Atlantic City Casinos Hit Second-Best March Revenue Since 2013 Amid In-Person Declines and Digital Gains

Atlantic City's nine casinos pulled in $236.6 million in gross gaming revenue from in-person gamblers during March 2026, a figure that reflects a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year and stands as the second-highest March performance since 2013; data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement underscores this modest uptick in physical casino play, even as the month revealed stark divides among individual properties.

But here's the thing: while the aggregate in-person revenue climbed slightly, only three casinos managed actual gains, leaving the other six to post declines that tempered the overall story; experts tracking the industry note how such splits often signal shifting visitor patterns, competitive pressures, or seasonal factors at play, especially in a market long known for its resilience amid broader economic swings.

Total gaming revenue across casinos, racetracks, and partners reached $596.4 million for the month, buoyed significantly by robust online segments; online iGaming revenue surged 11.6% to $272 million, and sports betting handle jumped 22.8% to $87.6 million, painting a picture of diversification paying off as digital channels outpace traditional floors.

Borgata led the pack with gains that helped anchor the sector's slight year-over-year rise, followed closely by Caesars and Ocean Casino Resort, whose increases stood out amid a sea of downturns at the remaining venues; figures reveal Borgata's strong pull, likely drawing crowds with its expansive offerings, while Caesars and Ocean capitalized on targeted promotions or loyalty programs that resonated with March visitors.

Those who've studied Atlantic City's cycles point out how such uneven results aren't uncommon, particularly in early spring when weather can sway foot traffic; the six casinos experiencing drops saw revenues dip by varying degrees, though specifics highlight the competitive edge held by the top trio, which together offset enough losses to secure that second-best March mark since 2013.

And yet, the $236.6 million total in-person GGR tells a story of stability more than explosive growth; compared to pre-pandemic highs, it lags, but observers note the 2.5% bump as a positive signal, especially since March often serves as a bridge month between winter lulls and summer peaks.

Shifting gears to the virtual realm, online iGaming revenue hit $272 million, up 11.6% from March 2025, a growth trajectory that underscores the sector's momentum as players increasingly opt for home-based slots, blackjack, and roulette; according to industry reports, this surge stems from expanded partnerships between Atlantic City casinos and online operators, allowing seamless access to branded experiences without the trip to the shore.

What's interesting here is how online play now eclipses in-person GGR by a wide margin for the month, with $272 million dwarfing the $236.6 million from physical floors; researchers examining these trends discover that convenience drives much of this shift, particularly among younger demographics who blend mobile gaming into daily routines, yet casinos still benefit through revenue shares tied to their licenses.

Take one case where a major operator reported record app downloads during March promotions; such tactics, combining live dealer tables with progressive jackpots, pulled in bettors who might otherwise skip the boardwalk, highlighting how digital channels act as a force multiplier for the overall ecosystem.

Sports betting didn't lag behind, with the handle climbing 22.8% to $87.6 million as bettors wagered heavily on March Madness basketball, NHL playoffs, and early MLB action; this volume reflects heightened engagement, where fans leverage apps linked to Atlantic City properties for in-play wagers that keep the action flowing from couches across New Jersey.

Data indicates sports betting's role in padding total revenues, contributing alongside iGaming to push the month's grand total past $596 million; those familiar with the space know that handles like this often translate to healthy operator margins, even if win percentages fluctuate with event outcomes, and the growth rate outstrips in-person gains by a factor of nine.

Now, as April 2026 unfolds, early indicators suggest continued betting fervor around the NBA playoffs and Masters golf, potentially setting up another strong handle; casinos and partners at sites like Monmouth Park and Meadowlands racetracks share in this pie, distributing wins back to the Atlantic City core.

When combining all streams, the $596.4 million total gaming revenue for March 2026 emerges as a testament to hybrid models thriving; in-person slots and tables generated the $236.6 million, online iGaming added $272 million, sports betting brought $87.6 million in handle (with actual revenue portions factored into the aggregate), and smaller contributions from racetracks rounded it out seamlessly.

Historically, March figures have fluctuated, but this second-best showing since 2013 marks a recovery milestone post-COVID disruptions; experts observe that while in-person declines at six casinos raise flags about floor traffic—perhaps due to rising costs or competing destinations—the digital offsets create a balanced ledger, one where total revenue grows despite physical challenges.

It's noteworthy that online segments accounted for over 45% of the total pie, a shift that's become the new normal; people who've tracked these metrics over years often discover that months with major sports events, like March's tournament frenzy, amplify handles and iGaming alike, turning potential slumps into successes.

So, with April's preliminary data trickling in as of early this month, whispers of sustained online momentum circulate, even as in-person venues gear up for beach season draws; the reality is, Atlantic City's ecosystem adapts by leaning into what works, blending brick-and-mortar allure with app-based accessibility.

• Nine casinos' in-person GGR: $236.6 million, +2.5% YoY, second-best March since 2013.
• Winners: Borgata, Caesars, Ocean Casino Resort; losers: the other six.
• Online iGaming: $272 million, +11.6%.
• Sports betting handle: $87.6 million, +22.8%.
• Total revenue: $596.4 million across all channels.

These bullets capture the essence, yet the interconnectedness shines through when viewing the full report; declines in physical play get cushioned by digital booms, a pattern that's defined recent years and likely persists as operators refine strategies.

March 2026 solidified Atlantic City's position as a multifaceted gaming powerhouse, where a 2.5% in-person uptick masked deeper divides but got amplified by double-digit online and betting growth to deliver $596.4 million overall; as April progresses, the sector's hybrid vigor suggests more chapters in this evolving narrative, one where three casinos' gains, robust digital plays, and event-driven wagers keep the momentum rolling forward.

Turns out, in a landscape of mixed signals, the total tells the truest story; observers anticipate sustained performance, with eyes now on summer crowds to potentially elevate both floors and feeds alike.