Late August on the Jersey Shore has a buzz that locals say recalls the city’s heyday. The salt air hangs over the wooden planks of the boardwalk, neon signs blink above casino entrances, and groups drift from beach bars into gaming floors while the sun slips behind the hotels. That energy isn’t just nostalgia.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reports that Atlantic City’s nine casinos won $311.9 million from in‑person gamblers in August 2025, the highest monthly haul since 2012. Internet gaming win reached $248.4 million, and total gaming revenue, including sports betting, climbed to $642.2 million. Those figures represent double‑digit growth over the previous year and show that online play has become a permanent part of the economy while the boardwalk still draws crowds.
Casino managers say foot traffic has been steady since May, and visitors stay longer. You can feel the shift when the craps tables are full on a Monday.
As payment options evolve, gamblers are curious about blockchain‑based payments and anonymous digital wallets. That curiosity has led some to explore the best Bitcoin gambling sites alongside the state‑licensed casino apps, as these sites offer unrivaled security, payout speeds, bonuses, and game selections. Crypto’s appeal lies in its speed and privacy, but New Jersey regulators have yet to fully approve crypto‑denominated gaming, and most players still load money via bank transfers or credit cards.
A recent industry survey shows there are more than 560 million crypto owners worldwide, and nearly two‑thirds of them say they would like to use digital assets at merchants. If the regulatory framework evolves, crypto could become a bigger part of the gambling picture; for now, blockchain remains a fringe curiosity next to the ringing cashiers’ cages.
Slot machines remain the workhorse of Atlantic City’s gaming floors, producing $234.3 million in win for August while table games generated $77.6 million. Sports wagering revenue reached $81.9 million, a 30.6% year‑over‑year jump, and internet gaming win was 25.2% higher than last August. Operators know that digital play is vital to the future, so many rolled out cross‑platform loyalty programs that let players earn points on their phones and redeem them for meals and shows on the boardwalk.
Even though physical win outpaced online win by $147.1 million over the summer, casino bosses say the relationship isn’t zero‑sum because mobile apps are often the gateway that brings new visitors into brick‑and‑mortar properties. When you walk into a casino now, you’ll see guests checking sports scores on their phones between spins, while the same devices push promotions for late‑night concerts and brunch specials.
Local eateries, retail shops, and boardwalk amusements have also benefited from the influx of visitors, with owners reporting busier weekends and higher average tabs. Locals say you can feel the renewal when you walk past newly painted façades. The city has added festivals and outdoor markets to keep crowds engaged into the evening, and the combination of food, music, and gaming has created a very vibrant atmosphere that feels sustainable.
The boom on the boardwalk isn’t just about big numbers for casino owners; it ripples through the whole region. A recent report from Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism found that Atlantic City’s nine casinos contributed $572 million to the state’s Casino Revenue Fund in fiscal year 2024. They employed roughly 23,000 people, many of them Atlantic County residents, and spent $605 million on goods and services from New Jersey vendors.
Operators paid $883.2 million in taxes and fees and invested more than $200 million in capital improvements. The resort welcomed about 18 million visitors last year. In other words, when gaming revenues rise, hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and even construction crews across South Jersey feel the boost. Even as total net revenue across gaming and non‑gaming segments slipped slightly in 2024, the willingness of operators to pour money into revitalising properties kept the economic engine humming.
Industry watchers credit the surge to lower gas prices, refurbished hotels, and more entertainment, and regulators noted that every casino grew its slot or table revenue. From May through August, the brick‑and‑mortar venues generated $147.1 million more revenue than their digital counterparts. Giannantonio said easing fuel costs and new attractions gave people a reason to return. For now, most visitors still come for the sights and sounds of a live casino floor, the sea breeze on the boardwalk, and the thrill of pressing their luck at a table that never seems to close.
Beyond Atlantic City, cryptocurrency adoption is racing ahead. A recent Triple‑A study estimates there are over 560 million crypto owners globally, and roughly 65% of them want to use digital assets for everyday purchases. Atlantic City’s latest surge shows how tradition and innovation can reinforce each other, proving that the boardwalk’s enduring energy and the digital era’s convenience together keep the city’s gaming economy thriving.
