New Jersey’s gambling industry achieved historic revenue highs in July—just as the state implemented one of the most aggressive crackdowns on sweepstakes-style gaming seen this year.
According to data from the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the state’s total gaming revenue hit $606 million last month, setting a new all-time monthly record. While traditional casinos held steady, it was the performance of internet gaming that once again pushed the numbers into uncharted territory.
Online casino earnings hit $247.3 million in July, a 26.6% year-over-year jump and a modest increase over June. The state has now surpassed $1.6 billion in online gaming revenue in just the first seven months of 2025, up more than 23% from the same stretch last year.
FanDuel retained its lead among online operators, pulling in $52.1 million—its fifth straight month above the $50 million mark. DraftKings closed the gap slightly, reporting $48.6 million. Meanwhile, BetMGM contributed $31.4 million, and Caesars Palace Online notched a record $18.7 million, rising more than 50% over last July.
Strong Summer Fuels Atlantic City Gains
Atlantic City’s casino resorts also posted solid results. In-person gaming revenue reached $284.1 million, a 4.3% rise compared to the same month in 2024. Borgata remained the market leader with $79.9 million, followed by Hard Rock ($55.1 million) and Ocean Casino Resort ($43.1 million).
Casino Control Commission Chair James Plousis noted, “Atlantic City’s solid summer season continued in July,” and that brick-and-mortar casino revenue for the year was at its highest since 2013.
Stockton University’s Jane Bokunewicz added that July’s full gaming revenue haul—more than $577 million—set a near-term single-month record, surpassing the previous high from August 2024.
Governor Murphy Signs Sweeps Casino Ban into Law
While operators enjoyed another month of success, lawmakers in Trenton pushed through sweeping regulatory changes. On August 15, Governor Phil Murphy approved Assembly Bill 5447, which officially outlaws sweepstakes casinos and proxy betting in New Jersey.
The new law targets platforms that use dual-currency systems—offering both “gold coins” and “sweeps coins”—to provide real-money prizes without technically operating as gambling sites. Under the statute, this model is now prohibited in the state, with first-time violations incurring up to $100,000 in penalties and subsequent infractions fined at $250,000.
Enforcement authority now extends to both the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Division of Consumer Affairs, allowing the state to take civil action against violators. Proxy wagers of $1,000 or more are also specifically banned under the law.
Not everyone welcomed the move. The Social and Promotional Games Association, a trade group defending sweepstakes models, criticized the ban for targeting what it described as legal, purchase-free games that are widely enjoyed across the U.S.
Still, New Jersey joins a growing list of states cracking down on these platforms. Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, New York, and Louisiana have all introduced legislation or enforcement actions aimed at sweepstakes casinos in recent months.
Some, like Louisiana, issued dozens of cease-and-desist orders. Christopher Hebert, chair of the state’s Gaming Control Board, stated, “Louisiana will not tolerate illegal operators who put our citizens at risk and undermine the fairness and integrity of our gaming industry.”
Source:
“New Jersey Sets $606M July Gaming Record, Enacts Sweeps Ban”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, Aug 17, 2025
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