Despite facing ongoing challenges within the gaming sector, the casino industry in Atlantic City continues to play a crucial role in bolstering the regional economy by fostering job creation, growth, and investment. This is highlighted in the third annual report from the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University, in partnership with the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ).
In 2025, Atlantic City’s casinos contributed a remarkable $1.1 billion in taxes and fees, marking a significant 24.8% increase from the previous year’s $883.2 million. The report, titled “2025 Impact: Atlantic City Casino Industry,” reveals that the industry made a historic contribution of $661.7 million to the Casino Revenue Fund during the fiscal year, which supports programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
This contribution included $590 million allocated for housing for those with developmental disabilities, $16 million for community programs aimed at seniors, $5 million for pharmaceutical assistance, and $4 million for personal assistance services.
In terms of overall financial performance, the industry reported total net revenues of $3.29 billion in 2025, which is relatively stable compared to $3.31 billion in 2024 and $3.33 billion in 2023. This comprised $1.74 billion in net non-gaming revenue and $1.67 billion in net gaming revenue. However, gross operating profit saw a decline for the third consecutive year, dropping 3.9% from 2024 and 16.3% from the peak of $814.2 million in 2022.
Jane Bokunewicz, Faculty Director at Stockton University, remarked, “Atlantic City’s gaming industry showed resilience and growth in 2025. The surge in internet gaming has generated essential tax revenue for programs that aid seniors and those with disabilities, while the return of major events has revitalized the city’s economy.”
She added, “Although traditional gaming remained stable and operators faced rising costs, casinos continued to invest in new amenities and experiences, positioning Atlantic City for sustained growth and revitalization as competition expands in the region.”
Internet gaming and mobile sports betting significantly contributed to the growth in taxes and fees, while traditional gaming held steady despite increasing operational costs and market disruptions. The report also pointed out potential future competition from casinos in downstate New York and renewed interest in developing casinos in North Jersey in 2026.
In terms of employment, Atlantic City casinos provided jobs for 22,500 residents of New Jersey in 2025, including 14,500 from Atlantic County and 4,600 from Atlantic City itself. The industry also invested $634 million in goods and services from New Jersey vendors, with $373.9 million spent in Atlantic County.
Operators allocated $195.6 million for capital expenditures throughout the year, focusing on resort infrastructure, culinary and entertainment enhancements, room renovations, and gaming areas. From 2021 to 2025, capital investments surpassed $1.2 billion.
Atlantic City attracted approximately 17.6 million visitors in 2025, a slight decrease of 2.6% from 2024, yet consistent with post-pandemic trends.
George Goldhoff, President of CANJ, stated, “This report emphasizes the essential role that taxes and fees from Atlantic City casinos play in supporting New Jersey’s social safety net programs, along with contributing to the state and local economy through job creation and procurement from vendors in Atlantic County and beyond.”
He further noted, “It also highlights our dedication to community investment through initiatives like Casinos United Against Hunger, which addresses the affordability challenges faced by our residents.”
The report indicated that Atlantic City’s nine casinos contributed over $3.1 million in 2025, which included more than $2 million in charitable donations and over $650,000 in in-kind contributions, grants, and sponsorships, alongside recording over 10,500 volunteer hours from nearly 1,200 volunteers.