Atlantic City Casinos Rack Up $236.6 Million in March 2026 GGR, Second-Best March Since 2013

The Numbers Behind a Solid March

Atlantic City's nine casinos pulled in $236.6 million in gross gaming revenue from in-person slots and table games during March 2026, a figure that climbed 2.5% higher than the same month a year earlier; data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement underscores this as the second-strongest March performance since 2013, when the market last saw such heights. Observers note how this uptick signals resilience in a competitive landscape, especially since only three properties drove the gains while the other six slipped backward, yet the overall total held firm.

That's no small feat. Slots dominated as usual, accounting for the lion's share of the revenue, but tables contributed steadily too, keeping the momentum alive amid seasonal fluctuations. Experts who've tracked these monthly reports over years point out that March often tests the waters post-winter, with spring crowds starting to build; here, the numbers delivered, beating expectations tied to prior trends.

And while the in-person action grabbed headlines, the real story lingers in the broader ecosystem, where iGaming and online sports betting propped up total gaming revenue, ensuring market stability even as brick-and-mortar faced headwinds.

Three Standouts Lead the Pack

Borgata led the charge with revenue growth that outpaced the market average, followed closely by Caesars and Ocean, each posting gains in their slots and tables segments; these three properties captured the positive spotlight, drawing crowds with promotions, entertainment lineups, and that classic boardwalk allure. Take Borgata, for instance—figures reveal it not only boosted its year-over-year numbers but also widened its lead among peers, a pattern researchers have seen in past peak months when high-rollers flock to its expansive floor.

Caesars, meanwhile, leaned on its loyalty programs and events to pull in gamblers, while Ocean capitalized on its beachfront vibe, turning mild March weather into an advantage. Data shows these venues thrived because they synced marketing with visitor patterns, something those who've studied casino economics often highlight as key to beating declines elsewhere.

• Borgata: Up significantly, leading the market once again.
• Caesars: Steady gains across slots and tables.
• Ocean: Benefited from location and targeted draws.

But here's the thing—these wins came amid losses for the rest, painting a picture of a polarized field where top performers carry the load.

Six Casinos Face the Dip

The remaining six—Hard Rock, Harrah's, Bally's, Resorts, Tropicana, and Golden Nugget—saw their revenues slide compared to March 2025, with declines ranging from modest to more pronounced, yet none threatened the overall upward trajectory. Hard Rock, despite its rockstar branding and concert series, couldn't match last year's pace; Harrah's felt the pinch from competition, and Bally's grappled with operational tweaks that observers link to broader efficiency pushes.

Resorts, the oldest in town, held ground but still dipped, while Tropicana and Golden Nugget navigated renovations and staffing shifts that data indicates temporarily softened their pull. What's interesting is how these drops, although concerning for individual operators, didn't derail the market total, thanks to the leaders' strength and off-site gaming channels.

People who've followed Atlantic City's ups and downs know this split isn't new; seasons like March often reveal the haves and have-nots, with properties investing in upgrades tending to rebound faster come summer.

Historical Context: Why Second-Best Matters

Since 2013, no March has topped this $236.6 million mark except one standout year, making 2026's result a benchmark for recovery narratives post-pandemic; the Division's report lays it out clearly, showing steady climbs from lows in the early 2020s. Back then, closures shook the scene—four casinos shuttered between 2014 and 2016—yet the survivors adapted, and now, with nine strongholds, the market flexes renewed muscle.

Turns out, this second-place finish aligns with patterns experts observe: post-winter surges fueled by tax refunds, spring breakers, and early conventions. Data indicates slots revenue hit highs not seen in over a decade for the month, while tables grew modestly, balancing the mix.

One study from industry analysts even compares it to 2012's peak, noting how economic tailwinds like stable employment in the Northeast bolstered foot traffic; although 2026 faced inflation pressures, gamblers showed up, proving the draw endures.

iGaming and Sports Betting: The Stability Boost

While in-person GGR stole the show, total gaming revenue soared higher, propelled by iGaming's double-digit growth and online sports betting's hot streak—channels that now form the backbone of Atlantic City's ecosystem. Figures reveal these segments offset any land-based wobbles, with players wagering from apps tied to the same nine brands, blurring lines between digital and physical.

That's where the rubber meets the road: casinos like Borgata and Ocean, which topped in-person, also dominate online, creating synergies that researchers say sustain the whole pie. March 2026's online sports handle, for example, reflected March Madness buzz, drawing bets that funneled back to properties indirectly through cross-promotions.

And as April 2026 unfolds, early indicators suggest this momentum carries over, with the Division hinting at continued iGaming expansion amid regulatory tweaks; it's noteworthy because it shields the market from over-reliance on slots and tables alone.

April 2026 Glimpses and Broader Trends

Now into April 2026, whispers from preliminary data point to sustained activity, as warmer weather pulls more visitors to the shore and events like comedy festivals amp up the energy; although full March figures set the tone, experts anticipate slots to keep humming while tables eye NBA playoffs for a lift. Those who've crunched past Aprils note how consecutive strong months often signal summer booms, with 2026 shaping up no different.

Yet challenges linger—rising costs hit operators, and competition from Pennsylvania and New York online platforms nibbles at edges—but the March base provides optimism. Observers track how properties like Caesars roll out new slots banks, aiming to capture that growth.

Conclusion

Atlantic City's March 2026 delivered $236.6 million in in-person GGR, up 2.5% and second-best since 2013, driven by Borgata, Caesars, and Ocean amid dips elsewhere; bolstered by iGaming and online sports betting, the market proves its mettle. Data from the Division paints a stable picture, one that carries into April with promise. For casinos, the ball's in their court to leverage these gains, as patterns show winners adapt quickest. This snapshot, clear and compelling, reminds everyone why the boardwalk endures.