. Additional reporting from .
Oklahoma senate rejects mobile sports betting bill - As reported by , state legislators from Oklahoma rejected a sports betting bill (HB 1047) backed by the state's tribal gaming operators. Additional reporting from and .
Pennsylvania realizes record gross gaming revenue in March 2026 - According to , Pennsylvania Casinos earned a record $602.4 million in gross gaming revenue in March 2026. Year-over-year revenue gains were fueld by online gaming.
Tennessee, Indiana, and Maine outlaw sweepstakes casinos - As reported by , Tennessee lawmakers have joined Maine and Indiana in banning online sweepstakes casinos in 2026. Tennessee prohibits any website or app that offers an online sweepstakes game, defined as a game, contest, or promotion that utilizes a 鈥渧irtual currency, dual-currency, or multi-currency system.鈥
Washington D.C. councilmember proposes legalization of iGaming in district - As reported by , A D.C. councilmember has proposed legislation that would regulate and tax online casinos. The "Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act" includes $2 million license fee for a five year license. The district has already legalized online sports betting. Additional reporting from and .
Hospitality & Tourism News
20th Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival is city's last - As reported by , the 2026 Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival was the city's last. The festival which had become a signature event in the region ended its run after 20 years.
New Jersey shore communities recieve federal funding for beach replentishment - As reported by , $99 million in funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will pay to replenish beaches in Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Soar and Shore Airshow presented by Visit Atlantic City returns for second year - Visit Atlantic City announced that the second annual will be held over the city's boardwalk May 29-31. Additional reporting from .
Spirit Airlines ceases operations - As reported by numerous news outlets including , , , and , Spirit Airlines has ceased operations at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and elsewhere around the country. After more than 30 years in operation, the airline shut down abruptly in the early hours of May 2 leaving thousands of passengers and employees stranded. Other airlines have stepped up to assist these individuals and fill the gap left by Spirit's departure. As reported by Breeze Airways has already pledged to expand service at ACY adding four more nonstop routes.
Volatile oil and jet fuel prices impact travel industry worldwide - As reported by , oil and fuel prices which have spiked since hostilities in the middle east created a chokepoint for global oil supplies in the Strait of Hormuz, are expected to have a significant impact on the world's airline industry - resulting in "rising fares and fees, fewer flight options and difficult decisions about whether a trip is worth the cost."
LIGHT Snapshots is a publication of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism, 国产传媒 School of Business
Jane Bokunewicz, Ph. D., Faculty Director and Professor of Hospitality
