Gambling in the USA

PlayNJ.com: New Jersey sportsbooks slump while online casinos boom

Published

6 years ago

April 16, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

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.

Fanatics Casino

RLX Gaming expands US reach through Fanatics Casino launch

Published

19 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

rlx-gaming-expands-us-reach-through-fanatics-casino-launch

RLX Gaming, the innovative iGaming aggregator and content supplier, has officially launched its full portfolio with Fanatics Casino in the United States.

Players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania can now access RLX Gaming’s extensive library of in-house and third-party titles, following a soft launch in Pennsylvania. Leading slot hits like Temple Tumble, Bonsai Dragon Blitz, and The Great Pigsby are now live, alongside a broad selection of releases from some of the most creative studios in the industry.

Fanatics Casino, available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia on iOS and Android, offers a wide variety of classic and modern casino experiences, including slots, blackjack, roulette, progressive jackpots, and video poker. Each game is designed to deliver authentic casino action, ensuring endless entertainment for players.

This partnership marks a significant step in RLX Gaming’s mission to deliver dynamic, globally-ready content that drives innovation and engagement in the online casino space.

Matthew Hockenjos, Commercial Account Manager for North America at RLX Gaming, said:

“Our collaboration with Fanatics Casino represents a major milestone for RLX Gaming as we strategically broaden our footprint across North America. Fanatics Casino’s commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re thrilled to bring our engaging slot experiences to players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”

Kieron Shaw from Fanatics Casino added:

“We are delighted to integrate RLX Gaming’s captivating portfolio into our platform. This partnership reinforces our dedication to offering a premier online casino experience, giving players access to high-quality titles with proven appeal across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”

The post RLX Gaming expands US reach through Fanatics Casino launch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

WWE and White Hat Studios Deliver WrestleMania®: Road to Gold Exclusively to Fanatics Casino

Published

20 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

wwe-and-white-hat-studios-deliver-wrestlemania:-road-to-gold-exclusively-to-fanatics-casino

WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), and White Hat Studios have announced the launch of the official WWE-branded slot, WrestleMania®: Road to Gold, exclusively on Fanatics Casino starting today.

Available in the United States, this real-money online casino game features 20 WWE superstars, including fan favorites Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley, just ahead of WrestleMania® 42, returning to Las Vegas on April 18–19, 2026.

The game’s Unlock Trail mechanic takes players through WWE Premium Live Events, with progressive bonus features inspired by SummerSlam®, Survivor Series®, Royal Rumble®, Elimination Chamber®, and Money in the Bank®. Each milestone builds excitement and win potential, culminating in the ultimate WrestleMania® showdown. The ringside experience is enhanced by the unmistakable voice of Michael Cole, adding authenticity and immersion to every spin.

Armen Tatarevic, VP of Gaming at White Hat Studios, said:

“WWE is an iconic brand steeped in entertainment history, and the aim was to collaborate closely to channel that legacy into WrestleMania®: Road to Gold. From superstar athletes to headline events, there are numerous touchpoints that fans will enjoy, and this is a major IP launch for White Hat Studios as we continue to deliver a main event experience to casino players in the United States.”

Conor Grant, President, Casino at Fanatics Betting and Gaming, added:

“WWE is a worldwide entertainment phenomenon, and the energy of the brand has been captured perfectly in WrestleMania®: Road to Gold. This new WWE-branded experience on Fanatics Casino reflects our strategy to leverage the power of Fanatics IP assets to offer customers a premium, differentiated experience.”

Fanatics Casino, the fastest-growing online casino in the U.S., is available on iOS, Android, and web in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. WrestleMania®: Road to Gold joins Fanatics’ lineup of licensed WWE titles, including WWE® Blackjack, Raw® Multiplier

The post WWE and White Hat Studios Deliver WrestleMania®: Road to Gold Exclusively to Fanatics Casino appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Carousel Bar Las Vegas

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s Carousel Bar

Published

3 days ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

celebrate-st.-patrick’s-day-at-the-plaza-hotel-&-casino’s-carousel-bar

The festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day returns to downtown Las Vegas as the Plaza Hotel & Casino prepares to host its annual celebration at the dazzling Carousel Bar. Set beneath the venue’s iconic illuminated dome, the popular holiday gathering promises lively entertainment, themed cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, the Carousel Bar will transform into a spirited St. Patrick’s Day destination featuring festive décor, upbeat music, and drink specials inspired by Irish tradition. The celebration takes place just steps away from the bustling Fremont Street Experience, making it an ideal stop for anyone exploring downtown Las Vegas during the holiday.

A Festive Downtown Celebration

Each year, St. Patrick’s Day brings an influx of revelers to Las Vegas, and the Plaza’s Carousel Bar has quickly become one of downtown’s standout locations to mark the occasion. Known for its visually striking design and lively ambiance, the bar sits beneath the Plaza’s glittering dome and features large-scale animated elements that create an immersive party atmosphere.

For the holiday celebration, guests can expect Paddy Party Music Hits filling the air, creating the soundtrack for an evening of Irish-inspired fun. The event will also feature festive backdrops designed for selfies and group photos, allowing visitors to capture memories of the celebration against colorful St. Patrick’s Day-themed visuals.

The Carousel Bar’s unique setting makes it particularly appealing for social gatherings, whether visitors are celebrating with friends, colleagues, or fellow tourists exploring the entertainment offerings of Fremont Street.

Special St. Patrick’s Day Drink Menu

No St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without themed drinks, and the Plaza’s Carousel Bar will offer a lineup of festive specials designed to complement the celebration.

Guests can enjoy Guinness Draught for $8, a classic choice synonymous with Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day festivities worldwide. For those looking to sample something stronger, the bar will also offer St. Paddy Irish whiskey shots for $4, providing a quick and spirited toast to the holiday.

Another popular option on the menu is the Irish Car Bomb for $10, a well-known celebratory cocktail that combines Irish stout with whiskey and cream liqueur for a rich and indulgent experience.

For those who prefer a cocktail with a festive twist, the bar will feature the Irish Mule, a vibrant green drink made with ginger beer, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and fresh lime. Priced at $10, this specialty cocktail adds a refreshing and colorful option to the St. Patrick’s Day lineup.

Together, these drink specials provide a range of options designed to suit every taste while embracing the flavors traditionally associated with Irish celebrations.

A Unique Venue in Downtown Las Vegas

The Carousel Bar has become one of the most visually distinctive attractions at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Its animated elements and glowing dome create a lively centerpiece that draws attention from visitors exploring the property and nearby Fremont Street.

During major holidays and events, the bar often becomes a focal point for celebrations, offering a social space where guests can enjoy themed entertainment and drinks in a lively environment. St. Patrick’s Day is one of the venue’s most anticipated events, bringing together locals and tourists eager to celebrate Irish culture and tradition.

The location also offers easy access to the Fremont Street Experience, one of downtown Las Vegas’ most popular entertainment districts. Visitors can seamlessly move between live music, street performances, casinos, and bars, making the Carousel Bar party a convenient stop within a larger night out in the city.

Capturing the Spirit of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have grown into a global phenomenon, with cities around the world hosting parades, parties, and cultural events honoring Irish heritage. In Las Vegas, where entertainment and nightlife thrive year-round, the holiday provides yet another opportunity for venues to create immersive and memorable experiences.

The Plaza Hotel & Casino embraces this tradition by hosting an event that combines festive décor, themed drinks, and music that encourages guests to embrace the celebratory mood. The addition of photo-friendly backdrops further enhances the experience, allowing attendees to share their celebrations across social media.

For visitors seeking a lively but approachable party atmosphere, the Carousel Bar’s St. Patrick’s Day event offers a welcoming environment where the focus remains on socializing, enjoying drinks, and celebrating the holiday spirit.

A Downtown Destination for Holiday Fun

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Plaza Hotel & Casino once again positions itself as a destination for festive gatherings in downtown Las Vegas. The combination of themed cocktails, music, and the visually captivating Carousel Bar setting creates an experience designed to stand out among the city’s many holiday celebrations.

Whether guests are longtime Las Vegas locals or tourists exploring the city’s historic downtown district, the party promises an energetic environment filled with Irish-inspired charm.

With its vibrant atmosphere and convenient location near the Fremont Street Experience, the Carousel Bar at the Plaza Hotel & Casino provides the perfect setting to raise a glass, enjoy festive drinks, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Las Vegas style.

The post Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s Carousel Bar appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.