Atlantic City Casino Revenue Trends and iGaming Growth for March

During March, Atlantic City casinos saw a decline in revenue from in-person gamblers, with a reported downturn of 3.7% compared to the previous year. This marks the second straight month where physical play in the Atlantic City region has dropped, correlating with a broader trend in iGaming growth observed over the first quarter of 2025.

Revenue Breakdown

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) announced that the total winnings for the nine casinos reached $230.9 million last month, reflecting an almost $8.9 million decline from March 2024. Disturbingly, table games led this revenue decrease, plummeting nearly 15% to $57.3 million, while retail slot machines experienced a modest increase of 0.5%, totaling $173.6 million.

iGaming Growth Continues

In stark contrast to the decline in traditional casino revenue, iGaming has demonstrated remarkable growth. With March’s iGaming revenue surpassing $200 million for the seventh consecutive month, online gaming platforms have consistently outperformed Atlantic City in terms of total gross gaming revenue (GGR). The iGaming sector raked in a new high of nearly $243.9 million last month, indicating a staggering 24% increase year-over-year.

The breakdown for online gaming included:

• Online Slots and Interactive Tables: $241.3 million
• Internet Poker: $2.6 million

Meanwhile, sports betting revenue in New Jersey was recorded at $71.3 million, reflecting a notable decrease of 20.5% from the previous March.

Overall Gaming Revenue Snapshot

As noted by James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, although March’s figures show a year-over-year decline, it remains the second best month for in-person GGR in twelve years. Combined gaming losses in the state reached $546.12 million, highlighting a 3.7% increase in profit margin for casinos.

The overall gaming revenue for New Jersey in the first quarter surpassed $1.58 billion, the highest quarterly figure in over a decade. The iGaming sector is largely credited, with a year-to-date increase of 20% totaling $673.3 million.

Job Opportunities in Atlantic City

As the summertime approaches, Atlantic City’s casinos are ramping up hiring efforts, with over 1,700 positions available. Interested candidates can participate in the Casino Control Commission’s annual Casino Career Fair on April 24, aimed at matching potential employees with hiring representatives from across the region.

Conclusion

While Atlantic City’s in-person gaming struggles through revenue declines, the growth of iGaming signifies a shifting landscape in the gambling industry. As casinos prepare for the busy summer season, job opportunities continue to emerge in response to this evolving market demand.

Sportsbook Market Expansion: Rivalry Unveils Positive Q1 2025 KPI Snapshot

Rivalry, a prominent Toronto-based sportsbook and iGaming operator, recently released its preliminary key performance indicators (KPIs) for the first quarter of 2025, which ended on March 31. This snapshot demonstrates remarkable improvement in revenue per user, signaling strong iGaming growth as the company embarks on a new strategic direction.

Strategic Changes Leading to Positive Growth

In preparation for 2025, Rivalry executed a substantial overhaul of its products, branding, and marketing efforts, focusing on a crypto-first approach while emphasizing high-value players. CEO Steven Salz noted that the updated registration process and enhanced sportsbook offerings have positively impacted user engagement and profitability.

Financial Growth Indicators

In Q1 2025, Rivalry reported a significant increase of 400% in net revenue generated per user compared to previous averages. Other noteworthy developments include:

• Deposits: A monthly increase of 36% in February and 12% in March.
• Average Monthly Deposits: Surpassing prior periods by an impressive 175%.
• Monthly Deposit Frequency: A 115% increase in comparison to averages prior to October 2024.
• Monthly Active Users: An increase of 9% in March alone.

Rivalry’s dedication to a proficient model resulted in a net revenue margin of 2.3% during Q1 2025, demonstrating resilience in a period of transition.

Conclusion

In summary, Rivalry’s Q1 2025 KPI snapshot reveals a promising trajectory for the company as it adapts to evolving market demands. The strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing user experience and profitability signal a bright future for the brand in the iGaming and sportsbook landscape.

North Carolina Sports Betting Tax Proposal Could Significantly Increase Sports Betting Finance

North Carolina’s sports betting landscape is poised for potential changes that could impact how much sportsbooks will contribute to state revenue, which is a critical component of sports betting finance. Senate Republicans in North Carolina have announced plans to increase the current tax rate on online sports betting from 18% to a remarkable 36%.

Current Taxation Structure

Right now, the eight licensed online sportsbook operators in North Carolina are subject to an 18% tax on their gross winnings. This tax revenue is vital as it is intended to support the state’s education system, including colleges and universities within the University of North Carolina (UNC) System.

Impact of the Proposed Increase

The proposed adjustment, if implemented, could significantly increase the revenue generated from online sports betting operations. In the fiscal year 2025, sportsbooks in North Carolina accepted over $5 billion in bets, showcasing the popularity of legal sports betting. The potential boost in tax revenue could allow for:

• Enhanced Funding for Colleges: The additional revenue from the increased tax rate would directly benefit athletic programs across the UNC System.
• Support for Hurricane Helene Victims: The funds could also help replenish state reserves that dipped significantly due to natural disasters.
• Teacher and State Worker Pay Increases: This tax revenue would potentially facilitate modest pay raises for educators and state employees.

Currently, the expected state share from the existing tax structure is around $85 million. If the tax doubles, North Carolina could see that figure surge to $171 million.

California vs. North Carolina

North Carolina’s current tax rate is competitive when compared to neighboring states. For instance:

• Virginia: 15%
• Tennessee: approximately 20% (includes a flat fee of $750,000 for licensing)
• Additional States: New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island impose the highest rates at 51%

Despite potential concerns about further taxation, North Carolina’s lawmakers argue that this increase is essential for funding key aspects of public education and community support.

Conclusion

In summary, the proposed doubling of the sports betting tax in North Carolina could lead to substantially increased funds to support educational initiatives and community services. As sports betting continues to resonate with residents, the impact of such a tax increase may prove beneficial for both the state and its citizens.

Impact of the Horseshoe Indianapolis Labor Strike on Essential Casino Operations

Key Points: The recent labor strike has introduced several critical factors that must be considered in our analysis, particularly regarding how such disruptions can destabilize the efficiency and profitability of daily casino operations.

• Horseshoe Indianapolis dealers are on strike seeking union representation.
• The strike follows Caesars Entertainment’s refusal to assist in a union election process.

Table game dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Indiana, have taken a bold stand by walking off the job. This strike, initiated by around 200 table game dealers and dual-rate supervisors, arises from a demand for union recognition under Teamsters Local 135. Following Caesars Entertainment’s denial to permit an independent process for determining union support, the striking dealers are now picketing with signs to bring public attention to their cause.

“Horseshoe dealers and dual rates want and deserve the strong representation that Local 135 can provide them. We will not let the casino’s management stand in their way,” voiced Dustin Roach, president of Local 135. As the union aims to assist the striking workers, they stress the necessity for strong representation in negotiations regarding wages and working conditions.

Impact of Government Shutdown

The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown, which has hindered the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) functionality. Typically, the NLRB is responsible for overseeing voting processes for unionization but is currently operating at minimal capacity. The board’s inability to conduct the necessary vote has prompted the Teamsters to propose introducing a mutually acceptable, independent auditor to facilitate the count of secret ballots.

Despite the stonewalling from Caesars, union leaders maintain that the delay will ultimately be futile. Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division, stated, “Horseshoe is only delaying the inevitable.”

Horseshoe Indianapolis Operations

Even in the wake of these striking actions, Horseshoe Indianapolis remains operational. The casino still accommodates patrons, with dealer games continuing to run. The latest data shows that Horseshoe Indianapolis generated a gross gaming revenue of $336 million in 2024, putting it second among the state’s 13 casinos. Indiana’s tax scheme means that for this revenue, the casino must contribute 35% — approximately $117.6 million — to state taxes.

In addition to table games, Horseshoe Indianapolis hosts 1,500 slot machines, a racebook, and a Caesars Sportsbook. The venue also enjoyed a 123-day live racing season in 2025.

The Bigger Picture

This strike at Horseshoe Indianapolis mirrors broader tensions faced by casino workers across various locations in the U.S. As labour movements continue to gain momentum, the outcome at Horseshoe could set a precedent for future union negotiations within the hospitality and gaming industry.

Summary: The ongoing strike at Horseshoe Indianapolis reflects the deep-seated struggles within the gaming labour market as dealers advocate for union representation amidst management’s resistance. Highlighting the critical role of the NLRB and wider labour movements, this situation illustrates the urgent need for effective negotiation of working conditions in the casino industry.

Government Shutdown Disrupts Casino Operations and Labor Unionization Plans

The ongoing federal government shutdown is significantly complicating the complex landscape of casino operations at Horseshoe Indianapolis, specifically regarding the planned unionization of its labor force. As shifts in regulatory stability impact the broader efficiency of casino operations, concerns are mounting among the workforce, who are striving to secure their rights and improve working conditions amidst the political uncertainty.

What’s Happening?

• The horseshoe Indianapolis workers are seeking to form a union through Teamsters Local 135.
• Caesars Entertainment has reportedly declined to allow a neutral third-party audit for the union vote.

More than 200 employees from Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Indiana, are attempting to unionize with the Teamsters. This union currently represents approximately 12,000 workers across various industries, including aviation, warehousing, and casino operations.

The Role of the NLRB

The team of table game croupiers oversees 65 games at the casino owned by Caesars and was poised to vote on joining the Teamsters. However, the government’s shutdown halted funding for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which is essential for organizing such a vote. The NLRB’s closure means that union certification procedures are effectively put on hold.

What Are the Implications?

The Teamsters proposed an alternative voting arrangement whereby a neutral third-party would oversee and count the ballots instead of the NLRB. Unfortunately, the casino management has not responded to this proposal, prompting concerns over potential union-busting tactics.

Potential Strike Action

With the ongoing lack of communication from Caesars, Teamsters Local 135 President Dustin Roach has indicated that employees may engage in a walkout. If the management continues to disregard their requests, this strike could commence to pressurize the casino for compliance with the requests for an independent vote count.

The Impact of the Government Shutdown

The government shutdown began on October 1 after Congress failed to reach an agreement on budget allocations, resulting in around 750,000 federal employees being furloughed without pay. Essential services remain operational, but many regulatory bodies, including the NLRB, are closed, stalling crucial labor relations processes.

What Does This Mean for Workers?

• Workers are concerned about their rights and representation.
• There’s a need for clear communication and negotiation between the casino management and employees.
• Potential strike action highlights the critical role of unions in advocating for workers’ rights.

Looking Ahead

As the situation progresses, it remains crucial to monitor developments regarding the federal budget discussions and the reopening of the NLRB, as these factors directly impact the casino workers’ ability to unionize. The importance of organized labor in protecting employee rights cannot be understated, especially in times of financial and operational instability.

Conclusion

The unionization efforts at Horseshoe Indianapolis serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the casino industry, particularly against the backdrop of government inaction. As this situation evolves, the solidarity displayed by the workers highlights their commitment to securing fair treatment in their workplace.