Atlantic City Casinos Rack Up $236.6 Million in March 2026, Second-Best March Since 2013

Atlantic City's nine casinos pulled in $236.6 million in gross gaming revenue from slots and table games during March 2026, a figure that climbed 2.5% compared to the previous year's March total; data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement underscores this uptick as the second-strongest March performance since records began tracking closely in 2013. Slots dominated the haul, contributing the lion's share, while table games added steady volume amid fluctuating visitor patterns. Observers note how such gains signal resilience in a market that's weathered economic shifts, pandemics, and competition from neighboring states over the years.

But here's the thing: not every property shared equally in the bounty. Only three casinos—Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean—recorded increases in their in-person gaming revenue, bucking a trend where the other six saw dips; this split highlights the uneven dynamics playing out along the boardwalk, where individual strategies, renovations, and marketing pushes make all the difference. Take Borgata, for instance, which has long anchored the market with its upscale vibe and entertainment lineup, drawing crowds even as seasonal slowdowns loom.

Borgata led the pack with robust gains, leveraging its position as a perennial top earner; Caesars followed suit, capitalizing on loyalty programs and high-roller events that kept tables busy, while Ocean rounded out the trio by attracting a mix of day-trippers and weekenders through beachfront appeal and promotional deals. Figures reveal these properties not only grew their slice but also captured momentum from broader tourism upswings in early spring. Experts who've tracked Atlantic City for decades point out how such leaders often invest heavily in non-gaming amenities—like shows, dining, and spas—which indirectly boost gaming floors by extending guest stays.

What's interesting is teh timing: March typically serves as a bridge month between winter lulls and summer peaks, so gains here set a positive tone; people familiar with the beat remember how pre-pandemic Marches hovered around $220 million on average, making this $236.6 million mark stand out sharply against historical norms. And yet, the growth came despite headwinds like rising operational costs and competition from Pennsylvania's slots-heavy venues just across the river.

The six casinos posting declines faced their own hurdles, from outdated facilities needing upgrades to softer demand in certain demographics; properties like Harrah's, Resorts, and Tropicana, for example, have grappled with repositioning efforts amid shifting player preferences toward digital alternatives. Data indicates these drops ranged from modest single digits to more noticeable slides, pulling the overall average but not derailing the market's upward trajectory. Those who've studied casino economics observe that such variance is par for the course in mature markets, where consolidation and adaptation separate thrivers from stragglers.

Turns out, the declines underscore a key reality: in-person gaming revenue, while still the core driver, increasingly shares the spotlight with off-site options; players now blend visits with app-based play, diluting pure brick-and-mortar reliance. One case that illustrates this comes from past cycles, where similar March splits preceded deeper investments in hybrid models—something Atlantic City operators have pursued aggressively since 2021.

While in-person slots and tables grabbed headlines with their $236.6 million total, the real story of market stability lies in the surge from iGaming and online sports betting, which the Division of Gaming Enforcement highlighted in its release; these internet channels posted double-digit increases, offsetting any land-based softness and pushing aggregate gaming revenue toward record territory for the month. iGaming alone, encompassing online slots, blackjack, and roulette, has evolved from a niche supplement to a powerhouse, with New Jersey leading the U.S. in licensed platforms tied to Atlantic City brands.

Researchers tracking digital gambling trends note how mobile apps from Borgata and Golden Nugget, for instance, mirror their physical counterparts in game selection, creating seamless crossover appeal; sports betting, fueled by major events like March Madness, added another layer, with wagers flowing in from across state lines via geofenced tech. This synergy explains the overall lift: total gaming revenue, blending physical and virtual, climbed steadily, marking March 2026 as a testament to diversification's payoff. It's noteworthy that without these online pillars, the in-person gains might have felt more fragile amid the six decliners.

Now, as April 2026 unfolds, early indicators suggest continued momentum; preliminary filings hint at sustained online vigor heading into tax season and warmer weather, while boardwalk foot traffic picks up with Easter promotions and pre-summer festivals. Observers expect the top three to maintain their edge, potentially narrowing the gap for laggards through shared industry initiatives like joint advertising campaigns.

Zooming out, this second-best March since 2013 places 2026 in elite company; back in peak years like 2006-2007, monthly hauls topped $300 million routinely, but post-recession slumps and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 slashed figures to the $150-200 million range until recent recoveries. Data shows a steady rebound since 2021, with 2025's full-year total nearing $5.5 billion across all segments—setting the stage for March's solid showing. People who've covered the beat recall how regulatory tweaks, like expanded online licensing in 2013, ignited this turnaround, allowing casinos to tap virtual audiences without massive physical expansions.

But the rubber meets the road in operational details: slots revenue, often 70-80% of the mix, benefited from higher denominations and progressive jackpots drawing bigger bets, while tables saw steadier action from blackjack and baccarat enthusiasts; one study from gaming analysts revealed average daily slot play rising 3-5% year-over-year in stable markets like this. That's where innovation shines—newer machines with skill-based bonuses and themed progressives keep floors fresh, countering any complacency.

Yet challenges persist; staffing shortages, inflation on energy and supplies, and regional rivals like Foxwoods in Connecticut siphon some action. Still, the March figures paint a picture of equilibrium, where three winners buoy the group, online channels provide ballast, and historical benchmarks affirm progress. Experts observe that such months often preview annual trends, with summer booms amplifying spring starts.

With April 2026 data trickling in, patterns mirror March's resilience; online sports betting heats up around NBA playoffs and golf majors, while in-person crowds swell with spring breakers and conventions. Borgata's recent hotel wing addition, for one, promises extended stays and cross-sells to gaming, potentially lifting its lead further. The other casinos, meanwhile, roll out targeted rebates and slot tournaments to recapture share—tactics that have reversed declines in prior seasons.

What's significant is the ecosystem's adaptability; New Jersey's regulatory framework, enforced rigorously by the Division, ensures fair play and revenue transparency, fostering investor confidence. Those monitoring the space anticipate total gaming revenue crossing $6 billion annually if monthly averages hold, eclipsing 2025 records and signaling Atlantic City's enduring draw.

Atlantic City's March 2026 delivered $236.6 million in-person GGR, up 2.5% and second only to pre-2013 peaks. Three casinos thrived while six slipped, yet online iGaming and sports betting stabilized the market. Historical data confirms a robust recovery arc, with April's early signs pointing to sustained growth. This blend of physical vibrancy and digital expansion keeps the boardwalk relevant in America's gaming landscape.

• Top GGR Earners: Borgata, Caesars, Ocean saw gains.
• Market Support: iGaming and online betting drove total revenue higher.
• Historical Rank: Second-best March since 2013.
• Outlook: Positive momentum into spring and summer.