Atlantic City Casinos Post $236.6 Million in March 2026 In-Person Revenue, Second-Best March Since 2013

Atlantic City's nine casinos pulled in $236.6 million from in-person gamblers during March 2026, a 2.5% increase from the $230.8 million recorded in March 2025; this figure marks the second-highest March performance since 2013, when the market last saw such robust spring numbers. Data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, as reported by industry watchers, shows how only three properties drove this uptick: Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean Casino Resort posted gains, while the remaining six—Hard Rock, Harrah's, Bally's, Resorts, Tropicana, and Golden Nugget—experienced declines in their in-person revenue streams.

What's interesting here is the narrow margin of overall growth, since Borgata led with steady increases in slots and table games, Caesars benefited from strong hotel integrations pulling in more foot traffic, and Ocean Casino Resort capitalized on recent renovations that drew crowds during the early spring season; yet those gains barely offset drops elsewhere, where observers note softer demand tied to seasonal weather patterns and competition from nearby states.

And as April 2026 unfolds with warmer weather on the horizon, early indicators suggest in-person play might stabilize further, although monthly reports won't confirm trends until later this spring.

While brick-and-mortar floors showed uneven results, iGaming revenue across New Jersey jumped 11.6% to $272 million in March 2026, reflecting heightened player engagement through mobile slots, blackjack, and live dealer tables; online sports betting complemented this momentum with a 22.8% rise to $87.6 million, fueled by major league baseball's opening month and persistent NBA playoff buzz that kept bettors active well into late nights.

Turns out these digital segments not only offset in-person variability but propelled the state's total gambling revenue upward, as combined casino, iGaming, and sports betting figures indicate sustained recovery patterns post-pandemic; experts tracking the Division of Gaming Enforcement data point out how operators like those in Atlantic City leverage shared player databases, allowing seamless shifts between online wagers and physical visits.

Take Borgata, for instance, where online partnerships amplified its in-person wins; Caesars similarly thrived by bundling loyalty rewards across platforms, and Ocean's digital push mirrored its physical upswing, creating a synergy that six other casinos struggled to match despite aggressive marketing campaigns.

Borgata continues its reign as a top performer, with in-person revenue climbing thanks to high-limit table expansions and entertainment lineups that packed venues throughout March; Caesars, bolstered by its expansive resort amenities including spas and shows, saw gains from repeat visitors who combined gambling with leisure stays, while Ocean Casino Resort's recent $100 million-plus investments in beachfront upgrades and celebrity chef partnerships paid off, drawing younger demographics eager for a modern vibe.

These three properties together represent the bright spots, since their collective increases outpaced declines at peers by just enough to nudge the market average higher; researchers analyzing year-over-year trends note how targeted renovations and digital cross-promotions often yield such results in competitive hubs like Atlantic City.

On the flip side, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino grappled with softer slot play amid broader industry shifts toward skill-based games, Harrah's faced headwinds from regional competition, and Bally's contended with occupancy dips that rippled into gaming floors; Resorts, the oldest property, mirrored historical patterns of seasonal lulls, Tropicana dealt with renovation disruptions lingering from prior months, and Golden Nugget rounded out the decliners as budget-conscious gamblers opted for online alternatives.

But here's the thing: even with drops, no casino posted catastrophic losses, suggesting resilience built over years of adaptation; those who've studied Atlantic City's cycles know that March often serves as a litmus test for summer booms, and this year's mixed bag hints at consolidation among stronger players.

Figures reveal March 2026's $236.6 million as the second-best in 13 years, trailing only a peak month back in 2021 when post-lockdown rebounds inflated numbers; compared to March 2025's $230.8 million, the 2.5% lift underscores gradual in-person recovery, although total market health hinges more on online vigor these days.

So while pre-2013 data showed Marches routinely topping $250 million amid fewer regulatory hurdles and less Pennsylvania competition, today's landscape demands diversification; observers highlight how iGaming's 11.6% growth to $272 million and sports betting's 22.8% to $87.6 million now anchor New Jersey's gambling economy, with Atlantic City casinos capturing significant shares through branded apps.

It's noteworthy that this online dominance emerged rapidly, since just five years ago digital revenue trailed far behind physical floors; now, as April 2026 tax filings loom and operators eye Memorial Day crowds, the blend of channels positions the market for potential record territory if trends hold.

• In-person: $236.6M (+2.5% YoY)
• iGaming: $272M (+11.6% YoY)
• Online sports: $87.6M (+22.8% YoY)

That said, the rubber meets the road in how casinos allocate resources, with winners investing in tech integrations and losers potentially facing consolidation pressures down the line.

Statewide, the surge in online segments drove comprehensive growth, as iGaming operators processed millions in wagers from New Jersey residents betting remotely; sports betting's leap tied directly to prop bets on March Madness residuals and MLB moneylines, keeping volumes elevated even as in-person footfall varied by casino.

People often find that Atlantic City's role as New Jersey's gambling epicenter amplifies these trends, since its nine properties anchor 70% of physical play while partnering on 80% of digital skins; data indicates sustained player acquisition through bonuses and loyalty perks, which helped March totals eclipse expectations despite six casinos' setbacks.

Yet early April 2026 whispers of busier boardwalks suggest in-person momentum building, particularly at Borgata and Ocean where promotional events ramp up ahead of peak season.

For gamblers, this report underscores value in diversified play, since online options deliver convenience without travel hassles, and loyal programs at Borgata or Caesars reward cross-channel activity; operators face the ball in their court to bridge physical-digital gaps, as evidenced by Ocean's success formula of reinvestment plus tech.

Industry analysts observe that second-best March status since 2013 bodes well for fiscal health, although declines at six venues signal where upgrades matter most; with New Jersey's total revenue climbing on iGaming's $272 million and sports' $87.6 million highs, the market proves adaptable even when not every casino shines.

Now, as spring progresses into April 2026, monthly filings will clarify if this pattern endures or evolves, keeping stakeholders tuned to Division of Gaming Enforcement updates.

Atlantic City's March 2026 delivered $236.6 million in in-person revenue—a 2.5% gain and second-best since 2013—driven by Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean amid declines elsewhere, while iGaming's 11.6% rise to $272 million and online sports betting's 22.8% jump to $87.6 million propelled New Jersey's overall growth; these figures paint a picture of a resilient market leaning digital, setting the stage for warmer months ahead where integration between floors and apps could unlock even stronger results.