New Jersey online casinos win $274.8 million in September, outearning Atlantic City floors

New Jersey's online casinos achieved their third-highest monthly win ever in September 2026, surpassing the revenue generated by Atlantic City's physical casino floors. This reversal in fortunes followed a stronger performance in the summer months of July and May, which both saw online casinos earn $276.9 million and $276.3 million respectively.

In August, online casino wins only increased by 4.4% to $259.3 million, while Atlantic City casinos still pulled in $294.9 million despite a 5.5% decrease. Brian Tyrrell, a Stockton University gaming analyst, noted that Atlantic City casinos experienced their worst September in recent history after a strong run from May to July.

Online gaming revenue taxes in New Jersey increased from 15% to 19.75% on July 1, 2025, meaning September's $82.7 million in gross revenue taxes were already taxed at the higher rate. Total gaming revenue for the first nine months of 2026 amounted to $5.39 billion, marking a 5.1% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Online operators' market share is also shifting, with BetFanatics' revenue jumping 187% to $14.7 million in September.

Sports betting has been on the decline, partly due to fewer football weekends in September and prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket potentially luring bets away from regulated sportsbooks. This decline could impact state tax revenue.

The performance of online casinos in New Jersey is of interest beyond state borders, providing valuable insights for lawmakers considering online casino legislation. Virginia, for example, has passed online casino bills in 2026 but has yet to reach a final agreement on the legislation.