The statewide debut of sports betting, coupled with the lavish re-openings of two Atlantic City properties, have provided a slight lift for the state of New Jersey in June, reports the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Releasing its monthly figures, a total of $16.6m was wagered during the month, despite operations only commencing at two locations, Monmouth Park racetrack and The Borgata, on June 14, before being joined by the newly opened Ocean Resort Casino on June 28.
Bringing in combined revenues of a fraction below the $3.5m mark, Monmouth Park was responsible for $2.2m while the Borgata reported $986,831; in its first three days of sports betting the former Revel Casino brought in $192,671.
Breaking down the figures further it is highlighted that 94 per cent ($15.4m) of the total handle related to events completed within the month of June, the most popular of which was Major League Baseball (MLB) with £10.1m (66 per cent) followed by soccer with $2.2m (14 per cent).
One million dollars of the total handle for June was wagered on events to be completed, or that take place, at a future date, with soccer on top, $500,247 or 48%, followed by NFL (National Football League), $280,611 or 27%, and MLB, $130,177, or 12%.
Overall for the full month total gaming revenues hit a figure of $233.6m, up 7.3 per cent as compared to 2017’s $217.2m, which comes on the back of declining full year casino takings.
A 4.4 per cent drop seeing total gaming revenue for the year coming in at $1.26bn, representing a 2.3 per cent decline on the previous year.
Internet gaming however continues to rise, a 12.1 per cent uplift to 22.6m for June adding to a full year win of 14.9 per cent, reaching $139.5m from $121.4m.
After undergoing multimillion dollar renovations the Ocean Resort Casino and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, on the site of former Trump Taj Mahal, commenced soft play on June 25 before opening their doors to the public a day earlier than first billed on June 27.
In the first four days of operation Hard Rock’s casino revenue reached $4.1m, whilst the Ocean Resort came in at $3m.
