Gambling in the USA
New Jersey Sportsbooks Fall $370 Million Short Of Expectations While Online Casinos Boom
Shutdown causes slowest sports-betting month since August 2018, but online casinos and poker help steady industry, according to PlayNJ
ATLANTIC CITY — New Jersey’s retail and online sportsbooks took in a third of the expected handle in March, while online casinos and poker rooms boomed to unseen heights. In all, New Jersey’s sportsbooks lost out on nearly $370 million in sports wagers in March, according to PlayNJ estimates, while online casino and poker revenue smashed the previous record with $64.8 million in revenue.
“Shutdowns from the coronavirus pandemic are affecting New Jersey’s gaming industry in ways that are unprecedented, and that will continue until the country begins to return to some semblance of normalcy,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. “New Jersey’s online casinos are a boon to the gaming industry, which employs thousands and generates millions in tax revenue for the state. But it’s not enough to fully bridge the gap from the revenue lost from sportsbooks and Atlantic City’s land-based casinos.”
New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks appeared to be headed for a month of $550 million in wagers. Instead, sportsbooks collected just $181.9 million in bets, according to official reporting released Wednesday. In an industry that has seen consistent year-over-year growth of 50% or more, March’s handle was down 51% from the $372.5 million handle posted in March 2019 and down 63% from $494.8 million in February 2020. March’s handle, which pushed New Jersey sportsbooks past $7 billion in lifetime wagers, was the smallest since sportsbooks collected $95.6 million in August 2018.
New Jersey sportsbooks did manage to produce $13.2 million in gross revenue, yielding $1.7 million in tax revenue for the state. But revenue was down 58% from $31.7 million in March 2019.
Most came from bets made before March 11, when the NBA suspended its season and sent a wave of cancelations through the sports world. That left bettors with just a handful of international events and futures betting, mostly on the NFL. The most significant loss for bettors was the NCAA Tournament, one of the nation’s most important sports betting holidays, which would have generated more than $150 million in New Jersey alone, according to PlayNJ.com estimates.
“With the NCAA Tournament, NBA, and opening of the baseball season canceled or postponed, the loss of March revenue will not be something that New Jersey sportsbooks can make up,” said Eric Ramsey, an analyst for PlayNJ.com. “Until sports are able to get going again, New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks will continue to be uncomfortably quiet.”
Online betting generated 89.9%, or $163.4 million, of the state’s handle in March. FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet led online sportsbooks with $5.7 million in gross revenue, down from $9.6 million in February. FanDuel was followed in revenue by:
- Resorts Digital/DraftKings/Fox Bet ($5.1 million, up from $4 million in February).
- Monmouth/William Hill/Sugarhouse/TheScore ($849,236, down from $1.3 million)
- BetMGM/Borgata ($609,235, down from $1 million)
- Ocean Casino/William Hill ($635,620, up from $168,015)
- Hard Rock/Bet365/Unibet ($167,314, up from $96,397)
- Golden Nugget/BetAmerica ($143,209, down from $308,997)
- Caesars Sportsbook/888sport ($44,413, up from $34,183)
- Tropicana/William Hill ($17,180, down from $30,558)
FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands led the retail market with $233,360 in gross revenue, down from $1.4 million in February. FanDuel was followed in gross revenue by:
- Tropicana Casino ($42,081, down from $91,899)
- Monmouth Park (-$196, up from -$51,888)
- Bally’s AC (-$6,654, down from $32,199)
- Golden Nugget (-$10,348, up from -$135,314)
- Hard Rock AC (-$32,854, down from $19,294)
- Harrah’s AC (-$39,058, down from $41,649)
- Ocean Casino (-$68,436, up from -$65,868)
- Resorts AC (-$93,821, down from $47,143)
- Borgata (-$122,207, up from -$318,896)
“Professional leagues are trying to figure out a way to get back out on the field, which is the good news,” Gouker said. “The bad news is there is no way to know when that will be, and it doesn’t appear that it will be particularly soon. This is going to be a long road, not just for sportsbooks, but for everybody.”
Online casinos and poker set new records
Online casinos tell a much different story. With Atlantic City casinos closed and workers sent home across the state, New Jersey’s online casinos and poker rooms shattered their previous revenue record by generating $64.8 million in March. That is up 18% from the previous record of $55.1 million set in January, and up 66% from $39.1 million in March 2019.
Poker, which has languished for years in New Jersey, produced $3.6 million in revenue in March, beating the previous record of $3.1 million set in October 2016. Online casino games easily topped their previous best, too, generating $61.2 million to surpass the record $53.3 million produced in January.
Before March, only online market leader Golden Nugget had ever produced more revenue with its online gambling products than its Atlantic City casino in the same month. The Golden Nugget easily did so again with a record-setting $21.3 million in revenue, and the casino brand for Resorts AC ($13.5 million) did so for the first time. Borgata ($12.2 million) led the remaining list of other online casinos that topped previous bests.
“With Atlantic City casinos closed and sports on hiatus, the importance of online gambling and poker to the state’s gaming industry has never been greater,” Ramsey said. “Online casinos can’t sustain the industry forever, but those with the healthiest online products should be in the best position to emerge from these incredible circumstances. And the tax revenue from online casinos is welcome when so much pressure has been put on the state budget.”
Online casinos and poker generated a record $2.1 million per day during the 31 days in March. That revenue yielded $9.7 million in state taxes.
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting and online gaming in New Jersey, visit PlayNJ.com/news.
About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
Gambling in the USA
Snoqualmie Casino Announces Exciting Rebranding to Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Ahead of Major Expansion
Snoqualmie Casino has announced its rebranding to Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, reflecting an exciting new chapter in the venue’s history as it embarks on a much-anticipated expansion. Set for completion in mid-2025, this project promises to elevate the guest experience, making Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel a premier destination for entertainment, relaxation, and culinary excellence.
The cornerstone of the expansion is the construction of a luxurious hotel, which will offer guests unparalleled comfort and stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si. With a focus on sustainability and modern design, the hotel will feature upscale accommodations, a full-service destination spa, and amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. Plus, there are architectural details inspired by Snoqualmie culture from a modern slant roof hotel design representing the original longhouses of the Snoqualmie Tribe’s ancestors to carefully chosen artwork placed throughout for guests to enjoy.
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s destination spa will offer an immersive escape that blends relaxation with the healing power of nature. Nestled in the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the spa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments. Experience the perfect blend of wellness and nature where luxury, tradition and innovation come together for an incredibly transformative experience.
“It is my honor and privilege to announce that Snoqualmie Casino has now become Snoqualmie Casino and Hotel. Over the past three years, the Snoqualmie Tribe and Casino have been diligently working to bring a one-of-a-kind, world-class hotel to the Snoqualmie Valley,” said Interim CEO Mary Lou Patterson.
In addition, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel will expand its gaming floor, introducing an array of new options to enhance the entertainment experience for guests. This expansion will include the latest slots, electronic and traditional table games, as well as a dedicated high-limit gaming area for discerning players seeking a more exclusive gaming experience.
One of the highlights of the expansion is the development of a state-of-the-art 2000-seat entertainment and convention center. This versatile venue will host a variety of events, from concerts to conferences, positioning Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel as a key player in the region’s entertainment landscape. With cutting-edge technology and a focus on guest comfort, the center will attract top-tier talent and events, making it a must-visit destination.
In addition to the award-winning Vista Prime Steaks & Seafood, 12 Moons, and Falls Buffet, a new sports bar and grill will be introduced to provide patrons with the ultimate game day experience. Other new dining options, set to open later, will showcase local ingredients and flavors, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for guests.
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel recently launched a brand-new valet garage. The dual level indoor and outdoor structure, with 600 additional spaces, doubles the previous capacity for valet parking creating easier access into the casino. This is the first piece of new development at Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel that has opened for immediate use. The entire project anticipates creating numerous job opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic growth of the Snoqualmie area.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland has announced that it will open to the public on November 11. The state-of-the-art casino represents the first step toward delivering a full-scale integrated resort experience, scheduled for completion in spring 2025.
Spanning an impressive 70,000 square feet, Wind Creek Chicago Southland features over 1400 slot machines, 56 table games, high-limit slot areas, a high-limit table games salon, a poker room, a dynamic sportsbook, and 4 “Hidden Gems” throughout the casino floor–offering visitors a unique and customizable private gaming and event microenvironment. Designed with an emphasis on curated entertainment spaces, this new offering aims to redefine leisure and hospitality for the entire region.
“The opening of Wind Creek Chicago Southland underscores our dedication to making a positive economic impact in the communities we serve. We’re committed to create opportunities that support the region, offer competitive benefits for Team Members, and further strengthen the vibrant Southland community,” said Jay Dorris, President and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland is expected to create more than 1000 full-time jobs in fields ranging from hospitality to technology. Roles will include security, gaming attendants, food service, IT technicians, and environmental services, reinforcing Wind Creek’s commitment to strengthening the local economy. Additionally, Homewood and East Hazel Crest will benefit from gambling revenue, along with 42 other south suburban communities—funding essential local services within the immediate and surrounding communities.
“Wind Creek Chicago Southland is more than a casino—it’s a community-driven destination. The Tribe and Wind Creek will continue to prioritize the Villages of Homewood and East Hazel Crest as we are committed to uplifting our neighbors,” said Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO, Poarch Creek Indians.
On Nov. 6th and Nov. 7th, the Illinois Gaming Board visited the casino for two mandatory test days, which also included an extended invitation to family friends and local dignitaries. Wind Creek Hospitality received notice of approval on Nov. 8th to operate on Monday, Nov. 11th at approximately 11:00 a.m.
The Nov. 11th opening marks only the beginning of what will become a flagship destination. High-limit gaming rooms, a hotel, spa, poker room, a sportsbook and more will be available for Guests seeking diverse experiences. Wind Creek’s partnership with Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group will also introduce an exceptional range of signature restaurants and food & beverage offerings to the highly anticipated property.
“Whether you’re looking for elevated dining, quick-service eateries, or something in between—you won’t be disappointed as we’re creating something truly unforgettable,” said Fabio Viviani.
“From the start, our mission has been to create jobs, spur economic growth, and offer the ultimate entertainment escape. We’re thrilled to welcome our Guests on Nov. 11th to experience the excitement firsthand,” said Roger Kuehn, EVP and General Manager of Wind Creek Chicago Southland.
Gambling in the USA
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View a video version of this story
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