Ten years ago, if somebody told you New Jersey would be the online gaming king, you would have chuckled. But, as they say, life has a way of working out, and voila here we are in 2025 with the state's online gaming industry raking in billions. Even in the case of Ocean City, the effect is impossible to overlook. So, what is happening? How did New Jersey become an online gambling powerhouse, and what does it mean for towns like Ocean City?
New Jersey has long had a complicated romance with gambling. Atlantic City was the East Coast equivalent to Las Vegas, but through the decades, as other states built competing casinos along their borders, it gradually lost its stronghold. With its revenues in free fall, New Jersey did what any smart player would have done - it doubled down on its second-best bet: online gaming.
All the way back in 2013, the state legalized online casinos and online poker games. Critics at the time questioned whether anyone would ever really gamble on the internet. Spoiler alert: They surely did. And then some. After adding sports betting to the mix in 2018, things really heated up. Today, New Jersey is one of the largest online gaming markets in the nation, raking in more than $1 billion annually in tax revenue alone.
Just to put things in perspective: In November 2024 alone, online casinos in New Jersey pulled in a staggering $214 million. That’s a new monthly record, and it’s not slowing down. Total gaming revenue, including both online and in-person gambling, hit $556 million that same month, a 15.4% jump from the previous year.
Why the explosion? Convenience. Why drive to Atlantic City when you can win or lose big from your living room? And with mobile apps providing glitzy graphics, live dealer casino options, and never-ending promos, players don't even have to lift a finger to continue the action. It's never been easier, or more tempting, to gamble.
So, where does all that money go? A nice chunk of it gets funneled back into the state through taxes. And we’re not talking about pocket change. That billion-dollar tax revenue haul goes toward public programs, schools, and even infrastructure projects.
And even though Ocean City's never been a den of gamblers, thanks to the family-friendly, no-casinos reputation, it still gets some benefit from it. Tax dollars feed into state projects like beach replenishment programs and road repairs; things a tourism-based town care very much about. So even if gambling does not take up much space in the physical sphere of Ocean City, online gambling helps Ocean City's economy hum along, with no casinos in sight.
True, not all of online gambling is rainbows and tax dollars. The convenience that makes it so desirable also makes it hazardous. Problem gambling is on the rise, especially among the young whose thumbs are glued to their smartphones. The blinking lights and constant promotions make it easy to lose a day and money.
New Jersey has tried to stay one step ahead of the issue by subsidizing addiction treatment programs and offering self-exclusion options for people who want to opt out. But not everyone is satisfied with that. At their fingertips, gambling has made it easier than ever for people to get themselves into a money pit.
Unlike Atlantic City, Ocean City has never embraced casino gambling. One of the few dry towns in New Jersey, its reputation is built on wholesome family vacations, boardwalk strolls, and saltwater taffy - not slot machines. Yet online gambling is increasingly finding its way into the mix.
Local businesses are feeling the shift. Hotels and rental properties now prioritize fast WiFi to cater to visitors who want to keep up with their sports bets. Coffee shops are seeing customers glued to their phones, checking their wagers between sips of espresso. Even though Ocean City itself doesn’t offer gambling, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place where people aren’t playing online.
One thing is certain: Online gambling in New Jersey isn't slowing down. On the contrary, it's evolving. The next frontier? Virtual reality casinos, AI-powered betting assistants, and even more immersive experiences to keep players more engaged in the fun.
But rapid growth means new problems. Legislators will have to continue fine-tuning the rules to avoid letting gambling addiction get out of hand. And as more states climb aboard the online gambling bandwagon, New Jersey will have to learn to stay one step ahead. Luckily, many responsible gambling initiatives have been introduced, supporting consumers in taking smart choices.
New Jersey bet on online gambling, and largely, it's been a winning hand. The state is making serious cash, players enjoy the convenience, and even small towns like Ocean City are enjoying the side effects. But as with every gamble, there's always a potential risk. The influx of problem gamblers, increasing competition from other states and the necessity of more stringent regulations means New Jersey can't get too cozy.
For now, though, the house is winning - and New Jersey is holding a strong hand.
