Atlantic City Casinos Post Second-Best March In-Person Revenue Since 2013 Amid Mixed Results and Online Boom

Atlantic City's nine casinos pulled in $236.6 million in gross gaming revenue from in-person gamblers during March 2026, a figure that reflects a 2.5% increase compared to the same month a year earlier; this performance marks the second-highest March total since records began tracking closely in 2013, according to data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. While the overall uptick signals resilience in the brick-and-mortar sector, the gains weren't uniform across the board, as only three properties—Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean Casino Resort—reported year-over-year increases, whereas the other six experienced declines that tempered the broader success.

What's interesting here is how in-person gaming, often seen as the heart of Atlantic City's appeal with its slots, tables, and live atmospheres, managed this near-peak showing despite competitive pressures from online alternatives and regional rivals. Observers note that March's results come at a time when seasonal factors like early spring tourism typically boost foot traffic along the boardwalk, yet the split performance among casinos highlights varying strategies in play, from renovations to marketing pushes that evidently paid off for the top performers.

Borgata, long a heavyweight in the Atlantic City lineup, drove much of the positive momentum alongside Caesars and Ocean Casino Resort; these three properties bucked the downward trend seen elsewhere, posting gains that lifted the collective in-person GGR to that impressive $236.6 million mark. Data indicates Borgata's consistent draw—thanks to its expansive floor space, high-limit rooms, and entertainment lineup—continues to resonate with visitors seeking that classic casino vibe, while Caesars leveraged its brand loyalty programs to keep tables busy and slots spinning steadily.

Ocean Casino Resort, on the other hand, stands out for its recent investments in modern amenities like beachfront access and upgraded dining, moves that appear to have translated into stronger March numbers; people who've tracked these shifts often point to how such enhancements help properties differentiate in a crowded market. That said, the remaining six casinos—names like Hard Rock, Harrah's, Resorts, Bally's, Golden Nugget, and Tropicana—faced softer demand, with declines ranging from subtle dips to more noticeable drops, though exact figures for each weren't broken out in the initial reports.

But here's the thing: this kind of divergence isn't uncommon in gaming hubs where individual operator tactics, from promotional spend to property upkeep, dictate outcomes more than macro trends alone; experts who've studied past Marches recall similar patterns, where a handful of leaders carry the load while others recalibrate for busier months ahead.

Shifting gears to the digital realm, online iGaming revenue climbed 11.6% year-over-year to reach $272 million in March 2026, outpacing the in-person segment and underscoring the rapid expansion of internet-based slots, blackjack, and roulette played from New Jersey homes or devices. This surge aligns with broader adoption trends, as platforms tied to Atlantic City brands offer seamless access via apps and browsers, drawing in a younger demographic less inclined to travel for gaming thrills.

Turns out, the convenience factor—coupled with promotions like deposit matches and free spins—fuels this growth, with data from Casino.org revealing how iGaming now contributes substantially to overall hauls. Operators like Borgata and Ocean, fresh off their in-person wins, likely benefited from cross-promotions that funneled online players toward physical visits, creating a symbiotic loop that's become the new normal in regulated markets.

Sports betting added another layer of momentum, as the handle—total wagers placed—jumped 22.8% to $87.6 million for the month; this category, encompassing bets on everything from NBA playoffs to college hoops via retail lounges and mobile apps, continues to explode in popularity since legalization expanded across states. Atlantic City's casinos and partners at racetracks like Meadowlands captured this volume through intuitive kiosks, live odds screens, and integrated apps that let bettors wager from anywhere in New Jersey.

Now, while the handle soared, net sports betting revenue details weren't highlighted in the March breakdown, yet the sheer wager influx points to heightened engagement, especially with major events ramping up as spring unfolds. Those who've followed the sector know that high handles often correlate with promotional free bets and odds boosts, strategies that keep recreational bettors coming back even if the house edge holds firm.

And with April 2026 underway, early indicators suggest sports wagering could sustain this pace amid MLB season openers and lingering March Madness buzz, potentially setting the stage for even stronger combined figures.

When tallying it all up—casinos, online iGaming, sports betting, and racetrack partners—the total gaming revenue for March 2026 reached $596.4 million, a comprehensive haul that blends physical and virtual worlds into one thriving ecosystem. Figures reveal this total eclipses prior Marches in scope, driven largely by those online and sports segments that have redefined revenue streams beyond traditional table games and slots.

Take one angle: in-person GGR at $236.6 million represented about 40% of the pie, while iGaming's $272 million edged it out and sports handle supported ancillary wins; this diversification shields the industry from over-reliance on any single channel, a lesson learned from leaner years post-2013 peaks. Observers point to regulatory tweaks by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement that enable such integrations, fostering partnerships where casinos license their brands to online skins for mutual gain.

Yet the reality is, while March's second-best in-person showing since 2013 evokes nostalgia for boom times, the six declining casinos remind everyone that adaptation remains key—whether through tech upgrades, event calendars, or targeted ads that pull in day-trippers from Philly or New York.

Looking back, March 2013 set the high-water mark for in-person revenue, a period when Atlantic City enjoyed pre-pandemic vibrancy before online competition and nearby states like Pennsylvania ramped up their own offerings; fast-forward to 2026, and the 2.5% YoY lift to $236.6 million shows operators have clawed back ground, albeit with online now filling gaps left by softer land-based visits. Studies from gaming analysts highlight how post-COVID recovery accelerated this hybrid model, with March 2026 exemplifying the balance.

One case worth noting involves Borgata's trajectory: consistently ranking high, it mirrors properties that invest in non-gaming draws like spas, shows, and celebrity chef spots, pulling revenue beyond pure gambling. Caesars, too, benefits from its vast loyalty network spanning multiple states, funneling national players to its AC flagship during key months.

So as April 2026 progresses, with Easter crowds and warmer weather on deck, the ball's in the casinos' court to build on March's foundation; declines at six venues suggest where rubber meets the road—properties slow to digitize or refresh risk falling further behind, while leaders like Ocean keep innovating.

In wrapping up, Atlantic City's March 2026 numbers—$236.6 million in-person GGR up 2.5%, $272 million online iGaming ahead 11.6%, $87.6 million sports handle rising 22.8%, and $596.4 million total—chart a path of measured growth punctuated by winners and laggards. Data underscores the second-best March in-person haul since 2013, a nod to enduring boardwalk allure even as digital channels dominate incremental gains.

Experts observe that this mix sets expectations for spring, where sustained sports action and seasonal upticks could amplify totals; for now, Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean exemplify success formulas, while the field watches closely for shifts into April and beyond. The writing's on the wall: hybrid gaming isn't just the future—it's delivering results today.