Gambling in the USA
PlayNJ.com: Sportsbooks surge while online casinos reach $2 billion in July

New Jersey’s online casinos blew past $2 billion in lifetime revenue in July with another record month as sportsbooks accelerated their rebound by posting the best month since February. Ultimately with Atlantic City casinos reopening, as well as baseball and the NBA restarting their seasons, July represented a return to something more resembling normal for the Garden State gaming market, according to PlayNJ analysts.
“It will take some time before Atlantic City rebounds from the closures of the last few months, but we have at least turned a corner in the market with the return of the retail sector,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. “However, online casinos and sportsbooks should drive the overall market as long as the pandemic continues. A big month for both in July only emphasizes that reality.”
Sports betting
With just a week of the baseball season and two days of NBA action, the state’s online and retail sportsbooks collected $315.1 million in wagers in July, up 91% from $165 million in June, according to official reporting released Monday. It is the most substantial handle since sportsbooks produced $494.8 million in February, and up 25.3% from $251.4 million in July 2019.
Gross revenue rose 65.2% in July to $29.6 million from $17.9 million in July 2019. The “win” yielded $3.7 million in state taxes.
Even with the surge, though, sportsbooks were still off by $150 million from the $465 million in wagers a typical July might have attracted, according to PlayNJ estimates. In all, PlayNJ estimates that the shutdown of major sports since March has cost New Jersey sportsbooks about $1.6 billion in bets.
August will likely end the streak of subpar months, though. Assuming a full schedule of baseball, the NBA, and NHL — basketball hit $18 million in wagers and baseball attracted $2.7 million — sportsbooks will offer far more to bettors than in a typical August.
“August should be an unusually busy month for sports betting, and that will help make up a bit of the $1.6 billion in wagers that have been lost so far,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for PlayNJ.com. “The leagues have to stay healthy, though, or we will be right back to where we started.”
Even as Atlantic City casinos reopened in July, online sportsbooks took in 93.9% of the state’s July handle. FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet was again the market leader with $12.2 million in gross revenue, up from $6.2 million in July. FanDuel was followed in revenue by:
- Resorts Digital/DraftKings/Fox Bet ($8.2 million, up from $3.9 million in June)
- BetMGM/Borgata ($2.3 million, up from $881,435)
- Monmouth/William Hill/Sugarhouse/TheScore ($1.6 million, up from $593,548)
- Ocean Casino/William Hill ($1.4 million, up from $691,135)
- Hard Rock/Bet365/Unibet ($838,812, up from $450,589)
- Caesars Sportsbook/888sport ($357,132, up from $43,561)
- Tropicana/William Hill ($38,358, up from $5,245)
- Golden Nugget/BetAmerica ($85,028, up from $66,533)
In-person sportsbooks drew $19.3 million in bets, an expectedly tepid restart for Atlantic City after being shuttered since March. FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands led the market with $1.9 million in July.
“As long as major sports are played, online sportsbooks will make up for much of what is lost in the retail sector,” Gouker said. “But with the college football season very much in doubt, and the NFL season facing significant hurdles itself, the fall offers a lot of uncertainty at this point.”
Online casinos
Even as Atlantic City reopened, online casinos and poker used another record month to pass $2 billion in lifetime revenue and $300 million in lifetime taxes. July’s $87.5 million in revenue was up 122.5% from $39.3 million in July 2019 and topped the $85.9 million revenue record set in May. July’s “win” yielded $13.1 million in state and local taxes.
Online casinos and poker have now generated $2.01 billion since the industry launched in November 2013, producing $302.3 million in state taxes.
“$2 billion in revenue and $300 million in taxes show just how vital online casinos have become for New Jersey,” Ramsey said. “Especially after the last few months, it’s a sobering thought to imagine where the state’s gaming industry would be without online gambling.”
Some other highlights from July’s report:
- Atlantic City casinos generated $147.4 million in revenue after most reopened in July.
- Online casinos and poker generated $2.8 million a day in the 31 days of July, level with $2.8 million a day in the 30 days of June.
- Revenue from online casino games hit $82.7 million, up from $81.4 million in June.
- Online poker produced $4.8 million in July revenue, up from $3.5 million in June.
- Golden Nugget Online Gaming dominated the market with $31.5 million in July, up from $29.1 million.
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 original daily 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
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.
-
Canada7 days ago
BCLC Launches “What’s played here stays here” Campaign
-
Latest News6 days ago
CT Gaming with First installations in Guatemala
-
Latest News7 days ago
Pollard Banknote Partners with Maryland Lottery to Launch First Back to the Future-inspired Scratch-off Game
-
Latest News7 days ago
St. Louis Cardinals Announce Marketing Partnership with bet365
-
Latest News7 days ago
Trustly Partners with Hard Rock Digital
-
Latest News7 days ago
AGS – Pioneering the future of omni-channel gaming
-
awards7 days ago
AGS Wins 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces USA Award
-
Latest News6 days ago
Aristocrat Interactive Delivers Custom Branded Game “Caesars Ultimate Stars” for Caesars Sportsbook & Casino