Call it a Comeback: Atlantic City Casino Revenue Jumps 11 Percent in May

Atlantic City in-person casino revenue bounced back in May

May marked a positive trend in year-to-date retail gaming revenue

Atlantic City gears up for a bustling summer

April showers brought May flowers for the nine casinos in Atlantic City, with gaming revenue from in-person play soaring 10.9% year-on-year to reach $265.3 million.

It has been reported by numerous insiders at Casinos.org that there’s been a growing sense of optimism about a comeback for Atlantic City, the only area in New Jersey permitted to host casinos. Mark Giannantonio, the president of Resorts and the Casino Association of New Jersey, has forecasted “a true renaissance” for America’s Playground.

After a sluggish start to 2025, with brick-and-mortar casino revenue down by 2% through April, the casinos have finally turned things around. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) released figures highlighting that May’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) has significantly improved, showing a growth of 0.8% compared to the first five months of the year, translating to an increase of over $8.6 million.

In terms of revenue sources, table games notably contributed to the growth, with games generating $70.5 million in GGR, a 21.9% increase. Slot machines accounted for around $194.8 million, showing a 7.5% uptick.

It is also important to point out that May 2025 benefited from having an additional Saturday compared to the same month in the previous year. Nonetheless, this month marked a significant victory for the once-struggling casino town.

May Shines Bright

James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC), acknowledged that May brought the best results seen for the nine casinos since 2011. He stated, “May provided a strong foundation for an upbeat summer season. Atlantic City’s diverse gaming, leisure, and entertainment offerings have something for everyone, making it a fantastic place to visit and stay.”

iGaming has also seen significant progress, with online casino revenues reaching $246.8 million, which is an impressive 28.5% increase compared to May 2024. Indeed, May has proven to be a record-setting month for various online casino platforms operating within New Jersey.

Additionally, sportsbooks reported a GGR of $102.5 million over this period, which represents a hearty 30% growth year-over-year. However, despite these promising developments, year-to-date sports betting revenue is still about 10% lower than last year, largely due to bettors having staked 12.6% less overall. In total, over $6 billion was wagered across the Garden State’s retail and online sportsbooks during the early months of 2025—an amount that has now declined to approximately $5.25 billion.

The total gaming revenue for New Jersey in May reached $614.6 million, reflecting a substantial 20.5% increase from May 2024.

Optimism Returns

Not only are local authorities optimistic about the upcoming summer for Atlantic City, but significant investments have been made in the resorts themselves, and crime concerns have begun to ease, according to Dennis Levinson, the chief executive of Atlantic County. Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism, has expressed a hopeful outlook for the city’s future.

“Heading into the peak summer season, we can anticipate that the resort’s brick-and-mortar gaming operations will gain momentum while internet gaming revenues keep climbing,” Bokunewicz shared.

If you’re contemplating a late June visit to Atlantic City, you’re in for a treat! The Hard Rock will feature performances from Tom Segura on June 20-21, Incubus on June 27, and Jackson Browne on June 28. Meanwhile, the Ocean Casino Resort will host 311 on June 20, and Borgata will present The Allman Betts Band on June 21, alongside Def Leppard on June 28.

For more things to see and do in Atlantic City, visit Visit Atlantic City.

NHL Free Agency Sports Betting Odds: Where Will Mitch Marner End Up?

Key Highlights: While many players focus solely on the house edge, understanding the nuances of sports betting odds is the true foundation for any successful wagering strategy. These highlights detail the critical factors you need to consider when analyzing how shifting lines and fluctuating sports betting odds can define both your potential payouts and the overall thrill of the game.

Mitch Marner, a star right winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
FanDuel has opened a market on Marner’s next team, with the Las Vegas Golden Knights as the current favourite.
Other teams vying for Marner include the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Mitch Marner saga has taken an interesting turn. Elliotte Friedman, a respected NHL journalist, reported that Marner is “not engaged” in any contract discussions with the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading many to believe he could be leaving the team when free agency opens on July 1.

sports betting — Image by caltatum from Pixabay

With the Stanley Cup Finals nearing an end, the focus is now shifting toward free agency, with Marner leading the charge as a headline-maker. Many bettors took notice of Friedman’s report, which impacted the odds for Marner’s next team.

Currently, FanDuel offers a “Mitch Marner Next Team” betting market. Just last week, the Leafs were listed at +550, trailing behind the Golden Knights, who hold a +300 odds position. As of Monday, however, the Leafs are off the board, leaving the Golden Knights leading the charge at +230, followed by the Hurricanes at +470, the rebuilding Ducks and Penguins both at +650, the Blackhawks at +750, and the Kings at +1000.

Top Teams in the Betting Market

According to FanDuel traders, the top three teams for Marner are:

Las Vegas Golden Knights: +230
Carolina Hurricanes: +470
Los Angeles Kings: +1000

It seems that the Golden Knights are the hot pick amongst bettors, with 15% of all bets placed on the team. If Marner aims to win immediately, the Golden Knights might offer him the best chance, given their strong roster and recent championship win.

Potential Concerns About Marner

While Marner is undoubtedly a talented player, some concerns may surround him. Critics often point to his size, with some arguing that he struggles under the pressure of playoff hockey. Comparisons have arisen, particularly with Panthers forward Sam Bennett, who has excelled in the playoffs, with 15 goals this season compared to Marner’s total of just 13 goals throughout his entire playoff career.

Financially, the Golden Knights currently have approximately USD 9.6 million in salary cap space. There are whispers that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo may require a long-term injury reserve list spot, which would free up additional cap space for Marner, who is expected to demand more than USD 14 million in average annual value with his next contract.

Marner’s Future: A Move to the West Coast?

With nine years spent with the Maple Leafs since being drafted fourth overall in 2015, Marner’s next steps could point towards the West. Toronto’s hockey atmosphere can be intense, and given the public scrutiny he’s faced, he may prefer to distance himself from the pressure of the Canadian market.

There’s not only the transactional view but also the emotional aspect—Marner is now a father and may seek a fresh start far from criticisms about past postseason failures.

DraftKings Betting Odds

DraftKings has also opened a market for Marner’s next team, revealing the current odds:

Golden Knights: +350
Hurricanes: +400
Kings: +600
Ducks: +700
Mammoth: +1000
Panthers: +1000
Blackhawks: +1200
Leafs: +2000

Final Thoughts

The anticipation surrounding Mitch Marner’s next move is palpable. As teams prepare for free agency, there’s a likelihood of negotiations ramping up quickly. Will Marner stay with the Leafs or will he take his skills to a new team seeking to build its roster? Whatever the outcome, it promises to be an exciting chapter for hockey fans and bettors alike.

In conclusion, the bottom line is that Mitch Marner is a highly sought-after player this offseason, and with the implications of free agency, many are waiting to see where he will land. Whether it be the Golden Knights, Hurricanes, or another contender, his future will undoubtedly create significant buzz.