ATLANTIC CITY — Online casino gambling continues to gain ground on Atlantic City's traditional casino floors, a trend that could have long-term implications for the resort's gaming industry despite stable in-person gambling revenues.
Speaking on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, casino analyst Anthony Marino said internet gaming has now generated more monthly revenue than brick-and-mortar casino gambling for 10 consecutive months, highlighting the continued shift in how consumers gamble.
Through the first six months of 2026, New Jersey's online casino gaming revenue reached nearly $1.6 billion, compared with just over $1.4 billion generated by slot machines and table games inside Atlantic City's nine casinos, Marino said.
"Online casino gaming continues to show constant double-digit monthly increases," Marino said. "It's widening its margin over brick-and-mortar."
Despite that shift, Marino said Atlantic City's casinos have remained relatively stable.
Traditional casino gambling revenue increased 2.3% during the first half of 2026, with four of the year's first six months posting gains. June was one of only two months this year to show a slight decline, with in-person gaming revenue slipping 0.7% compared with June 2025.
"Brick-and-mortar is kind of doing okay," Marino said. "It would be nice if it was higher than that, but many gaming jurisdictions around the country aren't seeing even that level of growth."
The larger concern, Marino said, is profitability.
While online gambling now accounts for roughly 48% of New Jersey's gaming revenue, compared with about 43% from in-person casino gambling, the physical casinos still generate much of the industry's operating profit through hotel stays, restaurants, entertainment and other amenities.
"As Wayne Parry always says, and it's accurate, the profits that local casinos derive are mostly coming from the brick-and-mortar side," Marino said.
He said the growing share of online gaming revenue may help explain why casino operating profits have softened in recent reporting periods, even as overall gaming revenue has increased.
Marino also expressed optimism about Atlantic City's broader tourism outlook heading into the heart of the summer season.
He credited Visit Atlantic City with helping attract additional conventions and leisure travelers while noting that restaurants and non-gaming attractions appear to be performing well.
"We don't have solid numbers yet, but I think tourism is more or less holding its own," Marino said. "I believe we're going to have a very good summer."
Marino made the comments during an interview with Don Williams on The Don Williams Show, which airs live and local weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
