Borgata Stands Alone as Only Atlantic City Casino with Growth in August

The gambling hub of Atlantic City faced a significant setback for its traditional casino business this September. While the lights on the famous Boardwalk continue to shine, figures from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) tell a clear story of decline. In August 2026, almost all major industry names saw their numbers drop. Amidst this downturn, there is one clear winner proving that growth is possible even in a shrinking market. Borgata, operated by MGM Resorts, secured its position as the only property to report an increase in in-person visits.

The rest of the competition is struggling with massive declines. Ocean Casino Resort was hit particularly hard, reporting a 13% drop, the largest among all nine casinos. Overall, revenue from slot machines and table games fell by 5.5% compared to the previous year, totaling $294.9 million. This represents a loss of approximately $17 million in a single month. This development shows that the economic environment for land-based resorts in the US is currently challenging, marked by high operating costs and changing guest behavior.

Numbers and facts

Borgata stood out with a 6.4% increase, primarily attributed to strong performance in table games. In contrast, sports wagering revenue across the state of New Jersey plunged drastically by 25% to just $61.4 million. The total betting handle also dropped by 9% to $732.3 million. This suggests that oddsmakers were less lucky in August or that interest in the offered bets has noticeably waned. The year 2026 shows a mixed balance so far, as only Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean managed to increase their land-based revenue over the first eight months.

However, the online segment remains a bright spot. New Jersey's iGaming platforms generated $259.3 million in August, a 4.4% increase over the previous year. But even this growth was not enough to offset the losses in physical casinos. Regulators are watching this trend with concern as the shoulder season—the transition period after summer when temperatures cool—approaches. During these months, fewer travelers arrive, and the digital business could permanently overshadow land-based play.

Background

The economic situation in Atlantic City remains tense. James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, pointed out that operators are facing record-high costs. Second-quarter operating profits had already dropped by over 9%. Nevertheless, the authorities are trying to spread optimism.

"Atlantic City finished the summer strongly in August. Casino win for June through August exceeded $856 million, the highest summer figure in more than a decade." - James Plousis, Chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission

However, this long-term perspective does not hide the fact that the dominance of physical casinos is crumbling. When the weather turns, players tend to gamble from the comfort of home via smartphone or computer rather than making the trip to the shore.

Why it matters for German players

For German gambling enthusiasts, this development in the US provides an interesting parallel to the situation at home. While iGaming in Atlantic City must absorb casino losses, the market in Germany is more strictly regulated by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). German players seeking safety should only play at casinos listed on the GGL whitelist. Clear rules for player protection apply there, such as the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month, monitored via the LUGAS system.

Furthermore, stakes on online slots in Germany are limited to a maximum of 1 euro per spin. Such restrictions do not exist in this form in New Jersey, which contributes to the high iGaming revenues of over $250 million there. However, German users benefit from legal certainty and connection to the OASIS lockout system, which is not provided by overseas operators or those with licenses from Curacao. Anyone wishing to experience the atmosphere of Atlantic City virtually should always check if the provider holds a German license to be protected against unpleasant surprises during withdrawals.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Data from the US shows GGL-licensed operators in Germany that the trend toward digital play is unstoppable, even as physical locations come under pressure. For German providers, this means they must constantly optimize their offerings within the legal framework to compete against the illegal black market. While Atlantic City struggles with seasonal fluctuations, the German business is shaped more by regulatory hurdles. The stability of iGaming growth in New Jersey could serve as a model for the acceptance of online gambling, provided that player protection remains a priority in Germany.