Online casinos have enjoyed great success in the US state of New Jersey. March saw the industry set an all-time record revenue figure. That total even beat the amount being earned by the land-based casinos in New Jersey.
What does the rest of the year have in store for the state? A growth in live game shows at online sites is taking place. If a new bill is passed, then more betting opportunities for esports are on their way.
While online sports betting has been spreading around the US, that hasn’t been the case for igaming. There are only seven states that have made that legal and New Jersey is one of them. Those states that have gone down the legalization route have enjoyed great financial success, so more may follow in the future.
The revenue figure in March was $243.9 million. That broke the previous record of $228 million set in December 2024. There have not been any moves to impose stricter regulation on online slots as has been seen in the UK.
Another area of the US gambling industry that could see expansion concerns esports. A new bill has been introduced that would see a new category introduced in the state. Esports-only betting licenses would be issued with special protocols put in place for New Jersey casinos and racetracks wanting to host esports events.
The esports industry already holds events at land-based casinos in Atlantic City. However, when an attempt was previously made to create an esports-only business model, it was not too successful. In recent years, though, esports have become increasingly popular. The COVID-19 pandemic gave the industry a boost when most sports were put on hold. Bookmakers found themselves short of events to lay odds on, but video games weren’t affected so they turned to esports.
New Jersey Assembly member Don Guardian (Rep) has said that the state and Atlantic City are “primed to make the most of this market.” Doing so he believes will “bring in revenue, gamers, spectators and gamblers.” He added that it would make New Jersey “a hub for competitive video gaming.” This year is to see Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino host the East Coast Gaming Congress.
Also becoming popular at online casinos are live game shows, according to NJ casinos comparison site NJ Bet. Playtech and Hard Rock Bet have launched a Live Trivia Game Show. This will go into the Live Dealer category.
That’s a category which has seen huge growth in recent years. Live Casinos offer players the opportunity to have an online experience that is as close as possible to that of a land-based casino. Popular casino games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat are available to play. The games are set in a studio that resembles a casino and has live dealers for the games.
They also benefited from the pandemic. Many land-based casinos were forced to close down during lockdowns. Players therefore flocked to the online sites in New Jersey and other states where online casinos are legal.
It will have live presenters and hosts with players answering questions in real-time. Golden Chips and Free Spins can be won by those taking part. The Senior Vice President of Casino at Hard Rock Digital is Grant WIlliams. He believes the new game will “continue to elevate the player experience with cutting-edge, innovative content.” It will give them the chance to be “testing their knowledge” and “enjoying interactive, real-time entertainment like never before.”
Jonathan Doubilet from Playtech VP US Business Operations commented: “iGaming is steadily blending elements of gambling and traditional entertainment, which reflects a significant shift in player preferences and points to where the industry is heading.” He added that live dealer games have become an “integral part” of entertainment for Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y.
Times really have changed in recent years. Mr Doubilet said that younger generations have not had “prior exposure to traditional casino slots.” Their exposure to social media, streaming services and influencer-driven content has seen them demanding “more interactive and engaging digital experiences.”
Playtech has also been petitioning the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to allow it to offer a new service to online casino players. Their aim is to offer private blackjack tables to online VIP players.
Private options are already available for those who go to land-based casinos but this is not at present available online. Playtech, who supply games for online casinos in the state believe there are not any regulatory issues that would prevent them from offering such a service online.
If this is given the go-ahead, a link would be needed by players who want to access the private tables. Those without the link would not be able to play. There is the need though to comply with issues such as time limits, bet limits and protocols that encourage responsible gambling.
