New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has suggested that he would consider opening the casino gaming market beyond Atlantic City onto the central and northern parts of the Garden State. Murphy's remarks come amidst growing concern about increased competition throughout the Hudson River in New York, where state lawmakers are aiming to authorize as much as 3 major casinos in or near New York City.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy stated he will think about broadening gambling beyond Atlantic City.
The move comes as a reaction to the potential competitive danger of 3 casinos in the New york city City area.
Despite tally rejection in 2016, market forces continue to move the state's casino growth case.
When interviewed by The Press of Atlantic City, Gov. Murphy confessed to the potential hazard this motion would position to Atlantic City's financial health. However, he stressed how significant it was to retain gaming and tourism dollars in New Jersey, specifically if New york city's new casinos would be appropriating a considerable portion of the existing customer base.
Murphy called his position practical and continued that New Jersey must be pragmatic in a quote to maintain its market share under pressure from the outside.
Gov. Murphy was determined that whatever growth did happen would need to be closely kept track of for its wider economic effect. While Atlantic City has actually recently been revealing indications of a strong rebound, particularly over the high summertime season, the governor aspired to safeguard its gains even as he wanted to other parts of the state for new sources of income.
Although no official proposition exists, Gov. Murphy's desire is a shift in tone from previous state policy. In 2016, New Jersey citizens turned down a tally question to enable gambling establishments beyond Atlantic City by almost four-to-one. Despite that defeat, the casino growth case has actually continued to advance due to changing market forces and increasing competitors from surrounding states.
Atlantic City casinos record highest income growth in May
The Atlantic City gambling establishment market reported strong financial results for May as the city's 9 gambling establishments contributed $265.3 million in land-based video gaming revenue. The reports show a 10.9% increase from May 2024 and a 20% gain from April 2025, the year's greatest monthly performance.
Statewide total gaming earnings in May for the retail casinos, racetracks, and their internet partners integrated was $614.7 million, 20.5% greater than its year-earlier equivalent. Internet video gaming created $246.8 million, a 28.5% increase year over year and a state internet gaming company record for the month.
Sports wagering also increased in May, reaching $1 billion in wagers, which yielded $102.5 million in income, a 30.2% boost from May 2024.
New Jersey's video gaming income year-to-date through May amounted to $2.74 billion, an increase of 6.6% compared to last year. Overall, online gaming is still slightly ahead of retail casino profits. Year-to-date iGaming profits is $1.16 billion and retail casino income is $1.12 billion.
May figures also indicate a much better performance than before the pandemic. Casino profits for May 2019 was $222.9 million, and in-person profits for May 2018 was $193.3 million.
