Atlantic City saw a slight dip in casino revenue for August compared to August 2016 of about 0.4 percent.
However, if figures for the closed Trump Taj Mahal—which shutdown in October 2016—are excluded, the city’s seven remaining casinos saw a 5.5 percent increase in revenue.
According to figures from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the casinos won $244.8 million in August, a decline of 0.4 percent compared with August 2016.
Internet gaming came in at 21.2 million, up 32.4 percent over last year. August is generally considered one of the slowest months for online gaming yet the state saw its online totals top $20 million for the sixth straight month.
“We all know that summer is the crucial time for casinos, and a strong performance from Memorial Day to Labor Day is key to their success,” said Matthew B. Levinson, chairman and CEO of the state Casino Control Commission, is a press release. “Great summer weather and an improving economy combined to draw more business not only to the facilities in Atlantic City but to their internet operations. When you see improvements like these month after month, season after season, a trend is clearly emerging.”
According to an analysis by the Associated Press, five of the seven casinos currently operating showed increases in August, led by Tropicana, which was up 13.5 percent to $37.4 million.
The Borgata was up 7.8 percent to nearly $74.7 million; Resorts was up 6.5 percent to $18.6 million; the Golden Nugget was up 5.2 percent to $25.1 million; and Bally’s was up 0.2 percent to $20.9 million.
Harrah’s was down 3.9 percent to $32.2 million, and Caesars was down 0.6 percent to $27.7 million.
In another Atlantic City story, the resort’s City Council has approved a lease and management agreement to develop its maritime park Gardner’s Basin.
The company taking on the lease, Scarborough Properties, hopes to buy the vacant property next to it, from Kushner Cos., the family business of President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Their proposal also includes enhancements to some existing Gardner’s Basin features and adding features such as a children’s garden, a mini-golf course, a water taxi and development with retail, restaurants and parking.
