Online vitally important to New Jersey with uncertain period lying ahead

Golden Nugget’s igaming performance has surpassed land-based revenues once again, as New Jersey online casinos prepare for a potentially “vitally important” few months should coronavirus impact operations, state analysts at PlayNJ.com.  

Total gaming revenue for the state during February jumped 19.1 per cent year-on-year to $287.3m (2018: $241.1m) according to figures released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Land-based operations contributed $218.3m of that figure, an increase of 11 per cent from 2018’s $196.6m, with the Borgata retaining its place as market leader with a 13.7 per cent increase to $57.5m (2018: $50.6m).

The Garden State’s online and poker industry set a revenue-per-day record for the month after generating $52m, with its total up 63.7 per cent from $31.7m to $51.9m, just shy of the record $55.1m set in January.

Online casinos and poker generated $1.79 million per day during the 29 days in February, up from $1.78 million per day in January. March, which has historically been a big month for online casinos, could bring even more revenue in, as Atlantic City casinos brace for any impact from the coronavirus outbreak.

“Online casinos and sportsbooks should help buoy their land-based casino counterparts in Atlantic City should the coronavirus impact casino operations,” commented Eric Ramsey, an analyst for PlayNJ.com. “The Golden Nugget’s online casino already generates more revenue than its retail casino, and others have been closing the gap. That online revenue stream could prove vitally important in the coming months.”

The NFL’s Super Bowl showpiece nudged the region’s online and retail sportsbooks to a strong February, though the monthly handle fell short of $500m for the first time since October.

However, the concern for New Jersey’s sportsbooks is what lies ahead, according to PlayNJ analysts, amid a series of suspension across US sports.

“New Jersey’s year-over-year gains remained impressive in February, but we are in uncharted territory now,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. “Obviously there are bigger concerns with coronavirus, but the NBA is a major revenue driver for New Jersey’s sportsbooks. So the suspension of the season, in addition to suspensions of other sports, will undoubtedly have a significant effect.”

New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks made a year-over-year leap in handle to $494.8m, up 54.4 per cent from $320.4m, with revenue finished up at $17m, up 33.5 per cent from $12.7m.