Gambling in the USA
New Jersey Sportsbooks Show Remarkable Year-Over-Year Growth While Online Casinos Flourish in June, According to PlayNJ.com
New Jersey’s online casinos posted yet another near-record month in June while the state’s online and retail sportsbooks showed strength during a typically slow month. In all, June’s nearly $275 million handle was an impressive showing considering that the summer months are historically the slowest on the sports betting calendar, according to analysts from PlayNJ.com.
“To approach $275 million during a month where the only major sports betting event is the NBA Finals says something about the trajectory of New Jersey’s market,” says Dustin Gouker, lead sports betting analyst for PlayNJ.com. “Basketball clearly drives interest, but it also shows that interest in sports betting in general continues to expand.”
New Jersey’s sportsbooks accepted $273.2 million in bets in June, down 14% from $318.9 million in May, according to official reporting released Friday. The handle yielded $9.7 million in revenue, down 37% from $15.5 million in May.
June’s handle was up dramatically from $15.3 million in June 2018, and revenue has nearly tripled from $3.5 million in June 2018. Since launch, New Jersey sportsbooks have generated a handle of $3.2 billion and a win of $203.8 million. And New Jersey’s handle could surpass Nevada for the second consecutive month.
“The rate of growth will eventually level out, but I do not believe that time is at hand,” Gouker said. “The fact that New Jersey is now on par with Nevada, a market that has matured over generations, is remarkable. Competition from the launch of Pennsylvania’s sports betting apps could slow momentum, though.”
Online sports betting generated 83% — $226.7 million — of June’s handle, up from 82.6% in May. FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet generated $2.7 million in online gross revenue, or 28% of the state’s handle, edging Resorts/DraftKings. FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands lead the retail market with $1.7 million in June gross revenue.
“FanDuel has refused to loosen its grip on the New Jersey market,” Gouker said. “Other operators such as Monmouth Park and its associated online brands have shown plenty of growth, but at this point, it’s becoming difficult to see when FanDuel and DraftKings will will be seriously challenged.”
Online casinos
New Jersey’s online casino and poker industry generated $38.1 million in June revenue. June’s revenue was up 68% from $22.7 million gained in June 2018 and down slightly from $38.3 million in May.
The continued growth of online gambling — especially when online sports betting is factored in — shows that it could one day generate as much revenue as gambling in Atlantic City casinos. In fact, the Golden Nugget’s online casino brands — home to the Golden Nugget, Betfair, and SugarHouse online casino brands — could surpass Golden Nugget Atlantic City’s revenue before the end of the year. The Golden Nugget generated $13.6 million with its online casino games in June, down from $14.1 million in May. By contrast, Golden Nugget AC generated $15.8 million in June.
“Golden Nugget’s ability to generate nearly 50% of its revenue through its online casino without cannibalizing its brick-and-mortar operations should be a wakeup call to every state lawmaker and casino owner who still make the false assumption that such a dynamic is not possible,” said Steve Ruddock, lead online gambling analyst for PlayNJ.com. “Online and retail gambling are not simply compatible, they’re mutually beneficial.”
About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network and its state-focused branches (including PlayNJ.com and PlayPennsylvania.com) is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the U.S.
Gambling in the USA
BMM INNOVATION GROUP SHOWCASES ITS SUPPORT FOR TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AT INDIAN GAMING CONFERENCE & EXPO MARCH 31 – APRIL 3 AT SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER

Company to sponsor, attend, and speak at the San Diego, California show.
BMM Innovation Group (“BMM,” “BIG Group,” or “BIG”), a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, today announced its sponsorship and participation in the Indian Gaming Association’s (“IGA”) annual IGA Conference & Expo, March 31-April 3 at the San Diego Convention Center.
With over three decades of experience supporting Tribal gaming, BIG will be on-site as sponsors, speakers, and attendees to reinforce the Company’s steadfast commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-regulation.
Proud Partners in Tribal Progress
The BIG Group’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “BMM proudly partners with Tribal governments, Tribal casinos, and Tribal gaming equipment and technology suppliers to advance Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic development. We are honored to continue supporting the growth and integrity of Tribal gaming through our trusted product compliance services, world-class training and virtual education, and our cybersecurity solutions to protect Tribal enterprises.”
BMM’s long-standing relationships with Tribal gaming suppliers and regulators are at the heart of its mission. As active members of IGA and other key Tribal organizations, BIG is committed to elevating Tribal voices and ensuring Tribal interests remain at the forefront of industry growth.
BIG Group Shares Thought Leadership on Conference Panels and Trainings
- In addition to sponsoring and attending, the BIG Group’s expert thought leaders will speak and provide in-person training at the conference:
- Tuesday, April 1 at 9 am: Innovation vs. Regulation: Keep Pace with Emerging Gaming Technologies – Sean Mason, Senior Director of Tribal Services
- Tuesday, April 1 at 4 pm: Gaming and Cyber Risk Best Practices – Mitigate Risk and Sleep Better at Night – Heather Lee, Senior Director of Sales for BIG Cyber
- Wednesday, April 2 at 9 am: Level III Commissioner Certification Training – Peter Nikiper, Director of Technical Compliance
Unmatched Expertise in Product Compliance and Certification
As a trusted testing laboratory for Tribal gaming jurisdictions across North America, BMM’s focus is fairness, integrity, and security in every gaming environment. IGA attendees are invited to connect with BMM experts to learn more about the Company’s comprehensive product compliance programs.
Education & Training for Long-Term Success
BIG continues to empower Tribal gaming employees through exclusive education and training programs, including free access to RG24seven Virtual Training. These knowledge-sharing initiatives are designed to support responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, and the long-term sustainability of Tribal gaming operations.
Cybersecurity Solutions Tailored for Tribal Gaming
The BIG Group is focused on bolstering cybersecurity defenses for Tribal enterprises through its BIG Cyber services, which includes penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, PCI:DSS evaluations, and a host of managed security services featuring CYREBRO’s Security Operations Center, KnowBe4’s security awareness training, and Maxxsure’s risk management platform.
Gambling in the USA
Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies Break Ground on New Live! Casino & Hotel in Petersburg, Virginia

Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies celebrated the groundbreaking of the new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL VIRGINIA in Petersburg. The milestone officially commences construction on a transformative project that will generate billions of dollars in economic benefits and spinoff development, create thousands of new jobs, and set a new standard for gaming, hotels, and entertainment in the Commonwealth. Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is part of a larger $1.4 billion master plan by the partnership, scheduled to be developed in phases, that will bring a world-class mixed-use resort destination to Petersburg.
Executives from Bruce Smith Enterprise, The Cordish Companies, and Cordish Gaming were joined by Petersburg City Mayor Sam Parham and members of Petersburg City Council, Virginia State Senator Lashrecse Aird, Virginia State Delegate Kim Taylor, and many other business and community leaders at the project site in Petersburg. The development site, ideally located on Brasfield Parkway at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 just 20 miles south of Richmond, will provide easy access on and off the East Coast’s major north-south interstate.
“It has been a source of immense satisfaction and pride to partner in this incredible development. For far too long people have simply driven by the City of Petersburg, but today marks the beginning of a new era in which Petersburg will become a prime destination. This pivotal project will ignite tourism, create jobs, and ultimately deliver on the promise of greater opportunity and upward mobility for local families. As a champion of Petersburg and its residents, I am happily confident that this historic development will uplift, empower, and enrich this community for years to come,” said Bruce Smith, founder of Bruce Smith Enterprise.
Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is slated to open in 2027. A temporary gaming facility will open by the end of 2025 to immediately begin creating an estimated 500 new jobs, vendor opportunities and economic benefits for the City. In its first 10 years, the project is expected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the region; $504 million in tax revenues including $240 million to the City of Petersburg; $802 million in economic benefits during construction; $201 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening; and 7500 new jobs including 6100 during construction and 1400 new permanent jobs.
“Today marks a monumental day for The Cordish Companies as we expand our Live! brand into the Central Virginia region with the development of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. Our company is a national leader in successfully developing and managing large-scale urban revitalization projects across the country. Live! Casino & Hotel will be a transformative development that will bring a world-class gaming and entertainment experience to millions of visitors, create significant new jobs, and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community that will provide a beneficial impact for generations. We look forward to making an immediate impact on the region with the construction of a temporary gaming facility that will be operational before the end of 2025, so that we can begin creating jobs, vendor opportunities and economic benefits for the City,” said Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer for The Cordish Companies.
Gambling in the USA
PENN Entertainment Launches Stand-alone Hollywood Casino App in New Jersey

PENN Entertainment announced that its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app has launched in New Jersey. The new Hollywood Casino platform is available on Android, iOS, and desktop and can also be accessed via the ESPN BET app. Customers can login to Hollywood Casino using their ESPN BET credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms.
Ranked by Eilers & Krejcik as the #2 overall iCasino product in the US, Hollywood Casino offers a variety of online slots, table games, and live dealer content, including original titles from PENN Game Studios, the company’s in-house casino game development studio. Hollywood Casino also includes bespoke live dealer tables and exclusive games such as the recently launched Devils Blackjack, an original title leveraging PENN’s partnership with the New Jersey Devils.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our dedicated, casino-first experience to customers across New Jersey. Hollywood Casino delivers a best-in-class experience with an extensive game library, seamless gameplay, and exclusive content from our in-house studio. This launch builds on the strong momentum we’ve gained since introducing our enhanced standalone app in December,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer of PENN Entertainment.
The stand-alone Hollywood Casino platform debuted in Pennsylvania last December and is also available in Michigan.
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